5 Common Mistakes When Brewing Coffee at Home
For coffee lovers, brewing coffee at home can be an enjoyable ritual that energizes you in the morning. However, even though it looks simple, there are many small mistakes that we often make when brewing coffee. Unfortunately, these mistakes can significantly impact the taste of your coffee.
To make your brew even better, let's discuss what often goes unnoticed when making coffee at home!
1. Is the water not hot enough? Beware: extraction will fail completely!
The water temperature plays a crucial role in determining the coffee's taste. If the water is too cold, the coffee will taste bland because extraction isn't optimal. Ideally, the water used for brewing should be between 91 and 96°C.
The problem is that not all kettles come with a built-in thermometer. If you’re using a regular kettle on the stove, wait about 30 seconds after the water boils to reach the optimal temperature.
2. Buying Ground Coffee, But Storing It for Too Long?
Many people buy ground coffee to keep on hand at home. However, ground coffee oxidizes much more easily than whole beans. If you’re serious about flavor, it’s best to buy whole beans and grind them just before brewing. A manual grinder can be a small investment that greatly improves the quality of your home-brewed coffee.
3. Choosing the Wrong Cup
Not all cups are the same. The material and shape can affect the coffee's temperature and taste. For example, thick porcelain cups are better at retaining heat, so the coffee stays enjoyable for longer. So, if you’re serious about enjoying coffee, pay attention to the cup, too!
4. Brewing coffee based on feelings?
Relying on your instincts when brewing coffee can work...sometimes. But if you want a consistent flavor, it’s best to use a coffee scale. Accurately measuring the ratio of coffee to water helps you avoid flavors that are too weak or bitter.
The standard ratio is 1 gram of coffee for 15–17 ml of water, or 1:15 to 1:17. However, feel free to experiment according to your taste as long as you use precise measurements.
5. Should you store coffee beans in the fridge? No!
Storing coffee beans in the refrigerator doesn't keep them fresher. In fact, it can damage the coffee's flavor due to moisture and odors from other foods. Store coffee beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, not the refrigerator. This will help maintain the coffee's aroma and flavor for longer.
For quick satisfaction and great taste, Kopiko Black 3in1 offers a convenient option, helping you avoid common brewing mistakes for consistently delicious coffee.