Coffee Roast Comparison Charts
Visual breakdowns of how different roast levels compare across flavor, caffeine, and brewing compatibility.
Flavor Profile Comparison
How each roast level rates across key flavor characteristics
Acidity
Body
Sweetness
Bitterness
Caffeine Content Comparison
Relative caffeine levels by weight (lighter roasts have slightly more)
*Relative units per gram of coffee. Difference is approximately 5-10% between light and dark.
Brewing Method Compatibility
Which brewing methods work best with each roast level
| Method | Light | Med-Light | Medium | Med-Dark | Dark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour Over | |||||
| French Press | |||||
| Espresso | |||||
| Drip Coffee | |||||
| Cold Brew | |||||
| Aeropress | |||||
| Moka Pot |
Legend
Best match - optimal pairing
Good match - works well
OK - will work but not ideal
Not recommended
Complete Roast Comparison
All key characteristics at a glance
| Characteristic | Light | Medium-Light | Medium | Medium-Dark | Dark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 356-401°F | 401-410°F | 410-428°F | 428-446°F | 446-482°F |
| Bean Color | Light brown | Medium brown | Medium brown | Dark brown | Very dark |
| Surface Oil | None | None | Minimal | Some | Oily |
| Origin Flavor | Dominant | Prominent | Balanced | Subtle | Masked |
| Roast Flavor | Subtle | Developing | Balanced | Prominent | Dominant |
| Main Notes | Fruity, Floral | Nutty, Citrus | Caramel, Chocolate | Bittersweet, Spicy | Smoky, Bold |
| Best For | Pour over, Aeropress | Pour over, Drip | Drip, French Press | Espresso, French Press | Espresso, Cold Brew |