How to Pick the Right Coffee Scale for Home Use
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So, you're diving into the coffee rabbit hole — good. A quality coffee scale is in my opinion your first real step toward brewing great coffee. Whether you're a pour-over enthusiast or an aspiring home barista pulling espresso shots, the right scale can make or break your coffee game. Here's the thing — you don't need to shell out big bucks to get something that will work perfectly. You just need to know what features matter most. When you finish this post, you'll be equipped to choose a scale that fits your brewing style and budget. Let's get into it.
Different scales for different ... y'alls? I tried. This is all I could come up with.
Must-Have Features in a Coffee Scale
Fact is, all scales aren’t created equal. Sure you can buy a $20 scale that will technically get the job done. And that’s better than nothing, but a few extra bones will go a long way. Here’s what you should look for in a good coffee scale:
Gram measurements with 0.1 gram precision (for cup replicability)
Built-in timer for tracking brew duration
High maximum weight capacity (2000g)
OLED display for easy visibility
USB-C charging with a good battery (the zeroHero and Fellow Tally for example boasts a 13-15 hour battery life)
Durable build materials (e.g., aluminum)
Size appropriate for your brew method (not all scales can do both espresso and filter coffee). For example if you have a Hario carafe on most espresso scales, you’ll be good. But, if you try to put a Hario scale on an espresso machine, well, good luck.
Features You Can Skip (If You Want to Save $)
You don’t always need the bells and whistles, especially if you’re not starting a coffee shop. These are nice to have, not necessary:
Auto-taring capabilities
Auto-start and stop functions
Apps for flow rate stats - Like Acaia’s apps - pretty cool in concept, I just don’t know anyone who uses them frequently.
Size Considerations: Pour-Over vs. Espresso
Pour-over scales: Generally larger
Espresso scales: Typically smaller
Some scales can handle both — versatility is key
Economical Picks for Home Brewers
Budget-Friendly: Hario V60 Scale (Buy it here)
Mid-Range All-Rounder: Timemore Basic Mini (Buy it here)
Espresso-Focused: zeroHero Mini Espresso Scale (Buy it here)
One More for Good Measure: MHW-3Bomber Mini Coffee Scale (Buy it here)
High-End Scales: Wouldn’t Blame You If You Did
Acaia Lunar: What I use for my espresso cart business. A damn fine scale. Overkill for the home but worth it for commercial purposes. (Buy it from Prima Coffee Supply)
Fellow Tally: Less expensive than the Acaia, no unnecessary bells and whistles, and like everything Fellow does it’s aesthetically pleasing. Still a little on the expensive side. (Buy it from Prima Coffee Supply)
Conclusion
Picking the right coffee scale for home use doesn't have to be a headache. Focus on the essentials: precise measurements, a reliable timer, and durability. You don’t need to pay for features you'll never use. Whether you go for the budget-friendly Hario V60 or step up to the versatile zeroHero Mini, or max it out with a Fellow Tally, you're now armed with the knowledge to make a smart choice. Remember, the best scale is the one that fits your brewing routine and doesn't leave your bank account empty.
Until next time... Peace. ✌️
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