Coffee is best when served fresh and hot. But sometimes you don’t finish your morning coffee or have some leftover from a pot. Rather than pouring it out or drinking lukewarm coffee, you can reheat coffee to make it hot again. Here are several methods for reheating coffee using common appliances.
Reheating Coffee in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat a cup of coffee.
What you need:
- Leftover coffee
- Microwave-safe coffee mug
Steps:
- Pour coffee into a microwave-safe coffee mug. Leave room at the top of the mug for the coffee to heat without overflowing.
- Microwave the coffee in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until hot. Be careful not to boil or overheat.
- Allow the coffee to sit for 30 seconds before drinking to evenly distribute the heat.
Microwave Tips:
- Use a ceramic mug rather than paper to prevent burning.
- Heat for less time at lower power (50%) to prevent boiling over.
- Stir before and after heating to distribute heat evenly.
- Heat your coffee in smaller quantities to maintain temperature.
Reheating Coffee in a Coffee Maker
You can also reheat a pot of coffee using a standard drip coffee maker.
What you need:
- Leftover brewed coffee
- Coffee maker
- Coffee pot
Steps:
- Pour the leftover coffee into the coffee pot.
- Place the coffee pot on the heating plate of the coffee maker.
- Turn on the coffee maker and allow it to run a full brewing cycle. This will reheat the coffee slowly.
- Once the cycle is complete, stir the hot coffee before serving.
Coffee Maker Tips:
- Make sure the coffee maker is clean before reheating old coffee.
- Use a thermal carafe to retain heat if not serving immediately.
- Reheat smaller amounts of coffee for optimal temperature.
Reheating Coffee on the Stovetop
The stovetop allows you to quickly reheat larger amounts of coffee.
What you need:
- Leftover brewed coffee
- Saucepan
- Stove
Steps:
- Pour the coffee into a saucepan.
- Warm the saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once hot, immediately pour into mugs or a thermal carafe to retain heat.
Stovetop Tips:
- Use low heat to avoid burning the coffee.
- Stir constantly to distribute heat evenly.
- Do not boil or overheat.
- Transfer to an insulated container to stay hot.
Additional Tips for Reheating Coffee
- Reheat coffee in smaller quantities when possible to maintain temperature. Larger amounts will cool quickly.
- Avoid reheating coffee multiple times. This alters the flavor. Brew a fresh pot when possible.
- Add a splash of hot water or heated milk to help raise the temperature if needed.
- Do not put hot leftover coffee back into the carafe. It can make the brewed coffee taste stale.
- Store leftover coffee in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Tips for Storing and Brewing Coffee
- Store coffee beans and grounds in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
- Grind beans right before brewing for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Clean your coffee maker regularly by brewing vinegar through it.
- Use purified or bottled water for better tasting coffee if you have hard tap water.
- Adjust grind size and coffee to water ratios to perfect your brewing method.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reheated coffee stay hot?
Reheated coffee will stay hot for 30 minutes to an hour depending on the reheating method and amount. Pour into an insulated mug or carafe if you want the coffee to stay hot longer.
Does reheated coffee taste bad?
If reheated properly, coffee can taste almost as good as a fresh brew. Avoid boiling or overheating and do not reheat more than once. This can cause the coffee to taste bitter or burnt.
Is it safe to reheat coffee after leaving it out?
It is not recommended. Leaving coffee sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours allows bacteria to grow. For food safety, discard any coffee that has sat out past this time.
What is the best way to store leftover coffee?
Pour leftover coffee into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. This prevents the coffee from absorbing fridge odors.
Recipes for Enjoying Reheated Coffee
Iced Coffee
Pour reheated hot coffee over ice for quick iced coffee. Add milk, sweetener, and flavors as desired.
Coffee Creamer Latte
Heat leftover coffee with milk or creamer. Froth together in a high-speed blender or with a milk frother.
Coconut Coffee Smoothie
Blend reheated coffee with coconut milk, banana, cocoa powder, and ice for a refreshing treat.
Product Recommendation
Microwave:
- Panasonic NN-SN686S – 1.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, Easy Clean Interior, ECO Mode
- GE JES1072SHSS 1.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL 1800W Microwave Oven
- LG NeoChef LMC1575ST Counter Top Microwave Oven
Coffee Maker:
- Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 10-Cup Coffee Brewer
- OXO Brew 9 Cup Coffee Maker
- Bonavita 8-Cup One-Touch Coffee Maker Featuring Thermal Carafe
- Cuisinart DCC-3200 14-Cup Glass Carafe with Stainless Steel Handle Programmable Coffeemaker
- Zojirushi EC-YTC100XB 10-Cup (5 Cup) Coffee Maker
Saucepan:
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe PFOA-free Sauce Pan
- Cuisinart MCP19-18N MultiClad Pro Stainless 18cm Saucepan with Lid
- Tramontina Gourmet 18/10 Stainless Steel Induction-Ready Saucepan
- Farberware Classic Stainless Steel Covered Saucepan
- Calphalon Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 13-qt Stock Pot
Following proper reheating methods will help you enjoy leftover coffee again. But remember, nothing beats a fresh hot pot of coffee! Brew a new batch whenever possible for the best taste.
