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7 Common Coffee Brewing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Lauren Austin

Recent Posts

Brewing a great cup of coffee at home is an art that’s easy to get wrong if you’re not paying attention to the details. From the quality of your beans to your brewing technique, every step matters.

Here are 7 common coffee brewing mistakes and practical tips to help you make better coffee at home.

1. Using Low-Quality Coffee Beans

Your coffee is only as good as the beans you use. Choosing freshly roasted, high-quality coffee beans is essential for rich flavour and aroma.

Pro tip:

  • Always check the roast date on the bag.

  • Buy from reputable local roasters or specialty shops.

  • Store beans in an airtight container away from light and heat.

2. Ignoring Grind Size

Grind size is critical for proper extraction. Using the wrong grind can ruin your coffee’s flavour.

  • Espresso: Fine grind (like powdered sugar).

  • Pour-over: Medium-fine grind (like table salt).

  • French press: Coarse grind (like coarse sea salt).

Tip: Invest in a burr grinder for consistent grind size, which ensures even extraction.

3. Over-Extraction or Under-Extraction

Brewing too long or too short will spoil the taste.

  • Over-extraction = bitter, harsh flavors.

  • Under-extraction = sour, weak coffee.

Use a coffee-to-water ratio of about 1:16 (e.g., 18g coffee to ~288g water).

Recommended brew times:

  • Pour-over: 3–4 minutes

  • French press: 5–6 minutes

Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements—it’s an easy way to improve your brew immediately.

4. Using Incorrect Water Temperature

Water temperature has a huge impact on extraction.

  • Ideal range: 90–96 °C (195–205 °F).

  • Too hot = over-extraction and harsh flavors.

  • Too cold = under-extraction and weak, tea-like coffee.

If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiling water sit for ~30 seconds before pouring.

5. Neglecting to Clean Your Coffee Equipment

Old coffee oils and residue will make your coffee taste rancid or off.

Tip:

  • Clean your brewer, grinder, and other equipment after every use.

  • Use mild soap and rinse thoroughly.

6. Not Understanding Coffee Processing and Roast Levels

Choosing beans isn’t just about origin—it’s also about processing method and roast level.

  • Washed: Clean, bright acidity. Great for pour-overs.

  • Natural: Fruity, heavier body. Works well in espresso.

  • Honey: Sweet, syrupy flavours with medium body.

Roast levels:

  • Light: Bright acidity, floral or citrus notes.

  • Medium: Balanced, caramel sweetness.

  • Dark: Heavy body, chocolate and nutty flavours.

Example pairings:

  • Washed Ethiopian (light roast): Pour-over, showcasing lime, vanilla, and white tea notes.

  • Natural Sumatran (dark roast): Espresso, with baker’s chocolate and nutty richness.

  • Honey-processed Costa Rican (medium roast): French press or AeroPress, with syrupy body and subtle fruit.

7. Overlooking the Importance of Fresh Grinding

Pre-ground coffee can lose its flavour quickly.

Why grind fresh?

  • Preserves aromas and oils.

  • Adapts grind size to your brew method.

A burr grinder ensures even particle size, avoiding over- or under-extraction.

Mastering coffee at home is all about paying attention to the small details. By avoiding these common coffee brewing mistakes, you’ll brew better-tasting coffee every time.

Ready to try? Check out our coffee selection and apply your new skills!

Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered some frequently asked questions on our speciality coffee beans below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered some frequently asked questions on our speciality coffee beans below.

  • What is the best grind size for coffee?

    The ideal grind size depends on your brewing method:

    • Espresso: Fine, like powdered sugar.

    • Pour-over: Medium-fine, like table salt.

    • French press: Coarse, like sea salt.

    A burr grinder gives you consistent results for better extraction.

  • What is the ideal water temperature for brewing coffee?

    For most methods, water should be between 90–96 °C (195–205 °F). Water that’s too hot over-extracts and makes coffee bitter, while too cold water under-extracts, producing a weak, sour taste.

  • How do I choose good quality coffee beans?

    Look for beans that are:

    • Freshly roasted (check the roast date).

    • From reputable roasters.

    • Stored in sealed, opaque bags.

    For best results, choose beans that match your taste preference in roast level and processing method.

  • How can I avoid over-extracting or under-extracting coffee?

    Use a precise coffee-to-water ratio, typically 1:16 (e.g., 18g coffee for ~288g water).

    • Brew for the recommended time (e.g., 3–4 minutes for pour-over).

    • Use a kitchen scale and timer to keep measurements consistent.

  • How often should I clean my coffee equipment?

    Ideally, after every use! Oils and residue can quickly turn rancid and ruin the taste of your coffee.

    • Rinse with warm water or mild soap.

    • For deeper cleaning, use descaling solutions or brewer-specific cleaners as needed.