There are various methods to brew a coffee, but the most common one is hot brew and cold brew! These two variations can be easily found in every coffee shop. Many people have this question in mind – “which is better- cold brew or hot brew?”
Here we will tell you the main differences between these two types of coffee and compare them to know which is better!
Cold-brew vs. Hot brew coffee
If you consider the cold brew vs coffee, you will find many differences in their brewing process, flavor, taste, benefits, and many other things. Here we will look at each factor in detail and explore the difference between both coffees.
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Equipment
You can differentiate the cold brew vshot brew coffee based on the equipment used to prepare it!
Hot coffee
You need heat to make hot coffee, so you make it using an electric coffee maker or the grinder or a kettle! You will also find that there are various varieties of hot coffee, such as French press, drip, pour-over, aero press, etc.
Cold-brew coffee
It is similar to iced coffee; however, both are still not the same! Cold-brew coffee needs no heat, but you need cold water and a storage vessel. You can prepare it using store-bought coffee grounds. Some of the equipment used to make cold brew coffee are- French press, drip system, Mason jar, immersion system, etc.
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Brewing process
You will find a vast difference in the way cold brew and the hot brew coffee is brewed. The brewing process also influences the flavor of the coffee!
Hot coffee
You can prepare hot brew coffee within 10 minutes. You need not let the coffee steep for a long time. You need to simply add ground into the coffee maker and pour hot water over the grounds.
Cold-brew
To make a cold brew coffee, you need enough patience, but it’s worth waiting! If you want to have it in the morning, you must prepare it in advance as steep needs 12-24-hour time!
Brewing this method is magical as all the flavors come out of the coffee beans! You can combine it woody, fruity and deep chocolaty flavor and just add cold water to make it.
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Acidity and bite
Hot coffee
High acidity is seen in hot brew coffee, so it is not suitable for people with digestive issues. Also, if you suffer from heartburn, then you should not drink hot coffee brew.
The hot water draws out more chlorogenic acid, and coffee tastes more bitter, especially when the beans are dark roasted. When the grounds settle in the water, a high amount of chlorogenic acid comes out. This is seen in both the brewing method, but when accompanied with heat, it becomes problematic.
Cold-brew coffee
Texture of cold brew is smooth and comes with less bite as well as less acidity! Due to the cold temperature, the beans do not release bitter tannins, so there is less bitterness.
Hence, we can say that cold brew coffee is less acidic than hot brew! Also, the bite is less bitter in the case of cold brew. This is because of the rate of oxidation and degradation of coffee while brewing process.
Thus, if we compare hot coffee is more harmful because the hot temperature converts chlorogenic acid into quinic acid and caffeic acid.
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Flavor
Another most significant difference between hot coffee and cold brew is the flavor. Change in the flavor is attributed to the oxidation process while brewing.
Hot coffee
Traditional coffee gives you rich aromas and a warming sensation. However, the flavor disappears with time, and as you slowly reach the bottom of your cup, the taste is not the same!
Cold coffee
You can experience mild sweetness in cold brew coffee, which cuts off the coffee’s bitter component. Also, the acidic remnants will be crisper instead of bitter. To test it, you must try black coffee. The colder brew has very little bitterness and rich taste paved by smooth flavor.
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Caffeine levels
This is the most important difference between cold and hot coffee.
Cold-brew coffee
You might have experience high jolt due to cold coffee than hot coffee. This is because the cold brew has more caffeine in comparison to hot coffee.
Hot coffee
Hot coffee has 326 mg caffeine in the 16-fluid ounce, and the cold brew has 200-319mg in 10 fluid ounces. Most of the time, you will see that caffeine level is affected by the types of beans you use for brewing!
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Versatility
Hot coffee
We all know how versatile it is hot coffee. Ask the Starbucks barista, and they will show you tons of options on the menu, which will spin your head.
Cold-brew coffee
Cold brew coffee is also versatile, and you can make various types of coffee using cold brew. You can create the iced latte, cold brew soda, or make combinations with sugar, ice, etc. Also, you can use it with desserts or make a phenomenal cocktail.
Hence, both cold and hot coffee are highly versatile.
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Cost
Hot coffee
Traditional coffee makers have various inner and outer part-time, which fails over time. This led to high investment and made coffee expensive.
Cold-brew coffee
Cold brew coffee is less expensive as it requires fewer ingredients and equipment. Also, using DIY, you can easily create your coffee makers.
So, when we compare the two, we can say that cold brew is less expensive!
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Benefits
Hot coffee
Due to the heat, more antioxidants are released by hot coffee. Also, it helps to lose weight, burn fat, make you feel active and reduces the risk of various diseases. Hence, some find it more beneficial.
Cold coffee
On the other hand, cold brew is considered healthier as it promotes fewer additives and sweeteners. Also, it boosts your metabolism, lower the risk of heart disease, and lifts up your mood.
Hence, we can say both of them are beneficial in some or the other way.
So, these are the significant differences between the cold brew and hot coffee. On comparing them, you get an idea about which is more beneficial! It is still in a better debate, and several factors need to be considered to know which one is best!
