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Measure, Grind, Brew: The Best Digital Scales For Coffee

If you plan to experiment with pour over coffee and espresso, you need an accurate scale. Here are the top coffee scales.

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Asser Christensen

Licensed Q Arabica Grader, M.A. Journalism

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Over the years, I have worked with a bunch of different scales for both espresso and pour over coffee, and in this guide, I have selected some of the best options on the market.

Don’t worry – you don’t need the most expensive one out there! Any of these in this article will do just fine.

However, coffee is about precision.

If you want to go from good to great brews consistently, you’ll need a scale.

Otherwise, it will just be guesswork.

About my top picks

A coffee scale is a special tool, because it’s pretty easy for any digital scale with a built-in timer to perform reasonably well. So when I’m pointing out my favorite coffee scale and espresso scale here, it’s more about the small details and above all; the value.

These are some of the things that I think are essential for a good coffee scale in 2024:

  • A timer
  • USB C charging
  • A boxy “shell design” where the weighing plate is sheltered for water
  • A clear display
  • Aesthetically pleasing

In recent years, the influx of new brands has driven prices down, benefiting us consumers.

We now have access to options that are not only functional and good-looking but also surprisingly affordable.

Please note: If you decide to purchase a product through a link on the site, I may earn a commission without additional cost to you. These commissions help to support the site.

Timemore Black Mirror pro

My top pick: The Ideal Coffee Scale

timemore basic pro with white background

Timemore has finally updated the Black Mirror scale to an even more advanced and sturdy version.

This model comes with flow rate, timer, and a battery that’s rechargeable via USB C.

It’s beautiful and functional.

Amazon Aliexpress

So in fact, most of the scales in this article live up to the criteria above.

This is a significant shift from just a few years ago when the choices were more limited and acquiring a decent espresso scale meant spending a small fortune.

If you run a coffee shop where the scale is a piece of equipment that is used constantly throughtout the day, it probably still makes sense to invest in the Acaia Lunar.

However, for most home baristas, the affordable models from Timemore and SearchPean are particularly attractive due to their cost-effectiveness.

The Timemore Black Mirror has been a favorite for manual brewing for several years, thanks to its eye-catching design and reasonable price. With the introduction of the “Pro” version, it still seems like a wise investment for the future if you’re mainly brewing filter coffee.

SearchPean, a relatively new brand, specializes in compact espresso scales. Between their two models, I have a slight preference for the 2S version, primarily for aesthetic reasons; the all-white digits on the display are simply more appealing than the mix of red and white found on other models.

While all the espresso scales discussed in this article are excellent choices, the cost-effectiveness of the Tiny2S scale makes it a standout selection.

SearchPean Tiny s2

My favorite espresso scale

searchpean tiny 2s epsresso scale white background

The SearchPean Tiny 2S has become a bit of a cult favorite over the last year or so due to its very attractive price.

It’s the ideal espresso scale, since it’s so small and it charges via USB-C.

Amazon Aliexpress

WHY USE A SCALE WHEN BREWING COFFEE?

The flavor of coffee changes depending on the ratio of coffee and water you use.

Certain beans and brew methods really shine at the standard 1:15 ratio of coffee to water, while others require a totally different approach: perhaps a 1:17 ratio is better.

The main takeaway though is this: You need to be able to measure both beans and water in order to hit your ideal ratio.

While this can be done to a certain degree by using volume measurements (like with a tablespoon scoop), it will never be accurate unless you use a scale and measure out the exact mass of both the coffee and the water.

This is because different beans and different roasts produce beans with different densities. Therefore, beans with the same volume may have completely different masses and cannot be compared with volume.

BE CONSISTENT

Knowing exactly how much coffee and water you are using will allow you to either remain completely consistent once you have a cup you know you enjoy or allow you to change different parameters accurately if you want to try something else.

If you don’t trust me, then here’s the opinion of coffee pioneer James Freeman of Blue Bottle:

“Volume is a less accurate way of measuring things than mass is. That’s not an opinion; it’s physics,” he explains in The Blue Bottle Craft of Coffee book.

“Gram measurements are more accurate, and we think using them will improve your experience as a coffee drinker and baker—and therefore improve your life. So let’s face it: you need to go the extra mile and buy a gram scale if you don’t already have one”.

So there you have it. You should really get a scale.

What to Look for in a Coffee Scale?

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, choosing the right scale is crucial. Here’s a detailed guide on what to consider:

Digital Precision

Opt for a digital scale. Analog scales can be challenging to read, especially pre-coffee. For everyday brewing, a scale with accuracy to two decimal places is ideal, given the small mass measurements in grams.

Size Matters

Compactness is key, especially for espresso enthusiasts. The limited space between the portafilter and drip tray on some espresso machines means smaller scales are necessary. For manual espresso makers like the Cafelat Robot and Flair 58, this is even more critical.

searchpean vs timemore black mirror nano
The SearchPean Tiny1 and the Timemore Black Mirror Nano next to each other. Both are small enough to fit on most drip trays.

(See the list at the article’s beginning for scales suited to specific needs.)

Power Source

Prefer rechargeable coffee scales for their convenience and environmental benefits. Given their daily use, unlike occasional baking scales, rechargeability is crucial. Look for models with a USB-C port for easy charging, and be wary of older models with less convenient mini USB ports.

Timemore Nano USB C charging port up close
In 2024 it’s hard to recommend anything besides a scale that charges via USB C. Some models also have waterproof protection of the charging ports, just to be safe.

Additional Features

While a basic digital scale meets most needs, extra features can improve your brewing process:

  • Built-in Timer: Useful for experimenting with extraction times.
  • Flow Rate Indicator: Measures pouring/extraction speed, though not essential for everyone.
  • Water Proof: Given the likely exposure to hot water, a water resistant scale is advisable.
  • Auto-Tare: Some espresso-focused scales have a mode, where they will sense when a cup is being put on the scale, and automatically tare to zero. Personally, I don’t think it’s a necessary feature, but for people working in coffee shops I can see how it’s useful.
  • Auto-Start: Some scales can also detect when the extraction has started and stopped. Again, this is mostly an espresso feature. I find that it can often be quite buggy, and it doesn’t account for preinfusion and other complex extraction processes, so I prefer just to start the timer when the pump is turned on.

Smart Scales

The market offers scales with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling brew tracking via an app. However, many smart scales suffer from software issues and offer limited practical benefits. Even high-end models like Acaia scales have their drawbacks. While some promise training features or various modes, truly innovative benefits remain scarce.

COFFEE SCALES: My top Picks

ModelEspressoPour OverRechargeableCheck Price
Timemore Black Mirror ProLimitedAmazon
Aliexpress
SeachPean Tiny 2SLimitedAmazon
Aliexpress
MiiCoffee Nano ProLimitedAmazon
Miicoffee
Timemore Black Mirror NanoAmazon
Aliexpress
Weightman Espresso ScaleLimitedAmazon
Aliexpress
Huismart Coffee ScaleAmazon
Aliexpress
Acaia Lunar Espresso ScaleLimitedAmazon
Prima Coffee
Please note: “Limited” refers to the size. For instance, some displays will be hard to read with a carafe on top of the scale. On the other hand limited, can also refer to a scale being too big to fit on the drip tray of certain espresso machines.

TIMEMORE BLACK MIRROR Basic & Pro

The Black Mirror single-sensor scale from Chinese brand Timemore has been my daily driver for about three years.

Now, it’s been upgraded with an even better version that has built-in flow rate and a more sturdy rubber protection mat (the one on the left on the picture).

The Black Mirror has a striking design, a bit similar to the Acaia scales, but it’s way more affordable and down-to-earth when it comes to functionality.

The UX is pretty basic in the sense that it’s just a scale with a timer (plus flow rate in the case of the “Pro” version. No fancy apps or Bluetooth connections. But that’s all you need, really.

The Black Mirror feels solid and looks great on the countertop. Over the years it has served me well.

The size of the scale is pretty good: It sits somewhere between the Lunar and Pearl, which means that you can use it for pour over as well as espresso, although some machines might have to small a drip tray to accomodate it.

The scale charges via USB-C, which is a huge relief.

Bonus-Info: While I like the new and upgraded “Pro” version, many people should also be quite happy with the standard one. The main difference comes down to a more sturdy rubber mat and the built-in flow rate.

Pros

  • Built-in timer
  • Charges via USB C
  • Beautiful design
  • Good size

Cons

  • Display could react a bit faster to touch
  • A bit too big for some espresso machines
Amazon aliexpress

SEARCHPEAN TINY1 & TINY 2 ESPRESSO SCALE

searchpean tiny 2 scale

In the world of coffee scales, a new player from China has been making waves among budget espresso enthusiasts.

Known by several names, such as the SearchPean Tiny1, Miicoffee Nano Scale, and Flair Brew Scale, this versatile scale offers a lot of value for the money.

The main selling points of the scale is its compact size, making it ideal for espresso brewing. It can easily fit on any drip tray.

💡 Bonus Info: I have even tested it to fit between the legs of the Cafelat Robot and the tiny rubber drip mat of the Flair 58!

While the scale does offer some advanced features, such as an auto-timer, I find that it’s a lot more convenient to use it in its standard mode, where you manually start and stop the timer. The auto-timer function has room for improvement, and doesn’t play well with modern features such as pre-infusion, which will cause the timer to start/stop at the wrong time.

The design is simple and sleek, reminiscent of the Acaia Lunar, but it’s still unique. The button location is also more user-friendly than the Timemore Nano. The buttons are responsive, and the display is easy to read.

The scale charges via USB-C and holds its battery life for a few weeks at least. It also features a toggle on/off switch, ensuring it’s ready to use when needed.

While this scale is ideal for espresso, it does work for pour over, albeit with some limitations due to its small size. You won’t easily be able to view the display if you’re using a big carafe.

The main downside to this scale is the red digits on the display, which some users may find unattractive.

However, the newest version (called the Tiny2s) features all-white digits, addressing this minor design issue. The Tiny 2s also has a slightly more sturdy rubber mat, but besides that, I don’t notice much of a difference between the Tiny1 and 2 in daily use.

Overall, it’s an excellent option for budget espresso lovers looking for a compact, functional, and affordable scale. I like this scale and think we’ll see it pop up everywhere over the next couple of years since it’s so handy and affordable.

Pros:

  • Compact Size: This scale’s main selling point is its small footprint.
  • Excellent Value: Way cheaper than Acaia Lunar and other espresso scales.
  • Built-in Battery: The scale charges via USB-C and maintains its battery life for weeks, making it a reliable tool for regular use.

Con:

  • Display Aesthetics: The one downside of this scale is the red digits on the display.
  • Auto-timer: Has issues if you use preinfusion
Amazon aliexpress

MIICOFFEE NANO PRO SCALE

Miicoffee nano pro scale on beige table

Let’s be real: This looks like a close cousin to SearchPean’s Tiny 1 and 2 scales, and probably has its origins in a similar factory in China. Nothing wrong with that; many great products come from that country.

I’ve had my hands on a lot of espresso scales, but the MiiCoffee Nano Pro Scale stands out as one of the best “value for money” options.

Thanks to its aluminum unibody, the feel of the Nano Pro is just overall better and more premium compared to the cheaper offerings from SearchPean. The buttons are also a tad bit more responsive.

The display is also a step up and a bit more clear and vibrant. Modes and icons aren’t wildly different from other affordable espresso scales, but I did notice that its less likely to enter auto-timer mode by accident compared to Tiny 2s

I got the black version. It’s sleek, but the light blue and red display numbers? I’m on the fence about those. If you’re into a cleaner look, the newly avbailble white Nano Pro might be more your style, since it keeps the digits in a more neutral color.

Calling this little guy a ‘Lunar/Black mirror killer’ might sound over the top, but hear me out. It’s tiny, it responds in a snap and does exactly what you need it to. For something that fits in the palm of your hand and feels at home on any espresso machine, that’s saying something.

The USB-C charging is a nice modern touch. You also get a silicon pad for protection that’s thicker than what you see most other brands use.

You can use it for pour over as well, but depending on your cup or carafe, it might be difficult to get a clear view of the display. Espresso is probably the ideal use case.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that there’s also a physical on/off switch. A nice touch if you want to put it in a bag of something.

Pros:

  • Feels more premium than other budget coffee scales
  • Buttons are very snappy – something which cannot be said about all the rivals with capacitive buttons.
  • The battery life is solid, and USB-C charging is ideal.

Cons:

  • The two-tone digits on the display might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Amazon Miicoffee

TIMEMORE BLACK MIRROR NANO

timemore black mirror nano held in hand

This is the tiny espresso version of Timemore’s Black Mirror Scale.

It follows the same futuristic design language as the original version but brings a few awesome innovations to the table.

It has a stunning design with its angled display. This makes it easy to follow the weight whether you have the scale on a narrow espresso tray or are using it for pour over.

The Timemore Black Mirror works well for all kinds of coffee brewing, but in its essence, it’s created for espresso. For that reason, the software is also espresso-focused.

It has an auto-timer that starts when it detects the first drips from the espresso as well as flow rate measurement mode.

Personally, I don’t use these modes as much as I anticipated when I got the scale. However, if you just want an espresso scale with a small footprint and solid battery life (USB C charging is a plus!), this is a good bet.

Check out my full review of the Nano-version here.

Pros

  • Unique design
  • Small enough to fit almost any espresso machine drip tray. But still good for pour over due to the angled display. 
  • USB C Charging

Cons

  • Sidefacing buttons can be a bit fiddly
Amazon aliexpress

WEIGHTMAN ESPRESSO SCALE

weightman scale on wooden table

The Weightman espresso scale has become an underground cult favorite among espresso snobs in the know.

I will say that that this scale is slightly too small to be used as a pour over scale, however, for espresso it’s ideal.

(You can use for other types of brewing in a pinch, though — for example if you’re on holiday).

There aren’t many scales that have a built-in timer while also being small and slim enough to fit on a drip tray of a compact home espresso machine. This scale does all that while ALSO being affordable.

In daily life the scale is pretty fast, responsive, and accurate. I find that you have to cut your shot around 2 grams before your target weight, in order to get the timing right, so that’s pretty solid.

It offers units of grams or ounces and has an LCD backlit display for ease of reading.

It runs on 2x AAA batteries, and from my experience they will last a long time.

This scale also comes with a plastic cover, so you can bring it on a trip. I don’t think it’s waterproof per se, but it can take some splashes. I have had my unit for more than a year, and it’s still going strong.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Small enough to fit espresso machines like the Gaggia Classic or Breville Bambino
  • Nice big display

Cons

  • Build quality feels a bit cheaper, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Amazon aliexpress

HUISMART DIGITAL SCALE

huismart coffee scale transparent background 2

The HuiSmart coffee scale is a cheap but solid option.

It’s a popular option among people, who are just getting into pour over, but not yet ready to invest in one of the brand-name scales.

It does everything you’d expect, but a lot cheaper than the best-in-class models.

It has a built-in timer and offers units of grams, ounces, or pounds.

It’s also rather big, so it can double as a food scale.

The display is backlit, which is pretty nice on a dark morning.

It’s not the most stylish scale on the block, but I wouldn’t call it ugly.

It is powered by two AAA batteries, which allows for mobility in the kitchen. Battery power is preserved with an auto-off function and a low battery indicator.

This scale also comes with a silicon mat that allows you to cover the actual scale itself to prevent spills or other sources possible damage. This mat can then be taken off and cleaned separately for ease of use.

Pros

  • Built-in timer
  • Silicon mat for extra protection and durability
  • Backlit display
  • Good price

Cons

  • A somewhat small display
  • Runs on batteries
Amazon aliexpress

ACAIA LUNAR ESPRESSO SCALE

lunar acaia on marble background

This is Pearl’s black brother. Packed with just as much cutting-edge technology but intended as an espresso scale instead. For that reason, it’s smaller and slimmer, so it fits perfectly in the crowded space under the cup and portafilter.

The Lunar is also built to withstand the hectic environment of a busy barista’s coffee desk. It’s both steam=, espresso- and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about accidents.

However, the Lunar is a bit more expensive than the Pearl. So unless you’re a hardcore espresso fan, I’d recommend going for the other one.

Read a coffee shop owner’s review of the Acaia Lunar scale.

Pros

  • Compact: Fits on an espresso tray
  • Water-resistant
  • Packed with functions

Cons

  • Probably the most expensive coffee scale on the market
  • Too small for some pour over contraptions
Amazon Prima Coffee

Related posts: Best Gooseneck Kettles for Pour Over

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Asser Christensen

Hello, and welcome! I'm the editor & founder of this site.
I have been a coffee geek since I started home roasting more than a decade ago. Since then, coffee has taken me on countless adventures: From ancient coffee ceremonies in Ethiopia to the volcanos of Sumatra.
My background is in journalism, and today I'm also a licensed Q Grader under the Coffee Quality Institute.