A coffee scale is one of the most underrated tools for brewing better coffee. Whether you’re making pour-over, espresso, or French press, using a scale ensures precision, consistency, and balanced flavors in every cup. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use a coffee scale effectively and recommend the best coffee scales available.
Why Use a Coffee Scale for Brewing?
✅ 1. Consistent Brewing Ratios
- A coffee scale helps measure the exact coffee-to-water ratio for better extraction and balanced taste.
- The Golden Ratio for coffee is typically 1:15 to 1:18 (1 gram of coffee per 15-18 grams of water).
✅ 2. Avoids Guesswork
- Using scoops or volume measurements can be inaccurate, leading to inconsistent results.
- A scale provides precise weight measurements for both coffee and water.
✅ 3. Essential for Espresso & Pour-Over
- Espresso requires accurate dosing for consistent shots.
- Pour-over coffee benefits from real-time weight tracking for controlled extraction.
How to Use a Coffee Scale for the Best Results
Step 1: Tare the Scale
- Place your empty coffee brewer or cup on the scale.
- Press the tare button to reset the weight to zero.
Step 2: Weigh Your Coffee Beans
- Measure the exact grams of coffee needed for your brew.
- Example: Use 18g of coffee for a 300g pour-over brew (1:16 ratio).
Step 3: Measure Water Precisely
- Start brewing and pour water gradually while keeping an eye on the scale.
- Maintain the correct brew ratio by stopping at the target weight.
Step 4: Time Your Brew
- Some coffee scales include built-in timers for precise extraction.
- Tracking time ensures proper bloom and extraction phases.
Best Coffee Scales for Precision Brewing
1. Acaia Pearl – Best Overall
- Features: Precision to 0.1g, built-in timer, Bluetooth app connectivity
- Why We Love It: Ideal for professionals and serious home brewers.
2. Hario V60 Drip Scale – Best for Pour-Over
- Features: Built-in timer, sleek design, accurate to 0.1g
- Why We Love It: Perfect balance of affordability and precision.
3. Timemore Black Mirror – Best Budget Smart Scale
- Features: Fast response time, touch buttons, USB-C charging
- Why We Love It: Great for both espresso and pour-over at a mid-range price.
4. Felicita Arc – Best for Espresso
- Features: Water-resistant, fast response, Bluetooth integration
- Why We Love It: Designed for precision espresso dosing and drip coffee.
5. Jennings CJ4000 – Best Budget Scale
- Features: Large weighing surface, accuracy to 0.5g, affordable price
- Why We Love It: Great for beginners looking for a simple yet effective scale.
Additional Tips for Using a Coffee Scale
- Use a scale with a built-in timer to track brewing stages.
- Calibrate your scale regularly for accurate measurements.
- Measure water in grams instead of milliliters for greater precision.
- Keep your scale clean and dry to extend its lifespan.
Final Thoughts: Is a Coffee Scale Worth It?
If you want to brew better coffee, investing in a good coffee scale is one of the simplest and most effective upgrades. It eliminates guesswork, improves consistency, and ensures balanced extraction in every cup.
Recommended for: ✅ Coffee enthusiasts looking for more control over brewing. ✅ Those making pour-over, espresso, or French press regularly. ✅ Anyone who wants to elevate their coffee quality with precision.
By using a coffee scale, you’ll master the art of precise brewing and enjoy consistently delicious coffee every time. ☕🚀