Find the best coffee scale in 2024 for the tastiest coffee

Making coffee at home can become a serious obsession, I know that all too well. Discovering recipes created by barista champions or other coffee geeks and trying them out is my kind of Sunday fun. While some people like to feel how much coffee and water they use, I'm all about accuracy. That's why I always carry a coffee scale to fulfill my caffeine fix.

If you're looking for a coffee scale, there are a few key features to look for:

The best coffee scales are fast and easy to use, with an interface that is easy to read and understand. They must also provide accurate readings without delay and be designed to resist water damage. Additionally, a built-in timer can make brewing coffee even easier. Whether I'm brewing espresso or making filter coffee, weighing coffee beans and water during the brewing process has become a habit that has significantly improved my cup of coffee. If you're really serious about your coffee game, it's time to pick the perfect scale.

Go straight to the review of my favorite coffee scale: Timemore Black Mirror

Why I recommend a coffee scale for making coffee

When I walk into a coffee shop and see the barista weighing each dose of espresso on a coffee scale before brewing a shot, I know I'm in good hands. Once an espresso has been adjusted, it is essential to ensure that the results are consistent and each guest receives the same quality of coffee by weighing the dosage and output.

Similarly, at home, this precision is needed to make the same tasty cup of coffee day after day. Whether you want to experiment with different brewing ratios or reproduce a recipe that works for your selection of beans, a coffee scale will help you measure exactly how much coffee and water is needed to get the results you want.

What if you try a new coffee and your recipe or ratio doesn't produce the flavors you want? In that case, you can easily experiment by adjusting different parameters and tracking the changes using a coffee scale and timer.

Although you could take a chance, you would never really know what change made the difference and how to reproduce it. To learn more about coffee recipes and their importance, read my article here .

Which type of coffee scale is suitable for you?

The first thing you should consider when choosing a coffee scale is its size. Does your scale fit on the drip tray of your espresso machine? For filter coffee, you should consider whether the scale is the right size for your coffee maker.

Essentially, a coffee scale must have a weighing function (duh), ideally with an accuracy of 0.1 grams, a tare button to reset to 0 and a digital display. You must be able to read the scale clearly, so make sure the display is of good quality. In addition, some scales come with a timer.

Accidents also happen sometimes: can your scale survive if coffee or water is accidentally spilled on it?

Nowadays there are several models available, from simple to smart, which can be overwhelming when looking for the right coffee scale. Here's an overview of what types of coffee scales are available to help you decide:

BUDGET-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

Very simple, no-frills digital scales that have a tare function, such as the GreaterGoods Kitchen Scale with an accuracy of 1 gram or 0.1 ounce, are the most budget-friendly option.

When using as a coffee scale, make sure the size is suitable for your coffee maker and use your smartphone as a timer.

Although this type of scale is not accurate enough for espresso preparation, some home baristas find it adequate for filter coffee.

In this price range, scales have a relatively slow response time and are not waterproof, which can cause problems with hot water spilling onto the scale while brewing.

WHEN TIMING IS EVERYTHING

A digital coffee scale with timer such as the OXO 11212400 Good Grips 6 Lb Precision Coffee Scale is more popular with hobby brewers, because they measure from 0.5 or 1 gram in small intervals of 0.1 gram.

Despite the improved accuracy, espresso drinkers still find the response time is too slow to use this type of scale for espresso preparation. But a built-in timer is a handy feature for filter coffee enthusiasts to experiment with different extraction times.

FOR THE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS ESPRESSO LOVER

Another great option is a functional and portable coffee scale with a timer that can be quickly charged via USB-C, like the Timemore Black Mirror . Unlike previous models, you don't have to stock up on AAA batteries and enjoy a more environmentally friendly option.

This coffee scale measures in 0.1 gram increments for the highest precision and comes with an integrated timer for complete control over your coffee preparation. It's slim enough to fit on the drip tray of many espresso machines and responsive enough to brew precise espresso.

COFFEE SCALE FOR PROS

Last but not least, smart coffee scales such as the models Acaia Pearl , Pearl S , Pearl 2, Lunar or the ultra-light Pyxis with a sensitivity of 0.01 grams, are popular options for professional use due to their extreme accuracy and virtually no delay for both filter coffee as espresso preparation.

The Acaia models are waterproof, beautifully designed, and connect via Bluetooth to an app on your smartphone to calculate brew ratios, track your brews, and save recipes.

Different smart scales have different functionalities, but what they have in common is a higher price and the fact that users often experience problems connecting the scale to their phone or simply using the app for which it is intended.

My picks for the best coffee scale in 2024.

Brewista Smart Scale

• Ideal for pour-over.
• The brew ratio calculates the amount of water needed for your dose of coffee.
• Measure in 0.1 gram intervals from 1 to 2000 grams.
• Built-in timer, automatic tare and manual tare.
• Charging via USB.
• Picky automatic mode.

Whether I'm at home or on the road, I use the Brewista Smart Scale to make coffee. Since I often experiment with coffee-water ratios, this coffee scale with timer is perfect.

It offers the option to set a desired brewing ratio and measures in 0.1 gram intervals as soon as the sensor detects a minimum weight of 1 gram. The display is responsive and the scale is portable and lightweight.

Overall, I like using the Brewista Smart Scale. It helps me be consistent when making coffee and I take it with me everywhere. The fact that you can charge it via USB makes it super convenient. The display shows an icon that shows how much battery life is left.

Timemore Black Mirror Coffee Scale

• Suitable for espresso and pour over.
• Fast and accurate measurements in 0.1 gram increments.
• Sleek and stylish design.
• Long battery life and fast charging via USB-C.
• Includes silicone mat to protect the device.

The Timemore Black Mirror is a beautiful device with simple yet efficient functionality. A built-in timer and tare function, along with instant response, are the core of the features and make brewing filter coffee and espresso a breeze.

Although the scale is larger than, for example, Acaia's Lunar model, it is usable on most espresso machines and at the same time cost-effective. The fast response, sleek design and accurate measurement in 0.1 gram increments make the Timemore Black Mirror a solid choice for both espresso and filter coffee.

Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale

• Affordable coffee scale designed for pour-over.
• Manual timer and tare function.
• Good value for money.
• Measure in 0.1 gram intervals from 2 to 200 grams, less accurate thereafter.
• Not suitable for espresso.
• Not rechargeable, runs on two AAA batteries.

The Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale is a reliable device designed for manual dripping. It has everything you need for perfectly accurate drip coffee, from a tare function to a timer.

You can measure the weight and brewing time at the same time, because both indicators are visible on the display. Note that the timer does not start automatically, just press the Start/Stop button to start it.

This handy entry-level scale without complicated frills is powered by two AAA batteries. While it's not waterproof, it can handle a few small drops here and there.

The accuracy of the display ranges between 2 and 200 grams, with measurements in 0.1 gram intervals. From 200 to 500 grams the scale measures in intervals of 0.5 grams and between 500 and 2000 grams it measures in intervals of 1 gram.

While the incremental increase works well for pour-over, it makes weighing espresso with precision quite difficult.

If you add a portafilter with ground coffee to the scale, it will likely exceed the 200 gram threshold, preventing you from measuring in 0.1 gram increments.

The Hario Drip Scale is also not designed to fit the drip tray of an espresso machine and is known for not being immediately responsive. But that's not what it was built for.

If you're limited to manual brews, the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale is a great choice that's friendly to your budget.

Timemore Black Mirror Nano

• Smart and compact design, fits smaller drip trays.
• Accurate measurement in 0.1 gram increments.
• Three weighing modes, including automatic timer and automatic tare functions.
• Illuminated screen at an angle for easy reading.
• Rechargeable battery via USB-C, 10 hours of continuous use after charging.

If you are an espresso lover, the Timemore Black Mirror Nano scale , an update of the Timemore Black Mirror, is highly recommended. Made of high-quality plastic and metal, it looks and feels refined.

A lot of attention has been paid to the design, especially regarding the display and overall size. The angled display makes it easy to read the data, even when the scale is placed under a portafilter.

This also applies when a larger brewer, such as the Chemex, is placed on top. It goes without saying that you can use the scale for both espresso and coffee. But when it comes to brewing espresso, this coffee scale with timer really shines.

Due to its small size, it fits on almost any drip tray of an espresso machine. I've been using it for a few months now and I have to say I'm impressed. It is fast and accurate at measuring weight gain of 0.1 grams.

Depending on your brewing method, you can choose between three modes: standard, pour-over and espresso. The automatic time and tare functions are especially useful when making espresso.

Acaia Pearl

• Extremely fast response time of 20 milliseconds.
• Suitable for both espresso and filter coffee.
• Minimalist, refined design.
• Rechargeable battery via USB.

Smart, chic and extremely precise - the Acaia Pearl , Pearl S , Pearl 2 are great entry-level models to discover the world of Acaia coffee scales.

Although the Lunar and Pyxis models are especially interesting in professional environments, the Pearl is an absolute favorite in the home barista community. Although it is the most affordable coffee scale in the Acaia range, I must warn you that the price tag is considerably higher than that of an average kitchen scale.

But in the case of Acaia, you get what you pay for, and that is an extremely durable scale that excels in accuracy and has many useful features. Auto tare? No problem. Auto timer?

Of course! And so much more is possible. Connect your coffee scale to your smartphone via Bluetooth, let the Acaia app calculate your brewing recipe and monitor your real-time flow rate.

The Pearl and Pearl S have the same dimensions, but the latter has a larger maximum capacity of 3kg instead of 2kg.

Acaia Lunar

• Espresso scale designed to fit anywhere.
• Six high-precision weighing modes.
• Connects via Bluetooth to the app on your phone to record, store and share your measurements.
• Comes with a heat-resistant mat, a calibration weight of 100 grams and a micro USB charging cable for charging the battery. Approximately 27 hours of operating time after charging.

The Acaia Lunar is something like the Ferrari among coffee scales. With an incredible response time of 20 milliseconds and high sensitivity, no drop remains unweighted. Combined with a compact size and a water-resistant aluminum housing, it is the perfect addition to any espresso machine.

This Acaia coffee scale responds to even the smallest changes in weight, but gives you the option to adjust the sensitivity setting if necessary. It is packed with other features, such as six different weighing modes, an automatic timer and a tare function. As a barista you can fully customize your workflow and it even saves your last setting so you can pick up where you left off the day before. The Acaia Lunar excels in a professional environment, but is also a great tool for dedicated hobby brewers. It is without a doubt the best espresso scale available.

Is buying a coffee scale worth it?

To make a tasty cup of coffee, you need to know how much water and how much ground coffee to use. Instead of guessing and hoping for the best, a scale allows you to be precise and measure your coffee recipe down to the gram.

If you ask me, buying a coffee scale is totally worth it, especially since there are many budget-friendly options available that won't ruin you financially and still do the job well.

The accuracy of coffee scales plays an extremely important role in the preparation of espresso. This is because each additional gram of coffee increases the extraction time by approximately 2 seconds.

Every tenth of a gram you exceed or fall below the coffee dose slightly affects the strength, extraction time and extraction percentage. The more precise you are, the more consistent the shots will be and the better the taste.

If you're looking for a delicious espresso, investing in a good quality coffee scale with impeccable accuracy like the Timemore Black Mirror is a must!