The 11 Best Coffee Scales For Every Brewing Method

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Using a coffee scale will give you the precision and control you need to find the perfect flavor profile and the ability to make it consistently every day.

Since the amount of ground beans used per cup is significantly different with various brewing techniques, every gram of coffee under or overused can ruin the outcome.

This is why it’s essential to know which scales are the most precise and accurate.

This article will lead you to the ‘eleven best coffee scales’ and answer any question you may have to decide the best one for you.  

Why Do You Need A Scale To Brew Coffee?

Coffee is all about consistency. A gram more of ground beans can ruin your shot or too much water can lighten the taste. Coffee scales will weigh water, ground beans, and will also provide you the luxury of a timer. 

An in-built-timer is a gem for people who enjoy pour-overs because those cups are all about pouring the right amount of water in the right amount of coffee at the right time. All of this can be done with a single, small device called coffee scales. 

They give you many excellent features at a very reasonable rate:

• Precision: They come with 0.1-0.8g of accuracy. The increments will show you every 0.1g of change while measuring. For example, (10.1g, 10.2g, 10.3g…)
• Consistency: You will notice the consistency of your regular morning coffee. Unlike the scoop measurement that gave you a different taste each morning, coffee scales will provide you with the same taste, texture, and aromas. That is, Your coffee’s taste won’t depend on guesswork. You’ll know exactly how much coffee and water to use to brew your favorite cup.
• Conservation: You’ll be ensured that you are not grinding more than you need. It will conserve a lot of your coffee, saving you money in the long run.
• Multi-tasking: It can also perform well as a kitchen scale; you can measure your dietary intake, kitchen items, bake, and weigh! 
• Speed: You wouldn’t need to use your phone as a timer while brewing pour-overs, French Press, Espresso. Also, measuring water through volume is time-consuming. With a scale, you can pour the water you need without the guesswork. 

1. Timemore’s Black Mirror (Best Digital Coffee scale)

This sleek black model offers you an accuracy of 0.1grams. Timemore can weigh 0.5-2000grams. The black mirror has an affordable price tag, especially since it comes with a timer. 

Timemore’s design fits beautifully on your kitchen counter, and its size can adjust pour-over coffees as well as the espresso.

This model comes with a digital display and has a 1600maH battery giving you 10 hours of functionality. Moreover, the lithium battery is a type-C rechargeable. 

Timemore’s digital display has a tare button on the right, a battery indication on the top, and a timer on the left. It competes with Acaia’s model for a much lower price and outstanding functions.

The Acaia has been considered the premier coffee scale for a long time, and I think the Timemore will end up surpassing it.

If you are looking for a simple scale that does what it’s deemed to, Timemore is the best option in the market for you. It’s easy to operate, doesn’t fluctuate, gives you a timer, and looks stylish. 

Pros

• This is very precise, and it allows you to test different brewing methods. 
• Not expensive compared to Acacia’s pearl and Lunar (range somewhere between $200-$250).
• Timemore comes in two colors and only weighs 380grams. 
• It’s scratch resistant. 

Cons

• The buttons are super sensitive and might disturb your scale’s readings while brewing. 
• It’s thick for some espresso machines, and you might need to remove the trays for it to adjust.  

Brand	TIMEMORE
Item Weight	0.5 Kilograms
Item Dimensions LxWxH	7.4 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches

2. Coffee Gator

Another superior coffee scale design with a matte black finish, digital backlight display, and a handy loading tray.

It comes to you at a meager price. Coffee gator is a multifunctional scale complementing any kitchen. 

It can weigh from 0.003 grams to 3000 grams on a slip-resistant, heat-resistant rubber matt, and has rubber feet to keep it from moving.

The digital pad includes a scrolling button that gives you various weighing options; ounces, pounds, gram, and milli-liter.

It also comes with a power button and a tare button on the right. You will find the timer and weighing units on the left. The digital display is big and includes the timer and weight reading. 

Pros

• The readings are accurate, and you can use them to weigh foods and coffee. 
• It comes with a loading tray, and the size can adjust for different size carafes for various brewing methods, including pour-overs, espressos, french press, etc. 
• It’s durable.
• The cover protects your scale from heat and water.
• The coffee gator allows you to zero the reading with a built-in tare button without turning the whole unit off. 

Cons

• Slow responses. It might take a couple of seconds to show results initially and along the whole brewing process. 
• It might be too big for your espresso machines. (You can weigh the beans for your espresso if not the timer.)
• You might need to tare it down to zero instead of incorporating new changes. For instance, if you want to add/remove extra coffee, it might not show changes in the readings. You can quickly resolve this issue by resetting the machine to zero. 

Brand	Coffee Gator
Material	Plastic, aluminum
Weight Limit	6.6 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	7.48 x 5 x 1.18 inches

3. Oxo

If you’re looking for a stylish option, OXO will sit beautifully on your kitchen counter or coffee bar. .

Its sleek, black model has a tilted digital design that separates your weighing scale from the touch system. 

It can accommodate pour-over coffees with an accurate timer and scale reading (between 0.1g-0.5g). You don’t need to wait with the OXO scale; it gives you a precise and accurate reading right away. 

It’s equipped with 4AAA batteries, a heat-resistant and water-resistant pad that protects your glass scale. Unlike other brands, the OXO Precision scale has an optional shutdown timer. 

OXO can hold up to 3kgs of weight, making it an all-rounder kitchen scale. You can bake and brew with accuracy. For its expensive build, OXO isn’t as expensive as the Acacia. 

Pros

• The measuring units have many varieties; g, g/ml, ml, kg. 
• Easy to clean and easy to read digital settings. 
• The company provides a refund if you are not satisfied with the product.
• You can tare the scale without turning off the system. 

Cons

• The multifunctionality of the device can get confusing; make sure to read the manual
• Its glossy surface is plastic and not glass, which welcomes dents and scratches.
• The touch controls are sensitive. 

Brand	Oxo
Material	Plastic
Weight Limit	6 lbs
Item Dimensions LxWxH	9.88 x 7.99 x 1.69 inches

4. Brewista

Brewista is an affordable option with minimal features but a functional scale. It has an accuracy of 0.1 grams and can weigh up to 2000 grams. (0.1g for 1000grams and 1g for 2000grams.)

It also has a decent build with a circular scale featuring LCD blue lights. The scale has four physical buttons; the start/stop button and reading units at the left—Tare button and switch on the right. 

The circular tray scale is made of stainless steel, and its body is white. For an entry-level choice, Brewista offers you basics at a reasonable price. 

Pros

• Inexpensive.
• It comes with a stopwatch.
• Minimal but functional. 
• The button system allows quick actions compared to the touch system. 

Cons

• Slow responses (not too slow)
• The material is light-weighted and needs a lot of care. 
• It’s not water-resistant. 
• Minimal options but very user friendly. 

Brand	Brewista
Material	Plastic/stainless steel
Weight Limit	4.5 lbs
Item Dimensions LxWxH	9.2 x 7.2 x 1.7 inches

5. Huismart [best Pour Over Coffee scale]

Another budget-friendly yet multifunctional option is the Huismart.

It’s bigger than most models with button controls and a timer, a tare, an attachable mat. This unit can measure in pounds, ounces, gm, g/ml, ml. 

It’s a compact model and weighs only 480gms with a capacity to weigh 6.6lbs (3kgs) Huismart comes with a soft-blue LCD that notes time and reading unit.

You can use this for coffee and as a kitchen scale as well. It also comes with a weighing tray.

It comes with 1.5V 2AAA batteries. The size is impressive and can hold any size carafe, pour-over, or french press.

It has an accuracy of 0.1g while measuring 200gms, 0.5g while measuring 200-500grams, 1g while measuring 500-3000gms. 

The machine is fast and doesn’t lag while functioning. It changes increments quickly and doesn’t fluctuate while operating.

Unlike other coffee scales, you don’t need to restart Huismart to add changes; it will show results instantly.

Pros 

• The auto-timer shuts down after 5 minutes of inactivity, saving battery. 
• You can tare the scale to zero without turning it off. 
• The machine comes with a silicone pad that protects your plate from heat and water and is also easy to use. 
• The silicon pad is easy to clean.

Cons

• The LCD light turns off automatically (restarts automatically as well), but it can be a troublesome mid-brewing process. 
• The blue LCD might blur the digits. The digits are comparatively small as well, and it can be hard to read them. 

Brand	HuiSmart
Material	Plastic
Readout Accuracy	0.1g g
Weight Limit	6.6 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	7.87 x 5.12 x 1.18 inches

6. Hero

This didn’t get the best reviews on Amazon but if you look at them a lot don’t have anything to do with the product but complain about the shipping.

We didn’t have any problems and found the Hero to have many qualities that aren’t found in other scales.

It’s a similar model to Timemore but has a glass scale body and visual LED display. The Hero comes with a silica gel pad that protects your plate from heat and water. 

The cross-border has a capacity of 5kg, making it a kitchen-worthy device because it weighs coffee and heavy kitchen products. You can brew, bake, and scale with this beauty. 

The Hero has an accurate reading of 0.1 grams for the scale and 0.1 seconds for the timer.

It also comes with an automatic timer. You can start this timer by long-pressing M (a touch-option) for three seconds and set your timer to 3-4-5 minutes.

It has an automatic preset of 3 minutes for pour-overs. 

They’re also great for all sorts of brewing methods. It can support two ditches, two-shot mugs, french press, Aeropress, etc. 

It’s powered by a 1200maH lithium battery that has a life of 48 hours. The machine also indicates a low battery (under 20%) with a red light. 

Pros

• It has four scaling units; grams, ml, oz, lb. 
• You can adjust the weighing measurement from 3kg to 5kgs. 
• Adjust the timer up to 8 minutes!
• The water drop button above the scale’s reading will let you set an auto-timer. (Read the manual to understand auto timers options)
• Hero provides black and white models at the same price. 

Cons

• The timer has a threshold of 6-7 grams of initial weight. It won’t start with zero. 
• Sometimes, the machine weighs without any physical touch (Bizarre!) All you have to do is hit the Zero button to fix it.

Brand	Hero
Material	Plastic
Readout Accuracy	0.1g g
Weight Limit	11 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	9.65 x 8.19 x 1.65 inches

7. Eravasow

This has a similar model to Brewista’s; it has a black body that holds the button topped with a stainless steel weighing scale. It also comes with a heat-resistant rubber mat to protect the overall device. 

The orange backlit LCD screen reads the timer at the left and the measurement at the right. You can also convert the units by g, g//ml, ml, etc.

Eravasow can hold up to 3kgs and has an accuracy of 0.1 up to 500gms, 0.5 gms for 500-1000gms, and 1g for 1000-3000gms. 

The multifunctions include a tare control, low battery indication, overflow indication, auto stuff off, and 2AAA batteries. The maximum timer for auto-shutoff is 5 minutes. 

Other unique features of Eravasow are non-slip feet and a hanger. You can hang Eravasow anywhere in the kitchen. Unlike the Brewista model, Eravasow is more compact, looks elegant, and is cheaper. 

Pros

• You can bake, brew, measure other grocery products for precise cooking. 
• The simple tare-button quickly sets to zero while functioning. 
• The silicone pad is comfortable to remove and clean. It also protects the metal surface. 

Cons

• You need to reset the timer before switching off the device, or it will continue to operate. 
• Slow responses.
• The readings might fluctuate while making changes in the coffee. 

Brand	ERAVSOW
Material	Stainless_steel
Item Weight	10.5 Ounces
Weight Limit	6.6 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	7.7 x 6.1 x 1.15 inches

8. Felicita [Best Coffee Scale For Espresso]

I would’ve liked to put his higher on the list, but from experience, I know that a lot of people don’t love smart scales since you have to set an app up, and they do cost a bit more than you’re normal scale.

If you don’t mind needing a little technical know-how and like having as many bells and whistles as possible, this smart scale is the best on the market.

If you are looking for one that is designed for espresso shots, Felicita will sit perfectly on your espresso machine, holding two small cups. Its compact, black design compliments your over-the-top espresso machine. 

Felicita has a unique oval model that’s rare in other coffee scales. Its body is aluminum and water-resistant. You can operate the device without fear of water or heat. 

It comes with Bluetooth connectivity and still doesn’t charge as much as Acaia’s models. You can easily connect with Felicita’s mobile app (android and iOS). 

The app and Felicita’s minimal construct gives you a built-in-timer, auto switch off and switch on, auto tare, measurement of your pour’s speed. Felicita comes with a rechargeable lithium battery that can function for 20 hours. 

Pros 

• Felicita gives you a one year warranty and easy return. The customer service is responsive and genuinely helps the customers. 
• Also, the accuracy of 0.1g and precision shows up in a split-second.
• The sleek design allows free adjustment under the group head. 

Cons

• These smart brands can have buggy interactions, especially if you don’t take the time to read the manual and set it up correctly.
• Although it’s cheaper than Acaias, it’s still expensive.
• It is not big enough for giant cups. 

Brand	Felicita
Material	Aluminum
Item Weight	1 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	6 x 5 x 4 inches

9. Etekcity Food Scale [Best Kitchen Scale For Coffee]

Etekcity is your stainless steel all-in-one kitchen scale with a length of 7.3 inches. The tare option allows you to subside the container’s weight with an accuracy of 1g.

This sleek, minimal aluminum-colored design comes with a big LCD screen that measures time and readings. 

AAA batteries power it. The stainless steel is of food-grade quality, allowing you tension-free measuring.

It not only weighs coffee, but it also can be used to weigh food when baking, measures small items, kitchen products, etc. 

Etekcity also comes with a non-slip pad to save you from dangerous slips. The measuring options are oz, lb oz, fl oz, g, ml. 

Pros

• Its height is only 0.8 inches and can be stored easily. 
• The device is very accurate, and tare’s functionality is commendable. 
• Etekcity has a capacity of 5kg, making it kitchen-friendly. 
• It’s affordable.
• The backlit LCD stays lit for 30 seconds and then automatically shuts off to save battery. 
• The device automatically shuts off after 2 minutes of inactivity. 
• Great customer service

Cons

• The LCD dims out pretty fast, making it difficult to continue weighing. 
• Clicking buttons disturb the readings and might take a few seconds to relocate or might as well need a restart. 
• It’s not water-resistant. 
• The internal parts are mostly plastic, so don’t drop it.

Brand	Etekcity
Material	304 Stainless Steel
Item Weight	7.04 Ounces
Readout Accuracy	1 Grams
Weight Limit	11 Pounds

10. Ozeri [Best Cheap coffee scale]

Another sleek, round model with an updated Digital screen is the Ozeri food scale. It comes in seven different colors and at a significantly lower price. 

It not only weighs coffee beans but also measures food and kitchen items. Ozeri can weigh upto 5kgs with an accuracy of 1gram. 

You can change the units to g/lbs/lbs:oz, oz, ml. Its minimal design is easy to operate with essential features, including a tare button on the right and a unit button on the left.

The updated version of this scale has a bigger weighing platform and a button system to read the measurements.

2AAA batteries power Ozeri. The device automatically shuts down after 2 minutes of inactivity. The tare button also automatically subtracts the container’s weight from the actual reading. 

Pros

• Unlike other cheaper option, Ozeri gives instant readings. 
• Easy to clean and easy to use. 
• Consistent results with every use. 
• Affordable and accurate. 

Cons

• The display is not backlit. 
• It lacks a power button, which can be confusing.
• The top is plastic, and the colors might not match the photos. If you prefer metal or glass material, this model is not for you. 
• The build is not sturdy. 
• It’s not water-resistant.
• It doesn’t come with a timer.  
• You might need to bend down to read the measurement when measuring a bigger container. 

Brand	Ozeri
Material	Polycarbonate
Item Weight	5.6 Ounces
Weight Limit	11.24 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	8.25 x 1.75 x 6 inches

11. Apexstone

Apexstone is another great bargain with a sleek-black body. This model comes with a silicone pad that protects your device from heat and water spills—four multifunctional buttons for easy operation. 

The tare and power button are on the right side. On your left are the unit option and the timer.

This Apexstone can measure 3kgs of weight and has an accuracy of 0.1grams. It comes with five measuring units- LB, G, G/ML, OZ, ML. 

The device is non-slip and comes with a hanger hole for easy storage. The silicone pad is also removable and easy to clean. The display has a blue backlit LCD powered by 2AAA batteries. 

Pros

• It has the longest available timer giving you an hour of flexibility with coffee. 
• The readings are quick and show instant measurements.
• Affordable and very cheap for its multifunctional features.

Cons 

• The tare fluctuates while adding or removing weights. 
• The size is too big for an espresso machine. 

Brand	Apexstone
Material	Polycarbonate
Item Weight	5.6 Ounces
Weight Limit	6.24 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	9 x 6 x 2 inches

Question To Ask Before Buying A Coffee Scale?

A good coffee scale can make your coffee exceptional but a cheap inaccurate model will ruin it.

Its features should include a timer, auto shut down, digital readout, quality material, etc.

An uninformed purchase will be a waste of money; thus, so ask these questions before purchasing. 

Is It Digital?

The two types are digital and analog. An analog scale is round in shape, has multiple readings on display and an arrow in the center. This arrow fluctuates and indicates the weight. 

Coffee measurement usually needs two decimal places to provide an accurate weight. Unfortunately, a non-digital scale can only ever point the arrow between 1-2 grams. 

Analog scales take a lot of effort and patience while measuring an item. Your display will have fumbled measurements, all sized down to fit on the screen.

On the other hand, the digital version will give you an exact reading right away and will give you a reading within two decimal places, giving you a 0.1-gram accuracy. 

Make sure you buy a digital, LED/LCD model with a backlight to read the measurement with ease. 

Is It Accurate Within Two Decimals?

Coffee’s consistency can highly depend upon the accuracy of your scale. Does it measure in grams, milliliters, pounds, ounces, etc.? Does it give you one decimal place or two decimal places?

For example, 0.1grams is a one-decimal place, and 0.01grams is two decimal places. Please note: 0.1gms is 0.003 ounces and 0.0002 pounds. Most of the coffee scales mentioned in this list are 2-3 decimal places when measuring in pounds and ounces. 

So, even if your coffee scale features 1gm increment, it is good to go, has excellent accuracy, and will brew you a consistent cup. Fortunately, most of the over-the-top and entry-level coffee scales come with 0.1g precision. 

How Big Is The Coffee Scale?

Every different brewing method will demand a different scale size, this is why size matters a lot.

For example, an espresso machine will ask for a compact, sleek design that can sit perfectly on the tray without obstructing the group head. 

The height of a coffee scale should be slim, and its surface area should be longer to accommodate two espresso shots, a carafe, pour-over, french press, or an oversized coffee mug. 

Comparitevity, a pour-over coffee apparatus will require a sturdy and bigger coffee scale to adjust appropriately without hiding the digital display. 

In any case, if you prefer trying different brewing methods, it’s best to buy a bigger yet slimmer model.

A bigger coffee scale will weigh more weight for you and come in handy for baking and measuring other kitchen products. 

Fortunately, many coffee scale manufacturers focus on creating an all-around device, and you will find many sleek, thin, long designs at a very cheap rate.

Does It Have A Tare Button That Resets To Zero

A tare button resets measurement back to zero, even with a container on the weighing surface.

That is, a tare button will allow you to put a container without including its weight in your readings. 

For example, after turning on the device, you will use a box on top of the scale to measure the coffee beans/pre-ground coffee. 

A container/portafilter will inevitably weigh on the machine. The tare button will reset this weight to zero, i.e., it will cancel out the container’s weight from your coffee’s weight. 

All the mentioned entry-level/over-the-top coffee scales in this list come with a tare button to reset the readings. The Tare button might fluctuate for a couple of seconds, but it usually works well. 

Many minimalistic designs combine the power button and the tare button. A tare button is a must in your coffee scale because it allows you to use a container, direct portafilter, espresso mugs, oversized coffee mugs, manual brewing coffee makers without weighing them. 

What Types Of Battery It Uses

An entry-level model will be equipped with replaceable AAA battery types, but a smart coffee scale will come with a rechargeable lithium battery.

Both the battery types- rechargeable and replaceable are efficient in their own terms and conditions.

Non-Rechargeable Batteries

A coffee scale with a replaceable alkaline battery is convenient while traveling.

These batteries don’t need electricity to function, and you can stock them in abundance for trips and journeys.

The right coffee scale will come with efficient batteries that will power the unit for the long run. 

• Non-rechargeable batteries will support the backlight LCD screen, digits, and timer. 
• Replaceable batteries will offer you minimal or essential functions. 
• Non-rechargeable batteries can support low-drain devices, i.e., devices that do not need much energy to operate. 

Rechargeable batteries

On the other hand, a rechargeable coffee scale will have more features like Bluetooth connectivity, multifunctional options.

You don’t need to stock batteries. A single USB cable will charge your coffee scale in no time. 

• Rechargeable batteries have a life expectancy of 2-3 years, comparatively much higher than your non-rechargeable battery that will retire every 1-2 months. 
• Although you cannot depend on rechargeable batteries for trips and journeys, once you power them, they will continue to operate for 10-12 hours or even 24 hours at max. 
• It supports high-drain devices for an extended period. 
• It has a beautiful design with advanced technology. 

Your choice can highly depend on the portability of the device. campers and RV users are the biggest fit for a portable scale.

If you don’t travel that much with your coffee, rechargeable options will last longer. 

Is It Water-Resistant?

A water-resistant scaling pad is a must while looking for a coffee scale unless you do not brew or bring liquid close to the scale. 

Spill accidents are pretty common on the kitchen countertop or while brewing, especially when the pour-over is sitting right on top of the scale. A mild spill can kill your coffee scale if it isn’t water-resistant. 

Advanced/smart coffee scales come with a complete water-resistant digital pad. On the other hand, a cheaper product will protect the device with a silicone/rubber pad. 

These silicone/rubber pads are heat-resistant and water-resistant. You can easily attach, remove, clean them.

While brewing, make sure the spills are on the rubber pad and not the digital screen. 

A plastic-exterior is more prone to getting water in the system. If your kitchen is prone to accidents, it’s best to buy a heavy-bodied coffee scale.

Does It Have An Auto Shut-Off? 

The auto-shutoff feature automatically switches off the power after 2-5 minutes of inactivity to save battery. The real question is, would you want an auto shut-off feature on your coffee scale?

Many people do not prefer it because it can be bothersome and might inactivate it between the brewing process.

Nevertheless, many average models are installed with customized auto-timers. You can turn off the auto-piloting mode if you want to. 

Auto shut-off saves the battery life and functions for a longer time. Many AAA battery-driven machines often dim the LCD backlight as well to reduce power consumption. 

Does The Style Fit Your Brewing Methods And Your Kitchen Use

Luckily, many entry-level models have a sleek design with a matte/gloss finish.

They are usually black or white in color (You might find silver color in some cheaper scales.) Some models are also bent to view the digital pad more accurately.

What style should you look for?

• Does it suit your brewing apparatus or carafe(We’ll discuss that ahead)
• Do you want a slim or heavy version for kitchen use? 
• Touch system or button controls? The touch system might get flimsy and confuse you with the directions. Button controls function with a click, and you can better feel its functionality. 
• LCD and LED digital pad. 
• Backlight LCD color (blue, green, orange, etc.) to view the readings. 
• Minimal/basic options or multifunctionality. 
• Is the body plastic, metal, or glass?

Is It Good For Overall Kitchen Use Or Just For The Coffee? 

A model only meant for coffee will be more delicate than an overall kitchen scale because coffee weighs in lesser quantity. Fortunately, most of the present-day options can weigh 3-11 lbs of weight. 

Kitchen scales are usually bulkier compared to espresso scales because they need more coverage to weigh items.

If you want the scale for an espresso machine, it might not help your kitchen weighing demands because espresso requires smaller scales. 

On the other hand, pour-over coffee scales have a bigger weighing space that allows you to weigh other kitchen items as well (dough, floor, veggies, meat, etc.)

A smart coffee scale will more likely be designed for coffees only, but a basic coffee scale will meet your high kitchen weighing demands. 

If you are looking for a multipurpose coffee scale, 

• Make sure it weighs 3-11 lbs.
• It should be heavily-built, and the material shouldn’t be cheap (it should either be metal or glass to support the weight)
• A coffee-kitchen scale should also be bigger. 
• It should have multiple measuring units (g, ml, g/ml, etc.) to process different kitchen items. 

How Precise Is It?

Precision and accuracy are needed while brewing your coffee. The perfect coffee-water ratio will require a high-precision coffee scale.

What exactly is a high-precision coffee scale?

A coffee scale that has a 0.1g-1g increment will give you the perfect accuracy. 

The increment is the addition/ increase of weight on a fixed scale. 0.1g increment is the indication that your coffee scale notes an increase of 0.1g, which is very precise. 

Please note: Despite the weighty argument of two decimal places of precision, every coffee lover should know that even the highest-quality scale will fluctuate at times. It’s normal for the scale to give different readings sometimes, fluctuate, tare improperly, etc. 

Every technical device, no matter how precise, will have errors.

Look for a coffee scale that gives you 0.1g accuracy under 500gms of weight.

Coffee/kitchen scales will increase the increment to 1-2grams when weighing something heavier.

When you weigh something more than 500g on the scale, it will naturally give you an increment of 1g notes. 

Is A Timer Necessary In Your Coffee Scale?

Yes, extra features never hurt!

A built-in-timer will resolve many daily deeds of your coffee making rituals. The truth is, every brewing method needs a precise time to extract the perfect flavors.

Even manual/semi-automatic espresso shots need 25-30 seconds for the perfect extraction. 

Using your phone to note the time every morning can get hectic because:

• You cannot use your phone for any other important business with the timer on. 
• Mobile phones can distract you by calls and messages. 

You can simply place the brewing machine/maker on top of the tray and start the timer.

Many of them also come with a stopwatch that you can set for pour-over coffees.

A built-in-timer also allows you to experiment with different time extraction; play around with the time to find your perfect taste. 

Can You Use a Kitchen Scale To Weigh Coffee?

As a matter of fact, yes, you can.

Since coffee is a part of your grocery/food list and is certainly a kitchen product, a kitchen scale can and will weigh coffee efficiently.

The real question is how precise its accuracy is? 

Many manufacturers invest time in precision scales of 0.1gram, which is considered accurate for brewing coffee.

Kitchen scales might not have a 0.1 g increment, but it lies somewhere between 0.5g-0.8g or sometimes a whole gram precision.

If you are an experienced barista and precision is vital to you, I’d suggest going with a quality coffee scale rather than a kitchen scale.

A coffee scale will do what it’s designed for more efficiently than a kitchen scale. 

But if you are OK with 0.5g-1g of precision and you do want to weigh other things like baked goods, loaf, dough, veggies, diet plan, daily doses of chocolates, etc., go with a kitchen scale. 

What’s The Difference Between A Kitchen Scale And A Coffee Scale?

The significant difference between both of the devices is the precision and accuracy in grams.

A coffee scale will give you high-precision in two decimal places. While a kitchen scale might or might not give you 0.1g increments, their precision lies somewhere between 0.5-1grams. 

What is a kitchen scale?

A digital/analog scale that weighs your kitchen/food items on a bigger platform is called a kitchen scale. A kitchen scale gives you minimal/basic weighing and taring features, nothing more and nothing less than that. 

Kitchen scales have a wide variety of shapes, sizes, models, and designs. You will find bigger (almost like a telephone) kitchen scale or even thin like a notebook.

There are many inviting colors while choosing a kitchen scale (most-popular ones are silver, white (expensive) black)  

If you want to purchase an aesthetic scale, analog kitchen scales still exist. While they might not give 1-2 decimals of accuracy, they will compliment your kitchen beautifully. 

Other than precision, kitchen and coffee scales also differ in:

• Price: Smart coffee scales can reach bewildering prices as compared to kitchen scales. 
• Size: While there are many shapes and sizes for the kitchen scales, an average kitchen scale will be bigger than an entry-level coffee scale. 
• Built-in-timer: kitchen scales will not give you a timer. On the other hand, every coffee scale is equipped with one. 

Are Smart Scales Worth The Money?

The answers can highly depend on the individual’s personal choice. Some would treasure the additional features and elegance smart scales provide while brewing. 

Nonetheless, these features can get expensive.

Even if you have an open budget, anything beyond $100 for measuring coffee seems too much. Regardless, if you are willing to pay the amount for smart scales, nothing should stop you. 

What Are Smart Coffee Scales?

Very similar to smartphones, a smart scale also does many automatic functions for you. 

Its Bluetooth connectivity feature connects the scale with your phone and stores your progress and readings.

The apps will allow you to record and share recipes, control the tare and timer. 

Please note: Although the app feature is a rich idea to progress the coffee industry, these apps only ever provide you minimalistic options, they lack advancement. The whole interface can be weak, and these apps bug a lot. 

Some over-the-top brands like Acaia will give you multiple mobile applications; you can find new recipes every day; you can create new recipes, etc., with these apps. 

Is it worth the money?

My personal opinion believes some actions are meant to be done manually, and brewing coffee, setting the timer, the tare function isn’t rocket science. The functions are still pretty basic and nothing that you cannot manually enjoy. 

The smart scale isn’t worth the money because: 

• The apps are not advanced but only perform basic functions. 
• Although it’s smart, they will only perform automatic tare/shutdown/stopwatch. To be honest, you don’t need to pay $200+ for an automatic tare. You can tare them manually and quickly. 

Why Is It Bad To Use A Scoop?

A Scoop measures the beans/coffee in volume. Meanwhile, a coffee scale will measure your beans in weight. Volume and weight have a lot of difference. 

By definition, the volume is the amount of space an item covers. On the other hand, weight is the density.

To better explain things, imagine 1kg of iron block and, next to it, 1kg of cotton. Both of these items have the same weight (1kg), but they occupy different spaces.

While iron is dense, it will suffice in a small box, but cotton will take more space, at least one full bag. Thus, both of these have different volumes. 

When measuring coffee, we need its actual mass, and the scoop will only ever provide you with volume.

Pre-ground coffee is powder and always has space and gaps in between. When you scoop pre-ground coffee, you are leaving a lot of air inside the coffee. 

Also, every coffee bean has a different density and, thus, different weights. You might think this scoop full of beans is 50 grams, but there may be empty pockets inside with much less weight than what appears from the outside. 

What Is The Best Ratio Of Water To Grind For Making Coffee?

Coffee taste has always been a personal preference.

There is never a single taste to satisfy all. The variety and coffee’s richness always bring unique experiences. Some folks like their coffee dark, others like their coffee sweet.

This is what makes coffee so unique.

You don’t have to confide in a single taste because being a barista is all about trying new flavors and new coffee ratios. Anyways, every brewing method requires different water to grind ratio. 

Espresso Shots: Water to grind ratio

A guideline for espresso coffee is 1:1. If you pour 20grams of grind, your machine will give you 40grams of an espresso shot. 

• Espresso shot water to grind ratio- 1:1 (1g of coffee to 1g of water) 
• Ideal extraction time- 20-25 seconds. 

French Press: Coffee to water ratio

The standard coffee to water for a french press is 1:14.

Every one gram of coarse coffee to 14 grams of water will brew delicious french press. Of course, you can play with these ratios.

For a darker french press, try the ratios between 1:10-1:13. For a lighter french press, try 1:15-1:18. 

To extract the perfect french press from the coarser grind, allow the coffee to sit in the water for 4-5 minutes. Increase the time for a darker extraction and decrease the time for a lighter coffee. 

• Water to ground ratio- 1:14
• Extraction time- 4 minutes-5 minutes

Pour Over: Coffee to water ratio.

The standard ratio for a pour-over mug will be 1:10. That is 10 grams of coffee to 100 grams of water. You can modify the taste by adjusting the water in your pour-over. Some people prefer a ratio of 1:15 and 1:20 as well.

Try all three combinations to find your perfect flavor. 

Pour-over coffee is all about pouring water into the coffee and letting it rest for extraction. Four timed pours will brew you a perfect mug. 

• The first pour: Add water to the dry pre-ground coffee just enough to soak(50-60 grams of water). Allow it to rest for 30 seconds. 
• The second pour: Add more water (depending on your darker/lighter coffee taste, add 90grams+/-). Let it rest for another minute. 
• The third pour: Add 100 grams of water and allow it to rest for 20 seconds until the next pout.
• Last and the final pour: Add another 100 grams of water to the pot and rest for 20 seconds. 

Thus the ideal timing for a pour coffee is 2-2.30 minutes with breaks in between. The above chart is for 30 grams of coffee and 300-350 grams of water. 

Other brewing techniques: Coffee to water ratio

• Aeropress- Water To Coffee Ratio: One gram of coffee to 17 grams of water brews you the perfect Aeropress cup. The ideal timing for an Aeropress coffee extraction is 1.10 minutes. Don’t forget to use the coffee scale for weight and time precision.
• Turkish coffee: 1:10-1:12 until boiled. 
• Moka Pot: Its ratio is 1:7-1:9 coffee to water ratio. Brew until boiled. 
• Cold brew: 1:17-1:20

Are You Supposed To Measure Grinds Or Whole beans

Every experiment that you’ll conduct by measuring grinds and whole beans will highly vary in the results because every bean that you’ll come across is different.

If you know anything about beans, you’d know different roasts have different weights. 

A light-roasted bean would be light-weighted and light-bodied compared to a dark-roasted bean.

Dark-roasted beans are fuller and enriched with many oils and fats. A low-quality bean will always have a lower weight. 

So, it’s best to choose whole beans correctly and weigh them before grinding.

Even though people mention it, not a lot is lost while grinding. Sure, there will be static ground on the grinder walls and the mug, but it wouldn’t be a significant weight issue and difference. 

Weighing both the whole beans and the ground coffee won’t hurt. You will have the perfect accuracy and complete knowledge of the ratio.

How To Use A Coffee Scale For Different Brews

Weighing coffee beans isn’t rocket science. You put the container on the coffee scale, tare the machine to zero. Put the coffee beans in the box, and voila, you are done!

The real game is when you use the timer on the coffee scale for brewing different coffees.

The rule of thumb is to put the brewing apparatus on the coffee scale and start the timer. 

While most brewing methods like Aeropress, pour-over, french press filter coffees will stand on the top of the coffee scale, machines like espresso makers will have a small space between the group head and the cup tray to adjust the coffee scale.

So, how to adapt and to use the coffee scale for different brewing techniques?

Drip Coffee

Please don’t confuse drip coffees with pour-over coffees.

Pour over coffees are manually brewed coffee while drip coffee machines are mostly automatic, giving you zero action to add flavor and texture. 

That being said, drip coffees are made for commercial use with a big carafe.

The most you can do while brewing a drip coffee with a scale is to weigh the beans and the ground coffee; the rest your machine will handle.

There is no use of a timer when brewing with drip machines.

Espresso Shots

You can use a coffee scale and its timer efficiently with a semi-automatic or manual espresso machine.

You will need a much smaller coffee scale than the average size to adjust it between the group head and the cup trays. 

• Turn on the coffee scale, tare it to zero.
• Put on the container, tare its weight, and measure dark-roasted coffee beans. 
• After grinding these beans, put the portafilter on the scale, tare the weight again, and then add freshly ground coffee beans. 
• Once you are done, place the coffee scale on the espresso machine and top it with two espresso mugs. Attach the portafilter to the group head and turn on the device. 
•  Also, turn on your coffee scale’s timer after turning on the machine and switch off the action when the timer reads 25 seconds. 

You cannot use the coffee scale’s timer for automatic machines because they do not allow manual actions. 

Pour Over Coffees

Coffee scales are specially designed for pour-over coffees because they are entirely manual.

A perfect pour-over coffee can only be achieved when its coffee to water ratio is optimal, and the brew timing is correct. 

Please make sure the coffee scale is sturdy enough to support the pour-over maker’s weight. A week/glass model might crack if not handled with care. 

• Switch on the coffee scale and place the pour-over apparatus on the top. 
• Tare the apparatus’s weight and add freshly ground coffee in the filter. 
• You shouldn’t pour all the water in at once. Pour over needs breaks in between to extract flavors from the coffee. 
• The four stages of pours are separated by 30 seconds, one minute, 20 seconds, and 20 seconds. 
• Do not forget the timing and the weight measured before every break; note your timing for accuracy. 
• With every fresh break, tare the measurement after noting it down if you do not add maths to your morning schedule. 

French Press

French presses are very easy to brew.

Grind your coffee beans coarser, let them soak for 5 minutes, and your brew is ready.

Now, how to use a coffee scale and its timer for the french press? If you think your french press is heavy, it’s best not to put it on the coffee scale.

• Weigh the beans, coarse grind them, and weigh again. 
• Heat the carafe and put the coffee ground in the french press. 
• Weigh the water (1:15) and then start to add it to the coffee. 
• Once your coffee submerges in the boiled water, start the timer and plunge the cap a little down. 
• After 4-5 minutes on the timer, plunge it entirely down, and your french press is ready!

Why Should You Write Down Your Results?

Why did our ancestors write down everything? Answer: To make history!

Every written record is knowledge. When you write it down, it’s stored forever unless you misplace the diary. Each record/reading will better your coffee game with time. 

You will learn from the mistakes while brewing; you will understand the difference by comparing your new results with the old ones. 

Sometimes, we forget how much we added, what we said, and how long we brewed it; this memory gap can ruin your learning experience. 

Plus, records are the best way to get your coffee game better with time. It won’t hurt to write the scale’s reading. Plus, you will appreciate and love your coffee a little more. This coffee diary and you will share some personal space with tasty discoveries, notes, and recipes. 

Do You Need A Scale For Espresso

Yes, you do need a scale with manual and semi-automatic espresso machines.

These machines give you the freedom to play around with the extraction time. You can use the coffee scale’s timer to record your shots’ ideal timing (20-25 seconds). 

Moreover, espresso needs a perfect coffee to water ratio to extract a dense, rich-flavored coffee. That’s only possible with a coffee scale. 

Troubleshooting Your Coffee Scale If It’s Not Working?

Although it’s rare to have issues with a rechargeable coffee scale, companies still provide an easy fix, exchange, and return policies.

The real problems start with AAA batteries. Their quality highly depends on the vendor you are choosing. 

A direct purchase will result in high functioning AAA batteries, but an indirect, third-party investment might give out useless, low-quality, or used batteries.

To confirm your device’s quality:

• Check its accuracy.
• Weigh the same object four-five times and see if the reading fluctuates every time you use it.
• If it fluctuates, contact the company and get it replaced. Precision is something that shouldn’t be compromised.

Other issues that you might face:

• Sensitive buttons: A touchpad is going to be more sensitive than the button system. If the fluctuation upon accidental touch is minimal, you can continue to use it. But if the instability drastically affects your coffee, contact the company and get it changed. 
• Dim digital lights or background: Before reporting it to the company, check if it has an auto-dim to conserve battery. Many coffee scales powered by AAA batteries have a dim feature that dims and lightens up automatically. If the measurement is impossible to read, get it changed. 
• They are easy to operate, but if you find it difficult to surf through, go with the manual and the customer service, they will be happy to help you.