The Brew Master’s Secret Weapon: The Coffee Scale

The Brew Master’s Secret Weapon: The Coffee Scale

Unlocking Precision and Consistency for Your Perfect Cup

Transparency: I’ve used Amazon Affiliate links throughout and the products linked are NOT identical to the ones I purchased as some of them have been discontinued. I also have NOT found my perfect coffee scale. I’m not yet read to spend $60-350 dollars on a coffee scale. I’ll link a couple of premium scales for those interested. A $15 dollar scale will do just fine.

When it comes to brewing the perfect cup of coffee, pre_cision is part of the fun, at least for me. Enter the coffee scale—a small, often overlooked gadget that can transform your coffee-making routine from a hit-or-miss affair into a consistent ritual of caffeinated excellence.

Why Use a Coffee Scale?

1. Precision in Measurement: Coffee is a game of ratios. The standard coffee-to-water ratio is between 1:15 and 1:18, meaning for every gram of coffee, you should use 15 to 18 grams of water. A coffee scale ensures you measure both your coffee grounds and water accurately, avoiding the pitfalls of eyeballing and guesswork. I typically brew 1:16 for medium roast coffees and 1:15 for light roasts. Experimentation is where the fun lies.

2. Consistency: Ever made a fantastic cup of coffee one day and a mediocre one the next, using the same method? The culprit is often inconsistency in your measurements. Using a coffee scale helps replicate that perfect brew every time, maintaining the balance of flavours.

3. Brew Control: Different brewing methods—pour-over, French press, espresso—require different grind sizes and coffee-to-water ratios. A scale allows you to fine-tune these variables, giving you greater control over the brewing process and the final taste.

4. Timing and Precision: Timing is crucial in coffee brewing. Over-extraction or under-extraction can significantly affect the flavour profile of your coffee. Many coffee scales come with built-in timers, allowing you to monitor the brewing time precisely, ensuring optimal extraction.

How to Use a Coffee Scale

1. Choose the Right Scale: Look for a scale that measures in grams, has a tare function, and can measure to at least 0.1 grams for greater precision. Waterproofing and a timer function can also be handy features.

2. Measuring Coffee Grounds: Place your empty coffee dripper, French press, or portafilter on the scale and press the tare button to reset the weight to zero. Add your coffee grounds until you reach the desired amount. For example, for a pour-over, you might start with 15 grams of coffee for a small cup.

3. Measuring Water: After grinding your coffee, place your brewing vessel (with the coffee) on the scale and press tare. Slowly pour in the hot water, keeping an eye on the scale to ensure you hit the target weight. For that same pour-over, you would add 240 grams of water. (1:16 Ratio)

4. Timing Your Brew: Use the timer on your coffee scale to monitor the brewing process. For example, a typical pour-over might take around 3-4 minutes, while an espresso shot should be pulled in about 25-30 seconds. The length of time it takes can depend on a variety of factors including flow rate, grind size, dripper, etc.

Interesting Facts About Coffee Scales

1. Barista’s Best Friend: Professional baristas swear by coffee scales. In coffee competitions, like the World Barista Championships, competitors are required to use scales to ensure precision and consistency.

2. Tech-Savvy Brewing: Some high-end coffee scales connect to apps via Bluetooth, providing real-time data and brewing tips. They can track your pouring technique and suggest adjustments to improve your brew.

3. Beyond Coffee: Coffee scales aren’t just for coffee. They’re versatile kitchen tools that can help with any recipe requiring precise measurements, from baking to brewing tea.

Premium/Luxury Coffee Scales

1. Timemore Basic 2.0 Coffee Scale: $65-85 CAD at the time this post was published

2. ACAIA Lunar Digital Scale: $345 CAD at the time this post was published

3. FELLOW Tally Pro Precision Scale (Studio Edition): $255 CAD at the time this post was published.

4. TIMEMORE Black Mirror Nano Coffee Scale: $135 CAD

5. ACAIA Pearl Model S (2023 EDITION): $319 CAD

Note: I do NOT own any of these scales yet (at the time this post was published).

Thoughts on the scales I own

The kitchen scale is fairly quick to turn on and make readings but has no timer. The black one is ideally used for pour-overs however it doesn’t turn on instantly, it takes about 1 or 1.5 seconds which is clearly a first world problem. Lastly the little one I use primarily for espresso. I love the size however the maximum weight it weigh is limited. Sooner or later I’ll bite the bullet for a premium scale.

A Few Final Tips

• Calibrate Regularly: Ensure your scale remains accurate by calibrating it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Use Fresh Beans: Freshly roasted beans can significantly enhance your coffee experience. Measure them on your scale to maintain consistency and freshness.

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to tweak your coffee-to-water ratio or grind size. The scale gives you the precision to make small changes and note their impact on flavor.

• Mind the Time: Pay attention to brewing times. Use the timer function on your scale to perfect the extraction process, balancing the flavor of your coffee every time.

Conclusion

Investing in a coffee scale is a small step that can make a big difference in your coffee brewing. It’s an essential tool for anyone serious about their coffee, helping achieve consistency, precision, and ultimately, a more enjoyable cup. So next time you’re gearing up for a brew, don’t forget to bring your coffee scale into the mix—it’s the secret weapon every coffee lover needs.