3 Common Coffee Brewing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Brewing the perfect cup of coffee isn’t always as simple as it seems. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home barista, small mistakes can affect the taste, aroma, and overall experience. Here are three common brewing errors and how to fix them for a consistently great result.

1. Using the Wrong Coffee Grind Size

The Problem

Grind size is one of the most important factors in brewing coffee. Too fine, and your drink can become over-extracted, resulting in bitterness. Too coarse, and it may be under-extracted, leading to weak and sour flavors. Each brewing method requires a specific grind size to achieve balance in your coffee.

How to Fix It

To ensure you’re using the correct grind size, consider the method you’re using:

• Espresso → Fine grind (feels like powdered sugar)
• French Press → Coarse grind (resembles sea salt)
• Pour-Over → Medium grind (similar to table salt)
• Moka Pot → Medium-fine grind (between espresso and pour-over)

If you’re unsure, adjusting based on taste can help. A brew that’s too bitter likely needs a coarser grind, while a weak or sour one may require a finer texture. Investing in a burr grinder rather than a blade grinder allows for better control over size consistency, leading to improved results.

2. Incorrect Water Temperature

The Problem

Water temperature plays a crucial role in extraction coffee. If it’s too hot, the result can be overly bitter. If it’s too cold, flavors won’t develop properly, leading to a flat taste. Many people simply use boiling water straight from the kettle, which is often too hot for optimal extraction.

How to Fix It

The best range for brewing is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C - 96°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a simple trick is to let boiling water sit for 30 seconds before pouring. Some electric kettles come with built-in temperature settings, which can make it even easier to control. For methods like cold brew, temperature isn’t a concern, but the extended steeping time compensates for the lower heat. Keeping this range in mind will help ensure a balanced and flavorful outcome every time.

3. Ignoring Brew Ratios

The Problem

Many people either add too much or too little ground coffee beans to their brew, resulting in a drink that’s either too weak or too strong. Without a proper ratio, achieving consistency is difficult, meaning each cup might taste different.

How to Fix It

The golden ratio for most methods is 1:15 to 1:17 (one part grounds to fifteen to seventeen parts water). A digital scale is the best way to ensure accuracy. Here are some general guidelines:

• French Press → 1:15 (e.g., 30g grounds to 450g water)
• Espresso → 1:2 (e.g., 18g grounds to 36g espresso shot)
• Pour-Over → 1:16 (e.g., 25g grounds to 400g water)

Adjusting the ratio slightly allows you to control strength and extraction. If your coffee tastes too weak, try using a little more per serving. If it’s too intense, adding slightly more water can help.

Final Thoughts

Brewing at home is an art, and small adjustments can make a huge difference. By grinding properly, controlling temperature, and following a solid ratio, you can achieve a flavorful and well-balanced result every time. Avoiding these mistakes not only improves your technique but also enhances the experience, making every sip more enjoyable.Which of these mistakes have you made before? Let us know in the comments!

Bonus Tip: Storing Your Beans Incorrectly

Even with the perfect grind, temperature, and ratio, improper storage can ruin the quality of your brew. Exposure to air, moisture, heat, or light can make beans go stale faster, leading to a flat or dull taste. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place—avoid the fridge or freezer, as condensation can negatively impact flavor. Freshly ground beans always yield the best results, so grinding just before brewing is highly recommended!