In the brewing world, finding the correct ratio of ground coffee to water can make all the difference.
Sure, you can eyeball the measurements, but it will just be guesswork. To create a java of consistent, reliable quality, I’d strongly suggest getting a coffee scale. Weighing the coffee beans or grounds out using a scale is way more accurate than a coffee scoop or a spoon.
Why is it important to weigh out coffee and water using a scale? It comes down to one thing: Consistency. It is the secret ingredient to brewing an exceptional cup of coffee.
A coffee scale will change the way you brew coffee. As a result, you get a more balanced, consistently delicious coffee every single morning.
Savvy home baristas prefer using a coffee scale for brewing great coffee- the benefits are that obvious!
The use of a scale for weighing out coffee and water before brewing is a superior approach. Thus, in this article, we will be looking at the best coffee scales in the industry.
At A Glance View Our Top-Picks
- Best Coffee Scale – TimeMore Black Mirror
- Runner Up – Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale
- Budget-friendly – HuiSmart Digital Coffee Scale
- Great For Versatility – Etekcity Kitchen Coffee Scale
- Best Value Pick – Felicita ARC Electronic Scale
- Also Great – Acaia Pearl Coffee Brewing Scale
Best Coffee Scales To Buy In 2022
Now that you understand what makes a coffee scale so great, it’s time to focus on the best coffee scales on the market.
Below you find our top #6 picks for the best coffee scale today with the pros and cons of each to see how well they tickle your fancy.
1. TimeMore Black Mirror – Best Coffee Scale
Specs: Manufacturer: TIMEMORE | Weight: 380 Grams | Dimensions: 7.4*6.1*1.7 inches | Battery Type: 1 Lithium-ion battery
Keeping up with the Stylish Trend, the Chinese brand TIMEMORE makes beautiful, everlasting, as well as modern coffee products, and the Black Mirror Single-Sensor Scale is no exception. This device is pretty basic in the sense as it features only a scale and a built-in timer. Well, that’s all you actually need.
When the device is turned off, it seems like a black matte block with a tiny white TimeMore logo. Buttons and icons are not visible, not even the small power button. But when the scale is turned on, its two features, i.e., time and weight lit up along with their small icons.
Moreover, this scale contains a lithium-ion battery and can be charged back via USB-C charging port. Let’s say, for any reason; you forgot to turn this device off, don’t panic as the device supports the auto shut-off feature, which automatically turns off the scale after 3 minutes of standby.
The fast responsiveness, innovative design, silicone heat pad, 2-kilo capacity, and accuracy to 0.1-gram increments make the TIMEMORE Black Mirror Coffee Scale the top choice for the best coffee scale for both espresso and pour-over.
Reasons To Buy
- Sleek and Minimalist design
- Suitable for both espresso & pour over
- Fast responsiveness and accurate readings
- Auto turn-off for power saving
- Fast charging via the USB-C charging port
Reasons To Avoid
- A bit too large for most drip trays
- The exposed USB port is vulnerable to water
- Buttons react a bit faster to touch
2. Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale – Runner-Up
Specs: Manufacturer: HARIO | Weight: 265 Grams | Dimensions: 7.48*4.72*1.14 inches | Battery Type: 2 AAA batteries
Next on our list comes the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale. It has a unique eye-soothing design made up of stainless steel. Stainless Steel construction makes cleaning, not a big deal, and guarantees you a longer life expectancy.
When it comes to accuracy, this Coffee Scale by Hario won’t disappoint. It has a 2kg max weight capacity and varying scale intervals, depending on weight, of 0.1g (2~200g), 0.5g (200~500g), and 1.0g (500~2000g) – that’s the reason this device is often used in professional kitchens also.
This coffee scale also comes with a built-in timer for complete and total control of your coffee brewing process. Like the previously discussed model, this coffee scale also has an auto power-off feature. However, note that this auto-off function is disabled when you’re using the timer.
You’ll notice a small LCD display with touch-sensitive buttons on the front, so it won’t be difficult to figure out how it works. It’s very simple and straightforward to use. One major downside of this coffee scale is that it appears a bit too bulky to fit on a coffee machine drip tray.
Unlike other models, this Hario V60 coffee scale is powered by two AAA batteries, so you don’t need to worry about plugging it in, making it the best pick for travel purposes.
Reasons To Buy
- Dual display with touch-sensitive buttons
- Built-in timer helps while brewing alongside weight reading
- Highly precise & durable
- The 5-minute auto-off feature doesn’t turn off while using timer
- Great for pour-over coffee
Reasons To Avoid
- Only measures in grams
- On the pricier side
- Not waterproof
- Some users experienced slow response
3. HuiSmart Digital Coffee Scale – Best Budget Pick
Specs: Manufacturer: EASEGMER | Weight: 300 Grams | Dimensions: 7.87*5.12*1.18 inches | Battery Type: 2 * 1.5V AAA batteries
The HuiSmart Coffee Scale is a solid option if budget comes first. With a maximum weight capacity of 6.6lbs (3kg), the Huismart coffee scale accurately measures up to one-tenth of a gram. You can also switch units between grams, ounces, or pounds as per your preference.
The unit also has a built-in timer and a tare button with a blue backlight LCD, which looks pretty nice, especially in dark mornings. Both weight and time help you make the perfect coffee, and this coffee scale provides you with both. This device comes with an auto shut-off feature which kicks in after four minutes when not being used.
Like most coffee scales, this device is also powered by two AAA batteries, which allow for mobility in the kitchen. It is not as impressive as others when it comes to design, but I’d rather call it ugly.
This scale also comes with a black silicone mat and a lipped plastic tray for the weighing platform. The mat prevents spills or other sources of possible damage. There’s also a neat little hanger attachment at the bottom, allowing you to hang with the wall once you are done weighing your coffee.
Overall it’s a great coffee scale backed by a one-year warranty from the manufacturer, which gets the job done pretty well.
Reasons To Buy
- Inbuilt Timer and Tare function
- Silicone mat and lipped tray
- Backlit display with auto-off function
- Accuracy up to 0.1 gram
- Cleaning is a breeze
Reasons To Avoid
- Not rechargeable
- Annoyingly slow readings
- Not ideal for espresso
4. Etekcity Kitchen Coffee Scale – Great Versatile
Specs: Manufacturer: Etekcity | Weight: 198.4 Grams | Dimensions: 7.3*5.7*0.6 inches | Battery Type: 2 AAA batteries
Next up, we have the most budget-friendly option called Etekcity Digital Stainless Kitchen Scale. It has a sleek, eye-catching design with stainless steel construction. Retailing at $13.99, it’s also among the number one home kitchen scale on Amazon right now – but is it even worth the hype?
Well, to answer that, here is what you can expect from this kitchen coffee scale. First of all, its stainless steel construction adds to items’ durability simultaneously; it is highly convenient to clean. The unit features Tare Function to remove the container weight from the final measurement of your coffee. Also, at the bottom, you’ll get a small LCD display with a backlight to read measurements easily. You can also select your preferred measurement unit like oz/lb’oz/fl’oz/g/mL.
This kitchen scale takes power from AAA batteries and also comes with an auto-off feature to save energy. This auto shut-off feature triggers after two minutes.
Finally, let’s come down to its precision, unfortunately, this item is not as super precise as others, but it gets the job done. You have to put at least 2 grams of weight to get a weight reading which might be frustrating for some users who want a super precise measurement.
For those looking for an inexpensive kitchen scale, this model by Etekcity is a good place to start with.
Reasons To Buy
- Powered by AAA batteries
- It features an Auto-off feature
- Small enough to be put in a drawer
- Inexpensive compared to other coffee scales
Reasons To Avoid
- No timer included
- Not extremely precise as others
- The auto-off feature makes it frustrating to be used over an extended period.
5. Felicita ARC Electronic Coffee Scale – Best Value Pick
Specs: Manufacturer: Felicita | Weight: 453.5 Grams | Dimensions: 6*5*4 inches | Battery Type: 1 Lithium-ion battery
Having a nice set of scales is a vital part of any barista’s kit, and that is exactly what the Felicita coffee scale is used for. This Felicita ARC Electronic Coffee Scale is designed to fit on the drip tray perfectly. Its perfect shape can easily hold a portafilter onto it as well as two espresso cups next to each other. This oval-shaped measurement scale is not ideal for a bulky pour-over coffee maker, as you might end up covering the little display while positioning it on top of the scale.
Beyond the standard tare/timer function, the Felicita Arc features auto-tare and auto-timer functions that allow you to focus on operating the espresso machine instead of worrying about hitting the right buttons on your scale. In terms of accuracy, this coffee scale won’t disappoint its users. You can get a precision of up to 0.1 grams with a maximum weight capacity of 2000 grams at a super-fast response time of microseconds. Note that the smart auto-off feature is customizable.
Arc is stylish in design and has a durable quality aluminum body. The device is fully water-resistant and comes with a non-slip, heat-resistant removable rubber mat to avoid spills while brewing. It has different multi-functional modes you can choose from to brew your coffee.
In addition to that, the small display on the front is touch-sensitive, while you can also connect the Felicita app to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. It has a whopping 1100mA lithium-ion battery which can be charged back with the help of a micro USB cable provided with your purchase.
When it comes to the best coffee scales on the market, Felicita Arc is undoubtedly hard to beat.
Reasons To Buy
- It comes with a Calibration weight
- Highly Durable and water-resistant
- Smart Bluetooth connectivity with Felicita App
- 2000g Capacity in 0.1g Increments
- Auto-tare & auto-timer start/stop
- Rechargeable battery with touch display
Reasons To Avoid
- Pricey
- Not perfect for bulky Pour Over
6. Acaia Scale Pearl Coffee Brewing Scale – Also Great
Specs: Manufacturer: Acaia | Weight: 816.4 Grams | Dimensions: 7.5*7.5*2.8 inches | Battery Type: 1 Lithium Polymer battery
The final Scale on our list is designed specifically for brewing coffee. Fast, sleek, and extremely precise – this coffee scale by Acaia is the leading coffee scale on the market.
With an Apple-like design, this Scale is pressure-sensitive, waterproof, and has a built-in stopwatch instead of an ordinary timer. It has a relatively larger weighing platform which makes it perfect for any device. Overall its durable design can withstand the hectic environment of a busy barista’s coffee desk.
Alongside its touch-sensitive controls, this Scale is hyper-accurate as it measures within a tenth of a gram at a fast response rate. This model is so accurate and sensitive that the manufacturers claim that it can even measure differences from evaporation. Cool right?
The Scale offers extremely precise measurements, which is great for making espresso, while the fast responsiveness is vital when measuring for a pour-over. You have to know the exact amount of water you’re adding as you pour, not a few seconds later.
You can use Acaia Pearl almost every time as its charging lasts 25 hours once recharged. While using a typical micro-USB cable, charging may take approx—1~2 hour. The Pearl also comes with Bluetooth connectivity; simply connect the device via BlueTooth with your smartphone using one of the Acaia apps provided on both iOS and Android, and you’re good to go. The Scale is smart enough not to shut down while brewing and supports an auto-off feature that is also customizable in Acaia’s mobile app.
This product is considerably higher at the price point. But if budget is not an issue and you want a coffee scale that’ll last for a longer time, then the Acaia Pearl is an excellent option to invest in.
Reasons To Buy
- Highly sensitive: Accurate and fast readings
- A barista-level coffee scale with a handful of features
- Water-resistant and comes with a temperature-resistant mat
- It can be paired with an app via Bluetooth to record recipes
- Auto-off function is adjustable as well
Reasons To Avoid
- It takes time getting used to it
- Way more expensive than other coffee scales
- Bluetooth connectivity can be hectic
Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing The Best Coffee Scale
Okay, so now you have the idea why coffee scales are important, let’s look at some features you should keep in mind while picking out a scale that matches your style.
1. Size Matters
Coffee scales vary in size, so you might splurge on one that suits your preferred brewing method. Smaller scales are easy to store and more portable. Having a small scale will be critical to accommodate your travel mug easily if you’re a traveler. However, a larger scale can accommodate larger brewers. You can use it for more kitchen applications besides brewing coffee. In the end, it all depends on choosing the right size that suits your lifestyle.
2. Auto-Off Function
A coffee scale having auto shut off is great as it saves your battery life. In addition, it allows you at least four or five minutes before going into sleep mode. However, if you’re manually brewing your coffee, it can get annoying if your scale turns off mid-brew. That said, the best coffee scale for pour-over has an override function while the timer is on to prevent your scale from turning off itself by allowing extra time before shutting off.
3. Precision
Consider buying a coffee scale with an accuracy of at least one gram or one-tenth of a gram. Pick a coffee scale that can measure up to an ounce to detect an incremental change in weight from evaporation and temperature.
4. Tare Function
Coffee scales with a tare function are worth purchasing as it allows you to measure your coffee accurately excluding the weight of the container. It means you can weigh your coffee directly in the brewer or filter without worrying about the math. All you need to do is place the brewer or filter on the scale first, measure its weight, press the tare button to zero; the weight out, and then pour in what you want to measure! The tare feature will automatically exclude the weight of the brew from your measurement, helping you accurately measure the ingredients without all the math!
5. The Timer
Scales with a built-in timer are handy and convenient, especially if you do manual brews. That’s one less piece of gear you’ll need in your brewing process.
Debunking Coffee Scale: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need one for brewing coffee?
Have you ever had a cup of coffee and wondered, Wow, that’s nice, I want to drink this exact cup of joe with the same taste every morning? Well, with a coffee scale, you can. As consistency is the key to brewing. With a scale in your kitchen, you can apply the same amount of water and ground coffee for every brew.
Why do Barista’s weigh Coffee?
Baristas weigh their coffee because the density of coffee grounds varies widely depending upon the type of beans and the grind size they’re using. Making measurements with a scoop or a tablespoon is pretty unprofessional and inaccurate and can highly influence the taste of the final brew. A scale allows a barista to precisely measure ingredients to produce great results.
What makes a great Coffee Scale?
Always look for a coffee scale with a weighting function (duh), ideally with an accuracy of 0.1 grams, a tare button, auto-off feature, timer (if possible), and a digital display. Nowadays, there is a wide range of coffee scales available on the market. It is not necessary to buy the most expensive one. I’d recommend choosing a scale specifically designed for coffee brewing, not a multi-functional kitchen scale.
What is the best ratio for brewing Coffee?
Some beans and brew methods really shine at a standard 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio, while others require something totally different. This Golden ratio can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences. You need to be able to measure both beans and water to hit your ideal ratio and to achieve that go ahead and invest in a (coffee) scale.
Is “Kitchen Scale” and “Coffee Scale” the same thing?
Whether you call it a “kitchen scale,” a “brewing scale,” a “food scale,” or a “coffee scale,” the fact and purpose of a scale remains the same. They all function as tools to measure weight. All of them come along with basic features like a tare button, auto-off feature, and small LCD display.
However, there is one thing that I’ve noticed while comparing a coffee scale and a kitchen scale. That includes a food scale that might have a higher weight capacity like up to 4000 grams but with a lower resolution of only 1g. Whereas a coffee scale can hold a weight of 2000g with a slightly higher resolution, for example, let’s say 0.5g or 0.1gram. Another noticeable thing about coffee scales is that they are specialized in weighing beans and come with a small surface. On the other hand, the Kitchen scale might be more of a general usage tool with a larger surface that can fit a mixing bowl onto it.
Long story short, there is no mighty difference between these types of scales. They all tend to serve the same function & they all work in place of one another.
Final Verdict
The best way to prepare your cup of joe with great precision to fuel a busy morning or long day at work is via the best coffee scale. With that said, If you are looking for a coffee scale that is fast and easy to operate with a built-in timer, yet compact enough to fit in most kitchens, the TimeMore Black Mirror Coffee Scale may be the perfect pick for you. The stainless steel, eye-soothing design of the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale makes it the perfect choice for travelers as it is powered by two AAA batteries.
Taimoor followed his passion to become a coffee connoisseur and now travels the world to visit the most popular coffee shops. His cupboard is also stocked with a collection of brewing gadgets. He loves to drink Death Wish Coffee’s dark roast and highly caffeinated coffee grounds when he needs a boost of energy.
