We Tested 10 Coffee Scales—Here Are the Three We Recommend for Accurate Brewing

For coffee experts, using a scale is not just a suggestion: It’s a requirement. Coffees have varying levels of density due to farming conditions and the variety of coffee trees, meaning that a standard, two-tablespoon scoop of two different coffees from neighboring farms in Colombia could have a 10% variance in weight. That’s important because coffee brewing is all about extracting a percentage of the mass to achieve the sweetest and most balanced flavors. 

When the idea of putting an entire pour-over rig onto a scale surfaced. it changed coffee brewing. Instead of weighing out coffee on a scale and measuring water by volume, you could now immediately track how much water was added. This created an accurate coffee-to-water ratio, which allowed for exponentially more accuracy and consistency from cup to cup. Not long after that, the coffee scale was born. In its simplest form, a coffee scale is designed to have a .1-gram resolution matched with a built-in timer, but some models have other features, too.

But, why should you buy a coffee scale? I admit that for a lot of people, a kitchen scale is accurate enough to weigh out coffee. But kitchen scales aren’t up to the task when it comes to measuring out brew water. For starters, a lot of them aren't waterproof and some aren’t designed to withstand heat on their weighing platform. What's more: Coffee scales can feature a built-in timer and flow rate indicator that helps you manage pouring speed. For those who love manual methods, like pour-over and French press, these features are all mighty helpful for consistent, accurate brewing.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Coffee Scale for Pour-Overs

Acaia Pearl

$295 at Amazon $150 at Acaia.co View on Bluebottlecoffee.com

The Acaia Pearl is lightning-fast, super accurate, and easy to use. On top of that, it also has Bluetooth functionality that expands its user interface, it can be re-calibrated, and it features a flow rate indicator to help people better manage their pouring speed.

The Best Scale for Espresso

OXO BREW Precision Scale with Timer

$56 $54 at Amazon $56 at Williams-Sonoma View on Webstaurantstore.com

The OXO food scale is Serious Eats' top pick, and their coffee scale also delivers. With a large, easy-to-read display, simple interface, and accurate readings, the OXO Brew Precision Scale with Timer is worth its $56 price tag. Out of all the non-Acaia scales tested, it was one of the most accurate, yielding quick readings for each pour. Its compact height can easily fit under an espresso machine's portafilter.

The Best Splurge-Worthy Coffee Scale

Fellow Tally Pro Coffee Scale

$185 $165 at Amazon $185 at Williams-Sonoma $185 at Sur La Table

With instantaneous read time and a highly accurate weighing platform, the Tally Pro aced our tests. What really impressed us, however, was its brew assist mode that calculates your desired brew ratio (anything from 1:1 to 1:20) and starts the timer automatically.

The Tests

• Calibration Test: Each scale was tested with a 100-gram calibration weight to see how accurate it was.
• Baseline Accuracy Test: I placed a single coffee bean on each scale, to test for accuracy and its ability to register small amounts. 
• Speed and Accuracy Test: I placed 10 coffee beans onto each scale and timed how long it took to settle on a final weight. I also noted if this weight was accurate. 
• Pourover Coffee Test: With each scale, I brewed pourover coffee, following these parameters and evaluating the scale’s ability to read brew water weight quickly and accurately. I also looked at the scale’s control panel: were the buttons responsive and did it manage weight and time simultaneously? 
• Usability Tests: Throughout testing, I evaluated how easy each scale was to use and how simple its control panel was to read. If the scale had any extra features, like app connectivity and auto-ratio, I assessed those as well.

What We Learned

Most Scales Compensate for Low Weights

In our first accuracy test, I placed a single coffee bean onto each scale. Our control scale was an Acaia Lunar that had been calibrated with a 100-gram scientific weight and easily displayed that both a single coffee bean from Peru and a single coffee bean from Burundi weighed .2 grams. The Lunar is designed for accuracy (particularly when making espresso) with a smaller weight capacity and a highly responsive platform, but I didn’t expect to find that only the Fellow could also register a single coffee bean. This was tested both with a zeroed-out platform and a tared ramekin in order to test responsiveness with added weight, but the only clue as to what might be happening showed up on the Acaia Pearl S: With the Pearl S, the scale would quickly flash to .2 grams, then back to zero. When the coffee bean was removed, the scale would then read -.2 grams, showing that the scale compensated for the lightweight by re-zeroing its platform. Whether that means that the bulk of these scales just weren’t sensitive enough to read .2 grams or that .2 grams is a low enough weight that it’s within the scale’s margin of error, it’s hard to say. This test showed that none of these scales were up to the task for extremely lightweight readings, but I’m not sure many people are trying to weigh a single feather (or in this case, a coffee bean) in their kitchen, either.

Design Was the Make-or-Break Feature

With all my testing for responsiveness and accuracy, the reality is that all of these scales would function well for weighing out coffee and measuring water during brewing. Any accuracy issues were within a few tenths of a gram, and scales with slow response times still read fast enough for brewing. With that said, the best coffee scales just feel great to brew with, and had responsive weight readings that matched pour speed perfectly and buttons that were easy to locate and press even while holding a gooseneck kettle full of hot water.

They also look sleek and modern, adding a touch of visual appeal to your brewing ritual. The worst-performing scales were fine, but being tested next to some knockouts made them look and feel clunky and less pleasant to use.

Bonus Functions Were Often More Confusing Than Helpful

A few of the scales offered bonus programming features designed to help people learn how to brew. Ultimately, these features were confusing. Auto-tare functions meant the scale would re-zero itself mid-pour, auto-ratio functions made it hard to decipher how much water you were adding at times, and step-by-step brew guide functions required reading detailed guides to understand how to use them. While some people might find these extras helpful, they require extra effort and knowledge to use properly and add more work. The one exception was the Fellow Tally Pro coffee scale, which had a Brew Assist mode that was easy to use and streamlined pour-over brewing.

Heat-Proofing Mattered

A key addition to every coffee scale is the inclusion of a heat-proof silicone pad. Digital scales use a load cell to measure weight, which converts the amount of pressure applied to the platform into an electronic signal that a scale displays as a weight. The load cells use electronic resistance (the measure of an object in opposition to the flow of its electric current) to calculate these measurements, and electronic resistance can be extremely sensitive to heat. One test I originally planned to perform was seeing how sensitive a scale was to having hot water in a glass vessel directly on top of it, but further research showed this could cause permanent damage to the scales. So, I accepted that all scales are likely sensitive to temperature. And, indeed, all of the scales I tested came with a heat-proof silicone pad in the box. 

Kitchen Scales Vs. Coffee Scales

While you might think a scale is a scale, kitchen and coffee scales are different beasts. Kitchen scales, like our winner from OXO, can weigh heavier items (up to 11 pounds in the OXO's case). Conversely, coffee scales are used for smaller measurements. Our winner, the Acaia Pearl has a 0.1 gram accuracy; you can literally weigh a single coffee bean on it. If you tried this on a kitchen scale, it likely wouldn't register. Coffee scales also almost always include a timer, while this isn't a feature on kitchen scales. See the chart below for more differences between the two.

The Criteria: What to Look for in a Coffee Scale

The best coffee scales are fast, responsive, intuitive, and have an easy-to-read interface. They give accurate readings instantly without any measurable delay, have a water-resistant design, and have a simple timer function that helps make brewing easier. Our favorite pick has a flow rate indicator that aids in manual brewing methods, like pour-over.

Our Favorite Coffee Scales

The Best Coffee Scale for Pour-Overs

Acaia Pearl

$295 at Amazon $150 at Acaia.co View on Bluebottlecoffee.com

What we liked: The Acaia Pearl is lightning fast and accurate; it registered to .1 gram accuracy instantly, with no measurable delay. Other scales were off by .1 grams and took from a half to a full second to register. Its easy-to-read touchscreen is also extremely responsive and has a few lights:  one that shows you if the scale is charging, one that flashes to show a button has been activated, and a flow rate indicator that helps you gauge pouring speed. There is a line of dots across the top of the display that starts in the middle and moves outwards to showcase just how heavy your pour is. If you’re just learning how to brew a pour-over at home, this indicator is an easy, intuitive function that can help you with basic timing and pacing.

Aside from all of the display features, the Acaia Pearl also has Bluetooth connectivity with an easy-to-use timer and tare functions, as well as the ability to adjust units of measure, toggle sounds, and even check on software and firmware updates. The app pairing does more than give a secondary readout: it also makes it possible to use the scale to easily weigh items that are wider than the platform itself, similar to a feature we loved on our winning kitchen scale.

What we didn’t like: The main drawback of the Acaia Pearl is the price. At nearly three times the cost of the runner-up, the Acaia Pearl is a luxury item, even if the functionality and features are, in my opinion, worth the cost. Then there’s also the issue of the scale’s display. With a minimal design, it’s not intuitive which buttons do what when trying to reset the timer, reset the tare, and switch modes. Even though the scale’s manual is clear and the app interface makes it easy to navigate, others scales were more intuitive out of the box. Still, it’s hard to ignore just how much better the scale performed and how much more accurate it was.

Key Specs

• Size: 6.3 x 6.3 inches
• Battery life: 30-40 hours
• Precision: 0.1 grams
• Maximum weight: 2000 grams
• Measurement units: Grams, ounces

The Best Scale for Espresso

OXO BREW Precision Scale with Timer

$56 $54 at Amazon $56 at Williams-Sonoma View on Webstaurantstore.com

What we liked: The simplicity of the OXO made it a standout amongst the competition. While it wasn’t quite as responsive or accurate as some of the other scales during the coffee bean test, the OXO scale gave accurate water pour readings during brewing, and I appreciated its stripped-down functionality and simple display. With a start/stop timer button on the left side of the scale, it was easy to control your timer while holding a kettle (at least, for right-handed people). We also liked the 3000-gram capacity which made it more useful for a wider variety of kitchen applications. Of all the scales tested, it was the most intuitive right out of the box and would be a great coffee scale for anyone looking to upgrade their setup at home. It also easily fits under any espresso machine's portafilter, thanks to its slim profile.

What we didn’t like: The biggest downside of the OXO scale was its performance reading coffee weight. It generally took around one second to get an accurate reading, and even then it was generally off by .1 grams. It uses AAA batteries instead of a rechargeable internal battery, which might turn some people off from buying it.

Key Specs

• Size: 5.5 x 7.5 inches
• Batteries: Four AAA batteries
• Precision: 0.1 grams
• Maximum weight: 3000 grams
• Measurement units: Grams, ounces

The Best Splurge-Worthy Coffee Scale

Fellow Tally Pro Coffee Scale

$185 $165 at Amazon $185 at Williams-Sonoma $185 at Sur La Table

What we liked: Like the Acaia Pearl, the Tally Pro had instantaneous readability, showing the weight of whatever was placed on its platform without any delay. It was also sensitive enough to detect a single coffee bean (something most other scales can’t do), and every measurement was accurate to 0.1 grams. It has three modes: weight, time, and brew assist, and switching between them is easily done with a dedicated button. Weight mode allows you to toggle between grams, ounces, pounds, and milliliters.  The timer mode functions the same as most coffee scales, allowing you to start and stop a timer next to your weight display for easy manual brewing. What I really loved, however, was its brew assist mode. 

Brew assist starts with you taring your pour-over rig to zero, then using the rotating dial to select your ideal coffee brew ratio. You can select anything from 1:1 to 1:20 (we prefer 1:16 for pour-over and 1:15 for French press). Once you add your ground coffee to the filter, the scale will automatically calculate your target water weight. Press the timer button, and the scale zeroes itself, waiting for the first pour of water to hit the coffee to automatically start the timer. As you pour, you can compare your current water weight to your ideal target, and once your target is reached, the number flashes white to let you know not to add any more.  

What we didn’t like: The price. There’s no getting around it, this thing is costly. Its brew assist mode is most helpful for pour-over beginners, but its price point is best suited for true home coffee enthusiasts. We also wish the display was larger, but its OLED screen was bright enough to make it easy to read.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.9 inches
• Battery life: 13 hours
• Precision: 0.1 grams
• Maximum weight: 2500 grams
• Measurement units: Grams, ounces, pounds, milliliters
  

The Competition

• Acaia Pearl S: Hands down, the Acaia Pearl S was the most impressive scale for accuracy and responsiveness. It was the only scale that registered a single coffee bean, and the 3000-gram capacity made it stand out next to the Acaia Pearl. Ultimately, though, the higher price point and lack of a flow meter on the display made it less appealing than the standard Pearl. The Pearl S also features Brewguide programming that walks you through custom recipes step by step, but this was a little too confusing. This is a pro-level scale, and would likely be more appreciated by a coffee professional. 
• Timemore Black Mirror: The Timemore Black Mirror performed admirably in accuracy and responsiveness testing, but the smaller display combined with a cheaper overall feel kept it from being competitive. 
• Hario V60 Scale: With a microscopic display and no backlighting, the Hario V60 scale was the hardest to read. It also didn’t even register any weight during the 10-bean test, calling into question its overall sensitivity levels.
• Brewista Ratio Scale: The Brewista scale was a headache to use. With bonus ratio functions, a coffee mode and pouring mode, and unresponsive buttons, it was nearly impossible to use out-of-the-box for simple weight and timer functions. It was also slow to read, and less accurate than most. 
• KitchenTour Coffee Scale: The slowest, most inaccurate, and cheapest scale of the bunch, the KitchenTour scale just didn’t match the quality of the other scales.
• Escali Versi Coffee Scale: The Escali Versi was almost the runner-up. It was nearly as accurate as the Acaia scales weighing coffee, had quick response times, and had a great form factor. The Versi was too sensitive during brewing, however, and the weight readout fluctuated during pours. The timer button is also located on the right side of the scale, making it awkward to start and stop the timer while brewing with a kettle for right-handed people, but is ideal for those who are left-handed.
  

FAQs

Is a coffee scale worth it?

People who brew by hand every morning with a French press or pourover brewer would likely find a more streamlined process with a coffee scale. The added heat-proof silicone mats, the built-in timers, and the accuracy of a good coffee scale can make these coffee brewing methods much more accurate and consistent.

Do I need to weigh my coffee?

Different coffee beans will have varying densities, so a two-tablespoon scoop of one coffee will not be the same mass as that of another coffee. Coffee is the roasted seed of a small berry and higher-elevation coffees are usually denser than lower-elevation coffees. Once the berries are picked, washed, and roasted, two coffee beans side-by-side might look identical, but if one has 10% more mass than the other, a volume-based scoop will not represent the same amount of coffee. Scales measure weight and give a more accurate representation of the mass of each coffee—so having a good one is just as important as using a quality coffee grinder.

How accurate does a coffee scale need to be?

Coffee should be weighed out in grams due to the small quantity of beans most manual brew methods use. Because many coffee recipes are designed as a ratio of the weight of coffee to the weight of the brewing water, measuring in grams is more accurate than measuring in ounces.  Most coffee ratios are one part coffee to sixteen parts water (1:16), and weighing both in grams can help with accuracy in brewing. The best coffee scales will show a .1-gram resolution so you know exactly how much coffee and water you’re using. It is also helpful to have a .1 gram resolution when brewing one cup at a time, due to the smaller quantity of coffee being measured.

Should you use a scale for pourover coffee?

The best way to measure coffee is by weight, and it's also the best way to measure your water, too. When you put your entire pour-over brewer on top of a scale, you can measure the exact amount of water you're adding to your coffee, and develop a more precise brewing recipe. With this kind of precision, you're able to develop your favorite coffee ratio into a regular recipe—we suggest starting with one part coffee to sixteen parts water (1:16), which is around 60 grams of coffee per liter of water.

What's the best coffee scale for espresso?

Our overall favorite coffee scale, from Acaia, is pretty tall, which might make it hard to fit under an espresso machine's portafilter (depending on the model you have). Instead, we recommend getting this slim offering from OXO.

Why We're the Experts

• For this review, we tested 10 coffee scales—evaluating their accuracy, usability, and ease of operation when making pour-over coffee.
• We recently tested the new coffee scale from Fellow, comparing it to our top pick.
• Jesse Raub was the commerce writer for Serious Eats. He worked in the specialty coffee industry for 15 years and was our resident coffee expert. He wrote numerous coffee-related stories for the site including reviews of small coffee and espresso machines and handheld coffee grinders.