coffee scale

If you want to objectively assess the taste of your coffee, you need control over important parameters, such as brewing time and the brewing ratio (coffee to water). The easiest way to achieve this goal is with a coffee scale, a precision scale with a timer. We'll explain why a coffee scale or barista scale is important and what you should consider when purchasing one.

Price

Barista scale from Süssmund Kaffee

Kaffeewaage Hario Drip Scale

Buy Hario Drip Scale for filter coffee

The Drip Scale from Hario offers good value for money. With this coffee scale, you can weigh precisely to the nearest 0.1 g up to 2,000 g. This means that even larger quantities of filter coffee can be prepared in heavy glass carafes like the Chemex. It is intuitive and very easy to use. The timer runs for up to 100 minutes, which is more time than you will ever need to prepare your coffee. The automatic shut-off after 5 minutes ensures that the batteries do not run out if you forget to turn it off. At 19.5 cm long and 12 cm wide, the scale's surface offers enough space for a Chemex, French press, and even most portafilters. However, we would recommend this precision scale more for filter coffee, as it does not provide a slim base when used under the portafilter when preparing espresso, is not waterproof, and is not sensitive enough to the smallest weight changes.

Kaffeewaage Brewista Smart Scale

Buy Brewista Smart Scale II for Espresso

This precision scale with a stainless steel surface repels water thanks to its special coating, measures reliably to an accuracy of 0.1 g, features a timer, and a non-slip surface. The Brewista Smart Scale II leaves nothing to be desired for any barista. Six application modes simplify operation for every preparation method, making this Smart Scale a must-have for any coffee-drinking household. Furthermore, the coffee scale requires no batteries; the built-in rechargeable battery is charged via a power cable.

With a maximum weight of 2,000 g, you can also brew larger quantities of filter coffee with this scale. While the surface is smaller than the Hario Drip Scale at 12.7 cm x 10.6 cm, you can still place a portafilter, two espresso cups, or cappuccino cups on it. The low height of just 2 cm makes it easy to place the scale under the cups when preparing espresso. Also worth mentioning is the orange-backed display, which allows you to read the readings very clearly. All in all, an excellent coffee scale with good value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a coffee scale?

As mentioned at the beginning, your coffee scale helps you measure the amount of water and coffee, as well as control the extraction time. This allows you to accurately replicate other people's and your own recipes, and your cup of coffee is no longer a coincidence.

What is the difference between a coffee scale and a kitchen scale?

Coffee scales are precision scales with a timer function. Compared to most conventional kitchen scales, the measuring increments of a coffee scale are smaller, namely 0.1 g versus 1 g. Furthermore, most kitchen scales don't have a built-in timer. This makes the coffee scales more sensitive, and you don't need a second device to time the coffee while you prepare it.

Are there differences between coffee scales for espresso and filter coffee?

Most coffee scales are suitable for both preparation methods, but details determine practicality. If you have an espresso machine and primarily use it for coffee preparation, you should choose a waterproof model that's not too tall but large enough to accommodate your portafilter. Ultimately, you want to be able to comfortably rest the portafilter on the scale and place it under your coffee cup while brewing.

If you only brew filter coffee using various methods, you should make sure the surface of the coffee scale is large enough to accommodate your coffee maker. For example, the base of larger Chemex models may extend over the edge of the coffee scale, obscuring the display.