So you bought coffee beans from your favourite cafe hoping to get the same cup of happiness at home. Only problem is, your coffee does not taste the same–like, at all. If you’ve ever wondered why your home-brewed coffee doesn’t taste as good as what you get at your favourite café, the answer may lie in a few simple adjustments to your coffee-making process.

By making these four simple changes, you can drastically improve the quality of your home coffee. Let’s dive into each of these in detail.

1. Use Filtered Water in Your Coffee Machine

Water makes up about 98% of an espresso shot, so it makes sense that the quality of your water has a significant impact on the taste of your brew. Many people use tap water for their coffee, but depending on where you live, tap water can contain minerals, chlorine, and other impurities that negatively affect flavor.

Why Filtered Water is Better:

Removes chlorine and other chemicals that can introduce bitterness.
Reduces mineral buildup in your coffee machine, extending its lifespan.
Allows the natural flavors of the coffee to shine through.

How to Use Filtered Water:

Invest in a simple water filter jug and fill your coffee machine’s reservoir with filtered water.
If your coffee machine has a built-in filter, be sure to replace it regularly.
Avoid using distilled water, as it lacks minerals needed for proper coffee extraction.

Switching to filtered water is an easy yet effective way to enhance the overall taste and clarity of your coffee.

2. Use Barista-Approved Milk

Milk plays a crucial role in coffee, especially if you enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites. The wrong type of milk can affect the texture, taste, and frothing ability, resulting in an inferior cup of coffee. Using barista-approved milk ensures consistency and creaminess in your homemade coffee.

Best Milk for Home Coffee:

Happy Soy Boy – A great soy milk option that froths well and has a neutral taste that complements coffee.
Alternative Dairy Co. – Offers almond and oat milk varieties that are formulated specifically for coffee.
MilkLab – Known for its range of high-quality plant-based milks that provide excellent texture and taste.
Bonsoy – A premium soy milk that is a favorite among baristas for its creamy texture and excellent frothing ability.

Why Use Barista-Approved Milk?

Froths better for a creamy, smooth texture.
Balances well with coffee without overpowering its natural flavors.
Avoids separation and curdling, which can happen with regular supermarket plant-based milks.

When using barista-approved milk, always ensure it’s fresh and cold before frothing for the best results.

3. Set Your Machine to the Right Espresso-to-Water Ratio

One of the biggest mistakes people make when brewing coffee at home is not using the correct espresso-to-water ratio. If your coffee tastes too weak, too bitter, or too acidic, it could be because the extraction is off.

Understanding Espresso Ratios:

Standard espresso: 1:2 ratio (e.g., 18g of coffee to 36g of espresso)
Ristretto (short shot): 1:1 ratio (more concentrated, intense flavor)
Lungo (long shot): 1:3 ratio (milder, slightly more bitter flavor)

How to Get the Right Ratio:

Check your coffee machine’s manual to find out how to adjust the settings.
Invest in a small digital scale to weigh your coffee and ensure accurate ratios.
Experiment with different settings to find the sweet spot for your preferred taste.

By ensuring the right extraction ratio, you’ll get a balanced, flavorful espresso every time.

4. Choose the Right Coffee Beans for Your Home Coffee System

The quality and type of coffee beans you use have the biggest impact on the flavor of your coffee. Not all beans are created equal, and some work better with specific brewing methods than others.

Choosing the Right Beans:

For Espresso Machines: Use medium to dark roast beans with a balanced flavor profile and good crema.
For French Press: Coarse-ground, medium to dark roast beans work best for a richer, full-bodied taste.
For Pour-Over: Light to medium roast beans with bright acidity and floral or fruity notes.

Other Factors to Consider:

Freshness: Always buy freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing for maximum flavor.
Single-Origin vs. Blends: Single-origin beans highlight specific flavors, while blends offer a more balanced taste.
Storage: Keep beans in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture to preserve freshness.

Selecting the right beans for your brewing method and keeping them fresh will make a huge difference in the quality of your coffee. Read our latest article on choosing the right coffee beans for your home coffee machine.

Final Thoughts

Making great coffee at home doesn’t have to be complicated. By making these four simple changes—using filtered water, choosing barista-approved milk, setting the right espresso-to-water ratio, and selecting the best beans—you can significantly improve the taste and quality of your coffee.

With just a few adjustments, you’ll be able to enjoy café-quality coffee in the comfort of your own home, saving money and savoring every sip. So, why not put these tips into practice and elevate your home coffee experience today?

Coffee at home not tasting right? 4 simple changes to make your coffee taste great at home