6 Common Coffee Brewing Errors and How to Avoid Them

Did you know there is a difference between espresso, macchiato, and ristretto? If you are a coffee lover, this is crucial to know. Otherwise, you will be a misinformed coffee drinker, as there isn't a real difference between the three.

Just like a wine enthusiast can taste the difference between a malbec and a cabernet sauvignon, the same is true for coffee. People who know the difference between macchiatos and ristrettos are practiced coffee drinkers, not misinformed ones.

Common coffee brewing errors can interfere with our coffee lovers' skills. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid.

1. Your Equipment Is Dirty

To avoid brewing errors due to dirty coffee brewing equipment, make sure to clean your coffee maker thoroughly after each use. Start by cleaning out any leftover grounds from the coffee basket. Use warm water and coffee maker cleaner to clean the outside of the coffee maker.

2. You’re Using Old Beans

Since coffee beans lose their aroma and flavor over time, it's important to purchase fresh, high-quality beans like Ethiopian coffee beans for sale and store them properly. Whenever possible, purchase in small batches and store in an airtight container in a dark and cool place.

Also, try to avoid buying pre-ground beans, as ground coffee starts to lose flavor quickly after grinding. Additionally, brewers should experiment with grind size and bean-to-water ratio to ensure that full flavor is extracted from the beans.

3. You Extracted Too Much

This is when you leave the grounds in the water too long, resulting in a cup of coffee that is over-extracted and bitter. To avoid this error, use the correct ratio of coffee to water/milk/etc. for each cup you make.

Start with freshly-ground beans, measure the grounds into the carafe, and only leave them in contact with the liquid for the length of time recommended on the packaging. 

4. You Used the Wrong Water Ratio

If a coffee drinker uses too much water, the coffee can come out weak and watery. Using too little water results in a very strong and bitter cup of coffee. It is important to use the correct amount of water for the amount of coffee used to get the perfect cup of coffee.

This usually means using six ounces of water for every two tablespoons of ground coffee.

5. You Stored the Coffee in a Freezer

Storing coffee beans in a freezer is one of the most common errors in coffee brewing. It can cause the coffee to become stale due to its exposure to moisture, which can negatively affect its aroma and flavor.

To avoid these errors, it is important to store the coffee in its original packaging at room temperature in a sealed and airtight container, away from light and heat.

6. You Brew Coffee Inconsistently

When you brew coffee inconsistently, the cup you end up with won’t have the same flavor or aroma as the last one. This can be a huge disappointment, especially if you’re striving for a perfect cup of coffee.

To avoid this problem, learn the different brewing methods that work best with your coffee type and equipment. 

Avoid These Common Coffee Brewing Errors

Overall, brewing the perfect coffee requires knowledge of the necessary equipment, coffee, and the brewing process. Following the pro tips we discussed earlier on avoiding common coffee brewing errors, you can prepare a perfect cup of coffee in no time!

So don't wait any longer; grab some coffee beans and start brewing - achieving your perfect cup awaits you!

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