Coffee is one of life’s simple joys, but making that perfect cup can sometimes feel like a bit of a challenge. Many coffee lovers unknowingly make a few common coffee brewing mistakes, leading to coffee that’s too bitter, too weak, or just not as satisfying as it should be.
If you’ve ever wondered why your coffee is bitter or why your brew doesn’t taste quite right, don’t worry — you’re not alone. We’ve rounded up the most common coffee brewing mistakes and some handy coffee brewing tips to help you get that rich, aromatic coffee you’ve been craving.
Grinding coffee incorrectly
One of the biggest coffee brewing mistakes people make is using the wrong coffee grind size. The grind size plays a crucial role in how the coffee is extracted during brewing.
If the grind is too fine, the coffee will be over-extracted, meaning too many compounds are pulled from the grounds, resulting in a bitter, unpleasant taste. On the other hand, if the grind is too coarse, the coffee will be under-extracted, leading to a weak, watery brew with little flavour.
To avoid these issues, it’s essential to adjust your coffee grind size according to the brewing method you’re using.
Brew tip!
Match your grind size to your brewing method. For example, use a coarse grind for french press, medium for drip coffee makers and fine for espresso. A burr grinder is a good choice over a blade grinder, as it provides a more even grind, leading to better extraction and a more balanced flavour.
Brewing with water that’s too hot
The temperature of the water you use for brewing can significantly impact the coffee flavour. Water that’s too hot, especially above 96°C, can burn the coffee, pulling out harsh, bitter compounds that leave the brew tasting burnt and unpleasant. Improper water temperature can be a major reason why your coffee is bitter. Proper temperature control helps ensure a smooth, balanced extraction that brings out coffee’s best flavours without introducing any unwanted bitterness.
Brew tip!
Ideally, water should be between 90°C and 96°C for optimal brewing. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply bring the water to a boil, then let it sit for a few seconds before pouring it over the coffee grounds.
Ignoring brew ratios
Another common mistake when brewing coffee is getting the coffee-to-water ratio wrong. Using too much coffee can overwhelm the brew, resulting in a bitter taste, while too little coffee can lead to a weak, under-flavoured cup.
Finding the right balance is essential for brewing better coffee — a well-rounded, flavourful brew that highlights the best of your coffee without it being overpowering or lackluster. This is one of the most crucial coffee brewing step to note to ensure that you don’t end up with a bitter or bland cuppa.
Brew tip!
Use the right coffee-to-water ratio for your brewing method. Stick to a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (1 part coffee to 15 parts water) for a balanced cup, but this can vary based on personal preference and the brewing method. For more accuracy, use a digital scale to weigh both the coffee and water for a more consistent result.
We recommend using 150-200ml of hot water for Infuso Black Brew to make a balanced cup of coffee!
Conclusion
Brewing the perfect cup of coffee doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require attention to detail. By avoiding these common coffee brewing mistakes, you’ll be able to enjoy a richer, more aromatic cup every time. Happy brewing!
For more tips on perfecting your coffee, explore our existing articles on coffee brewing, bean selection and understanding coffee flavour profiles.