Best Coffee Scales 2024
So what is the best coffee scale? If you are a coffee lover, you know how important it is to brew your coffee with the right ratio of water and grounds. But how do you measure that ratio accurately? You could use a measuring spoon or a scoop, but those are not very precise and can vary depending on the size and shape of the utensil. A better way to measure your coffee is to use a coffee scale.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Coffee Scale
A coffee scale is a device that weighs your coffee grounds and water, allowing you to brew your coffee with consistent and optimal results. A coffee scale can help you achieve the ideal extraction, flavor, and aroma of your coffee, whether you use a drip, pour-over, French press, or espresso machine.
But not all coffee scales are created equal. There are different features, functions, and designs that can affect your brewing experience. How do you choose the best coffee scale for your needs, and your coffee beans? In this blog post, we will guide you through the factors to consider when buying a coffee scale, such as:
- Accuracy: How precise is the scale in measuring the weight of your coffee and water? A good coffee scale should have at least 0.1 gram accuracy, which is enough to make a noticeable difference in your cup.
- Speed: How fast does the scale respond to changes in weight? A fast scale can help you avoid over- or under-extracting your coffee, especially when using a pour-over method that requires precise timing and control.
- Timer: Does the scale have a built-in timer that can track your brewing time? A timer can help you follow the recommended brewing time for different methods and roasts, ensuring consistent and optimal extraction.
- Battery life: How long does the scale last on a single charge or set of batteries? A long-lasting scale can save you the hassle of replacing or recharging batteries frequently.
- Size: How big is the scale and how much space does it take on your counter or in your drawer? A compact scale can fit in small spaces and be easy to store and transport.
- Design: How does the scale look and feel? A well-designed scale can enhance your brewing experience with its aesthetics, ergonomics, and durability.
Brand | Price | Benefits | |
---|---|---|---|
Acaia Pearl | $235.00 | Stylish and smart scale that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. High accuracy, built-in timer, auto tare, water-resistant coating, various apps for brewing modes and data tracking | |
Hario V60 Drip Scale | $44.99 | Simple and reliable scale that is designed for pour-over brewing. Large weighing platform, responsive display, built-in timer, auto shut-off feature | |
Timemore Black Mirror | $89.00 | Sleek and minimalist scale that has a touch-sensitive interface and a hidden LED display. Fast response time, built-in timer, rechargeable battery, silicone mat for stability | |
Brewista Smart Scale II | $89.00 | Versatile and user-friendly scale that has six different modes for different brewing methods. Auto tare, auto timer start and stop, water-resistant nano-coating, removable silicone pad | |
Etekcity Food Scale | $29.99 | Budget-friendly and multifunctional scale that can be used for both coffee and food. Stainless steel platform, backlit LCD display, tare function, auto shut-off feature |
Why you need a coffee scale
- A coffee scale ensures consistency. By weighing your coffee and water, you can replicate the same brew every time, regardless of the size or shape of your cup or pot. You can also experiment with different ratios and recipes, and record your results for future reference.
- A coffee scale improves flavor. By using the right amount of coffee and water, you can avoid over-extracting or under-extracting your coffee, which can result in bitter or sour tastes. You can also adjust the strength of your coffee to suit your preference, without compromising the quality.
- A coffee scale saves money. By measuring your coffee and water, you can avoid wasting precious beans or brewing more than you need. You can also optimize your coffee consumption by finding the optimal dose for your taste buds.
What features to look for
- Accuracy. A good coffee scale should be able to measure in grams and ounces, with a resolution of at least 0.1 grams. This will allow you to measure small increments of coffee and water, and fine-tune your brew.
- Timer. A good coffee scale should have a built-in timer that helps you track the brewing time. This is especially useful for pour-over methods, where the timing of the water flow is crucial for extracting the best flavor.
- Durability. A good coffee scale should be sturdy and resistant to water and heat. It should also have a long battery life and a low-battery indicator, so you don’t run out of power in the middle of brewing.
- Design. A good coffee scale should be easy to use and read. It should have a large and clear display, responsive buttons, and a stable platform that can hold your cup or pot. It should also be compact and lightweight, so you can store it or take it with you anywhere.
Finding the Best Coffee Scales
To help you find the best coffee scale for your needs, we have reviewed some of the most popular and highly rated models on the market. Here are our top picks:
- Hario V60 Drip Scale: This is one of the most popular coffee scales among pour-over enthusiasts. It has a sleek and minimalist design, with a large LCD display that shows both weight and time. It has 0.1 gram accuracy and a fast response time. It runs on two AAA batteries that last for about 80 hours. It has a maximum capacity of 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and a dimensions of 14 x 19 x 3 cm (5.5 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches).
- Acaia Pearl: This is one of the most advanced and smart coffee scales on the market. It has a smooth and elegant design, with a bright LED display that shows both weight and time. It has 0.1 gram accuracy and a very fast response time. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts for about 20 hours. It has a maximum capacity of 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and dimensions of 16 x 16 x 3 cm (6.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches). It also has Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to sync with various apps on your smartphone or tablet, such as Acaia Coffee, Brewmaster, or Barista Hustle Tools.
- Timemore Black Mirror: This is one of the most stylish and durable coffee scales on the market. It has a matte black finish and a tempered glass surface that is resistant to scratches and stains. It has an OLED display that shows both weight and time. It has 0.1 gram accuracy and a fast response time. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts for about 10 hours. It has a maximum capacity of 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and dimensions of 15 x 13 x 3 cm (5.9 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches).
As you can see, there are many options to choose from when it comes to coffee scales. The best one for you depends on your personal preferences, budget, and brewing style. But no matter which one you choose, you can be sure that using a coffee scale will improve your coffee quality and consistency.
Recommended Coffee Scales
Below are the recommend coffee scales based on your criteria:
- If you are looking for a low-cost option that can still measure both coffee and water accurately, you might want to consider the Etekcity Food Scale. It is the cheapest scale on the list, costing only $15.00. It has a stainless steel platform, a backlit LCD display, a tare function, and an auto shut-off feature. It can measure up to 5 kg with an accuracy of 1 gram.
- If you are looking for a mid-range option that can offer different modes for different brewing methods, you might want to consider the Brewista Smart Scale II. It is a versatile and user-friendly scale that costs $57.50. It has six different modes for espresso, manual, pour-over, French press, and more. It also has an auto tare function, an auto timer start and stop, a water-resistant nano-coating, and a removable silicone pad.
- If you are looking for a high-end option that can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and provide various apps for brewing modes and data tracking, you might want to consider the Acaia Pearl. It is a stylish and smart scale that costs $269.90. It has a high accuracy of 0.1 gram, a built-in timer, an auto tare function, and a water-resistant coating. It also comes with various apps that can help you experiment with different recipes and techniques .
We hope this blog post has helped you understand why you need a coffee scale and how to choose one that suits your needs. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us or leave them below. And if you are ready to buy a coffee scale, check out our online store for some great deals and discounts.
Happy brewing!
In-depth coffee bean scale info? Check! Great for roasters!