Medium Roast Coffee
The most popular roast level worldwide. Sweet, balanced, and endlessly versatile for any brewing method.
What is Medium Roast?
Medium roast coffee is roasted to an internal temperature of 410-428°F (210-220°C), typically ending between the first and second crack. The beans develop a medium brown color with minimal to no oil on the surface.
This roast level achieves the ideal balance: enough heat development to bring out caramelized sugars and smooth chocolate notes, while still preserving some origin character. It's no surprise this is the most popular roast level in North America.
Common names include: American Roast, City Roast, Full City Roast (on the darker side), and Breakfast Roast.
Quick Facts
| Roast Temperature | 410-428°F (210-220°C) |
| Roast Level | Between first and second crack |
| Bean Color | Medium brown, minimal oil |
| Caffeine Content | Medium |
| Acidity | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
Flavor Profile
The sweet spot of coffee roasting
Common Tasting Notes
Sweet: Caramel, brown sugar, toffee, maple
Chocolate: Milk chocolate, cocoa, brownie
Nutty: Roasted nuts, almond, pecan
Other: Mild fruit, balanced acidity, smooth finish
Best Brewing Methods
Medium roasts are incredibly versatile and work with almost any method
Drip Coffee
The classic pairing. Medium roasts were made for drip coffee makers, producing a balanced, approachable cup every time.
View GuideFrench Press
Brings out the full body and sweetness. The immersion brewing highlights caramel and chocolate notes beautifully.
View GuidePour Over
Creates a clean, balanced cup that showcases both origin character and roast development.
View GuideRecommended Medium Roasts
Crowd-pleasing medium roast coffees
Peet's Coffee Big Bang
A smooth, balanced medium roast with notes of toasted nuts, cocoa, and a hint of citrus brightness.
View on AmazonLavazza Super Crema
Italian classic with notes of honey, almonds, and brown sugar. Smooth and creamy with mild acidity.
View on AmazonStarbucks Pike Place Roast
Smooth and balanced with notes of chocolate and toasted nuts. A reliable everyday medium roast.
View on AmazonWhy Medium Roast is So Popular
The Goldilocks Zone
Medium roast occupies the perfect middle ground in coffee roasting. It's not too acidic like light roasts, and not too bitter like dark roasts. This makes it incredibly approachable for most palates.
Versatility
Whether you add cream and sugar or drink it black, medium roast works. It's forgiving with different brewing methods and water temperatures, making it ideal for home brewing.
Sweetness Peak
The Maillard reaction (the same process that browns bread and caramelizes onions) peaks in medium roasts, creating maximum sweetness and complexity before the roast-dominant flavors take over.