As many as two-thirds of US adults start their morning with a fresh cup of coffee. With that level of ubiquity, you might think we'd all have the whole coffee thing down to a science. According to an expert, that's not the case.
Mastering the art of brewing takes dedication, experimentation and attention to detail -- whether you're using a percolator, French press, pour-over, espresso machine or cold brew setup.
I spoke with Sarina Prabasi, founder of Buunni roastery, a micro-roastery with three café locations in northern Manhattan, to uncover the common missteps people make when brewing coffee at home. As both a micro-roaster and a board member of the Specialty Coffee Association, Prabasi shared valuable guidance on small tweaks that can significantly improve your coffee's quality.
Below are seven common coffee-brewing mistakes we often make without realizing it. These expert tips will help elevate your morning coffee from merely functional to genuinely delightful.
1. Washing your coffee maker too often
Even the slightest film of soap residue can taint your next cup. Brian Bennett/CNET
Ditching the soap for your coffee pot and pour-over immersion brewer might seem like dubious advice. In reality, your coffee equipment doesn't need a scrub down every time you use it. Even small amounts of residue from fragrant dish soap detergent will leave you with a sudsy, subpar pot of coffee.
"It really stays in there; it can mess with the flavor, and so, usually, a good rinse with super hot water is enough for black coffee," Prabasi said. Oils from the beans may build up over time, so a fragrance-free dish soap comes in handy for the occasional deep clean. A simple rinse with hot water will more than suffice for daily use, however. Save yourself time and avoid any unwanted "soap scum" notes that might interrupt the notes of your single-origin Sidama natural roast.
2. Buying more coffee than you can brew fresh
Coffee beans are one pantry staple you shouldn't buy in bulk. Mikolette/Getty Images
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