Grinders & Scales

Coffee Scale

Measures the two numbers that make a recipe repeatable

Grind stage
Coffee Scale — illustrated reference plate
Specification
What it doesMeasures the dose and the yield in grams so a recipe can be repeated. Volume scoops vary with roast, humidity and grind, which makes them useless for consistency.
Resolution0.1 g is the working standard for espresso. A 1 g scale cannot resolve a dose change small enough to matter.
CapacityA scale that tops out at 500 g can weigh a cup, a carafe and a full brew. Espresso-only scales can be smaller.
TimerA built-in timer matters more than it sounds: yield in grams and time in seconds are the two dials you turn while dialling in.
Water resistancePour over involves steam and the occasional spill. A sealed top or a splash-resistant face extends life considerably.
Response speedA slow scale lags behind the flow and makes you stop the shot late. A responsive one lets you hit the target yield within a gram.
ChargingUSB-C rechargeable has largely replaced coin cells.

Overview

A scale that reads to a tenth of a gram and usually includes a timer. Coffee is a ratio, and a scale is the only way to know either half of it.

EspressoPour OverFrench PressMoka PotCold Brew
Safety

Batteries in a wet environment are a real hazard. Keep the charging port dry, never charge a scale that has been spilled on, and do not submerge it to clean it.

Technical parameters

At a glance
Resolution0.1 g
Capacity500 g – 3 kg
TimerBuilt-in, 0.1 s display
Response< 1 s to stable reading
PowerUSB-C rechargeable
Water resistanceSealed or splash-resistant top

What actually goes wrong

  • Tare the cup, then brew to a target weight — stop the shot on the number, not the clock.
  • Check the scale is level; a tilted scale reads light on one side.
  • Use the timer for every brew for a week and you will learn your recipe.

What it has to match up with

  • Any dripper, machine or press
  • Dosing cup
  • A recipe with a stated ratio

This guide is an independent educational reference. It is not a substitute for the instructions supplied with your own equipment, and nothing here is sold, sponsored or endorsed by any brand.

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