How Long Does Boiling Water Take to Cool (to Room Temperature)?
There are plenty of reasons that you might want to bring boiling water to room temperature, though it’s not likely something you’ll encounter if you don’t cook often.
If for some reason, you find yourself asking how long does boiling water takes to cool to room temperature, it’s likely because you’re either cooking, baking, or sanitizing something, such as the water itself, or baby bottles.
Whatever the reason you find yourself cooling boiling water, it’s good to know exactly how long it will take to reach room temperature.
Also, you might want to look at the various ways to cool boiling water so you can give yourself the appropriate amount of time, based on your cooling method of choice.
How Long Does Boiling Water Take to Cool (to Room Temperature)?
Boiling water takes forty-five minutes to an hour to cool to room temperature, depending on how long it’s been boiling and how much water you’ve boiled. Also, the amount of time it will take for boiling water to cool to room temperature depends on the cooling method you’re using. You can let it sit on the stovetop, place it on a cooling rack, put it in the refrigerator, or add ice water to it. Overall, the typical time frame for boiling water to cool is about an hour.
How to Cool Boiling Water
When boiling water, the best way to let it cool is to turn off the stove burner, move the pot over to a burner that isn’t hot, and let it cool naturally.
This should take about forty-five minutes to an hour, but some people don’t want, or don’t have the time, to wait that long!
If you find yourself having to cool boiled water in a pinch, you’ll want to consider the methods available to cool it faster than good old-fashioned time.
Refrigerator or Freezer
Cooling boiled water faster is easy to do if you have access to a refrigerator or freezer.
Take a potholder, place it underneath the hot pot, and place it on the fridge shelf or the freezer.
But be cautious that the boiling water is not unfreezing the cooler.
The refrigerator might be a safer choice after all.
Ensure that your family members or roommates know that it’s there so they don’t open it by accident and spill it, risking a burn or a huge mess.
Naturally, your boiled water will cool faster when placed in cold temperatures.
Cooling your boiled water in the refrigerator or freezer will cool it quickly, taking around 20 minutes.
Add Cold Water
Another fantastic option for cooling boiled water to room temperature faster is to add cold or ice water right after you’ve removed the boiling water from the burner.
Add the cold water one cup at a time until it reaches your desired temperature.
If you’re using a glass pot, you’ll want to let your water boil naturally, as a drastic temperature change will cause the glass to shatter.
Adding cold water should cut your cooling time by more than half, and will cool the water right away depending on how much you add.
The Natural Route
Going the natural route is the best way to cool boiled water to your desired temperature.
When you let your boiling water cool without adding cold temperatures, you’re more likely to get to room temperature.
The addition of cold water to your boiling pot, or placing it in the fridge or freezer might force it to cool down more than you prefer.
The natural cooling route will take about an hour.
Why You Might Want to Cool Boiling Water
People need to cool boiling water for a majority of reasons. There are baking and cooking recipes that call for cooled, boiled water.
For the most part, you might want to cool boiled water because you’ve just sanitized it.
You can’t store boiling water in plastic or glass jugs, you’ve got to wait for it to cool.
So, if your water is unsafe to drink, for example, you have to boil it to kill the germs, bacteria, and viruses that are living within it.
In most cases, you’ll transfer that water to a pitcher, bottle, or glass mason jars or containers.
You might also boil water to make baby formula, to ensure that it’s sanitized. In all of these cases, you’ll have to cool the water before you store it.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long Does Boiling Water Take to Cool (to Room Temperature)?
Since most people boil water for safety reasons, there are plenty of internet inquiries asking how to cool boiling water, how long it takes, and the best methods for doing so.
How can I cool boiling water?
You can cool boiling water by taking the pot off the burner and letting it come to room temperature naturally. Also, you can put your boiled water in the refrigerator, freezer, or add cold water, as long as you’re not using a glass pot.
How long will it take to cool the boiled water?
It takes different times to cool boiled water, depending on the method you choose. Cooling it naturally will take around an hour while cooling it in the fridge or freezer might take about 20 to 25 minutes. Adding cold water, on the other hand, will cool it right away depending on the amount you add.
Successfully Cooling Boiled Water
Cooling boiled water is one of those things where there’s really no wrong way to do it.
No matter what method you choose, your water is certain to cool.
However, the best way to cool it to room temperature is to let it cool naturally.