Dough Water Temperature Calculator
Dough that comes out at the right temperature rises the way a recipe expects. This works out the water temperature to start with, from the dough temperature you want and your kitchen.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Multiply the dough temperature you want by three, then subtract the room temperature, the flour temperature and the warmth that mixing adds. The result is the water temperature to use.
Mixing warmth depends on the mixer, its speed and the dough. Hand mixing adds little, while a stand mixer adds more, so use the number that fits how you mix. The mixing figure is in Celsius degrees.
Worked example
For dough at 76 °F in a 70 °F kitchen with 68 °F flour, start with water at 76 °F.
Questions
Why multiply by three?
The method assumes the dough picks up heat from four sources: the flour, the room, the water and the mixing. Water is the one you choose to balance the other three.
What if my dough comes out too warm?
Use colder water next time. Chilled water, or ice in place of some of the water, lowers the dough temperature.
Does this replace the recipe?
No. Use it to start, then check the dough with a thermometer and adjust the water on the next batch.
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