Do you love coffee? Are you trying to find the right method to make that perfect cup of coffee?
This guide is not for coffee drinkers who settle for instant coffee or Keurigs. This buyer’s guide is designed for coffee drinkers who are looking for that perfect ratio of coffee to water. That is what makes the scale so important and that leads us to the list of best coffee scales of 2023.
Are you in a hurry (or just wired on caffeine already)? Well here is the summary of our review (TL:DR):
- Timemore Black Mirror Coffee Scale – Best all around
- Hario V60 Digital Scale – Runner-up
- Apexstone Coffee Scale – Best for beginners
To see how we got there and what other scales are available, pour yourself a cup of coffee and take a look at our summary of the best coffee scales this year. We’ve compiled this information from across the Internet and through our own testing of products. There is no agenda here except to give those looking the best guide for coffee scales in 2023.
You might be asking yourself, what is the difference between a normal kitchen scale and a coffee scale? The truth is there is not much of a difference, if any, between most kitchen scales and coffee scales.
However, it is important to find a coffee (or espresso) scale that measures very precisely since many times you are working with small amounts of ground coffee beans and ratios are important to finding the perfect brew.
One final note, our guide is focused on coffee scales that won’t break the bank for the average person. If money is not a concern for you, you can ignore the “value” part of our criteria.
Table of Contents
Coffee Scale Review Criteria
The criteria we use to review the scales are the design/usability, graduation, maximum weight, timer functionality, value and style.
For more information on the criteria used, take a look at our detailed criteria definitions down below the reviews.
List of Top 10 Coffee Scales
Based on our criteria, here is our list of the top to coffee scales in 2023.
You really won’t go wrong by picking any of the scales in this list. There might be some that more relevant to your needs which we try to outline under the features.
| Name | Design | Value | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Timemore Black Mirror |
Great | Good |
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|
Good | Great |
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Hario V60 Digital Scale |
Great | Good |
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|
Acaia Pearl |
Best | Poor |
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|
Brewista Ratio Scale |
Great | Ok |
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|
Apexstone Coffee Scale |
Great | Best |
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KitchenTour Coffee Scale |
Good | Great |
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Weightman Espresso Scale |
Decent | Good |
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OXO Brew Conical Burr |
Great | Ok |
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Brewista Smart Scale II |
Good | Poor |
|
1. Timemore Black Mirror
Overall, this is a great scale across the board.
Design/Usability: Both coffee and espresso makers appreciate the size of this scale and the measurement and timer are easy to read. Although we did not experience any issues with button sensitivity, many buyers state the buttons are too sensitive for them. This scale can be charged through USB as well as batteries.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. No issues found with the accuracy of the measurement, although a few buyers have stated it can be less accurate with heavier weights.
Maximum Weight: 2000 grams. Standard for most coffee scales and accurate per our testing.
Timer: Yes. Timer will automatically start when it recognizes a change in weight.
Value: This scale comes in at a mid-price point (~$60) for the standard black model and can sometimes be found on sale where it can be a truly great deal. Overall, the buyer value for this scale is closer to the higher end scales but at a much lower price point.
Style: Compact, sleek and multiple colors to choose from.
Verdict: This is a great scale for both new and experience coffee and espresso drinkers. Not many scales hit the marks across the board like the Timemore Black Mirror.
2. Coffee Gator Digital Scale
For the price you pay, the Coffee Gator Digital Scale is a great value. There are some drawbacks however, and we think the more experienced coffee makers might find them more problematic.
Design/Usability: Comes with a silicone mat to prevent slipping and the backlit screen makes reading the timer and measurement great if there is limited light. There can be a slight delay with the scale’s responsiveness to small increments of weight. This scale can only be run on batteries and is not rechargeable through a USB.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. We found a small amount of discrepancy with the accuracy for this scale but most at home coffee makers would likely not be impacted.
Maximum Weight: 3000 grams. Higher than most coffee scales and accurate in our testing.
Timer: Yes. No automatic starting or sounds available with timer, just a basic stopwatch function.
Value: There are a few drawbacks with this scale, but at the price point (~$25) it has great value. The backlit display and higher than usual maximum weight contribute to the great value.
Style: Compact, easy-to-read with a great display.
Verdict: For the average home coffee brewers, this scale can do almost everything at a price most people can stomach.
3. Hario V60 Digital Scale
There are some people who swear by the Hario brand in general, and their V60 coffee scale seems to live up to the name.
Design/Usability: A very simple design makes this scale extremely usable. However, the buttons do lack any type of tactile feedback when pressed and some buyers have complained about the responsiveness. This scale can only be run on batteries and is not rechargeable through a USB, but it does have a long battery life since it does not have a backlit display.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. Very precise and accurate for even small measurements.
Maximum Weight: 2000 grams. Standard for most coffee scales and accurate per our testing.
Timer: Yes. No automatic starting or sounds available with timer, but does allow pausing after timing has started.
Value: At a mid-price point (~$45) this scale has great value. The accuracy is top notch and it includes a timer that many customers love. The lack of backlit display and not being rechargeable are two if its biggest drawbacks.
Style: Compact, sleek and very simple interface.
Verdict: A very popular scale for coffee lovers that does the job well at a good price point.
4. Acaia Pearl
You might think scales can’t be beautiful, but you are wrong. The Acaia Pearl is the Rolls Royce of coffee scales and it’s sleek and simple design is unrivaled on this list. Unfortunately, so is the price…
Design/Usability: The simplicity of the design of the Acaia Pearl is unmatched. As far as its ability as a scale there is only good things to say – it’s easy, accurate and cool to look at. However, there are a number of buyers who have complained about how user-friendly the app is and how difficult it is to get technical help for the product.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. Very precise and accurate for even small measurements.
Maximum Weight: 1360 grams. The lowest maximum weight of all the scales we reviewed.
Timer: Yes, plus a lot more. Using the app, you have access to an automatic timer and the scale can remember the weight of your brewing equipment.
Value: While it is a great scale, the value is completely overshadowed by the high price point (~$165).
Style: Beautiful.
Verdict: If you have taste buds that can sense the most miniscule change in coffee to water ratio and deep pockets, this is the scale for you. For most average at home coffee brewers, this scale is just too expensive.
5. Brewista Ratio Scale
This scale has perhaps the best feature of all the scales on this list – however the usability of the feature seems to be hit-or-miss. The scale boasts of an “innovative sensor that precisely calculates coffee ground to water ratios”. In our research, this seemed to be a great feature for beginners but for others it did not hit the mark.
Design/Usability: The water resistance “nano-technology” seems to work as advertised. The scale is also rechargeable through a USB port. While we did not experience the issues other customers raised about the ratio sensor and ability to calculate pouring speeds, it’s difficult to ignore the negative feedback these features receive in reviews.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. Very precise and accurate for even small measurements.
Maximum Weight: 2000 grams. Standard for most coffee scales and accurate per our testing.
Timer: Yes, plus more. Dual timing bars are displayed and a count-up timer can begin automatically when water is poured.
Value: This scale is on the higher price-point end (~$100) but it also boasts an impressive array of features.
Style: Looks great with protective cover and an array of features.
Verdict: This is a tough one to measure. Our testing alone would have put it near the top but as stated above, other buyers have run into issues with the automatic settings. Even the manual setting alone is a step above many scales so we do think this scale is worth it for serious coffee drinkers.
6. Apexstone Coffee Scale
At the lowest end of the price point of the scales reviewed, the Apexstone delivers across the board. If you are worried that you are paying too little to get any value, rest assured this scale can get most coffee and espresso jobs done with no issue.
Design/Usability: The backlit screen and easy to read display are great for this scale. The simple interface is also a bonus. There is a delay in response that is noticeable, especially when measuring liquids. The silicone mat is nice, but it would be nicer if it didn’t slip off the scale so easily.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. Some inconsistencies in weighing but nothing that will impact most buyers.
Maximum Weight: 3000 grams. Higher than most coffee scales and accurate in our testing.
Timer: Yes. No automatic start.
Value: For the lowest price point (~$15) this scale has GREAT value even with some of the issues noted above.
Style: Nothing special, but nothing problematic.
Verdict: This is our top recommendation for any beginners. This scale should get you by for a long time and if you ever need to upgrade, you’re still only out about $15 and could still use this for other kitchen needs.
7. KitchenTour Coffee Scale
Another low price-point option on this list that delivers all the basic features needed to weigh and make coffee. There is nothing that stands out as great on this scale but at the price-point, buyers will get everything they need.
Design/Usability: The screen is easy to read and backlit, but the battery life is not great so be prepared to change batteries more often than usual. The automatic shut-off function was likely designed to help with the battery life, however the scale will auto shut-off too frequently for some buyers.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. Some inconsistencies in weighing but nothing that will impact most buyers.
Maximum Weight: 3000 grams. Higher than most coffee scales and accurate in our testing.
Timer: Yes. No automatic start.
Value: This scales come in at a low price point (~$23) and delivers almost everything most coffee scales do. There are some downsides and questions on durability but the majority of home coffee makers will have no problem with the value this scale delivers.
Style: Nice and easy to read display and simple design.
Verdict: Coming in second for beginners in our best coffee scale rankings, this scale is a great buy for anyone looking for a first time scale.
8. Weightman Espresso Scale
If you are on the move and need to take your scale with you, the Weightman Espresso Scale is one to look at. Smallest of the scales reviewed in our rankings, this scale is designed more for espresso measuring but many buyers also use for coffee in their home kitchens without any complaints.
Design/Usability: The removeable cover of this scale is a nice feature, especially considering it’s designed to be transportable. The smaller nature of the scale makes the buttons more difficult to press. There is a backlit display but the battery life is not great.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. Some inconsistencies in weighing.
Maximum Weight: 1000 grams.
Timer: Yes. No automatic start.
Value: This scale does come in at a lower price point (~$20) but it’s noted issues prevent it from being considered a great value.
Style: Very small with nice removeable cover.
Verdict: Unless you are planning to move your scale around a lot and can accept some of the drawbacks, most coffee drinkers will do better with another option on this list.
9. OXO Brew Conical Burr
This is an outlier on this list as you may have noticed. This is a grinder and a scale together. To be fair to this model, we’re not exactly comparing apples to apples here. But some of you might also be looking for a grinder along with a scale, so we wanted to include an option that could meet both needs.
Design/Usability: There are pros and cons to having a grinder and scale all in one. We can’t dismiss the convenience of having 1 appliance for 2 needs. To focus on the scale aspect though, the display is easy to read and operate. The desired weight is actually selected as part of the grinding process so the scale is used in a fundamentally different way.
Graduation: Measures in full cups or grams. Some inconsistencies in weighing.
Maximum Capacity: 4.4 oz or 125 grams
Timer: No but not really needed for what this is designed to do.
Value: If you are looking for more than just a scale, this is not a bad value. It is a higher price point (~$200) but you get everything you need to grind the right amount of coffee for the size drink you are trying to make.
Style: This is a much larger piece of equipment than the other scales on the list but it does have a nice modern look to it.
Verdict: If you need both a grinder and scale, this is a good option for most at home coffee makers. You are somewhat limited with what you can do with this due to how it weighs based on the beans ground.
10. Brewista Smart Scale II
Overall this scale comes in at the bottom of our review list. It’s feature set and quality does not justify the price.
Design/Usability: The display is not the easiest to read which is a major hindrance to any scale. It is rechargeable through USB which is a plus. The interface is also straightforward and there are no noticeable issues with the buttons.
Graduation: Measures in .1 gram increments. Some inconsistencies in weighing.
Maximum Weight: 2000 grams.
Timer: Yes. Timer will automatically start when it recognizes a change in weight.
Value: If this scale were not at the higher price point it is (~$90) then perhaps the drawbacks would not be as problematic. As it is, buyers of this scale are simply not getting the value they would expect at the higher price point.
Style: This scale does look sleek and modern.
Verdict: There are better scales at a better price.
Our Rating
Based on our testing and reviewing other buyers’ experiences across different sites, our top three coffee scales in 2023 are as follows:
- Timemore Black Mirror Coffee Scale – Best all around
- Hario V60 Digital Scale – Runner-up
- Apexstone Coffee Scale – Best for beginners
There are several other scales on the list that we also recommend as good purchases but everyone’s situation is a little different. We hope we gave you enough information to make the right choice for your specific situation.
Our Criteria
Design/Usability – Our most important category, the design and usability covers how easy or difficult the scale is as designed. Factors such as responsiveness, power, buttons and extra features all contribute to a higher score for design and usability.
Graduation – This refers to the increments of measurement the scale uses. In most cases, the lower the number the better the scale as it can distinguish between the smallest weight differences. In our reviews we also capture the accuracy of the weighing in this category.
Maximum weight – This is the maximum weight the scale can measure.
Timer – Many home brewers need to time their coffee making and this category captures not only whether or not a scale includes a timer but also the quality of the timer included.
Value – This is a comparison between the price of the scale and the overall score we give it. The better design and other features and the lower the price, the higher the score will be for value. We believe for many prospective scale searchers, this is the most important criteria.
Style – This is strictly the way the scale looks and is the least important criteria we use.
Coffee Scales FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need a Coffee Scale?
If you want to improve your at home coffee, the most important thing you can do is find the right ratio of water to coffee grounds. The best way to do that is to start weighing your coffee grounds to water... enter the coffee scale!
What is a Coffee Scale used for?
Coffee scales are used to accurately weigh coffee ingredients. This ensures that your coffee is a perfect blend and not too watery or strong. You might get lucky eye-balling sometimes, but to get the consistent cup of coffee a coffee scale is a must.
How do I use a Coffee Scale?
Power On and tare the coffee scale (tare resets the scale to 0). Once it has been reset, weigh coffee, water (and other ingredients if you use). Mix them, and you have your coffee just the way you like it. The best way to see how a coffee scale is properly used is to watch a tutorial on Youtube.
What is the best coffee scale?
According to our review, the ‘Timemore Black Mirror scale’ edges out the ‘Hario V60 Digital Scale’ and ‘Apexstone Coffee Scale’ for the top spot. Regardless, all of these are great scales in their own right, and you won’t regret having any of them.
How precise are coffee scales?
Most are very precise, given that really small measurements have to be made. Most weigh up to the nearest tenth of a gram.
Where can I buy a Coffee Scale?
You can buy them at a local store, or you can order it online from Amazon. If you choose the latter, you can click a link above to find the best deal.