Good coffee starts with a good coffee scale.
For coffee lovers and home baristas, precision is key when it comes to crafting the perfect pour-over or espresso. Even with experience, minute changes in water temperature and grind size can drastically alter the flavor of your morning coffee. That’s why investing in quality equipment, like a coffee scale, has become essential for those looking to upgrade their brew.
With advances in technology at every turn, navigating the market of digital kitchen scales dedicated to measuring precise doses of coffee grounds can be tricky.
Our comprehensive guide will provide you with all that you need to know before selecting the best coffee scale for your needs – from types and features to top brands out there! Read on for all our best advice so that you’re perfectly set up for successful java making endeavours each time.
Best Coffee Scales
In order to find the best coffee scale, we tested various models with and without timer. We checked the compatibility of these scales with coffee makers and rated them on 5 parameters, namely – ease of use, accuracy, build quality, waterproof, features, functions, and finally, value for money. You’ll find a rating section for each of the products below.
There are a variety of coffee scales available in the market. To help you choose the best coffee scale for your needs, we’ve rounded up the top 5 options.
Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale
The Hario Drip Scale is popular among coffee enthusiasts due to its compact size and precise measurements. This scale is specifically designed for brewing coffee using the V60 drip method. But a scale can also be used for other brewing techniques, especially for manual brewing methods like pour-over. There’s no doubt that Hario is the best coffee scale available on the market as of now.
Pros:
One of the beaut features of the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale is its precision. The scale has a capacity of up to 2000 grams and an accuracy of 0.1 grams. Therefore, the coffee scale measures small amounts of beans and water perfectly,
It also has a built-in timer, which can be started and stopped with the touch of a button. This is particularly useful for brewing pour-over coffee, where precise timing is key to achieving the perfect extraction.
In terms of design, the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale is small and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport. It has a sleek, minimalistic look, with a clear LED display that is easy to read. The scale also has a non-slip base, so it stays in place during use.
Cons:
One minor drawback of the Hario V60 Coffee Scale is that it requires two AAA batteries. Considering the price of the coffee scale, which is expensive, an addition of a rechargeable battery would have been great.
Many other coffee scales offer rechargeable batteries, and it’s useful. The battery life of a rechargeable scale is much better, and it cuts the hassle of buying batteries every now and then.
Brewista Smart Coffee Scale II
Brewista Smart Scale II sits perfectly between a cheap and expensive coffee scale. At the price point it comes, it offers functionality on a scale of 3 to 4 times more than its price. The rich features and affordable price makes it rank 2 in the list of best coffee scales for this year.
Pros:
In terms of precision, the Brewista Smart Coffee Scale II has a capacity of up to 2 kilograms and an accuracy of 0.1 grams. This makes it perfect for measuring out small amounts of both the coffee beans and water, ensuring that you get the perfect ratio every time.
The digital scale also has a tare function, which allows you to reset the scale to zero after adding each ingredient. This is especially useful when brewing coffee with multiple ingredients, as it allows you to measure each one individually easily.
The Brewista Smart Scale II also has a super-bright backlit LCD display, making it easy to read the measurements in every lighting condition. The scale is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, lasting up to 8-10 hours of continuous use. It also has a low battery indicator to let you know when it’s time to charge the battery.
Brewista digital coffee scale offers multiple modes. You’ll get a manual mode where no functionality runs automatically. Manual mode converts it to a regular food scale which you can use to weigh other ingredients.
Then, you’ve got a dedicated espresso mode and pour-over mode. Both these modes are programmed and know the ordered steps. Thus, making it fantastic coffee equipment that’ll save all the hassle.
Lastly, a silicone mat protects the scale’s body from regular wear and tear.
Cons:
The scale undoubtedly equips a lot of functionality but also makes it tricky to use. You’ll often find yourself referring to the manual to figure out the order of function.
One thing that can turn into a deal breaker is its slow response time. You’ll notice that adding more coffee beans takes a few seconds to display the weight.
Acaia Lunar Espresso Scale
Acaia scale is considered the Cadillac of coffee scale. And the Acaia Lunar Espresso scale is no exception. It is the ultimate coffee scale for espresso brewing, featuring a sleek design and many impressive features. The scale’s on-paper performance is exceptional; in most use cases, it delivers precisely what it claims.
Pros:
Starting with the design, the Acaia Lunar Scale is one of the most stylish scales. It has a sleek, modern look, a black-and-white finish, and an anodized aluminum structure.
Its laboratory-grade parts make it a perfect scale for home and commercial use. Features like auto-tare, water resistance, super fast 20ms response time, and built-in timers are standard.
What makes it different is the technologically advanced features like remote controls. Acaia Lunar has Bluetooth connectivity, letting you control it with your Android or iOS device.
Not just that, if you have a DE1 espresso machine, pair this scale with it and let the machine do all the magic.
Furthermore, you get an auto-off function, which is rare in smart coffee scales at this price point. This feature helps save battery life and ensures that the lithium-ion cell stays healthy for extended periods.
You’ll also get an impressive battery backup from this coffee scale. You can use it for up to 20 hours on a single charge.
Cons:
The 4×4 inches size is perfect to use on top of an espresso machine drip tray, but it struggles in other brewing processes. The small size makes it less versatile and limits its use to brewing espresso.
Due to its advanced features, it might not be suitable for people who prefer a raw experience. It will require some self-training to play with it.
The default Acaia app is not user-friendly, and you’ll need to download any third-party app to use all the features.
Timemore Black Mirror
Timemore Black Mirror, can easily become the right pick for the best coffee scale just based on its price. It costs less but doesn’t cut on any major features. Surprisingly, the company doesn’t have a long history in the West, but its value-for-money offering has made it sit with the kings.
Pros:
At first glance, you’ll question yourself, “Is it really a coffee scale with a timer? It doesn’t even have a display.” The look and design of this coffee scale are just magical. Until you turn it on, it’ll look like a black slate.
It’s sleek and has square edges, making it look different from most coffee scales in the coffee industry. But nobody wants just a scale anymore; everyone looks for functionality, and Timemore Black Mirror scale checks all the necessary requirements.
It has an industry-grade capacity with 2000 grams maximum limit and 0.1 g weighing resolution. There is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides decent performance.
Additionally, it comes with a super sturdy removable silicone mat that covers the entire high-grade plastic surface.
Using the scale is very simple because of features like auto-off and start and built-in timer. The lag-free performance lets you brew both espresso and excellent pour-over coffee without messing around for too long.
Cons:
This digital coffee scale isn’t waterproof but only water-resistant. So while a few splashes of some pour-over will not harm it, it might not handle too much of it.
This scale isn’t for you if you’re looking for digital coffee scales that offer Bluetooth connectivity.
Furthermore, you may notice some calibration issues. It may show latency if you don’t place the objects in the center.
Anpress Digital Coffee Scale
The Anpress Digital Coffee Scale is a budget-friendly option for coffee enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable and accurate scale.
Pros:
Not everyone is a pro coffee maker; some love experimenting with different coffee recipes. This scale is meant for them. Simple, elegant, purposeful, and affordable.
Yes, it’s a scale with timer, has a durable structure, and can handle weight up to an impressive range of 3000 g. But that’s not the highlighting part; it’s famous because of its ease of use.
It’s one of those no-frill coffee scales where you might not have all those fancy touches and feel, but they nail it when it comes to performance.
The Anpress coffee scales offer a large LED display with a blue background, and the built-in timer turns off automatically if not used for 2 minutes.
Cons:
As per its price, the cons don’t really seem like a big deal. But still listing them won’t harm, right? The biggest challenge for you will be changing the two AA batteries.
It does come with an anti-slip matt, but that doesn’t make it waterproof and may not make it ideal for brewing methods like pour-over. It can only handle splashes. However, it’s way better than Kitchentour Coffee Scale, which neither performs well nor looks good.
Why should you use a coffee scale?
Using a coffee scale takes your caffeine experience up several notches by perfectly calibrating each ingredient. This little addition to your coffee gear helps you achieve an optimal flavor balance and unlock your inner barista skillset.
The best part about coffee scales is their convenience for your brewing process. There are digital scales featuring a built-in timer, dual unit measurements, auto-off function, and more.
So make sure you’re measuring your coffee grounds – it will greatly improve every cuppa joe! But finding the correct scale isn’t a walk in the park. It requires prior knowledge about what to look for in a scale.
Measure weight accurately
When brewing coffee, the ratio of beans to water is crucial to getting the right flavor and strength. For starters, a coffee scale allows you to be much more precise in your measurements.
But let’s be real, how often do you measure out your beans and water with a measuring cup? Probably not very often. And even if you do, those measuring cups can be imprecise, leading to inconsistent results.
On the other hand, a scale allows you to get the perfect brew ratio, ensuring you get a consistently delicious cup of coffee every time.
Track timing
But it’s not just about the ratios – a coffee scale can also help you with timing. Many coffee brewing methods, like drip coffee, and espresso brewing, require precise timing to extract the flavors from the beans.
With a scale, you can easily keep track of how much water you’ve added and how long it’s been brewing. No more guessing and hoping for the best – a scale gives you the information you need to brew the perfect cup.
Avoid wastage
And let’s talk about money – who doesn’t love saving a little extra cash? Well, a coffee scale can help you with that. When using pre-ground coffee, it isn’t easy to know how much you’re adding.
The best coffee scales can help you measure exactly how much coffee you need, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run. Plus, if you’re using coffee grounds, a scale can help you determine how much coffee you need to grind for a specific amount of brewed coffee, allowing you to get the most out of your beans.
Save time
But it’s not just about saving money – a coffee scale can also help you save time. If you’re constantly fussing with measuring cups and scoopers, a scale can help streamline your coffee routine.
With a scale, you can measure all your ingredients in one go, saving you time and hassle. After all, who doesn’t want a few extra minutes in the morning to snooze the alarm or scroll through Instagram?
A good coffee scale means pleasurable coffee brewing experience
Finally, using coffee scales can make your coffee brewing experience more enjoyable. When you get the perfect cup of coffee every time, it’s a satisfying feeling that can enhance your morning routine.
Plus, with a scale, you can easily experiment with different ratios and brewing times to find the perfect combination for your taste buds. Who knows, you may even discover a new favorite brew!
How to decide which one is the best coffee scale for you?
We discussed the best coffee scales above, but some of you might still need more rationing. So, to help you out, here are the essential factors you can look for on a scale.
Accuracy: This is the most important factor in a coffee scale. You want a scale that accurately measures small increments, typically in grams. Look for a scale with a high resolution and minimal error.
Size: Do you have limited counter space in your kitchen? Consider a compact scale that won’t take up too much room. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space and plan on using your scale for other kitchen tasks, a larger scale might be more practical. The size of the digital scale will matter more if you’re using espresso machines to brew espresso. If you buy a large size scale, it will not fit on a drip tray of a compact espresso machine. Therefore, this factor can make or break your experience of brewing.
Features: Some coffee scales have extra features like a tare function or Bluetooth connectivity. Decide which features are important to you and whether they justify the added cost. However, I prefer a coffee scale with timer.
Price: Coffee scales range in price from under $20 to over $100. Determine your budget and find a scale that fits within it while still meeting your accuracy and feature needs.
Battery life: If you’re a casual coffee drinker, you can rule out this feature. But if you’re a coffeeholic who gets the daily kick from their coffee, you might want to choose one with longer battery life. A scale with a rechargeable battery will probably be the best option.
Remember, smart scales can make all the difference in your daily brew. It’ll help you find the perfect coffee-to-water ratio, so devote some time to researching it.
How to use a coffee scale?
Here’s how to use one like a pro:
- Place it on a flat, stable surface.
- Tare the scale by pressing the “tare” button or resetting it to zero.
- Grind the coffee beans and place an empty coffee vessel (e.g., mug, pour-over cone, espresso machine portafilter) on the scale.
- Tare the scale again to reset it to zero with the vessel on it.
- Add the ground coffee to the vessel until you reach the desired weight.
- Proceed with brewing, as usual, taking care to carefully measure out any additional ingredients (e.g., water, milk) as needed.
There you have it! Now yu may either use it to weigh the coffee grounds before you transfer them onto the coffee makers’ portafilter or place the scale on the drip tray and measure the weight of the brew as it trickles into the cup.
So while you brew coffee like a true pro, remember to calibrate your scale regularly to ensure accuracy.
Isn’t coffee scoop a better approach?
It’s certainly not a bad idea to use a scoop or spoon to measure out coffee beans. But it’s not the most accurate approach either. The scoop size can vary from brand to brand, and even a small difference in the number of coffee beans can significantly impact the taste of your brew. Even the same quantity of beans might weigh differently.
Plus, using a scoop means you can’t easily adjust the ratio of coffee to water if you’re trying to tweak your recipe. With an accurate coffee scale, you can easily adjust the ratio and measure out small increments to get the perfect cup of joe.
Should you buy a scale with timer?
Well, that really depends on how serious you are about your coffee! If you’re looking to brew a quick cup in the morning before rushing off to work, a scale with a timer might be a bit overkill.
But if you’re a coffee pundit who wants to ensure that each brew is perfectly timed to extract maximum flavor and sweetness, a built-in timer could be a game-changer.
Think of it this way: a scale with a timer is like having a personal barista standing by your side. It’ll count down the seconds and remind you when it’s time to pour, stir, or switch off the heat. It’s a little bit like having a sous chef in your kitchen, except instead of chopping vegetables, they’re helping you brew the perfect cup of coffee.
In short, a scale with a timer might not be necessary for everyone. But if a delicious coffee taste is your preference, buying a coffee scale with timer is totally worth it.
Parting words
Brewing a perfect cup of coffee is an art, and a scale is a tool you need to master it. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a beginner, the best coffee scale can make all the difference in the taste of your brew.
Therefore, use this guide to choose the best scale for your needs. Consider factors like accuracy, size, features, battery, and price to find the perfect scale for you.
Once you have it, you can experiment with different recipes, from pour-over coffee to Ristretto, until you find the perfect cup. So, good luck and bon brassage!
