GoKawiilMany of us have a coffee routine we swear by. Turns out, that routine might be the problem.
About two-thirds of American adults reach for a cup first thing in the morning -- but according to Sarina Prabasi, founder of Buunni micro-roastery in New York City, very few of us are brewing it as well as we could be. Prabasi, who also serves on the board of the Specialty Coffee Association, shared the common mistakes that happen with home brewing and the surprisingly easy fixes that can sure up your morning cup.
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.
Below you'll find seven common coffee-making mistakes many of us are making without realizing it. These expert tips will help elevate your morning coffee from merely functional to truly special.
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 fragrance-free dish soap comes in handy for occasional deep cleaning. 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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