In the constantly evolving landscape of coffee machines, technological advancements have simplified the process of making coffee in one’s home. Irrespective of the type of machine one uses at home, the result will always be a flavorful, aromatic cup of coffee to kickstart the day. However, despite mastering how to use a particular coffee machine, some mistakes may affect the brew. Avoiding these mistakes may help one master the art of coffee brewing.
Using pre-ground mix
The secret to a flavorful brew is freshly ground beans. Anything that comes in a pack and says ‘freshly ground’ can sometimes be misleading. Coffee beans start to lose their flavor and aroma from the minute they are ground. The process exposes and breaks down the components of the bean, and the aeration causes it to go stale. The maximum time it takes to store pre-ground coffee and to expect their brew to have some flavor is a week. Anything after that week is bound to have a lesser flavor, although it is pertinent to note that storage conditions and the type of packaging also play a role in it. Using a pre-ground mix will make even the best coffee machine redundant since the coffee won’t be as flavorful as it could have been. Invest in a coffee grinder instead and have the best brew with every brew.
Not using fresh beans
It is common to use coffee beans that have been sitting in the jar for months. Most believe it is better to use it than trash it. One of the most important things about coffee beans is their shelf life. These are good for use for only about 4-5 weeks. To avoid mistakes, investing in small bags of beans and opening a fresh batch every few weeks is better. Stay away from store-bought beans, though. These come with a shelf life of about 12-24 months, indicating that the beans are not fresh. Alternatively, one can also sign up for coffee subscriptions to receive a fresh batch of beans every time while trying new flavors or roasts.
Improper storage
One of the most crucial mistakes coffee brewers can make is improperly storing the coffee beans, which may directly impact the performance of their machines. Irrespective of how high-end the coffee machine is, it will not reverse the damage caused by improper storage. It is necessary to store coffee beans in an airtight container or a vacuum-sealed bag. When it comes to coffee beans, light, heat, moisture, and air can negatively affect their quality. Any storage option that lets the bean come in contact with these elements will impact the brew quality. To avoid compromising on the flavor and aroma of the coffee, opt for an opaque, airtight container.
Not cleaning the machine often
Some people believe their coffee machine can clean itself without intervention. This is not true. Coffee machines need to be descaled, a process in which the limescale buildup is removed. If ignored, it can impact the machine’s operation and affect the coffee’s taste. Also, not cleaning the coffee machine daily is a highly unhygienic practice. If one needs help descaling the deposit from the machine, they can check the user manual for guidance. One can also speak to other coffee machine owners and make it a point to avoid making this mistake.
Inappropriate tamping
To achieve a perfect extraction, it is essential to apply the optimum pressure and ensure the perfect compaction of the coffee grounds. Tamping is a crucial tool to achieve this goal. It is an indispensable practice for achieving the perfect espresso shot. Some people do not apply the appropriate pressure to the coffee grounds and hence receive a poorly brewed cup of coffee. Inconsistent tamping could also mean an imperfect coffee puck. To avoid this mistake, ensure that the tamper is level with the tabletop and then apply optimum pressure using it.
Forgetting the purge
To properly maintain the coffee machine, it is important to purge the water between the drawers. It will take up to a few seconds, and ignoring this task is one of the most common mistakes people make when using a coffee machine. Purging ensures the coffee machine achieves stable temperatures between shots. Passing the hot water will also help remove the presence of cold water from inside the machine.
