• Grinding too coarse: This is the #1 reason AeroPress coffee tastes watery. If your grind looks like breadcrumbs, it's too coarse.
• Steeping too short: A quick 30-second steep barely extracts anything. Give it at least 2 minutes.
• Using too little coffee: If you're using a heaping scoop that's actually less than 15 grams, you're under-dosing. Weigh it once to calibrate your scoop.
• Water too hot or too cold: Boiling water can over-extract and taste bitter; lukewarm water under-extracts and tastes weak. Aim for 85–95°C.
• Pressing too fast: A violent, quick press can channel water through the coffee unevenly. Press slowly, over 30 seconds.