Coffee scale – guide to precise coffee brewing

A coffee scale makes it easier to brew coffee according to a set recipe and repeat a good result.

Instead of measuring coffee with spoons and water by eye, you can weigh both. This way, you know exactly how much coffee and water you are using – and you can change one thing at a time if the coffee doesn't taste the way you want it to.

A coffee scale is especially useful for espresso and pour over, but it can also make regular filter coffee, AeroPress, and French press coffee more consistent.

In this guide, we look at which coffee scale you should choose, how precise it should be, and how to use it for different brewing methods.

Why use a coffee scale?

The biggest advantage of a coffee scale is repeatability.

Imagine you are brewing a really good cup of V60.

If you know you used:

15 grams of coffee

250 grams of water

and a brewing time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds

you can use the exact same recipe the next day.

If the coffee tastes different, you also have a better basis for finding the cause.

Without a scale, it becomes harder to know, for example, if you used more coffee or water than last time.

Is a coffee scale necessary?

No.

You can easily brew coffee without a scale.

But if you want more control and a better chance of repeating your brews, a coffee scale is one of the most practical pieces of coffee equipment.

It is especially useful if you:

• Brew espresso
• Brew Hario V60 or other pour over
• Use Chemex
• Use AeroPress
• Experiment with different coffee beans
• Want to work with fixed coffee/water ratios

For regular everyday coffee, it is not a requirement – but it makes the brewing process much easier to work with systematically.

How precise should a coffee scale be?

For coffee, a resolution of 0.1 grams is practical.

This is especially useful for espresso, where even relatively small changes in coffee dosage can affect the brew.

For larger portions of filter coffee, the difference between, for example, 60.0 and 60.2 grams of coffee is rarely decisive.

Therefore, you should not choose a coffee scale based solely on the number of decimal places.

Other features can be just as important:

• Fast response time
• Stable measurement
• Timer
• Size
• Maximum capacity
• Operation
• Water resistance
• Battery life

Can I use a regular kitchen scale?

Yes – especially for filter coffee.

If your kitchen scale measures in 1-gram increments, it can easily be used for, for example:

60 grams of coffee

and

1,000 grams of water.

For espresso, the limitations become more apparent.

Here you might be working with:

18.0 grams of coffee

and

36.0 grams of espresso.

A coffee scale with 0.1-gram resolution and fast response makes it easier to stop the brew accurately.

A dedicated coffee scale is therefore not necessary to start, but it becomes more useful the more precisely you want to brew.

Coffee scale with timer

A built-in timer is one of the most practical features on a coffee scale.

It means you can see both:

weight

and

brew time

on the same device.

It is particularly practical for V60, Chemex, AeroPress, and espresso.

At the same time, you avoid having to use your phone as a separate stopwatch.

Coffee scale for espresso

For espresso, the scale is particularly useful for measuring two things:

Dose – how much ground coffee you use.

Yield – how much finished espresso you get in the cup.

A common starting point could, for example, be:

18 g coffee in

↓

36 g espresso out

This corresponds to a brew ratio of 1:2.

Place the cup on the coffee scale under the portafilter, tare the scale, and start the brew.

When you approach the desired weight in the cup, you stop the espresso.

Why is a fast coffee scale important for espresso?

Espresso runs quickly.

If the scale reacts slowly, there may already be several extra grams of espresso in the cup before the display shows it.

Therefore, response time is particularly important for an espresso scale.

This does not mean that the display necessarily has to change instantly, but a fast and stable measurement makes it easier to control your yield.

How large should an espresso scale be?

Check the space under your espresso machine.

Some coffee scales are relatively large and work well for V60 and Chemex, but can be impractical on the drip tray under an espresso machine.

A compact scale is therefore an advantage for espresso.

If you have limited distance between the portafilter and the cup, the height of the scale is also relevant.

Coffee scale for V60

For Hario V60, the coffee scale is used for both coffee, water, and time.

An example could be:

15 grams of coffee

250 grams of water

approximately 2:30–3:30 minutes total brew time.

Place the entire setup on the scale:

V60

filter

cup or server.

Press tare so the display shows 0.

Then you can add coffee, tare again, and start pouring water.

That way, you can follow exactly how much water you have added.

Coffee scale for Chemex

The principle is the same with Chemex.

Example:

30 grams of coffee

500 grams of water

Place the Chemex with filter on the scale, add the coffee, and tare.

When you pour the water, the coffee scale shows the total amount of water.

The timer can also be used to track the bloom and the total brew time.

Because Chemex can be used for larger brews, you should check that the scale has enough maximum capacity for both the Chemex, coffee, and water.

Coffee scale for AeroPress

A coffee scale makes AeroPress recipes easier to repeat.

You can, for example, use:

15 grams of coffee

250 grams of water.

Place the cup and AeroPress on the scale, tare, and add water by weight.

The timer can be used to control the extraction time.

You do not need a special AeroPress scale. A regular coffee scale of an appropriate size works fine.

Coffee scale for filter coffee

A scale is also useful for a regular filter coffee machine.

A good starting point can be:

60 grams of coffee per liter of water.

This gives, for example:

15 g coffee → 250 ml water

30 g coffee → 500 ml water

45 g coffee → 750 ml water

60 g coffee → 1 liter water

Here, you do not necessarily need to weigh the water directly on the coffee scale if the coffee machine's water tank is accurate.

But the scale makes the coffee dosage significantly more reproducible than coffee scoops and spoons.

Coffee scale for French press

For French press coffee, you can also start around:

60 grams of coffee per liter of water.

Example:

500 ml water → 30 grams of coffee.

French press coffee is relatively forgiving, so you do not necessarily need a scale with extremely fast response time.

A simple digital coffee scale is therefore often sufficient.

What does tare mean?

Tare – often written TARE – means that the scale is reset with an object standing on top.

Example:

1. Place the cup on the scale.
2. The display shows, for example, 215.6 g.
3. Press tare.
4. The display shows 0.0 g.
5. Brew espresso into the cup.

Now the scale only shows the weight of the espresso and not the cup.

The same principle is used for V60, Chemex, AeroPress, and other brewing methods.

What does flow rate mean?

Some modern coffee scales can also show flow rate.

Flow rate describes how quickly liquid is added or moves, often indicated in grams per second.

The function can be useful for pour over because it allows you to see how quickly you are pouring water.

If you are, for example, trying to repeat the same V60 recipe, flow rate can be yet another variable you can keep fairly consistent.

However, it is not necessary for making good coffee.

For most people, weight and timer are the most important functions.

Automatic timer – is it necessary?

Some coffee scales can automatically detect when liquid starts hitting the scale and start the timer.

It can be practical for, especially, espresso and pour over.

But it is a convenience feature – not something you need.

A manual timer works just as well if you remember to start it.

How large a capacity should the coffee scale have?

It depends on the brewing method.

For espresso, you usually do not need a very high maximum capacity.

For Chemex or larger pour over brews, the scale must, on the other hand, be able to carry:

brewer

server

coffee

and water

at the same time.

If you often brew larger portions, you should therefore check the scale's maximum capacity before purchasing.

USB charging or batteries?

Both work.

Many modern coffee scales use rechargeable batteries and are charged via USB.

Other models use standard batteries.

A rechargeable battery means you don't have to keep buying new batteries, while replaceable batteries can be practical because they can be replaced quickly.

The choice has no impact on the quality of the coffee.

Should a coffee scale be waterproof?

It is an advantage that the scale can handle minor splashes.

Coffee and water are almost inevitably spilled sometimes.

But there is a big difference between water-resistant and waterproof.

Therefore, do not assume that the scale can be rinsed under the faucet just because it tolerates a little liquid.

Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

How to clean a coffee scale?

Turn off the scale after use and wipe away any coffee or water.

Usually, use a soft, slightly damp cloth.

Avoid getting water around buttons, charging ports, or electronic parts, unless the manufacturer specifically states that the model can handle it.

If the scale has a removable silicone mat, this can often be cleaned separately.

Follow the instructions for the specific model.

Which coffee scale should I choose?

Start by asking how you brew coffee.

Primarily espresso

Prioritize:

• Compact size
• 0.1 g resolution
• Fast response
• Timer
• Low profile

Primarily V60 and pour over

Prioritize:

• Plenty of room for a server
• Timer
• Clear display
• Sufficient capacity
• Possibly flow rate

Both espresso and filter coffee

Choose a model that is compact enough for the espresso machine, but still large enough for your normal pour over setup.

Only dosing coffee beans

If you primarily want to weigh coffee beans before grinding, a much simpler scale may be sufficient.

You don't need to pay for features you will never use.

Timemore coffee scales

Timemore Black Mirror series is among the coffee scales we carry at Brændeholm Risteri.

The series contains both larger models for general coffee brewing and more compact models that, among other things, fit well for espresso.

The features vary from model to model.

Some offer, for example:

• Timer
• Automatic timer
• Flow rate
• Rechargeable battery
• Different brewing modes

Therefore, look at the specifications of the individual coffee scale rather than assuming that all Black Mirror models have the same functions.

Hario, Acaia, and other coffee scales

In addition to Timemore, there are many other manufacturers of coffee scales.

With us, you will find models from, among others, Hario, Acaia, and Rhino Coffee Gear.

The individual models cater to different needs.

A compact dosing scale can, for example, be interesting for espresso, while a larger scale with advanced brewing features might be better for pour over.

The most important thing is therefore not the brand alone, but whether the scale's features fit the way you brew coffee.

How much does 0.1 grams really matter?

It depends on the brewing method.

For espresso, a 0.1-gram resolution can be very useful because both the dosage and the finished yield are relatively small amounts.

For a large pot of filter coffee, a difference of 0.1 grams of coffee makes practically no difference.

Therefore, precision must be seen in relation to the task the scale is used for.

A good coffee scale is not about the most possible decimal places – it must first and foremost be stable, user-friendly, and suitable for your brewing method.

Is an expensive coffee scale better?

Not necessarily for everyone.

A more expensive coffee scale can offer:

• Faster response
• More robust construction
• Better water protection
• Automatic timing
• Flow rate
• Apps and Bluetooth
• More brewing functions

But if your only need is to weigh 30 grams of coffee for a French press, you likely don't need all those features.

Buy according to need rather than price alone.

A good coffee scale makes it easier to learn

One of the best things about using a coffee scale is that it makes experiments measurable.

If you, for example, brew V60 with:

15 g coffee

250 g water

you can keep the coffee and water the same next time and only change the grind size.

That way, you can taste the difference from one change.

The same applies to espresso.

Keep:

18 g coffee

36 g espresso

constant

and adjust the grind size.

Then it becomes much easier to understand how your changes affect the coffee.

Frequently asked questions about coffee scales

What is a coffee scale?

A coffee scale is a digital scale intended to measure coffee and often also water during coffee brewing. Many models also have a built-in timer.

How precise should a coffee scale be?

0.1-gram resolution is practical and especially useful for espresso. For larger filter brews, a scale with 1-gram resolution can also be used.

Should a coffee scale have a timer?

No, but it is very practical for espresso, V60, Chemex, and AeroPress.

Can I use a kitchen scale for coffee?

Yes. For larger brews, a regular kitchen scale works fine if it responds stably. For espresso, a more precise and faster coffee scale is often easier to work with.

Why do you weigh water for coffee?

It makes it possible to keep a fixed ratio between coffee and water. Since 1 gram of water roughly corresponds to 1 ml, it is also very simple to work with water by weight.

Why do you weigh espresso?

By weighing the espresso, you can control the ratio between coffee in the filter basket and the finished espresso. For example, 18 grams of coffee in and 36 grams of espresso out.

What does tare mean?

Tare resets the scale so the weight of the cup, server, or brewer is not included.

What does flow rate mean?

Flow rate shows how quickly liquid is added, typically in grams per second. The function is especially used for pour over.

Which coffee scale is best for espresso?

A compact scale with fast response time, low height, timer, and 0.1-gram resolution is a good starting point.

Which coffee scale is best for V60?

A scale with a timer, clear display, and sufficient size for a cup or server is ideal. Flow rate can be an extra advantage but is not necessary.

Does a beginner need a coffee scale?

No, but a simple coffee scale is one of the easiest tools to make coffee brewing more consistent.