Brewing coffee at home seems simple—just add water to coffee, right? But small mistakes can lead to bitter, sour, or weak cups. Here are the most common coffee brewing mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.
1. Wrong Coffee-to-Water Ratio
- Mistake: Guessing scoops instead of weighing.
- Fix: Use a scale. Start with 1:16 ratio (18 g coffee → 288 g water).
2. Using the Wrong Grind Size
- Mistake: One grind fits all.
- Fix: Match grind to method:
- French press → coarse.
- Pour over → medium-fine.
- Espresso → fine.
3. Brewing with Old Beans
- Mistake: Using beans roasted months ago.
- Fix: Buy fresh beans with roast dates, use within 3–4 weeks.
4. Wrong Water Temperature
- Mistake: Using boiling water or too cool water.
- Fix: Brew at 92–96°C. Boil, then wait 30 seconds before pouring.
5. Poor Technique
- Mistake: Not stirring, swirling, or distributing grounds evenly.
- Fix: Agitate gently for even extraction, tamp consistently for espresso.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sour, weak | Under-extracted | Grind finer, brew longer |
| Bitter, harsh | Over-extracted | Grind coarser, shorten brew |
| No crema | Old beans or low pressure | Use fresher beans, check machine |
Final Thoughts
Brewing great coffee is about avoiding small mistakes and being consistent. With the right ratio, grind size, fresh beans, proper temperature, and steady technique, you’ll enjoy café-quality coffee at home every time.
