Why use a coffee scale?

1. Consistency in Brewing Ratios: One of the primary reasons to use scales when making coffee is to maintain consistent brewing ratios. Coffee brewing is all about the right balance of coffee grounds to water, known as the brew ratio. By accurately weighing your coffee grounds and water, you can ensure that you're using the same ratio every time you brew, leading to consistent flavour profiles in your coffee.

2. Precision in Measuring: Eyeballing coffee measurements can lead to inconsistencies in the brewing process. Different coffee beans can have varying densities, meaning a tablespoon of one coffee may not weigh the same as a tablespoon of another. Using scales allows you to measure your coffee and water precisely, taking the guesswork out of the equation.

3. Optimal Extraction: Proper extraction is crucial for extracting the flavours and aromas locked within coffee beans. Over-extraction or under-extraction can result in bitter or sour-tasting coffee, respectively. By using scales to measure your coffee grounds, you can dial in the right amount for your chosen brewing method, ensuring optimal extraction and a balanced cup of coffee.

4. Adjustability and Experimentation: Brewing coffee is also about fine-tuning the process to suit your taste preferences. When you use scales, you have the flexibility to adjust your brew ratio and experiment with different brewing parameters such as grind size, water temperature, and brewing time. This level of control allows you to refine your brewing technique and discover new flavours in your coffee.

5. Professional Barista Standards: In the world of specialty coffee and professional barista competitions, precision is paramount. Baristas use scales not only to maintain consistency but also to meet the exacting standards of coffee quality. Adopting similar practices at home can help you achieve cafe-quality coffee and expand your appreciation for the craft.

6. Reduced Waste: Using scales helps reduce coffee waste by ensuring you only use the necessary amount of coffee grounds and water for each brew. Wasting coffee not only impacts your budget but also the environment, making precise measurements a sustainable practice in coffee brewing.

7. Enhanced Brewing Experience: While some may see using scales as an extra step, many coffee enthusiasts find that it enhances their brewing experience. It encourages mindfulness and attention to detail, turning coffee brewing into a ritualistic and enjoyable process rather than a mundane task.

What to look for when buying coffee scales?

When it comes to buying coffee scales, there are several key features and considerations to keep in mind to ensure you get the most suitable scale for your brewing needs. Here are some features to look for when purchasing coffee scales:

By considering these key features, you can select a coffee scale that meets your brewing requirements, enhances precision and consistency, and adds convenience to your coffee brewing routine.

Will kitchen scales do the same job as coffee scales?

Using a kitchen scale will do basic job when brewing coffee but if you want to yield better results and have more control over your recipe, then there is no comparison to a coffee specific scale.

As mentioned above, most kitchen scales only measure in 1g increments, yet when making coffee you ideally want to measure in 0.1g increments for greater accuracy.

In addition to this, kitchen scales can often be larger and bulker, making it difficult to use with your equipment. They also won't come with useful features such as a built in timer, a  non-slip base and app connectivity.

For greater brewing accuracy, better quality and consistent results, it's always best to use a scale designed specifically for coffee making.

Which coffee scales should you buy? Here’s what we recommend

For a great value all-rounder we recommend the AMIR Digital Scales (view on Amazon)

For pour over/drip coffee we recommend the Hario V60 Coffee Scales (view on Amazon)

For Espresso we recommend the Timecore Coffee Scales (view on Amazon)

For Bluetooth capability we recommend the Acaia Pearl (view on Amazon)

Summary

In conclusion, using scales when making coffee offers numerous benefits, including consistency in brewing ratios, precision in measuring, optimal extraction, adjustability for experimentation, adherence to professional standards, reduced waste, and an enhanced brewing experience. Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a passionate coffee aficionado, investing in a reliable digital scale can make a significant difference in the quality of your brewed coffee and elevate your coffee brewing skills to new heights.