Brewing Coffee? Avoid These Common PitfallsBrewing coffee is part science, part art—and even the most seasoned caffeine lovers slip up sometimes. The good news? A few simple adjustments can turn a bitter or weak cup into something extraordinary. Today, we’re spilling the beans (pun intended) on the most common coffee mistakes we see—and how to fix them like a pro.
Too strong? Too weak? Both are signs of imbalance. The ideal brew ratio for most methods is 1 gram of coffee for every 15–17 grams of water (roughly 1 tablespoon per 6 ounces).
Fix it:
For drip or pour-over, weigh your beans before brewing.
Start with a 1:16 ratio and tweak to taste.
Remember: consistency starts with measurement.
Your grind size dictates flavor and flow. Grind too fine, and your coffee tastes bitter or muddy. Grind too coarse, and it’s sour and flat.
Fix it:
Espresso requires a fine, sand-like grind.
Pour-over needs something like table salt.
Cold brew loves chunky, breadcrumb-sized grounds.
Invest in a burr grinder—it offers consistent results and unlocks your beans’ full flavor potential.
Coffee extraction thrives between 195°F and 205°F. Go cooler, and your cup will be weak; go hotter, and it’ll scorch the grounds.
Fix it:
Heat water to just off the boil.
If you don’t have a thermometer, wait about 30 seconds after boiling before pouring.
Water is 98% of your drink—treat it like an ingredient, not a background player.
Whether you’re using a French press, AeroPress, or espresso machine, brew time matters. Under-extract and it tastes sour; over-extract and it’s bitter.
Fix it:
Espresso: ~25–30 seconds
Pour-over: ~2½–3 minutes
French press: ~4 minutes
Set a timer and experiment until you find your “sweet spot.”
Even the best beans lose character if they sit too long or are exposed to air, light, or moisture.
Fix it:
Buy smaller quantities of fresh beans every couple of weeks.
Store them in an airtight, opaque container away from sunlight.
Skip the fridge—it introduces moisture.
Residue oil builds up over time, and it can ruin the taste of your coffee. If your coffee suddenly tastes “off,” your gear is likely the culprit.
Fix it:
Clean grinders, filters, and brew gear weekly.
Use vinegar or a coffee-specific cleaner for drip machines.
Rinse thoroughly—no one likes vinegar-flavored espresso.
Coffee brewing isn’t about perfection—it’s about curiosity. Try new beans, adjust grind sizes, or test different pour speeds. The joy is in discovering your personal flavor balance.
At The Roaring Bean, we’ve learned that craftsmanship and curiosity go hand in hand. Every “mistake” is a step toward mastering your own signature cup.
Great coffee doesn’t require fancy gear—just attention, patience, and a willingness to experiment. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be amazed how much richer your morning ritual becomes.
📅 For more brewing guides and zero cane sugar recipes, explore our full blog
