Brewing that perfect cup of coffee is an art, and small mistakes can really affect flavor and quality. If your coffee tastes too bitter, weak, or just not as good as you'd hoped, you might be making one of these common coffee mistakes. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered to help you perfect every cup.
1. Using the wrong grind size
Grind size is one of the most crucial factors in coffee brewing. A grind that’s too coarse can lead to weak, under-extracted coffee, while a grind that’s too fine can cause bitterness and over-extraction. Different brewing methods require specific grind sizes:
Espresso - Fine grind (like table salt)
French Press - Coarse grind (like sea salt)
Pour-over (Hario V60) - Medium grind (similar to granulated sugar)
AeroPress - Medium-fine grind
How to fix it
Invest in a high-quality burr grinder for consistent grind sizes and adjust it based on your brewing method.
2. Incorrect Coffee-to-Water Ratio
Using too much or too little coffee throws off your brew’s balance. Too much coffee makes it overly strong and bitter, while too little results in a weak, flavorless cup.
How to fix it
The ideal coffee-to-water ratio is 1:16 (one part coffee to 16 parts water). For a standard 250ml cup, use 15-18g of coffee. Try using a digital scale to ensure precise measurements and consistency.
3. Using the Wrong Water Temperature
Water temperature can really impact extraction. If it’s too hot, your coffee may taste burnt and bitter; if it’s too cool, it will be under-extracted and flat. It's important to try and get the temperature of your water near the sweat spot of 93°C.
How to fix it
The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is 90-96°C (195-205°F) and we recommend aiming for 93°C if you can. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiling water sit for about 30 seconds before pouring over your coffee grounds.
4. Pouring Too Fast in Pour-Over Methods
Pour-over brewing requires patience and control. Pouring too quickly can prevent even extraction, leading to an unbalanced cup.
How to fix it
If you have one, use a gooseneck kettle to pour in slow, circular motions for even saturation, or with your usual kettle. Start with a bloom (pouring just enough water to wet the grounds) and let it sit for 30 seconds before continuing to pour gradually.
Improved coffee experience
Making great coffee at home doesn’t have to be complicated and avoiding these common mistakes can drastically improve your brew’s quality. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, small adjustments make all the difference!
Looking to upgrade your coffee setup? Explore our range of sustainably sourced coffee beans and brewing accessories to take your coffee experience to the next level.