5 Common Coffee Brewing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

79% of Americans brew coffee at home. Some know how to produce a barista-quality cup of joe, but others have to deal with an unpleasant bitter taste in pursuit of their caffeine fix.

If the latter is you, you will likely make one of the many common coffee brewing mistakes.

You deserve to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee that is more than a mere morning pick-me-up. Check out this list to find out what you might be doing wrong!

1. Using Stale Coffee Beans or Grounds

Did you know that coffee beans only stay fresh for about a month? And coffee grounds go stale after two weeks?! If you didn’t, this could be one of the coffee brewing mistakes you are making.

If you store coffee beans and grounds in your kitchen cupboards, you need to put them in an airtight container and use them ASAP. But you can store coffee beans in your freezer, where they will keep fresh for three to six months.

Some types of coffee beans aren’t suited to freezing. Freeze and defrost a small handful of your favorite beans first, so you don’t ruin a big bag.

2. Brewing the Wrong Type of Coffee

Many stand by the fact that black coffee or espresso is the best way to drink coffee. But there must be dozens, if not hundreds, of types of coffee, and you might be forcing yourself to drink one you do not really like.

So, try a few different types! Here are some you may not have tried before:

• Bulletproof coffee
• Iced coffee
• Coffee with non-dairy milk, e.g., oat or almond milk

You could also experiment with different coffee beans and invest in a milk frother if you love lattes and cappuccinos.

3. Making Coffee With Unfiltered Water

What is the water quality like in your local area? If you live somewhere like the Scottish Highlands, it is likely delicious, pure, and does not need filtering.

But if you live in Texas, where the water quality is low, your water for brewing coffee might be making the taste of your coffee sub-par.

Invest in a water filter, so you know you are making your coffee with the best water possible.

4. Choosing the Wrong Coffee Brewing Tools

There are a few different brewing methods, and they each get different results. Here are the most common:

• Drip coffee
• Pour-over coffee
• French press
• AeroPress machine

Prefer a bolder or smoother coffee to the one you get now? Switch up your brewing method to see if that helps.

5. Pouring Your Coffee Into the Wrong Mug

Others might disagree, but the right coffee mug makes all the difference. Make sure you clean your mugs well after every use and buy the ideal mug for you.

Opt for a deep mug instead of a soup bowl mug, so your coffee stays hotter for longer if you prefer it black. But if you drink lattes, wide brims are preferable.

Avoid These Coffee Brewing Mistakes

Once you have identified what coffee brewing mistakes you are making, you will be able to start your day the right way. Instead of sucking down a bitter cup of caffeine, you will be able to savor a delicious brew made to your taste.

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