5 Best Coffee Scales In 2024: Tried and Tested

For anyone serious about their coffee brewing, you know precision is key. The fact is coffee beans have different densities, which means a normal scoop can vary significantly in weight.

But the problem is this can easily throw off your coffee-to-water ratio. Often leading to inconsistent flavors.

So, guess what? You need a quality coffee scale that can accurately measure coffee and water.

Unlike kitchen scales, coffee scales are designed with finer precision and features like built-in timers to help you nail every brew. They’re also built to withstand spills and heat, making them perfect for brewing environments.

Whether brewing pour-over or espresso, a coffee scale ensures consistency and balance in every cup.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best coffee scales of 2024 to help you find the perfect one. So, let’s brew!

How To Choose The Right Coffee Scale?

Well, choosing the ideal coffee scale can make a huge difference in your brewing, ensuring you get the right balance and flavor consistently. So, here are five aspects you should consider before buying a scale.

1 – Accuracy and Precision

For precise coffee brewing, especially when making pour-overs or espresso, you need a scale that offers accurate measurements in small increments.

This helps you to control the amount of coffee and water you use, leading to more consistent results. For instance, the Fellow Tally Pro excels in this area with its 0.1-gram precision.

This precision ensures that each cup is as good as the last, whether making a small espresso or a large pour-over.

2 – Response Time

A quick response time is crucial for real-time feedback as you pour water or add coffee. This is especially important for methods like pour-over, where controlling the pour rate is key to achieving the desired extraction.

3 – Build Quality and Durability

A durable scale will withstand daily use and accidental spills, offering longevity and peace of mind. You want a scale that can handle the rigors of coffee brewing without frequent replacements.

What To Look For:

• Look for scales made from high-quality stainless steel or durable plastics.
• Consider water resistance, which protects the scale from spills and splashes.

I’ve noticed that scales like the Varia AKU, with their robust build and heat-resistant materials, stand the test of time, even under heavy daily use.

4 – Display and Readability

A clear and easy-to-read display is essential, especially when brewing early in the morning or in low-light conditions. A good display helps you monitor the weight and time precisely.

What To Look For:

• Opt for scales with large, bright displays and clear numbers.
• Features like backlighting and high-contrast screens improve visibility.

I like the OXO Precision Coffee Scale, which has a large, bright digital display that makes it easy to read the measurements at a glance, even in low light.

This clarity is beneficial when rushing through your morning routine and needing to measure your coffee quickly and accurately.

5 – Advanced Features

Advanced features such as built-in timers, auto-tare functions, and smart app connectivity. These features provide additional control and convenience. Also, this helps you achieve consistent and repeatable results.

What To Look For:

• Scales with built-in timers and auto-tare simplify the process by reducing the need for additional tools.
• While not essential, smart features can benefit enthusiasts who want to track and log their brewing data.

I’ve found the Fellow Tally Pro’s brew assist mode incredibly helpful. It automatically calculates the ideal water-to-coffee ratio, taking the guesswork out of brewing.

This allows you to focus on perfecting your pour technique. This feature alone can make a significant difference in the quality of your coffee.

5 Top Coffee Scales

The Acaia Pearl Scale 2021 is a top-tier digital coffee scale designed for precise weighing. It looks sleek and has advanced features.

For instance, highly accurate weight measurements, fast response times, and an intuitive user interface.

You also have a large, easy-to-read LED display that integrates seamlessly with several coffee-brewing apps, providing users with a comprehensive brewing experience.

You also have a large, easy-to-read LED display that integrates seamlessly with several coffee-brewing apps, providing users with a comprehensive brewing experience. The Acaia Pearl Scale 2021 is priced at around $150.

This coffee scale is a reliable and user-friendly tool. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just beginning to explore pour-over coffee, this scale offers precision and simplicity.

Also, its sleek and compact design makes it easy to fit into any kitchen space.

With its built-in timer and ability to measure as small as 0.1 grams in increments, the OXO scale ensures you get the exact amount of coffee you need for the perfect brew.

The scale’s clear digital display and intuitive touch-sensitive controls make it easy to use and read, while the non-slip silicone mat keeps your equipment steady during brewing. The OXO scale is about $55.95.

The Timemore Black Mirror is a stylish and precise digital coffee scale that bridges the gap between basic and high-end models.

With its sleek, minimalist design and advanced features, this scale is perfect for anyone who wants to upgrade their brewing setup without spending much money.

It gives accurate weight measurements down to 0.1 grams, a fast response time, and a clean, easy-to-read LED display that becomes invisible when unused.

Timemore is compact and fits easily under most espresso machines or alongside your pour-over setup.

You also have a USB-C rechargeable battery, a water-resistant shell design, and a timer optimized for coffee brewing. The Timemore Black Mirror is priced around $59.99

This premium digital coffee scale is designed for precision and versatility. Also, this scale combines functionality with durability. So, it works well for home and commercial use.

You have features like auto-tare and timing functions, which are particularly useful for espresso brewing.

I enjoy Varia’s sleek design with its hidden 9-digit LED display that provides clear and easy-to-read measurements.

Plus, the scale is constructed from heat-resistant PFA alloy, ensuring it remains unaffected by high temperatures.

It is IPX5 water-resistant, providing protection against low-pressure water streams. With a rechargeable battery via USB-C, it promises over 300 brewing cycles on a single charge. The Varia AKU Scale is priced at around $130.

This high-end digital coffee scale is mainly meant for pour-over brewing. Fellow has a sleek and durable design and offers fantastic, unique features.

For instance, a bright OLED display that clearly shows weight, time, and additional brewing metrics.

One standout feature is its intuitive brew assist mode, which simplifies measuring water and coffee by calculating and displaying the exact brew ratio.

This mode helps you achieve the perfect balance every time without needing mental math. The scale also includes a convenient timer and supports several measurement units.

So, it’s perfect for different brewing methods and recipes. You can get one for about $185.

Last Thoughts – Which Coffee Scale Should You Pick?

Okay, so we’ve reached the end of our coffee scale conversation. Are you still wondering what the right coffee scale is?

Well, if you’re looking for all-around versatility and precision, the Acaia Pearl Scale 2021 is a top-notch choice for various brewing methods.

For those on a budget, the OXO Precision Coffee Scale offers excellent accuracy and essential features at a reasonable price.

The Timemore Black Mirror is stylish and highly functional if you prioritize design and responsiveness. Espresso enthusiasts will appreciate the compact and durable Varia AKU Scale.

While pour-over aficionados will benefit from the advanced brew assist mode of the Fellow Tally Pro. Each scale has its strengths, so consider what matters most to you.

If you’re still unsure or have a favorite coffee scale, please leave a comment below—we’d love to hear from you and help you find the perfect match!