Brewing better coffee doesn’t always require new equipment – it often comes down to refining a few key variables. Grind size is one of the most important factors. A grind that’s too fine can lead to over-extraction and bitterness, while a grind that’s too coarse can result in weak, sour coffee. Matching your grind size to your brewing method is essential for balanced flavour.
Brew ratio also plays a major role. This refers to the amount of coffee used in relation to water, typically expressed as something like 1:15 or 1:16. Adjusting your ratio allows you to control strength and extraction without changing your method.
Water temperature is another key variable. Most brewing methods work best between 90–96°C, helping to extract flavour without introducing harshness. By understanding and adjusting these core elements (grind size, ratio, and temperature) you can consistently brew better coffee at home.
Bitter coffee is usually caused by over-extraction. This can happen if your grind is too fine, your brew time is too long, or your water temperature is too high. Try using a slightly coarser grind or reducing your brew time to improve balance.
Weak coffee is often the result of under-extraction or using too little coffee. Try increasing your dose, using a finer grind, or extending your brew time slightly to extract more flavour.
A brew ratio is the relationship between coffee and water. For example, a typical double espresso will have a ratio of 1 part coffee to 2 parts water... in other words: 18g of coffee to 36g of water. Adjusting the ratio changes the strength and balance of your coffee.
Grind size is one of the most important variables in coffee brewing. Different methods require different grind sizes – coarse for French press, medium for pour over, and fine for espresso. Using the wrong grind size can lead to poor extraction and unbalanced flavour.
Most coffee brewing methods work best with water between 90–96°C. Water that’s too hot can cause bitterness, while cooler water may not extract enough flavour, resulting in a flat or sour cup.
