Timemore Black Mirror coffee scales for espresso and pour over
Timemore Black Mirror is a series of digital coffee scales developed for precise coffee brewing.
The series includes both larger all-round scales for pour over and compact models that fit well on the drip tray under an espresso machine.
Common to all models is a focus on precise weighing, simple operation, and functions that are relevant when you want to work with set coffee recipes.
At Brændeholm Risteri, you will find, among others, the Timemore Black Mirror Basic 3, Basic 2, Mini, and Nano.
Which model you should choose depends primarily on whether the scale will be used mainly for espresso, filter coffee, or both.
Which Timemore Black Mirror should I choose?
The most important thing is not necessarily choosing the model with the most functions.
Instead, choose based on your brewing method.
For both espresso and pour over:
The Timemore Black Mirror Basic 3 is a strong all-round choice with modern automatic functions and a platform that can be used for several types of coffee brewing.
For pour over and standard coffee brewing:
The Black Mirror Basic 2 is a versatile coffee scale with a timer and flow rate measurement.
For espresso and limited space:
The Black Mirror Mini is particularly interesting due to its compact format.
For a compact espresso setup with advanced functions:
The Black Mirror Nano combines small size with a timer, flow rate, and automatic brewing modes.
Always read the specifications for each individual model, as functions and dimensions vary between the scales.
Timemore Black Mirror Basic 3
The Black Mirror Basic 3 is the newest generation in Timemore's Basic series.
It is developed for both espresso and pour over and combines precise weighing with various brewing modes.
The Basic 3 can, among other things, be used in:
Manual mode
For standard weighing and timing.
Espresso mode
For working with espresso, where automatic registration can make it easier to follow the extraction.
Pour over mode
For manual filter brewing, where both time and the coffee/water ratio are relevant.
The Basic 3 also features electromagnetic shielding, which is designed to reduce interference from electronic and magnetic equipment around the scale.
This is particularly interesting in an espresso setup, where the scale is often placed close to both the espresso machine and various magnetic barista tools.
The Basic 3 is therefore a good choice if you want one modern coffee scale for both espresso and filter coffee.
Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2
The Black Mirror Basic 2 is a versatile coffee scale for V60, Chemex, AeroPress, espresso, and more.
It weighs in 0.1-gram increments and has a maximum capacity of 2 kg.
One of its practical functions is flow rate, which shows how fast water is being added during brewing.
This is especially relevant for pour over.
If you are brewing a Hario V60, for example, you can track:
• Water quantity
• Brewing time
• Pouring speed
The Basic 2 also has an automatic timer function and a rechargeable battery.
It is therefore a good choice if you want more brewing functions without necessarily choosing the newest Basic 3.
Timemore Black Mirror Mini
The Black Mirror Mini is a compact coffee scale that is particularly useful for espresso.
With a size of approximately 10 × 11 cm, it takes up significantly less space than a traditional kitchen scale and can therefore fit on many espresso machine drip trays.
It weighs with 0.1-gram resolution and has a maximum capacity of 2 kg.
The Mini also has:
• Built-in timer
• Rechargeable battery
• Tare function
• Separate on/off switch
• Silicone mat
The compact format is its primary advantage.
If you have limited space between the portafilter, cup, and drip tray, a small coffee scale can be far more practical than a large all-round model.
Timemore Black Mirror Nano
The Black Mirror Nano is also developed with compact coffee brewing in focus.
It measures approximately 10 × 11.5 × 2 cm and therefore fits well into many espresso setups.
The Nano offers, among other things:
• 0.1-gram increments
• Capacity up to 2 kg
• Built-in timer
• Flow rate
• Automatic brewing modes
• USB-C rechargeable battery
• Angled display
The angled display is particularly practical during espresso brewing, where a large cup or the espresso machine itself might otherwise make the display harder to see.
The Nano is therefore interesting if you want both a small format and more automatic functions.
Basic 3 or Basic 2?
Basic 2 and Basic 3 can both be used for espresso and pour over.
The Basic 3 is the newer generation and features more dedicated brewing modes as well as electromagnetic shielding.
The Basic 2 is still a versatile coffee scale with 0.1-gram weighing, a timer, and flow rate.
If you are buying new and want the latest Basic generation, the Basic 3 is the natural choice.
If you primarily want precise weighing, a timer, and flow rate, the Basic 2 can still be a very relevant choice.
The price difference may therefore also influence which model makes the most sense for you.
Black Mirror Mini or Nano?
Both models are compact and interesting for espresso.
The Mini is a simpler choice with a focus on small size, precise weighing, and a timer.
The Nano adds, among other things, flow rate, automatic functions, and the characteristic angled display.
You can think of the difference this way:
Mini: compact and simple.
Nano: compact with more brewing functions.
If you mainly weigh espresso and just want to track grams and time, you don't necessarily need the Nano.
If you also want to work with flow rate and automatic functions, the Nano becomes more interesting.
Timemore Black Mirror for espresso
A coffee scale is particularly useful for espresso because you are working with small amounts and short brewing times.
A typical espresso recipe could be:
18.0 g coffee in
↓
36.0 g espresso out
in approximately 25–35 seconds.
With a Black Mirror scale, you can place the cup on the scale under the portafilter and track the weight of the espresso during the brew.
This makes it far easier to work with a set brew ratio than judging espresso by volume.
For espresso, you should pay special attention to:
• The size of the scale
• The height of the scale
• Response time
• 0.1-gram resolution
• Timer function
If space on the drip tray is very limited, the Mini or Nano may be more practical than a larger model.
Timemore Black Mirror for V60
For Hario V60, the scale needs to be able to measure both coffee and the water you pour during brewing.
An example:
15 g coffee
250 g water
Place the V60 and serving carafe or cup on the scale.
Tare the scale and pour the water according to the desired recipe.
On models with flow rate, you can also track how fast the water is being poured.
This can be useful if you are trying to make your V60 technique more consistent.
Timemore Black Mirror for Chemex
For Chemex, a larger platform is often an advantage.
In addition, you should be aware of the scale's maximum capacity.
A Chemex with, for example, 750 ml or 1 liter of coffee can, together with the carafe itself, weigh significantly more than an espresso setup.
Black Mirror models with a capacity of up to 2 kg therefore provide plenty of room for many standard Chemex brews.
However, always remember to check the total weight of your specific setup.
What is flow rate?
Flow rate indicates how fast the scale registers that water is being added.
It is typically shown in grams per second.
If the display, for example, shows:
4.0 g/s
it means that you are pouring approximately four grams of water per second.
The function is particularly interesting for pour over.
If you brew the same V60 recipe multiple times, you can try to keep the water quantity, time, and pouring speed somewhat consistent.
Flow rate is, however, a helpful tool – not a requirement for making good coffee.
Automatic timing
Several Timemore Black Mirror models have automatic timer functions.
Depending on the model, the scale can detect changes in weight and start the timer automatically.
This can be practical for, for example, espresso, where you would otherwise have to start the espresso machine and the timer at the same time.
For pour over, automatic functions can similarly make the workflow easier.
If you prefer to control everything manually, the models can naturally also be used as standard digital coffee scales.
Why 0.1-gram resolution?
0.1-gram resolution is particularly useful for espresso.
If you want 18 grams of coffee in the filter basket, it makes a difference whether the scale shows:
17.4 g
18.0 g
or
18.6 g.
For a large portion of filter coffee, a difference of a few tenths of a gram is less important.
But because Black Mirror scales can be used for several brewing methods, 0.1-gram display is practical for both dosing and espresso.
Coffee scale with rechargeable battery
Black Mirror models use rechargeable batteries.
This means you don't have to keep buying standard batteries.
The charging method and battery life vary between models, so check the specifications for the specific coffee scale.
It is also a good idea to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding charging and storage.
Is Timemore Black Mirror waterproof?
Here, it is important to distinguish between models.
Some Black Mirror scales have various forms of protection against splashes and liquid, but you should not consider all models completely waterproof.
The Basic 3, for example, has a specified IPX3 protection rating.
This does not mean the scale should be submerged in water or washed under the faucet.
When cleaning, you should therefore follow the instructions for the specific model and generally wipe the scale with a slightly damp cloth.
Is Timemore Black Mirror only for coffee?
No.
Fundamentally, they are digital precision scales, so they can also be used for other smaller weighing tasks.
Their design and functions, however, are developed with coffee in mind.
A timer, flow rate, automatic espresso functions, and compact dimensions are particularly useful during coffee brewing.
This is where they differ from a standard kitchen scale.
Timemore Black Mirror or a regular kitchen scale?
A regular kitchen scale can easily be used for coffee.
For a liter of filter coffee, it is, for example, not critical whether the scale shows 60 or 60.0 grams.
The Black Mirror becomes more interesting if you want:
• 0.1-gram resolution
• Faster response
• Built-in timer
• Flow rate
• Automatic brewing modes
• A format intended for coffee and espresso
For espresso, the advantages are therefore typically greater than with a standard coffee machine.
Which Black Mirror is best for beginners?
If you have just started working more precisely with coffee, you don't need to choose the most advanced model.
A good coffee scale must first and foremost make it easy to:
- Weigh coffee beans.
- Weigh water or espresso.
- Track the brewing time.
- Repeat the same recipe.
The Basic 2 can be a good starting point for general coffee brewing.
The Basic 3 is obvious if you want the newer generation and to use the scale for both espresso and pour over.
The Mini is particularly interesting if your primary need is espresso and a compact size.
Which Black Mirror is best for espresso?
There is not just one correct choice.
Black Mirror Mini is attractive due to its compact format.
Black Mirror Nano combines a compact size with more functions.
Black Mirror Basic 3 is a strong all-round choice if there is room for it on your drip tray and you also want to use the scale for pour over.
Be sure to measure your espresso machine's drip tray before you choose.
This is especially important on compact home espresso machines.
Which Black Mirror is best for pour over?
For Hario V60, Chemex, and other pour over methods, a larger platform will typically be more practical.
Here, Basic 2 and Basic 3 are obvious options.
Flow rate can be used to track the pouring speed, while the timer makes it possible to track the total brewing time.
The Basic 3 also has its own dedicated pour over mode.
Frequently asked questions about Timemore Black Mirror
What is Timemore Black Mirror?
Timemore Black Mirror is a series of digital coffee scales for espresso, pour over, and more. The series includes several models with different sizes and functions.
What is the newest Timemore Black Mirror Basic?
The Black Mirror Basic 3 is the newest generation in the Basic series.
What is the difference between Basic 2 and Basic 3?
The Basic 3 is the newer model and adds, among other things, various dedicated brewing modes and electromagnetic shielding. The Basic 2 features a timer and flow rate measurement, among other things.
What is the difference between Mini and Nano?
Both are compact. The Mini is a simpler choice for espresso, while the Nano has more functions like flow rate and automatic brewing modes.
Does the Timemore Black Mirror Nano have Bluetooth?
No, Bluetooth is not listed as a function on the current Black Mirror Nano. The Nano features a timer, flow rate, and automatic brewing modes, among other things.
Can Timemore Black Mirror be used for espresso?
Yes. 0.1-gram resolution, a timer, and compact models make the series well-suited for espresso.
Can Black Mirror be used for V60?
Yes. Several models are particularly well-suited for pour over and can track weight, brewing time, and – on relevant models – flow rate.
How much can Timemore Black Mirror weigh?
Several of the models in the series have a maximum capacity of 2 kg. Always check the specifications for the specific model.
Is Black Mirror waterproof?
Not necessarily. Protection varies between models. Therefore, treat the coffee scale as electronic equipment and follow the cleaning instructions for the individual model.
Should I choose Mini, Nano, or Basic?
For a very compact espresso setup, the Mini or Nano are obvious choices. For both espresso and pour over, the Basic 2 or the newer Basic 3 are often more versatile.
