If you’ve ever made espresso yourself, you know how important details are in the process. From the beans you use, to the method of grinding to how you tamper the grounds in the portafilter. One of the most important considerations in making espresso is proper weighing and timing both before and during the extraction. Below are a few of the reasons why you need to have the best espresso scale for your specific setup:
- Consistency and Precision: Espresso brewing requires precise measurements of espresso grounds. Using a scale ensures that you can replicate the same coffee-to-water ratio shot after shot, maintaining a consistent flavor profile. Baristas rely on this consistency to deliver quality espresso consistently.
- Extraction Control: Good espresso is all about controlling the extraction process. Scales help in monitoring the yield (the amount of espresso extracted) accurately. This allows baristas (or home espresso enthusiasts) to adjust the grind size, extraction time, or other variables to achieve the desired taste and crema.
- Recipe Development: Professional baristas and coffee enthusiasts often develop their own espresso recipes. Scales enable them to experiment with different parameters like dose, yield, and extraction time to create unique and balanced flavors.
- Waste Reduction: By accurately measuring the coffee dose, you reduce the likelihood of wasting coffee beans. This is especially important in a commercial setting where efficiency and cost control are paramount.
From measuring the initial amount of coffee grounds for your specific espresso basket to measuring your espresso yield, a good scale can make or break your espresso experience.
Have you already some espresso today and need to jump ahead to the best scales? Here’s the top 3 scales from our review:
- Best Espresso Scale Overall: Acaia Lunar
- Best Espresso Scale for Beginners: GreaterGoods Digital Pocket Scale
- Best Value Espresso Scale: AMIR Digital Kitchen Scale
What’s the difference between espresso scales and coffee scales?
Typically, espresso scales are more sophisticated and have specific functions that can help you improve your extraction. Ideally, they should also be smaller in size so they can fit on the espresso machine drip trays. There are a variety of different espresso machines and sizes so there is no universal standard for this. But by keeping the scale on the drip tray, the espresso shots pull can be weighed as it comes out in real time.
Two other considerations for espresso scales are temperature and water resistance.
Temperature fluctuations can impact a scale’s ability to provide the most precise measurement. With the proper temperature control features (like heat resistant pads), a scale might not be well suited for the duties of espresso making.
Water resistance is another factor to consider with espresso scales. Especially when scales are used directly on espresso machine drip trays, water can find it’s way onto the scale. Many espresso scales include water resistant features to help prevent water damage (like silicone coverings for power connections).
Criteria of Best Espresso Scales
When looking at what features make the best espresso scales, the criteria is slightly different than that of our review of the best coffee scales. Our research into the world of espresso making and espresso scales led us to the list of criteria below. There are likely other factors some baristas and espresso enthusiasts would also factor in, but in our estimation these criteria capture the most important factors for most espresso makers. Without further ado, here are the criteria for best espresso scales:
Size
Unlike some other scales in the kitchen, the goal for espresso scales is to be small. Why? One of the best ways to accurately measure your extraction is to put the scale directly on the drip tray of the espresso machine. Since most drip trays don’t have a lot of room to begin with, a scale must be small to fit onto it.
In our review of the best espresso scales, we gave extra points to those scales that have the dimensions to fit on most expresso machines. Please note – there is no universal size for espresso machine drip trays so there is no guarantee our estimates will work for your specific drip tray. It’s always best to look at the measurement and confirm the scale will fit your machine.
Accuracy
This likely seems like an obvious category and in a way it is. But even more so than other coffee scales precision and accuracy are ultra important for espresso brewing. The precise ratio of water to coffee is crucial to attain the ideal chemical bonding process that creates that perfect shot.
For the vast majority of espresso enthusiasts, a scale needs to measure to 0.1 gram to be considered precise enough for espresso making. A scale also needs to display consistency in how it measures and scales that can be recalibrated are even better. Check out this article on how to recalibrate a scale.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness refers to the time it takes for the coffee scale to register a change in weight. The faster (better) the response time, the more accurate the brew can be.
If a scale has a lag (poor responsiveness), the espresso will continue to pour past the weight you want. This can quickly take a shot from a nice extraction to a bitter drink.
Waterproof/Temperature Resistance
As mentioned above two factors not always considered with scales is the water resistance and temperature resistance they provide.
Water resistance is typically achieved through either special padding and consideration for parts of the scale that might be prone to water damage. Features such as a silicone cover for the power port help contribute to water resistance.
Temperature can also impact a scale’s accuracy. For espresso scales, another consideration should be a temperature resistant pad that can prevent fluctuations in temperature impact accuracy.
Price (Value)
The final criteria we use to review this list of best espresso scales is the price. But, more important than price is the value you get for the price. We consider value to be how the features and functions of the scale relate to the price of the scale.
If a scale includes an overwhelming number of valuable features, it might be worth it to some even if the price is high (e.g. Acaia Lunar). If a scale doesn’t include very many features but can get the basic job done consistently, it might be worth it to some even if it a cheap scale (AMIR).
Our List of Best Espresso Scales
Here is our list of the best espresso scales. We have narrowed down the list to these 8 and can recommend all 8 based on what your specific needs might be. Scroll down further to find even more information about each of the scales to help inform your espresso scale purchase decision.
| Scale Name | Best Feature(s) | Final Ranking | Overview | Price |
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Superb accuracy
Robust feature set |
Best Overall |
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Great all around scale
Great value |
Best Beginner Scale |
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Best value
Great display |
Best Value Scale |
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Great design
Waterproof pad included |
Best Design |
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Great size for espresso
Silicone pad included |
Best Non-Premium Scale |
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Includes espresso modes
Protective cover/tray |
Best Modes |
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Heat and water resistant | Best Dual Coffee / Espresso |
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Most precise measurement | Best Dual Food / Espresso |
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Details for Best Espresso Scales
Acaia Lunar
The Cadillac of espresso scales. This scale is definitely not for everyone, but if you are serious about espresso making and don’t mind investing in your equipment you honestly can’t beat this scale.
It includes an automatic timer, it’s rechargeable through it’s USB port, it’s almost waterproof, includes a heat resistant pad and this scale can connect to Bluetooth.
Why does a scale need to connect to Bluetooth? We were also skeptical but the apps you can use with this scale are actually really cool.
You can use a variety of apps for the Acaia Lunar, but the best ones we looked at included the ability to get real-time data from the scale to your phone (to trend over time), controlling the scale from the phone and a built-in flow rate indicator to see and monitor the flow rate of the shot in real time.
At over $300, this scale is definitely not for everyone. But if you are serious about espresso and want a scale that can do it all for a long time the Acaia Lunar is your best option.
GreaterGoods Digital Pocket Scale
The Honda of espresso scales? This is just a really good scale at a great price. If you want special features you can find those in another scale, but this scale sticks to weighing.
Beyond the basic scale functions, the size of this scale also lets it be used on most drip trays of espresso machines. It is not waterproof however.
This scale does not have a timer either which may not matter if you are timing using an external timer.
The lid of the GreaterGoods Digital Pocket Scale also works as a larger tray for weighing larger items. The lid also provides protection and durability for the scale.
At about $15, this is just a good scale at a good value.
AMIR Digital Kitchen Scale
Another name for this scale might be the Little Engine That Could. While it lacks some of the advanced features of other scales on this list, the AMIR Digital Kitchen Scale has everything you want in a scale at the best price on this list.
The AMIR has a timer with preset times of 60 seconds, 120 seconds and 180 seconds. This can limit the use of the timer.
It takes 2 AAA batteries and includes the following indicators: low power, overload, and uneven placement. All of these are pretty handy indicators that are not offered on a lot of scales.
It has a stainless steel platform, includes 2 trays and also has a sound indicator which can be another nice feature of a scale.
A few of the cons include it can eat AAA batteries and not surprisingly at the price point it does have some long term durability concerns.
But if you want a good scale for espresso and you are on a budget, the AMIR Digital Kitchen Scale is a great option.
Timemore Coffee Espresso Scale
Timemore is a brand known to many coffee lovers. The Timemore Coffee Espresso Scale stays true to the brand and provides some great features.
This scale uses a USB charging port and has a power indicator to let you know when it is time to plug back in and charge.
It also includes a waterproof pad, making it safer to keep around espresso machines and the espresso making process. It is likely a little large to fit on most espresso machines.
We also like the LED display as it stays hidden on the scale until it’s in use. A little detail that helps keep the scale looking good on a kitchen counter.
MiiCoffee Nano Pro Coffee Scale
The MiiCoffee Nano Pro Coffee Scale does a good job of capturing parts of the Acaia Lunar without the luxury price tag. Although it lacks some of the features, many at home espresso enthusiasts will find this scale is well worth it.
The MiiCoffee Nano also has a USB charging port and will typically last for a total of 15 hours – usually quite a few espresso uses can be done in that time.
The heat insulation silicone pad keeps the scale safe and accurate when dealing with the heat of espresso. It’s also of size to fit on most espresso machines.
This scale has an automatic timer. It also has a sound indicator which once you get used to can be hard to get away from on a scale.
It does lack Bluetooth connectivity and its own apps but for many espresso makers, the MiiCoffee Nano provides some of the sleek design of a higher end scale while also offering more than enough features to continue to pull amazing shots of espresso.
Brewista Smart Scale II
The Brewista Smart Scale II has 1 feature in particular that stands out amongst its many espresso-centric features.
The scale actually comes with 5 “espresso modes” on it. These can make using the scale for espresso really easy if you understand how they work. Alternative Brewing has a great video on the espresso modes that can explain the espresso modes easier than trying to type out their functions.
No batteries are required as its also powered by USB and is rechargeable. It also includes a plethora of indicators: power indicator, overload indicator and uneven placement indicator.
This scale is water resistant and includes a protective cover that also serves as a tray. It also includes a silicone pad to help with high heat.
A couple of warnings for this scale… the battery can be overcharged so you’ll have to pay attention when charging the scale. There are also quite a few reports of poor customer support although we do not have first hand experience with that.
All in all, the Brewista Smart Scale II has a lot of great features for an espresso scale. It is the second most expensive scale on our list and the features it includes still make it a good value.
Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale
Many coffee drinkers swear by their Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scales. But this scale can also be used for espresso, although it does lack some espresso-specific features.
Measuring only in grams, this scale weighs in increments of 0.1 grams and maxes out at 2000g.
It does have a timer although it’s not automatic. It runs on 2 AA batteries.
The weighing platform is heat resistant and water resistant.
One interesting note on this scale is that the display is not backlit. That can make it difficult if you will be weighing in an area with poor lighting.
Although mostly designed for drip coffee and pour over, the Hario V60 can also serve as a serviceable espresso scale.
AWS SC Series Precision Digital Scale
Our final entry on our list of best espresso scales comes from another heavyweight (no pun intended) in the scale industry. The AWS SC Series Precision Digital Scale is more of a kitchen/food scale but it can also be used for espresso.
This scale can measure in increments of .01g and can go up to 500g maximum capacity. It is not entirely accurate or reliable when using for measurements of 1/100th of a gram.
Running on 2 AA batteries, this scale also needs to be calibrated frequently to ensure it is still measuring accurately.
It comes with 2 trays to help measure items that might otherwise roll off the weighing platform.
All in all, this scale is better fit to be a food scale but it can do most of the jobs of an espresso scale as well. If you are looking for a scale to serve both needs, this could be the right scale for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coffee scale?
The criteria for the best coffee scale vary slightly from our criteria for the best espresso scale. Checkout our comprehensive review and list of the best coffee scales to find the best coffee scale for you.
What is the difference between the Acaia Lunar and the Acaia Pearl?
While both are professional grade coffee scales, the Acaia Lunar is designed for espresso while the Acaia Pearl is designed for regular coffee brewing. The Acaia Lunar has a feature set that includes espresso-specific functions and is more precise.
Are expensive scales worth it?
Honestly? It depends. If you are passionate about making the best shot of espresso and are going to use your espresso equipment every day, it probably makes sense to invest in a tool that can help you achieve your goals. If you make espresso once a week or mix your espresso with a lot of milk and sugar, precision and advanced features probably don’t mean as much to you.
How do I choose the best scale?
To choose the best scale you really have to know how you are going to use the scale. A top of the line scale probably doesn’t make sense if you use it once a month. A scale that doesn’t have a timer probably doesn’t make sense if you are going to have to buy an external timer. Think about how you are going to use your scale, what your specific needs are and what scale can help you achieve your goals.
Why is weighing espresso and coffee so important?
Measuring coffee and water by weight is the most accurate way to create a consistent brew ratio because different coffees have different densities