Enjoying a delicious cup of coffee before starting an activity is a must for coffee lovers. For a beginner, it doesn’t matter if you still make mistakes when making coffee. Over time you will have a growing brewing ability. Many people think brewing coffee is easy. That’s not wrong, but you should also be familiar with some small details that are common mistakes for novice baristas.

It’s so small that you might not even notice the mistakes that can affect the taste of your coffee. So, let’s get to know 12 common mistakes to avoid when making coffee.

1. Not Fresh Coffee Beans

When buying coffee, you should check the roasting date on the package. Do not stock up on too much coffee, giving coffee and then quickly finishing it is much better.

Coffee beans have an expiration date, usually the volatile compounds will disappear. These compounds make coffee taste more delicious.

2. Not Using Air Filter

Some people think it’s okay to use any water. But the quality of the water will affect the results of your coffee brewing.

So, it is better to use filtered water to create the best cup of coffee. Filtered water has no contamination that will affect the aroma and taste of your homemade coffee.

In fact, some of the mineral content of filter water adds a delicious flavor to coffee. The mineral content includes sodium, calcium, and magnesium.

3. Choosing Low Quality Coffee

Low-quality coffee does have a low price. Actually, that’s fine too, but for beginners who want to enjoy better coffee, choose premium quality.

Explore coffee flavors to find your favorite taste. So, don’t be afraid to try new coffee beans. No need to be afraid to spend more money for the pleasure in your cup.

4. Choosing the Wrong Bean Roasting Profile

Often discussed in other articles, the issue of brewing method affects the selection of roasting profile. The discussion of roasting profiles has also been explained in the previous article. Therefore, to make it easier for you to remember the following roasting profiles are summarized.

  • Aeropress (light-medium roast)
  • French Press (light-medium roast)
  • Espresso (medium or dark roast)
  • Pour-Over (medium, medium dark roast, or dark roast)
  • Drip (medium roast)

The list is highly recommended if you want a delicious brew. Adjust according to your needs and the brewing equipment you have at home.

5. Incorrect Coffee to Water Ratio

Unlike cooking food, the amount of coffee and water must be strictly measured. If, cooking can use instinct to measure the amount of seasoning. Ratio errors can cause less than optimal brewing results.

To minimize mistakes, novice baristas can do some simple research. For example, when the coffee tastes bitter or even not very strong. Chances are you’re using the wrong ratio of coffee to water.

If you have a scale, it is better to use it. However, frequent practice makes you better understand mistakes and find ways to handle them. Therefore, don’t hesitate to try often to find the recipe that works best for you.

6. Water Temperature

This problem was also discussed in the article on why coffee tastes burnt. Water temperature is one of the crucial factors in making coffee.

Temperatures that are too high can cause the coffee to taste burnt. Therefore, the recommended temperature is between 90.6°C (195°F) and 96.1°C (205°F). Or, if you don’t have a thermometer, wait for the water temperature to drop about 30 seconds after boiling.

7. Mistakes in Grinding Coffee Beans

Incorrect grinding can affect the quality of the beverage. Generally, the taste of coffee becomes unpleasant. It’s good to be careful when choosing a grinding machine.

8. Coffee Bean Storage Mistakes

Coffee is like an asset to a barista. This is why baristas must learn how to store coffee beans properly. Incorrect storage can reduce the aroma of the coffee beans.

Make sure to store coffee in a cool and dry place. Also, make sure the coffee is not near a light source.

Avoid storing coffee where it is easily exposed to air and extreme temperatures. It is better to use a special coffee jar that protects the beans airtight.

9. Not Washing the Coffee Filter

Before making coffee, don’t forget to rinse the filter with hot water. Then, enjoy the maximum drink from your homemade coffee.

10. Wash Brewing Tools

In addition to the coffee filter, be sure to clean your brewing equipment. The cleanliness of coffee brewing tools must be very concerned. Tools that are rarely cleaned will affect the quality of the next coffee flavor.

The possibility of bad coffee can be caused by not cleaning the coffee maker. Washing the equipment can remove the strange flavors in the coffee so that it is not contaminated with substances that may be harmful to the body.

11. Brewing Error

Each brewing method is characterized by different brews. Changing the brewing method can change the drink significantly.

For example, if you want an intense and sour taste, you can use the Espresso or Moka Pot method. Meanwhile, if you like a rich and balanced flavor, you can try the Pour Over or drip method.

Meanwhile, the French Press method is known for its rich and sour flavor. In contrast, the Aeropress brewing method has a rich but mellow flavor.

12. Wrong Cup

The last mistake comes from pouring the drink into the wrong cup. Using a porcelain cup used for tea for example. Thin-walled cups do a poor job of maintaining the temperature of the coffee.

It is better to use a thick-walled cup so that the hot temperature of the coffee lasts longer. That’s also why cafes tend to use thick-walled cups.

These 12 common mistakes are common for beginner baristas. Over time, a beginner will become a master if practiced often. In the end, mistakes will become lessons and experiences to get better. (*)