✦ Brewing Mistakes To Avoid ✦
Common Brewing Mistakes
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Even the best beans can fall flat if a few small details go wrong. And guess what? We’ve all been there! In this guide, we break down the most common brewing mistakes—and how to fix them—so you can get the most flavor, balance, and joy from every cup.
Brewing Mistake #1
Using poor-quality or low-grade coffee
- HOW TO CORRECT: Opt for higher-quality beans from trusted sources & remain wary of packaging embellishments as well as marketing buzzwords & non-regulated distinctions like “gourmet.”
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Seek out specialty-grade coffee brands & small-batch roasters that offer bean transparency. Opt for single-origin beans with direct farm details & traceability. Remember, higher prices don’t always equate to better quality!
Brewing Mistake #2
Using stale coffee or storing coffee improperly
- HOW TO CORRECT: Select freshly roasted coffee that hasn't been sitting on shelves or in warehouses for weeks. After purchase, store it in an airtight container, away from light, heat & moisture to maintain its freshness.
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Choose roasted-to-order beans from local roasters for maximum freshness. Opt for whole-bean coffee & grind just before brewing to preserve flavors & aromas. Invest in a coffee canister with a CO₂ valve to let gases escape without allowing oxygen in!
Brewing Mistake #3
Using the incorrect coffee grind size
- HOW TO CORRECT: Match your grind size to your preferred brewing method. Too fine a grind can lead to over-extraction (bitter taste), while too coarse a grind can cause under-extraction (weak or sour taste).
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Invest in a burr coffee grinder for greater versatility & precision as well as more consistent grind size, which improves extraction & results in a more flavorful cup!
Brewing Mistake #4
Ignoring water quality or water temperature
- HOW TO CORRECT: Use high-quality, cold & filtered water. Avoid distilled water, which lacks the minerals necessary for proper extraction, resulting in flat-tasting coffee. Remember, water represents 99% of your cup!
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Water that is too hard or too soft can cause under-extraction or over-extraction, affecting your coffee's flavor. Use a water hardness test strip to check your water's hardness; the ideal range is 50–150 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS). For hot brewing methods, ensure your water temperature is between 195°F & 205°F (90°C to 96°C).
Brewing Mistake #5
Inconsistent Measurement
- HOW TO CORRECT: Avoid relying on volume measurements like tablespoons or "scoops" as a measuring guide. Instead, use a digital scale to weigh your coffee beans/grounds. This will account for any differences in weight due to grind size, bean density & roast type.
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Use the recommended coffee-to-water ratio for your brewing method to achieve the perfect flavor balance. Start with a 1:15 ratio (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water). Adjust to your taste: try 1:12 for a stronger cup or 1:18 for a milder one.
Brewing Mistake #6
ignoring Brew Time
- HOW TO CORRECT: Pay attention to the recommended brew times for your specific coffee brewing method to ensure optimal extraction & flavor. Brewing too long (over-extraction) can produce a bitter taste while brewing too short (under-extraction) can result in weak, sour flavors.
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Use a timer for precision. A digital timer or simply using your smartphone can help you stick to recommended brewing durations. Consistent timing, along with the right grind size & water temperature, ensures a balanced & flavorful cup every time!
Brewing Mistake #7
Using dirty, outdated or cheaply made equipment
- HOW TO CORRECT: Regularly clean & maintain your coffee equipment to ensure the best possible flavor in your cup by removing residual oils & old coffee grounds that can accumulate in your equipment, leading to bitter, stale, or off flavors in your brew.
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Invest in good quality gear as well as a set of dedicated cleaning brushes & tools for your coffee equipment to make cleaning easier & more effective. Higher-priced equipment is by no means always better, but remember that the cheaper way out can cost you—buy cheap, buy twice!
Brewing Mistake #8
Not pre-wetting the filter (Paper filter-based brewing)
- HOW TO CORRECT: Pre-wet your paper filter to remove any paper taste & to help the coffee drip smoothly!
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Use hot water to remove the papery taste & preheat your brewing equipment for a stable brewing temperature. Wet the filter in a circular motion for even saturation & discard the rinse water to avoid mixing it with your coffee!
Brewing Mistake #9
Brewing coffee like a routine task
- HOW TO CORRECT: Make brewing your coffee an enjoyable & creative experience. Stay curious & keep experimenting with different variables to find what you enjoy most. Customize your coffee routine to fit your lifestyle & preferences. After all, you drink it every day!
- NEXT-LEVEL TIPS: Continuously learn about coffee & deepen your appreciation & enjoyment of the brewing process. Last but certainly not least, remember to brew what you love & love what you brew!
Missing the Mark?
Our Brew Crew is ready to help you troubleshoot, tweak, and turn those brewing mistakes into mastery.
