Why can I not consistently make a good cup of coffee?

[Minimus]

I've tried all methods: grind beans or use ground, follow directions using how much coffee per ounce of water that the bag says or just guess and use how much looks right, use cold filtered water or use tap water. Sometimes it's too weak, sometimes too strong and sometimes it is perfect, but I never seem to be able to replicate what I have done it when it comes out perfect.

So every morning it is a surprise as to how my coffee will taste.

This morning it is so strong it is like espresso.:hangover: Yuck!

[ffm172]

1. drink tea

[Minimus]

8. I have tried switching to tea - I love Earl Grey, but it just doesn't do

it for me in the A.M. Gotta have coffee (psychological need maybe). Tea is great in the evening or when I have a cold.

[ffm172]

9. I used to drink coffee when I was younger

since some years I only drink coffee if absolutely necessary. In the morning when I come to work, one of the first things is making me a pot of tea. I love Jasmine tea. And it wakes me up as coffee would.

[BOSSHOG]

2. Same here

Nothing beats a good cup of Coffee in the morning but I seldom make two pots that taste the same. I think its the water. However, my Wife makes the coffee on the weekends and hers is always great. Maybe its a psychological thing; one can never be satisfied when one makes ones own coffee.

[ladeuxiemevoiture]

3. what

kind of coffee are you using? I get mine from a place that roasts to order, I grind it as I need it and use 1 heaping tablespoon of grounds per cup in a French press, pouring boiling water over grounds and steep for 3 minutes. Perfect every time.

[Minimus]

6. All kinds and brands - usually bird friendly coffee- shade grown...

I usually like the breakfast blend in most brands. When I get it right it is always a nice smooth flavor in the morning.

I have heard French press is the best way to make coffee. I use drip, maybe it is time for a change.

[ixion]

4. on a day that it comes out perfect

note how much coffee you used and make that your standard. From your description is seems that your major complaint is the strength of the coffee. :-)

[Minimus]

7. That is what I try to do but it never comes out the same way

:shrug:

[yvr girl]

5. Are you me?

I have the same problem.

[tjdee]

10. My problem is that it doesn't taste like D&D or Starbucks....

I never know what milky product to use...half and half, or what.
So it never tastes right... :( and I have to (I *have to*, I say!) buy some.

Further experimentation is needed, I guess.

Do you sometimes use filtered/spring water instead of tap water? My tap water tastes badly, so I never use it. Could that account for the difference, that sometimes you're using different water?

[Minimus]

11. Yep, use filtered water at times still inconsistent.

I read an article about making coffee some time back and I remember some of it's recommendations: cold filtered water, freshly ground beans and using a French press were the ones that come to mind.

I use drip and have tried every combination of water/coffee and it is always hit or miss.

It feels like the coffee I made this morning is eating a hole in my stomach. I feel sick and I don't want to work today. :cry:

[tjdee]

12. Mutant stomach eating coffee!

I use a drip too, maybe that's the problem.


Sorry about the sick feelings.... I've had that happen before and it is pretty crappy.

[radwriter0555]

13. What kind of coffee maker are you using?

The cone drips are far better than the basket drips. If you got a good cup from a basket drip, it was an accident.

I use a manual drip since I only make one cup at a time. 4-5 scoops, boiling water slowly poured through. I heat about 3 tablespoons of 1/2 n 1/2 in the coffee cup for 20 seconds before pouring the water through the filter/coffee.

And everyone who has ever had my coffee comes back for another cup... from miles away.

[Minimus]

15. I would walk a mile

for a good cup 'o joe.

I use the drip kind that has a caraffe so the coffee doesn't sit on the burner and my filter is the gold mesh re-usable round kind.

It is 2 in the afternoon and this thread discussing morning coffee should probably not get this kick, but I just had to reply.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

14. Simply put:

Use enough coffee. Get a measure, use one measure per cup and one to grow on. That's what I do, and people love my joe.

I also use a Krups with an activated charcoal filter in it. A good coffee maker is a necessary investment that will give you years of service.