It isn't hard to make a good cup of coffee. You can ballpark the grounds, eyeball the water, and still end up with a tasty brew. But to get the absolute most out of your coffee, accurate measurements are essential. This makes coffee scales an important tool, one that opens the door for consistency in every cup. We've rounded up our favorite scales below and sorted them into a number of categories based on price, what brewing method they're best for, and more.
Best Overall
Coffee Gator Coffee Scale with Timer
Value for money
Removable silicone mat
Can measure a wide variety of units
Slow response time
The Coffee Gator Digital Multifunction Coffee Scale with Timer offers better functions than many competitors and it comes at an affordable price. That combo lands the scale at the top of our list.
It can weigh up to 3,000 grams, or 6.6 pounds, which is plenty for measuring coffee grounds plus a pour over device. A removable silicone mat protects the scale from heat and liquid should you place a pour over on it while brewing. The scale also measures in more units than a lot of other items allow; you can easily select between ounces, pounds, grams, gram milliliters, and milliliters with the touch of a button. The other settings—taring, timing, and reset—are easy to use too because the scale has a clear and well-labeled display.
One of the only downsides is that there may be a slight lag time when weighing. Overall, even though it's not the fastest scale out there, it's one of the all-around best you can buy.
Max Weight: 3,000 grams | Precision: 0.1 gram | Size: 7.5 x 5 x 2.1 inches | Battery: AAA (2) | Measuring Units: Ounces, pounds, grams, gram milliliters, and milliliters
Best Budget
Apexstone Coffee Scale With Timer
Easy-to-read display
Budget-friendly
Measures in five different units
Short battery life
For a wallet-friendly option, this coffee scale comes in for the win with a number of extras for a low price. Not only does it include a timer, but this scale also measures in a total of five different units. It has a max weight of 3,000 grams and can measure precisely to the 0.1 gram.
This scale also comes with a silicone mat, which protects the device from heat or spilled liquids. The mat is easily removable to clean off between uses. The LCD has either a blue or green backlight, making it easily readable, and shows the unit's switch function, timer, low battery indicator, auto-off function, and tare function.
One downside is that this coffee scale uses two AAA batteries, which may be inconvenient if you’re someone who makes a lot of coffee. That said, it does come with a 100 percent satisfaction warranty should you need to return it for any reason.
Max Weight: 3,000 grams | Precision: 0.1 gram | Size: 9 inches x 6 inches x 2 inches | Battery: AAA (2) | Measuring Units: Grams, ounces, pounds, milliliters, grams/milliliters
Best Splurge
Acaia Pearl
Precise measurements
Portable size
Bluetooth connectivity
Sleek design
Not water-resistant or waterproof
Founded in 2013, Acaia has carved a niche in the coffee world by manufacturing several high-end accessories, especially coffee scales. The Pearl is an excellent all-around option that has laboratory-grade scale technology to measure weight with incredible accuracy. It also monitors time and flow rates as you brew your morning coffee. These features come with a fairly high price tag, but one we think is worth it if the scale fits your budget.
The Pearl has a simple but modern design and is available in black and white varieties that can accommodate both espresso and pour-over coffee. It even has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect the scale to its mobile app, which can record brew recipes, access brew guides, and more. If you need something portable, the Pearl makes for a wonderful travel buddy. Measuring 6.3 inches x 6.3 inches x 1.25 inches, it’s the ideal size to store in a bag or suitcase. The scale comes with a one-year warranty and shouldn't get near any liquid as it isn't waterproof.
Max Weight: 3,000 grams | Precision: 0.1 gram | Size: 6.3 inches x 6.3 inches x 1.25 inches | Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion | Measuring Units: Grams, ounces
Best Design
Timemore Coffee Scale
Modern aesthetic
Rechargeable lithium battery
Automatic on and off functions
Small enough to travel with
Only measures in grams
Low maximum load weight
If you’re looking for a coffee scale that can do it all, look no further than this model from Timemore. With few embellishments, it boasts a clean and modern design, including an LED display that's hidden from sight until the scale is in use. It also includes a silicone mat that lives on the scale’s surface to protect it from heat and water damage.
In terms of measurements, this scale can precisely measure weight to 0.1 gram—ideal for espresso and pour-over coffee. Besides accurately weighing your java, this electronic scale includes an integrated timer that allows you to take more control of your brew. There is also an automatic timing function that starts when the scale senses a change in weight. Additionally, it has an auto-off function that engages after three minutes of inactivity.
This scale features a built-in lithium rechargeable battery, which can last for up to 10 hours, and there is a Type C USB port located on the scale to charge the scale as needed. Although it has a lower maximum load weight than others and only gives you measurements in grams, we think this is a really solid coffee scale.
Max Weight: 2,000 grams | Precision: 0.1 gram | Size: 5.98 inches x 5.11 inches x 1.02 inches | Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion | Measuring Units: Grams
Best With Timer
Hario Black V60 Drip Scale
Built-in timer
Easy to use
Auto-off function
Lacks in style
Slow response time
When it comes to brewing excellent pour-over coffee, timing becomes one of the most important factors. This scale includes a built-in timer to help you follow and repeat your recipes accurately. The LCD has a dedicated space for the measurements on the right-hand side, while the timer is located on the left, making it easily readable.
This scale is rather plain and doesn’t have much to offer in terms of style, though it is available in several color options: stainless steel, black, and white. As for response time, it’s slightly slower than some other models, which could affect the final product if you’re a more experienced home brewer.
That said, this scale is very easy to use with its two clearly labeled buttons flanking the LCD, and it has an auto-off function that will kick in after five minutes of inactivity to save battery life. This function will not turn on when the timer is in use, which is an important factor when brewing pour-over coffee. For power, it does require two AAA batteries.
Max Weight: 2,000 grams | Precision: 0.1 gram | Size: 7.4 inches x 4.7 inches x 1.1 inches | Battery: AAA (2) | Measuring Units: Grams
Best With Grinder
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Grinds and measures coffee beans
Conical burr grinder
Customizable settings
Lacks precision
Larger footprint
This coffee gadget features both a grinder and an integrated scale, eliminating the need for the two separate items. The hybrid allows you to select the grind setting (there are 38 in total) and the amount of coffee beans you want to grind.
Here's how it works: The user pours whole beans into the hopper and uses the dial to select how many grams or cups they would like to grind. The machine will then proceed to grind the selected amount of grounds. The hopper on top holds up to 16 ounces of coffee beans, and the grounds keeper holds up to 125 grams. One downside of the scale is that it can only measure to 1 gram, meaning it lacks precision.
This coffee grinder and scale runs on electricity (120 volts) unlike the rest of the scales on this list. It’s also backed by the OXO Better Guarantee, so can return your item if you experience any issues.
Max Weight: 125 grams | Precision: 1 gram | Size: 11.1 inches x 7.3 inches x 16.4 inches | Battery: 120 volts | Measuring Units: Grams, cups
Best for Espresso
Acaia Lunar Scale
Compact
Resistant to water
Sleek and stylish design
Two-year warranty
Expensive
For the espresso lover, look no further than the Acaia Scale Lunar. It's one of the smaller options on this list, and since it was specifically designed for espresso, it should fit directly on your espresso machine drip tray. This allows you to observe the scale’s readout, which has one of the fastest response times as the espresso shot is being pulled.
Another standout feature is the auto-start timer that kicks in when the weight of espresso hits the scale. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity, too, similar to the Acaia Pearl, allowing you to connect it to the brand's apps to access coffee recipes, log your brew data, and more.
This scale also comes with a heat-proof silicone pad and features a hydrophobic ceramic coating, making it easy to keep clean. It’s also incredibly durable, built to withstand steam, espresso, and water. The Acaia Scale Lunar is available in black, white, and silver, and comes with a two-year manufacturer's warranty, which you probably want due to its high price tag.
Max Weight: 2,000 grams | Precision: 0.01 gram | Size: 4.1 inches x 4.1 inches x 0.59 inches | Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion | Measuring Units: Grams, ounces
Best for Pour Over
KitchenTour Coffee Scale With Timer
Budget pick
Heavy max weight
Easy to use
Light, cheap-feeling plastic
Rounds weight at higher intervals
The KitchenTour EK6002 is a reliable scale no matter what type of coffee maker you own, yet there are a few touches that make it especially handy for pour over devices. For example, it comes with a removable silicone pad that protects the scale from heat and water, and it provides a non-slip grip for your coffee maker. The scale can also weigh more than many others with a 3,000-gram max readout. That's heavy enough to weigh a pour over, coffee grounds, and water.
Then there are the features useful to all kinds of coffee makers, from drip to French press and more. There's a built-in timer you can start and stop with the touch of a button. We like the accuracy it offers by measuring in 0.1-gram increments up to 500 grams. It's worth noting that the scale rounds by 0.5 grams or 1 gram as you put more weight on it, which is marginally less accurate. This means something that weighs 1,004 grams will be rounded up to 1,005 grams, for instance. This isn't a major downside, though, and it's still accurate enough to consistently brew tasty coffee.
The only other detail to keep in mind before buying is that this isn't the best-built scale in the world. It should still last for a long time, with the plastic being noticeably light. We recommend the scale nonetheless, as this is somewhat expected given its budget price.
Max Weight: 3,000 grams | Precision: 0.1 grams | Size: 7.2 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches | Battery: AAA (3) | Measuring Units: Grams, ounces, milliliters
Final Verdict
Coffee fans from drip drinkers to pour over users will appreciate our top pick, the Coffee Gator Digital Multifunction Scale. It precisely measures weight to 0.1 grams and comes with a handy silicone mat. If you're looking for the ultimate budget pick instead, you can't go wrong with the Apexstone Coffee Scale With Timer.
What to Look for in a Coffee Scale
Precision
An important consideration to make when shopping around for a coffee scale is accuracy. A worthwhile scale should be able to measure precisely, so avoid those that will not display measurements less than 1 gram. For best brew results, you should look for a coffee scale that can measure weight to the 0.1 gram.
Display
A coffee scale's display makes a big difference in how user-friendly it is. Ideally, the display is easy to read and understand, and the measurements update extremely quickly. Other aspects to consider are if the scale uses a touch-screen or raised buttons to operate it, as well as if the display is clearly labeled or requires an instruction manual to know what each figure represents.
Tare Function
Regardless of your brew method, a tare button is an essential feature to look for in a coffee scale. Many brew methods require you to place your brewing instrument directly on the scale to start, so having a tare button will allow you to reset the mass to zero and accurately measure the amount of water and/or grounds being placed in the brewing apparatus.
Size
Finding the right size coffee scale will primarily depend on your brew method of choice. For instance, if you only brew pour-over coffee, then you’ll want to look for a scale that can accommodate the size of your pour-over instrument. If you brew espresso, a smaller scale would be best in order to be able to fit the scale on your drip tray as you pull the espresso shot.
Battery Life
If you are someone who drinks a lot of coffee and, therefore, brews a lot of coffee at home, you may want to consider a scale that either has a rechargeable battery or one that plugs into an outlet. For the occasional homebrewer, long battery life may not be as important, so getting a scale with replaceable batteries is likely a fine option.
Water Resistantance
A water-resistant surface is especially worth looking into if you own a pour over coffee maker. For the most accurate measurements, you should place your pour over on top of a scale while brewing. The danger, of course, is that you can spill or drip hot water onto the scale and potentially damage it. That's where a water-resistant surface comes in handy.
Useful Accessories for a Coffee Scale
Breville Smart Grinder Pro Coffee Grinder
A grinder is worth adding to any coffee set-up because it leads to fresher coffee grounds that are perfectly suited to the brewing device you own. Coffee scales are more of an accessory to grinders than the other way around, but the two go hand-in-hand regardless. One of the best coffee grinders we've tested is the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. While there are many cheaper options available, the Smart Grinder Pro receives high marks for its consistency, versatility, and durability.
KALDI Motorized Home Coffee Roaster
Home coffee roasters are often a pricey investment, but they can save money in the long run (unroasted coffee beans are cheaper) and tailor beans to match your taste preferences. After testing numerous home coffee roasters, the one we first recommend is the KALDI Motorized Coffee Roaster. It has the size and strength to churn out evenly roasted coffee beans fast.
Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister
Proper storage increases coffee's shelf life by weeks, sometimes months, and the difference in freshness is noticeable every time you brew. The Fellow Atmos is one of our favorite coffee canisters because it has the unique ability to expel oxygen that's inside the canister itself. It comes in three sizes, all of which have an airtight seal.
FAQs
How much coffee should I use when brewing?
The recommended amount of coffee varies a bit based on the type of coffee maker you own, the grind size you're using, and how strong you like your coffee. That said, there is a general rule of thumb known as coffee’s Golden Ratio that works in almost every circumstance. The ratio is 1 gram of coffee for every 15 to 18 grams of water.
The Golden Ratio applies to drip coffee, pour overs, French presses, and more. It doesn't apply to espresso, however. For that, use 7 to 9 grams of finely ground coffee per espresso shot, which equates to about 1 fluid ounce of water.
What is a "tare" function?
A tare function resets a scale's display to zero by subtracting the weight of what's currently on the scale. It's generally used to weigh an empty bowl or container before water, ingredients, and so on are added to it. In this case, it's helpful for measuring coffee grounds. Say you place an empty container, French press, or pour over coffee maker on your scale. By weighing the object first and then pressing the tare function, you can add the exact amount of coffee you want without having to do any mental math, as the scale will show the exact weight of the coffee grounds instead of the weight of the item plus the coffee grounds.
Do you need a scale to make pour-over coffee?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule that requires you to have a scale to make pour-over coffee. Many simply use a coffee scoop and just eyeball how much water to add to make their coffee. However, having a scale will allow you to take your coffee to the next level. A scale offers you the opportunity to experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios and find the one that best matches your coffee-drinking preference. It also ensures a more consistent cup of coffee instead of having to guess how much coffee and water to add each time. "Nine out of ten times that you get a bad cup, it’s because you use a different amount of coffee grounds or a different amount of water," said Allie Caran, Product Manager at BaristaValet. "Consistency is key. And a scale makes a huge difference."
How do you use a coffee scale?
To use a coffee scale for pour-over, place a filter on the scale, press the tare button, and begin to add your desired amount of coffee grounds to the filter. Next, place the filter (with the coffee grounds inside now) into your brewing vessel, press the tare button again, and then proceed to add water as normal for coffee brewing, observing the weight on the display until it reaches your desired coffee-to-water ratio.
For espresso, press the tare button after placing the portafilter on the scale. Next, add the coffee grounds directly to the portafilter until it reaches your desired weight. Place the scale on the drip tray (if the size allows), and then place your cup on top of the scale. Press the tare button again, pull the espresso shot, and observe the resulting measurements.
Does a regular kitchen scale work for coffee?
It is certainly possible to use a regular kitchen scale to brew coffee, but there are a few important things to look for in order for it to work for coffee. First of all, make sure that the scale doesn’t have an auto-off function that will kick in when in use. This will be a problem if you plan to brew pour-over coffee. If the scale turns off while you’re still brewing, you’ll lose all of your measurements. Another important consideration to look for is a timer. They do exist, but it might be in your best interest to just buy a scale that was specifically designed for coffee because it will have the essential features you need.
Should you weigh coffee beans before or after grinding?
It doesn't make a huge difference if you weigh your coffee before or after it's ground. Weighing whole bean coffee is easier and less messy, but since some coffee chaff will get caught in your grinder, the weight of whole bean coffee may be slightly heavier than what you actually end up brewing. In that case, weighing coffee after it's been ground is marginally more precise; the downside is that if you only weigh after grinding then you may end up having too much coffee or too little and need to grind more.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Cheyenne Elwell regularly uses a coffee scale in her own brewing routine. She is a big fan of the Hario V60 Drip Scale Black to make her morning pour-over coffee. She is also the creator of a coffee blog in which she regularly writes about coffee brewing techniques and coffee accessories to make your coffee taste better at home.
This piece was updated by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. Some of his favorite coffee beans to grind up are the extra-dark, extra-caffeinated Death Wish Coffee.
Sources
Allie Caran is the Product Manager at BaristaValet—a delivery service that brings fresh coffee right to your doorstep every day. She previously worked as the director of education at Partners Coffee. Allie has been in the coffee industry for more than 15 years.