From the various types to processing, roasting, grinding and preparing with optimal proportions of coffee and water - there are many intricate elements in making a great coffee cup. Even something as small as half a gram can significantly enhance or impair its flavor.
To ensure that you consistently brew delicious coffee every time, a scale is essential. Unlike spoons, scales are far more accurate and easier to use. When preparing your beverage of choice, it isn't just the quantity of coffee that must be weighed - accuracy extends beyond this to include measuring water as well. In short, if you want an exquisite cup every single time then a scale is non-negotiable!
Moving forward, we will discuss the arrangement of scales and how they vary in comparison to one another. We'll also highlight some of the most popular models within a range of differing price points.
Scale device
Scales are mechanical and electronic:
In mechanical instruments, the weight is distributed across a finely tuned spring to generate enough force to drive the scale's indicator.
Within electronic scales, strain gauges are perfectly placed beneath the weighing platform. These small plates serve to transform when any item is weighed, they then alter electrical resistance which is read and sent by a strain gauge to the main board of the scale. It's at this point that all indicators on the board join forces to accurately display weight - making it easier than ever before for you to measure items with precision and speed!
Located at the core of electric scales are several strain gauges. These components operate under a principle wherein a metal foil strain gauge is attached to an elastic material, and its electrical resistance changes when it is put under tension or compression. This variation in resistance is what powers the scale's functionality!
The more resistance, the more weight
Electronic scales are far more popular than mechanical ones because they provide heightened accuracy. Compared to a one-gram variance for mechanical scales, electronic scales register an error of just 0.1 gram - which can make all the difference in terms of taste when preparing coffee! Though kitchen (electronic) varieties usually read with an error margin of 1 gram, if you're looking to take your brewing game up a notch and ensure delectable results every time, replace them with those boasting increased accuracy.
Scale functions
When selecting an electronic coffee scale, it is useful to ensure that they possess the standard set of features: tare, timer, and auto-off. Although these capabilities are not essential for quality brewing, their presence does greatly simplify the process. Make sure your scales include them when making a choice!
Reset to Zero
Utilizing this function, you are able to reset the weight value even if something is already on the scale. This comes in very handy when you need precision measurements for coffee making—say a cup with a pour over funnel placed on the scale, by resetting the weights after pouring in your exact amount of coffee beans and then again once filled with water, you can guarantee that both ingredients will be consistent every time.
Timer
With its built-in timer, the scale streamlines the cooking process. This is not a deciding factor, as most phones and smartwatches come with their own timers. The inclusion of this feature in the kitchen scale does away with having to use another device solely for timing purposes alone.
Auto power off
As you're busy creating a delicious meal, it's far too easy to forget about the scales and let their battery drain. This isn't catastrophic, but it is certainly an annoyance - which is why the auto-shutoff feature on many kitchen scales will save your mood!
Alongside the regular functions, some scales can have additional capabilities depending on their purpose and design. For instance, you can find ordinary digital scales as well as advanced smart varieties or small espresso ones - they are designed to fit underneath cups while brewing coffee. After that, let's consider particular models of each type of scale in further detail.
The most important thing
Precisely controlling the ratio of coffee to water weight is what allows you to brew great-tasting coffee, so investing in a reliable scale that can accurately measure the two liquids is essential. An ideal model will possess features such as accuracy, fast response time, and timers and tare functions – more than enough for an enjoyable recipe execution every single time!
Although we only featured a few models in the article, there are actually many more available. We decided to not delve into each model separately since most of them just differ aesthetically and lack any distinguishing features.
Simple scales (Widely available on Amazon or eBay)
Price: $15-$30
With the well-known trading platform, you can find a plethora of coffee scales for sale. The example in the photo is merely one example, there are many more that cater to your individual needs and preferences!
Pros
Very low price.
acceptable functionality.
Cons
Build quality is usually poor.
It is expected that such scales are precise and accurate in their measurements, as proven by many home cooks. You can have peace of mind knowing these tools will be reliable for your cooking needs.
Intermediate scale
Price: $30-$60
Crafted from luxurious, smooth plastic to the touch and outfitted with a rubberized platform, these scales are perfect for preparing coffee using alternative methods like Chemex or Hario V60. Not only do they have a standard set of features including tare, timer, and unit selection but also boast additional features such as auto-timers and Bluetooth wireless connections to your mobile device—all powered by reliable lithium batteries! These scales do their job well and are inexpensive.
pros
The price is still affordable.
Display illumination.
The maximum weight is 2-3 kg.
Despite the downsides,
Good functionality
cons
Not reliable and precise enough for professional use
Professional coffee scale
Price: $60-$300
Here are well-known brands with working models such as:
- Tiamo is crafted from both plastic and stainless steel, with rubber feet for secure placement on any surface.
- Hario Drip Scale has quickly become a classic for coffee shops and households alike, but unfortunately, its features do not match the price. Despite being a "classic" model, it is significantly lacking in functionality compared to other options.
- If you're looking for an affordable kitchen scale that packs a punch, then the Timemore Black Mirror is your go-to option. Boasting remarkable features at an unbeatable price, this scale can easily compete with more expensive analogs without compromising on quality!
Smart scale
The "smart scale" may look like any other electronic scale, but it offers a multitude of additional functions and more accurately records your data. All you need to do is connect the device to your phone via Bluetooth, and voila - you are in complete control!
The Timemore Black Mirror Dual is a one-of-a-kind innovation in the coffee world. Thanks to its dual capability, it measures both weights of the funnel and extracted coffee simultaneously! This revolutionary technology was patented by Timemore back in 2017, so you can be sure that no other machine has this function. With such great features, why not make your next cup with unrivaled quality?
Acaia Pearl scales are the gold standard among baristas and coffee aficionados alike, boasting ultra-sensitive weighing capabilities, technologically advanced circuitry, and powerful software. Their Lunar model takes this to another level through a combination of these features for unparalleled precision in measuring your favorite brews.
If you’re looking for an effortless brewing experience, the Acaia Coffee app – and its Scale add-on specifically - is your answer! With this tool, you can precisely adjust brew time and volume from across the room as well as create various recipes that are customizable to your individual tastes. You can even share them with other users on the platform.
The Acaia Lunar scale is especially ideal when it comes to espresso due to its miniature size, conveniently fitting underneath most coffee machine holders while still being usable in alternative cooking methods. The Acaia Lunar is the perfect tool for any professional barista. Utilizing Bluetooth, these scales are incredibly compatible with your smartphone and help you to craft specialized coffee brewing profiles in a snap - all through an efficient application!
Espresso scale
As a barista, it is pivotal to maintain the consistency of your espresso's weight. To guarantee the highest quality and greater accuracy, it is best practice to measure its weight while in preparation rather than at completion. Doing so will ensure that every cup of coffee you serve is nothing short of perfect!
Not all scale models fit beneath the holder on the coffee machine's platform, thus requiring special espresso scales that are noticeably smaller. In addition to size discrepancy, these types of scopes have weight restrictions, conventional scales can weigh up to 2–3 kg while espresso scales usually max out at 200-500 grams. Ultimately, except for their differences in size and weight limits, there is not much else distinguishing them from one another.
Conclusion
Coffee scales are a vital tool for the perfect cup of java, as they enable you to precisely measure out water and coffee beans. This allows for exacting control over your beverages' flavor profile, quantity, and consistency.
Accuracy, good responsiveness, and tare and timer functions are all fundamental when it comes to scales. Additional features that allow for more controlled and enjoyable cooking can be a nice addition but are not essential.
Although there are many more models than what we named in the article, most don't vary much beyond appearance and so weren't touched on. This is why it was only necessary to name a few models, discussing each of them isn't required when they all perform relatively similarly.