The Most Common Coffee Brewing Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Making great coffee at home doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small changes can elevate your daily brew from just fine to fantastic.

To uncover the most common mistakes home brewers make, we spoke with Sarina Prabasi, founder of Buunni Coffee in New York City. As a micro-roaster and board member of the Specialty Coffee Association, she shared practical tips for refining your brewing routine.

7 Common Coffee Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Overwashing Your Coffee Maker with Detergent

It may seem counterintuitive, but excessive washing with dish soap can ruin your coffee. Even a trace of soap residue can alter the flavor.

Fix: For daily cleaning, simply rinse your coffee equipment with hot water. If oils build up over time, use a fragrance-free dish soap for an occasional deep clean.

2. Buying More Coffee Than You Can Use Fresh

Stocking up on beans might seem convenient, but it often leads to stale, lackluster coffee.

Fix: Buy smaller quantities and check the roast date (not the “best by” date). Coffee is freshest within two weeks to a month after roasting. Store beans in an airtight container away from moisture, heat, and odors.

3. Changing Too Many Factors at Once

Adjusting grind size, water temperature, brew time, and coffee-to-water ratio all at once makes it hard to pinpoint what’s affecting the flavor.

Fix: Modify one variable at a time. Start by adjusting your coffee-to-water ratio: Use two tablespoons of coffee per cup of water as a baseline, then tweak from there.

4. Using Tap Water

Tap water can introduce unwanted flavors, especially if it contains chlorine or other chemicals.

Fix: Use filtered water to improve clarity and taste. If you’re serious about brewing, investing in a home filtration system can make a noticeable difference.

5. Ignoring the Aroma Test

Stale coffee lacks the rich aroma that fresh beans should have. If your coffee smells dull or flat, it’s likely past its prime.

Fix: Always smell your coffee beans before brewing. If the aroma is weak, try using them for cold brew or immersion brewing to extract more flavor.

6. Overlooking Organic Coffee

Many commercial coffee farms use heavy pesticides that can remain on the beans. Unlike fruits, coffee can’t be washed before consumption.

Fix: Opt for organic coffee when possible. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just look for reputable brands that prioritize ethical sourcing and quality roasting.

7. Treating Coffee as Just a Caffeine Fix

Many of us drink coffee on the go without taking a moment to enjoy it.

Fix: Slow down. Whether you’re at home or at a café, take time to savor the ritual of brewing and drinking coffee. In Ethiopia, coffee is a shared experience—something to be enjoyed, not rushed.

finally Making better coffee at home doesn’t require fancy equipment—just thoughtful adjustments. Whether it’s using fresh beans, filtered water, or simply taking time to enjoy your cup, small changes can make a big difference.

В конечном счёте, готовить лучший кофе дома не требует дорогого оборудования — достаточно внимательных корректировок. Используйте свежие зерна, фильтрованную воду и находите время, чтобы насладиться каждой чашкой — даже небольшие изменения могут значительно повлиять на вкус.