It could be laborious to imagine, however the costly espresso machine on my counter is sort of ineffective with no good espresso scale. Regardless of how high-tech that machine is, it’s near-impossible to tug a great-tasting shot of espresso with out weighing the beans first. And whereas a pourover, French press, and automated drip don’t require the precise diploma of precision brewing espresso does, a scale continues to be one of the best ways to enhance your espresso throughout all of those strategies.
Whereas a kitchen scale is nice for weighing espresso when you principally make auto-drip, coffee scales up the ante in two methods: they’re often extra exact, showcasing a 0.1-gram decision, they usually additionally provide lightning-fast responsiveness. Kitchen scales are sometimes slightly slower and watch for the burden to settle earlier than they show a quantity, however a great espresso scale is designed to indicate you a real-time correct studying, so precisely how a lot water so as to add when brewing a pourover. The Acaia Pearl additionally has a flow-rate indicator on the show to indicate you how briskly you’re pouring, and the Bluetooth app may even stroll you thru pourover recipes step-by-step. And although it could be a small addition, this espresso scale additionally comes with a heat-resistant silicone pad to stop the sudden temperature adjustments from affecting the inner measurement system of the dimensions.
The rationale weight works higher than quantity as a measurement for espresso is that there are a number of environmental factors that may have an effect on espresso density, so a typical 2-tablespoon scoop of floor espresso may weigh wherever between six to 10 grams. Even when you’re not prepared to leap into brewing espresso, weighing out espresso on your drip brewer can vastly enhance your consistency, particularly when you like shopping for espresso from completely different roasters.
Whether or not a high-end pourover scale or a examine kitchen scale is greatest on your house setup is a private selection, although I’ve had the identical Acaia Pearl and Acaia Lunar for nearly a decade, and neither has proven a drop in efficiency. So, with out additional ado, listed here are a number of of our (and my) favourite scales price trying out when you’re severe about espresso, like me, or are simply on the lookout for extra consistency in your morning espresso routine.
The Finest Espresso Scales
![OXO Precision Scale with Timer](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/KEMf6kEcXYAO0x5oRnjECPEYCrk=/fit-in/1500x1500/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/OXOPrecisionScalewithTimer-9a31c48400024e1badc96f1217f6a2f7.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
This scale from OXO was the second most responsive in our testing and options an easy-to-read show, correct readings, and a excessive 3-kilogram capability. Plus, it’s simply $55—about $100 lower than our different picks.
Good to Know
- Supplies: Plastic physique, silicone mat
- Dimensions: 10.75 x 7.75 1.55 inches
- Batteries: 4 AAA batteries
- Decision: 0.1 gram increments
- Most weight: 3000 grams
- Bluetooth connectivity: No
- Care directions: Wipe clear with a moist material
- Finest for: Budding espresso geeks who need a versatile (and inexpensive) scale that has a excessive sufficient max capability for many kitchen duties, too
- Worth at time of publish: $55
Severe Eats / Jesse Raub
![acaia pearl scale](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/YO9pJUx9QwzNuMul2GzNLoxLjBo=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/acaia-pearl-2bc1dbeebef24ccfa093014b38dcbbe6.jpg)
Acaia Pearl
With lightning-fast readings and ultra-precise accuracy, the Acaia Pearl set the usual for espresso scales in all places. It additionally includes a built-in timer, a water resistant platform design, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Good to Know
- Supplies: Plastic physique, silicone mat
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.3 x 1.25 inches
- Battery life: 30-40 hours
- Decision: 0.1 gram increments
- Most weight: 2000 grams
- Bluetooth connectivity: Sure
- Care directions: Wipe clear with a moist material
- Finest for: True espresso nerds who brew a number of pourovers a day and wish prime notch responsiveness and determination
- Worth at time of publish: $150
Severe Eats / Jessie Raub
![acaia-lunar-scale](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/Qrl6J-_xkPnXVhVodGpIDAqR9ro=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/51MBDsI9KRL._AC_SL1500_-46903aedcf404a8ab3db76152f46d6f2.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
For espresso, Acaia engineered a scale sufficiently small to suit on an espresso machine drip tray, waterproofed it, and made it much more correct and responsive than the Pearl. It’s constructed out of high-grade coated aluminum for sturdiness and in addition options Bluetooth connectivity.
Good to Know
- Supplies: Aluminum, acrylic
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 4.1 x .6 inches
- Battery life: 30-40 hours
- Decision: 0.1 gram increments
- Most weight: 2000 grams
- Bluetooth connectivity: Sure
- Care directions: Wipe clear with a moist material
- Finest for: Residence espresso fanatics who need a sturdy, waterproof scale that’s sufficiently small to suit on a drip tray however excessive sufficient capability to tare a portafilter as effectively.
- Worth at time of publish: $250
Severe Eats / Jesse Raub
![OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Scale](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IoYHnDNd4vbFy9R8Q_3E8DDRlc8=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/oxo-good-grips-11-pound-stainless-steel-food-scale-945e5a8ccb034bb693f6fdfdc29a1254.jpg)
Amazon
For individuals who aren’t fairly able to go head first into the espresso brewing rabbit gap, an excellent kitchen scale can construct higher consistency on your automated drip brewer routine. Although its smallest unit of measure is one gram, it additionally options an 11-pound max capability, making it extra versatile for greater weighing tasks as effectively.
Good to Know
- Supplies: Chrome steel, plastic
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.13 x 1.25 inches
- Batteries: 4 AAA batteries
- Decision: 1 gram increments
- Most weight: 11-pounds
- Bluetooth connectivity: No
- Care directions: Wipe clear with a moist material
- Finest for: Anyone on the lookout for extra consistency of their day-to-day auto-drip espresso routine however isn’t able to deal with difficult brew strategies
- Worth at time of publish: $56
FAQs
Are espresso scales price it?
There are a handful of espresso scales we advocate at a large price-point distinction, however espresso scales are faster to learn and extra correct than most kitchen scales, and we predict they’re important for nice high quality espresso at house. Residence espresso fanatics may get extra out of a pricier Acaia scale, however our finances choose is a superb possibility for anybody trying to enhance their espresso setup.
Do I would like an costly espresso scale?
You don’t want an costly espresso scale, however you do want one which’s responsive sufficient to offer you real-time readouts when you’re pouring water. In our testing, most scales had an excessive amount of of a delay whereas brewing, so we advocate the Acaia Pearl as a high-end choose or the OXO Brew Precision scale for a extra budget-friendly possibility.
Why do baristas use scales?
Measuring espresso and water by weight is essentially the most correct technique to create a constant brew ratio as a result of completely different coffees have completely different densities. By weighing out every part, baristas are in a position to affirm that their brew ratios as correct and repeatable, and may higher dial-in nice tasting espresso.