Making coffee at home is an important and enjoyable task, and I know this is true for me. Discovering recipes created by a champion barista or other coffee enthusiasts and trying them out is my favorite type of Sunday. While some people love to brew a cup of coffee based on their estimation of the amount of ground coffee and water they use, I definitely prefer precision. So, I always have a coffee scale handy when the moment for caffeine consumption arrives.
Why I recommend using a coffee scale for brewing
When I enter a café and see the barista weighing each shot of espresso on a coffee scale before preparing the shot, I know I am in safe hands. Once the espresso is dialed in, it is essential to ensure consistent results so that each guest gets the same quality of coffee that has been dialed in. Similarly, it takes some precision at home to brew the same delicious cup of coffee day after day. Whether you love experimenting with different brewing ratios or want to recreate a recipe that works with your choice of beans, a coffee scale will help you stay on track and measure the exact amount of coffee and water needed to reach your goal.
What kind of coffee scale is right for you?
The first thing to consider when choosing a coffee scale is its size, quite simply. Will your scale fit on the drip tray of your espresso machine? For filter brewing, consider whether the scale has the right size to fit your brewer. Essentially, a coffee scale should have a weighing function (naturally) with 0.1-gram accuracy, a tare button to reset to zero, and a digital display. You should be able to read the scale well, so make sure the display is of good quality. Additionally, some scales come with a timer. Also, accidents happen: will the scale stay safe if coffee or water accidentally spills on it? In current times, there are a variety of models available, from simple to smart, which can be overwhelming when trying to find the right coffee scale for you. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of coffee scales available to help you make your decision:
Options for a limited budget
There are a range of simple digital scales without complications that include a tare function, like the GreaterGoods Digital Food Kitchen Scale with 1 gram or 0.1-ounce accuracy, which is your most budget-friendly option. When using it as a coffee scale, make sure its size fits your brewer, and use your smartphone as a timer. While this type of scale may not be accurate enough for espresso preparation, some professional enthusiasts find it does the job for brewing a few coffees. In this price range, the scale’s response time varies relatively slowly and is not water-resistant, which can cause problems when hot water spills on the scale during brewing.
When timing is important
A digital coffee scale with a timer, such as the OXO 11212400 Good Grips 6-lb scale for drip coffee brewing, is more popular among brewing enthusiasts because it measures from 0.5 or 1 gram even in small increments down to 0.1 grams. Despite improved accuracy, espresso makers will find that the response time is still too slow to use this type of scale for brewing espresso. However, having a built-in timer is a convenient feature for drip brew enthusiasts to experiment with different extraction times.
For coffee lovers
The Environment of Espresso Lovers
Another great option is a portable and functional coffee scale that can be quickly charged via USB-C, like the Timemore Black Mirror coffee scale. Unlike previous models, completely forget about battery supply and enjoy a more eco-friendly option. This coffee scale measures with a deviation of no more than 0.1 grams to achieve the highest degree of accuracy and features a built-in timer for complete control over the coffee preparation process. It is slim enough to fit under the drip tray of many espresso machines and responsive enough to prepare an accurate espresso shot.
Smart and Waterproof Coffee Scale for Professionals
Finally, smart coffee scales like the Acaia Pearl, Pearl S, Pearl 2, Lunar, or Pyxis models, with a sensitivity of 0.01 grams, are popular choices for professional use due to their superior accuracy, minimal delay in dripping, and espresso preparation. Acaia models are waterproof, beautifully designed, and connect to an app on your smartphone via Bluetooth to calculate brew ratios, track your brewing, and save your recipes. Different smart coffee scales come with various functions, but what they share is a higher price tag and the fact that users often face issues trying to connect the scale to their phone or using the app to do what it was designed to do.
My Recommendations for the Best Coffee Scale in 2023
Whether at home or on the go, I use the Brewista Ratio Pour Over coffee scale for brewing. Since I regularly experiment with water-to-coffee ratios, this scale with a timer is the perfect choice. It has the option to set a desired brew ratio and measures with a deviation of 0.1 grams once it detects a minimal weight of 1 gram. The display responds quickly, is portable, and lightweight.
For espresso lovers, I highly recommend the Timemore Black Mirror Nano coffee scale, which is an upgrade from the Timemore Black Mirror. Made from high-quality plastic and metals, it looks and feels great. 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 data even when the scale is placed under a portafilter or when a larger brewer, such as Chemex, is placed on top of it. Naturally, the scale can be used for mass measurements and drip weighing. But when it comes to preparing espresso, it is the feature where this coffee scale truly shines with its timer. Its small size allows it to fit under the drip tray of almost any espresso machine. I have been using it for the past few months, and I can only say that I am impressed. It is fast and accurate when measuring increments of 0.1 grams. Depending on your brewing method, you can choose between three modes: standard measurements, pour-over measurements, and espresso. The automatic time and auto-zero functions are specifically designed for espresso preparation.
In the end, I love using the Timemore Black Mirror Nano coffee scale. It helps me achieve consistency in brewing and I take it with me everywhere, even when I go hiking. The fact that it can be charged via USB makes it extremely convenient. There is an icon on the display that shows how much battery life is remaining.
Source: https://www.thewaytocoffee.com/best-coffee-scale/
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