Introduction
Pour-over coffee has become increasingly popular among coffee enthusiasts and baristas worldwide. This brewing method allows for precise control over the brewing process, resulting in a smooth and flavorful cup of coffee. One essential piece of equipment in mastering the pour-over method is a reliable and accurate coffee scale.
Having a high-quality coffee scale ensures that we consistently measure the right amount of coffee and water, allowing us to perfect our brewing techniques. It helps to maintain the proper coffee-to-water ratio, ultimately leading to a more balanced and delicious cup of pour-over coffee.
In our search for the best scale for pour-over coffee, we consider factors such as precision, functionality, and durability. These factors should help us narrow down the options and ultimately find the scale that best suits our coffee-brewing needs.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scale
When selecting the perfect scale for pour-over coffee, we recommend considering a few key factors. In this section, we’ll discuss the importance of accuracy and units, size and design, as well as additional features that may be helpful in your coffee brewing journey.
Accuracy and Units
Precise measurements are crucial for a consistent and delicious pour-over coffee experience. A good coffee scale should offer accuracy within 0.1 grams, ensuring you have the exact amount of coffee and water for the perfect brew. Most scales provide readings in both grams and ounces, allowing you to follow various recipes and measure your ingredients with ease.
Size and Design
The size and design of your coffee scale should fit your brewing setup and personal preferences. Look for a compact and lightweight scale that can easily accommodate your coffee equipment, while also leaving enough room for comfortable brewing. A sleek and modern design adds an aesthetic touch to your coffee station, and easy-to-read displays are essential for monitoring measurements during the brewing process.
Additional Features
There are several additional features to consider when shopping for your ideal coffee scale:
Timer: A built-in timer is useful for monitoring your pouring and brewing times to ensure consistent extraction results.
Tare button: This feature allows you to zero out the scale with your brewing equipment on top, ensuring you only measure the weight of the coffee and water.
Auto-off: An auto-off feature saves battery life by turning off the scale after a set period of inactivity.
Water-resistant: A water-resistant design is built to withstand the occasional coffee brewing mishap, protecting the scale’s internal components.
Below is the List of 5 Best-Rated Coffee Scales
Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale
Features
- Not waterproof
- Uses 2 AAA batteries
- Weight capacity of 2000g and accuracy of 0.1g
- Built-in timer for tracking brew time
- Easy-to-use design with clear display and buttons
- Tare function for zeroing out the weight of the brewing vessel
- Auto power-off function to conserve battery life (shuts off after 5mins of inactivity )
Overview
The Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer is a compact and versatile tool designed to help coffee enthusiasts brew the perfect cup of coffee. Its accurate measurements, timer function, and compact size make it a must-have for coffee enthusiasts who want to brew the perfect cup of coffee.
One of the standout features of the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer is its accuracy in measuring coffee and water in 0.1-gram increment for weights under 200 grams. This provides precise measurements for coffee and water, ensuring that the coffee is brewed to perfection. The built-in timer can be set for up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds, allowing users to time the brewing process with precision.
The scale also has a tare function that lets you zero out the weight of your brewing vessel, ensuring accurate measurements of your coffee grounds and water.
The scale is small and lightweight, making it easy to store in a kitchen drawer or take with you on your travels. The maximum weight capacity of 2000 grams makes it suitable for most coffee brewing setups. Additionally, the scale’s durable construction ensures its longevity, making it a reliable tool for any coffee brewing setup.
Pros
- Accurate measurements for both coffee grounds and water
- Compatibility with various brewing methods, including pour-over, French press, and AeroPress
- Sleek and compact design that complements most coffee setups
- Versatile and lightweight for use on the go
- Well-established brand with a reputation for producing high-quality coffee equipment
Cons
- The display may be difficult to read in low-light situations
Acaia Pearl S Coffee Scale
Features
- The Acaia Pearl S Brewing Scale comes with a rechargeable battery that can last up to 40 hours.
- The scale has a bright matrix display for clear readings.
- It has a high weight capacity of 3kg.
- The tare mode allows you to reset the scale to zero after placing a container on it.
- You can customize the weight units to either ounces or grams.
- The Pearl S has several essential brewing modes, including weighing mode, espresso mode, timer mode, and auto-start mode. These modes make it easy to measure coffee grounds accurately, time your brew, and achieve the perfect coffee-to-water ratio.
- The advanced mode, which provides additional functionality, can be accessed via the app.
- The flow rate practice mode allows users to improve their pouring speed.
- The heat-resistant silicone pad protects the scale from high temperatures and spills.
- The Pearl S has Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect it to your phone or tablet and track your brew in real-time.
- Water resistant
- The Pearl S has a built-in interactive brewing guide that provides step-by-step instructions on how to brew the perfect cup of coffee. This feature is especially helpful for beginners who are just starting to learn about coffee brewing.
Overview
The Acaia Pearl S Brewing Scale is an advanced weighing scale designed specifically for coffee brewing. With a rapid 20-millisecond response time and the ability to measure weight down to a tenth of a gram, it allows for highly accurate and precise coffee brewing. Additionally, the scale includes a built-in timer to assist in keeping track of brewing time.
Furthermore, the Acaia Pearl S is equipped with Bluetooth capabilities and is compatible with Android and iOS devices. The accompanying apps allow users to collect data on pouring rate, access brewing recipes, and share their own experiments with the coffee community.
The Acaia Pearl Black Scales offer an increased 3kg capacity and a brighter dot matrix display to show more information during brewing. Additionally, it includes a manual flow practice mode for users to improve their pouring speed. The rechargeable battery and customizable auto-off feature enhance the convenience of using the scale.
Overall, the Acaia Pearl S Brewing Scale is an excellent tool for both coffee enthusiasts and professionals, providing precise measurements and valuable features to achieve the perfect cup of coffee.
Pros
- High level of precision in coffee brewing with a rapid response time and weight measurement down to a tenth of a gram
- Built-in stopwatch to assist in keeping track of brewing time
- Bluetooth capabilities and compatible with Android and iOS devices
- Accompanying apps allow for data collection on pouring rate, access to brewing recipes, and sharing of experiments with the coffee community
- Acaia Pearl Black Scales offer a larger 3kg capacity
- Rechargeable battery and customizable auto-off feature add to the convenience of using the scale
Cons
- High cost compared to other coffee scales on the market
- May be too advanced for casual coffee drinkers who do not require precise measurements
- Too thick
Jennings CJ4000 Digital Scale
Features
- Measures in grams, ounces, pounds, and kilograms
- Displays weight in 0.5 gram increments
- Maximum weight capacity of 4000g
- Auto-Off feature can be disabled for uninterrupted brewing
- Tare and Zero Function for accurate measurements
- Tactile rubber keypad for easy operation
- Includes a cover that doubles as a bowl with a pour spout
- Large LCD display for clear visibility
- Stainless-steel platform with a round shape
- Powered by 3 AAA batteries or included AC adapter
- Includes an advanced parts-counting feature
- It beeps any time you touch any button
Overview
The Jennings CJ4000 Digital Scale is a high-performance coffee scale that is perfect for manual brewing enthusiasts. With a maximum weight capacity of 4000 grams and an accuracy of 0.5 grams, this scale is capable of measuring precise and consistent amounts of coffee and water. It is a well-designed and reliable scale that is perfect for achieving the perfect brew every time.
One of the standout features of the Jennings CJ4000 is its ability to disable the auto-off feature. This feature allows you to use the scale for uninterrupted brewing, which is especially useful for coffee brewing methods that require longer brew times. With the ability to disable the auto-off feature, you can be sure that the scale will remain on for the duration of your brew, ensuring that you get the best possible results.
Another impressive feature of the Jennings CJ4000 is its large, easy-to-read LCD display. The display is bright and clear, making it easy to read even in low-light situations. The scale also has a tactile rubber keypad that is easy to operate and provides a clicking sound when pressed.
The Jennings CJ4000 has a round stainless-steel platform that is both durable and easy to clean. The platform is designed to be used with the included cover, which doubles as a bowl with a pour spout. This makes it easy to pour your coffee into your brewing device without making a mess.
In addition to its impressive features, the Jennings CJ4000 also has an advanced parts-counting feature, which makes it useful for measuring small parts and ingredients for cooking or baking. The scale is powered by batteries or the included AC adapter, providing you with the flexibility to use it wherever and whenever you need it.
While the Jennings CJ4000 Digital Scale is a high-performance coffee scale that is great for manual brewing methods such as pour-over or French press, it may not be the best option for measuring espresso. Espresso requires a high degree of precision, and a scale with a higher accuracy and smaller increment measurement may be necessary. Additionally, an espresso scale should have a smaller platform size that fits under the espresso machine’s portafilter.
Overall, the Jennings CJ4000 Digital Scale is an excellent investment for manual brewing enthusiasts who are serious about achieving consistent and high-quality results. Its high weight capacity, precise measurements, and ability to disable the auto-off feature make it an essential tool for any manual brewing setup.
Pros
- Affordable
- High weight capacity of 4000 grams
- Precise measurements with an accuracy of 0.5 grams
- Ability to disable the auto-off feature for uninterrupted brewing
- Large, easy-to-read LCD display
- Tactile rubber keypad for easy operation
- Stainless steel platform that is durable and easy to clean
- Comes with a cover that doubles as a bowl with a pour spout
- Advanced parts-counting feature
- Powered by batteries or included AC adapter
Cons
- May not be suitable for measuring espresso due to its larger platform size and 0.5-gram accuracy.
- The beep sound may be undesirable in some situations, especially if you’re brewing coffee in a quiet environment and don’t want to disturb others.
OXO Good Grips 6lb Precision Scale
Features
- 3kg capacity
- Inbuilt timer
- Tare function
- Measures in grams, ounces or pounds
- Auto shut off function (but it can be disabled)
- Uses 4AAA Batteries (included)
- Comes with a silicone pad
- You can weigh other ingredients
- The Scale displays how close you are to the maximum weight capacity of 3kg and displays an error message once the limit is reached.
Overview
The OXO Good Grips 6lb Precision Scale with Timer is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for measuring ingredients with precision. It has a 6-pound maximum capacity and measures in 0.1-gram intervals, making it ideal for measuring small amounts of ingredients for baking, cooking, or making pour-over coffee.
One of the standout features of this scale is its built-in timer, which is optimized for pour-over coffee. This makes it a great choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to achieve consistent and precise results in their brewing process.
The OXO Good Grips 6lb Precision Scale has a sleek and modern design, with a clear and easy-to-read digital display. The display can be pulled out from the base of the scale, making it easier to read when using larger plates or bowls. The scale also has a zero function that tares the weight of the container, allowing you to add more ingredients without having to start from scratch.
Overall, the OXO Good Grips 6lb Precision Scale with Timer is a reliable and accurate kitchen tool that can help you achieve precise measurements in your cooking and baking. While some reviews have noted that it may not be the most durable scale on the market, its precision and ease of use make it a great choice for home cooks and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Pros
- Accurate and reliable measurements
- Auto shut off to save battery life
- Large, easy-to-read display with backlight
- Tare function for easy measuring of multiple ingredients
- The scale measures in 0.1-gram intervals, providing accurate and precise measurements for small amounts of ingredients
Cons
- The display can be difficult to read in low-light situations.
Timemore Black Mirror Coffee scale
Features
- Automatic shut off function.
- Built-in timer for tracking brew time.
- Option to turn off the beeping sound.
- Measures weight only in grams.
- Maximum weight capacity of 2,000 grams.
- Accuracy of 0.1 grams.
- Rechargeable battery can be quickly recharged by the Type C USB port.
- Suitable for manual brewing
- Tare function
Overview
The Timemore Coffee Scale is a compact and versatile coffee brewing scale designed to provide precision and accuracy for a range of brewing methods. With a maximum weight capacity of 2,000 grams and an accuracy of 0.1 grams, this scale is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want to achieve consistent and high-quality brews every time.
One of the standout features of the Timemore Coffee Scale is its built-in timer, which makes it easy to track brew time and achieve consistent results. The scale also has a tare function, allowing you to measure multiple ingredients in the same container. The scale is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery and comes with a micro-USB charging cable for convenience.
The Timemore Coffee Scale has a sleek and modern design, with a black mirror glass surface and a stainless-steel weighing platform. The touch-sensitive buttons are easy to use, and the display is clear and easy to read. The compact size of the scale makes it easy to store and transport, making it a great choice for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy brewing on the go.
One potential drawback of the Timemore Coffee Scale is the sensitivity of the touch buttons, which may take some getting used to for new users. Additionally, the scale may not be suitable for larger batches of coffee or other ingredients, as the maximum weight capacity is limited to 2,000 grams.
Pros
- Accurate and precise measurements for consistent brewing results.
- Built-in timer helps with tracking brew time.
- Sleek and modern design with a clear and easy-to-read display.
- Compact size makes it easy to store and transport.
- Rechargeable battery for convenience.
- Beeping sound can be turned off.
Cons
- Limited weight capacity of 2,000 grams may not be sufficient for larger batches.
- Measures weight only in grams, limiting versatility.
- Touch-sensitive buttons may take some getting used to for new users.
Why Use a Scale for Pour-Over Coffee
Consistency and Precision
In pour-over brewing, the use of a scale is essential for ensuring consistency and precision. A proper coffee scale provides accurate measurements, which allow us to control the ratio of water to coffee beans for the perfect cup every time.
By using a scale, we eliminate the guesswork and variability associated with other measuring methods like scoops or volume measurements. This precision is crucial for achieving a balanced, flavorful cup of coffee, as small variations in measurements can significantly impact the taste and quality of the final brew.
Control Over Brew Ratio
Controlling the brew ratio is another reason we use a scale for pour-over coffee. The brew ratio refers to the relationship between the weight of coffee grounds and the volume of water used in brewing.
By utilizing a scale, we have complete control over the brew ratio, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable experience with every cup. Here are some key benefits of controlling the brew ratio with a coffee scale:
Accuracy
Scales provide precise measurements, ensuring exact amounts of coffee and water in each brew.
Repeatability
When we find our perfect brew ratio, we can easily replicate it for a consistent taste every time.
Experimentation
Using a scale for pour-over coffee is essential for achieving a consistent, high-quality cup of coffee. It enables us to precisely measure the coffee beans and water, and control the brew ratio, which helps us explore and perfect our coffee’s flavor.
Should you weigh coffee beans before or after grinding
For the most accurate measurements, it is recommended to weigh coffee beans before grinding them. The reason for this is that different coffee grinds have different densities, which can affect the weight of the coffee. Weighing the coffee beans before grinding ensures that you are measuring the same amount of coffee every time, regardless of the grind size.
In addition, some coffee grinders can retain small amounts of ground coffee in the chute or hopper, which can affect the accuracy of the measurement. By weighing the coffee beans before grinding, you can ensure that you are getting an accurate measurement of the amount of coffee that you are using.
Does a regular kitchen scale work for coffee
While it is possible to use a regular kitchen scale for coffee brewing, it’s recommended to use a scale that can measure in smaller increments, such as 0.1g, for more precise and accurate measurements. Some kitchen scales may only measure in larger increments, such as 1 or 5 grams, which may not be suitable for the level of precision required for coffee brewing.
However, as long as your kitchen scale can provide precise and accurate measurements, it can be used for coffee brewing. It’s worth noting that dedicated coffee scales are available that are specifically designed for coffee brewing and offer additional features, such as real-time flow rate display, built-in interactive brewing guides, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Is Buying a Coffee Scale Worth it
Investing in a coffee scale is a smart choice for serious coffee enthusiasts who want consistent and high-quality results every time. A coffee scale allows for precise measurements of coffee and water, ensuring that you achieve the desired coffee-to-water ratio and brew strength.
This level of accuracy is difficult to achieve with other measuring methods, resulting in a more consistent flavor profile. Some coffee scales also offer additional features, such as real-time flowrate display and Bluetooth connectivity, which can enhance your brewing experience. Overall, a coffee scale is a small cost for a significant improvement in the quality and consistency of your morning coffee made.
Is an built in timer necessary
A built-in timer is not strictly necessary for using a coffee scale, but it can be very helpful for tracking brew time and achieving consistent results. When brewing coffee manually, such as with pour-over or French press methods, timing is often a critical factor in achieving the desired flavor and strength.
Having a built-in timer on the scale can help ensure that the coffee is brewed for the appropriate amount of time, resulting in a consistent and balanced flavor profile. However, if you have another reliable method of tracking brew time, such as using a separate timer or stopwatch, then a built-in timer may not be essential.
Final Verdict
In general, the best scales for pour-over coffee are those that offer accurate and precise measurements, a tare function for zeroing out the weight of the brewing vessel, and a weight capacity that meets your brewing needs. Additionally, a built-in timer can be a helpful feature for tracking brew time and achieving consistent results.
Some popular options for best coffee scales include the Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer, the Jennings CJ4000 Digital Scale, and the OXO Good Grips 6lb Precision Scale. Each of these scales offers a range of features and benefits, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Ultimately, investing in a high-quality coffee scale is a small cost for a significant improvement in the quality and consistency of your coffee. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, a reliable and accurate scale is an essential tool for achieving the perfect brew.
