A water heating apparatus for a beverage brewing device. Water is heated to brew temperature without boiling or localized boiling, thereby minimizing the precipitating of scale. The heating elements each have a low watt density, thereby increasing safety. Multiple heating zones allow the use of a plurality of power relays, lowering the power per relay and thus improving the reliability of the relays. The heating elements cannot overheat due to a failure resulting in a lack of water in the apparatus since the temperature sensors are mounted directly on each heating element, allowing direct measurement and control of each heating element. Precise control of water temperature in the apparatus is provided by varying both the water flow rate through the heating apparatus, and by varying heating element temperatures.