Why does my coffee taste metallic? (What makes coffee taste metallic? + more information
Have you ever been psyched up for a cup of coffee only to taste and find out it tastes metallic? You might have wondered, why does my coffee sometimes taste metallic? Read on to find out.
There are several reasons why coffee might taste metallic sometimes. Some common reasons include poor quality water and poor quality of the beans, among other reasons. I relate so well when you are craving a hot cup of coffee only to have it and find it tastes metallic. A few months ago, when I had just bought my espresso machine, I rushed to taste it because I was so excited to use it. I was really disappointed with the taste of the first coffee I brewed; it was unpleasant and metallic. I even thought my espresso machine was not working well. However, after several inquiries, I discovered I did not use the correct brewing method, and also, the metal ions in the coffee machine got absorbed in my drink. Keep reading to find out the reasons and what you should do.
Table of Contents
What makes coffee taste metallic?

Using water with chlorine/many minerals
The first and most common reason your coffee tastes metallic is because the water you are using during brewing has a lot of minerals and chloride. Hard water has high mineral concertation, often reflecting in your coffee’s weird metallic taste. Too much chlorine in your water also leads to a cup of coffee with a chemical or metallic taste.
Incorrect brewing method
Furthermore, an incorrect brewing method can also make your coffee taste metallic. This happens when you miss the optimum temperature and pressure that goes with the grind size of your coffee and end up over-extracting the coffee, which leaves the coffee with no flavor but a weird taste, sometimes one that tastes metallic.
Poorly cleaned coffee machine
A new coffee maker or a poorly cleaned coffee maker, or whatever brewing machine you are using, can lead to your drink having a metallic taste. When you use a coffee maker for the first time, your beverage might absorb the metal ions that are present hence resulting in a coffee with a metallic taste. This is similar to when you do not clean and rinse your brewing machine.
Poor-quality coffee beans
Other times, none of the above reasons is present except that your coffee beans are of poor quality. Therefore, if you want the most experience from your coffee, consider using high-quality beans made with less to no chemicals.
What should I do when my coffee tastes metallic?

The solutions to the above causes are pretty easy to fix as you can do them independently without requiring third-party assistance.
Use pure water
If you find out the issue is with water, switch to using pure water and watch the metallic taste disappear from your water. Also, always ensure your water does not have too much chlorine, as this can affect your coffee taste.
Adjust your brewing machine.
If you discover the issue is not with water but it is your brewing method, you can make a few adjustments depending on the grind size of the beans you have to ensure you are not over-extracting. If the brewing method is correct, you might want to inspect if the brewing machine is also okay.
Rinse your coffee machine thoroughly after cleaning.
Always ensure you rinse your espresso machine or coffee maker thoroughly with water when it is new or after cleaning to ensure it is free from residues or excess metal ions that can give your coffee a metallic taste. If all these are okay, then the issue might be the quality of your beans. Try using organic beans with fewer chemicals, and this might just fix the issue.
FAQ Section
How long does it take coffee to oxidize?
The oxidation process in coffee begins as soon as it is roasted. Your coffee will start losing its flavor gradually. However, after one month, you will notice a flavor loss in your coffee as it will have lost most acids, oils, and other compounds that help make its flavor profile.
What should coffee smell like?
The smell of coffee mostly depends on the coffee type and the roast of the coffee. Coffee has a wide taste range from fruity to burnt. However, most coffee should have a nutty, caramelized smell.
What should coffee taste like?
Good and high-quality coffee should have a robust, aromatic, and slightly bitter-sweet flavor that is accompanied by some fragrance.
Do I need a new coffee maker when my coffee starts tasting metallic?
Most of the time, you do not have to replace your coffee maker when your coffee starts tasting metallic. You can make a few changes, like adjusting your blender or ensuring it is clean before use. However, coffee tasting metallic does not mean you need a new coffee maker.
Is coffee that tastes metallic bad for you?
Depending on where your coffee has gotten the metallic taste from, it can be bad or safe for your health. For example, if your coffee tastes like metal because of over-extraction, that should not harm you in any way.
Should I drink coffee that tastes metallic?
You should only drink coffee that tastes metallic if you have established the source of the taste and you know it will not harm your health.