The 5 Best Coffee Scales of 2023 – Find the Top Digital Scale for Precision

Long story short: I researched five products and found the Acaia Pearl to be the Best Overall.

This is our review of the five best coffee scales in 2023.

I’m a former barista and career-long coffee scale advocate. And I’ve researched each coffee scale on this list in great depth to help you pick the best for your needs to find that, well, not every coffee scale is created equal. 

The Acaia Pearl is our pick for Best Overall coffee scale. Our findings show that it represents the perfect balance of all the vital things you need in a scale—and then some.

It may be pricey, but you indeed get what you pay for: Unbeatable accuracy, stunning design, and smart features to boot.

The fact is that coffee scales should be consistently stable and accurate, but they usually come in degrees of these two ideals.

Along with a hit-or-miss slew of features that may be really important to you—like waterproof material, value for money, or even being multifunctional.

That’s all to say: Not all coffee scales are created equal.

And that is why in this guide, we’ll be reviewing five of the best coffee scales on the market according to different criteria so you can choose the best one for your specific needs.

Ready to weigh these scales? Keep reading to see who made our list.

The 5 Best Coffee Scales of 2023

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The Acaia Pearl is the best coffee scale I’ve come across. It’s a smart scale with unique features that make it stand out from the rest, including Bluetooth connectivity and an app that helps you track and analyze your coffee brewing process (like flow rates) as you are doing it. 

But that’s not all. It’s fast, too, with a 20ms response time that instantly gives you readings. And it’s accurate, with an internal resolution so exact, you get readability up to 10th of a gram of coffee.

Most other scales have varying degrees of stability issues, but the Acaia Pearl’s special compensation laboratory-grade scale technology nips this problem in the bud.

The Pearl’s two-way timer syncs with your smartphone, which is super handy if you’re glued to your phone like I am.

Let’s talk about the drawbacks. The Pearl model is not designed as an espresso scale for pulling espresso shots, so it isn’t 100% waterproof (it is water resistant though).

The question though is really: Is the Acaia Pearl worth the dough? 

Some users who bought it for the smart features say no because the app can lag and the UI isn’t universally loved. In fact, several users say the smart functionality isn’t so smart, but rather a source of frustration.

It’s true that the Acaia Pearl is significantly more expensive than the other scales on this list. But we think it’s deserved since you are getting magical degrees of excellence across all of the important factors to consider when trying to find the best coffee scale—and then some.

Check out our Acaia Pearl review if you want to dive deeper into why we love this scale.

Who Should Buy This?

The Acaia Pearl Coffee Scale is perfect for coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike who demand the best. Its high accuracy and gorgeous design cater to all levels of brewers, from beginners to advanced. Add on the smart tech capabilities, and it’s a dream piece of coffee equipment.

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The Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer is our pick for pour-over brewers because it’s so damn precise. This drip scale weighs to a precision of 0.1 grams, which is a must if you are going to be brewing pour-over coffee or espresso.

Importantly, the Hario V60 Scale comes with a drip timer, and this is crucial for mastering the perfect bloom time. It’s also super helpful when you are developing new techniques, like the pulse pouring method because you don’t need to actually count.

As far as size and looks, Hario never disappoints. It may not be as luxurious as the Acaia scale, but its sleek design still adds elegance to any kitchen or even coffee shop. 

Plus, the Hario drip scale is compact enough to fit on any countertop and has a backlit LCD display that is easy to read (even when you’re half-awake at 5 am trying to do right by your expensive coffee).

It’s worth noting some users report that the touch buttons are not sensitive enough and don’t provide haptic feedback, a point of annoyance when you’re aiming for precision. But if you’re a die-hard pour-over lover, this is still the best pick—especially if you’re into Hario gear.

Who Should Buy This?

Pour over lovers, both new and experienced. The Hario V60 Drip Scale and Timer’s precision and built-in timer mean you can grow your brewing skills without needing to go out to buy a new brew scale.

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The Coffee Gator Scale is a solid choice if you’re looking for a scale that’s designed to weigh coffee, but can pull double-duty as a food scale as well. 

This means one less scale to buy, which will save you cash and countertop space. The Coffee Gator Scale is lauded for its durability and non-slip rubber mat feet. The materials make it bulkier, but also sturdy for long-term use. 

It also has robust measurement unit conversion capabilities. And let me tell ya, as an American living in a metric-first coffee world, that is a must-have feature for me. 

The convenient built-in timer is simple, easy to use, and makes pour-overs a breeze. But some people are not sold on the precision consistency. 

While the Gator Scale says it measures to a precision of 0.1 grams, some users are not convinced. There’s a consistent fluctuation of +/- 0.5 grams with every use, which means this might not be the scale for you if precision for pour over coffee or other food items is your #1 need.

Lastly, this could be a positive or negative depending on how you prefer to use a scale; either way, it’s good to call out here that the timer counts up, not down. 

That means you need to watch the timer vs. counting on it to beep and alert you it’s time for the next step in your brewing process.

Who Should Buy This?

Coffee lovers who aren’t super picky about precision, and also want to use their scale for things other than morning coffee.

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If you want a scale with a timer, the Timemore is the best option for coffee lovers who are on a budget but aren’t willing to sacrifice features or elegance. 

Let’s start with how cool it looks. The Timemore’s LED invisible screen means no more squinting to read into small windows with dying backlights. Form and function work together here really well to provide a streamlined experience when you’re in the middle of brewing—and the scale stands in as eye candy when you’re not.

Timemore added automatic timing as a brewing mode in its last product update, which is a great improvement from the original model. And being waterproof with a silicone pad protects the scale, which is essential when you’re using the scale on a regular basis.

But some people are not jazzed that the Timemore won’t register weight below 0.3-0.5 grams.

There’s also consensus among buyers that this scale has a tendency not to recalibrate when you add a small amount of coffee if it’s under this 0.3-0.5 gram threshold. 

And while it’s mostly accurate and precise, it’s not as consistent as the Hario V60 scale.

Who Should Buy This?

People on a budget who want a scale with a built-in timer in exchange for a scale that’s mostly accurate and consistent, but not as reliable as pricier models.

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The Oxo Brew Precision Scale is an excellent option for beginners. It’s easy to use and has a straightforward interface that makes it easy to measure the exact amount of coffee you want. 

One of the big reasons why we picked this scale as the best for beginners is due to its large, bright display and built-in, integrated timer. 

But this scale is on the heavier and larger side, so if you want to use your scale under a portafilter, this might not be the best choice. On that note, users say the Oxo is generally not the best pick for espresso brewing because of its precision limitations.

This scale features touch-sensitive buttons, too. Now, that could be a good or bad thing depending on your preference, but it’s worth considering.

Some users love how sensitive its response is. Others find it to be frustrating, making it difficult to find the tare button.

That said, it’s a strong choice if you want a beginner-friendly, reliable coffee scale that’s built to last.

Who Should Buy This?

The OXO Brew Coffee Scale with Timer is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who are newbies when it comes to technique. Its large display, accuracy, and durable construction make it a great scale for practicing precision and nailing consistency.

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Best Coffee Scale Buying Guide

OK, so let’s talk about why you’d want a coffee scale and what you should look for when evaluating one.

Why Buy A Coffee Scale? Isn’t My Scoop Just Fine?

Here’s what a scale gives you that eye-ballin’ it won’t.

Accuracy 

A coffee scale can provide precise measurements of coffee beans, water, and other ingredients, ensuring you have the exact amount needed for each cup. This can help achieve the perfect ratio of coffee to water, which is crucial for making a great cup of coffee.

Consistency

By using a coffee scale, you can ensure that every coffee you make has the same dose of coffee beans and water, resulting in a consistent taste and quality. This is particularly important for coffee enthusiasts who want to experiment with different brewing methods or try new coffee beans.

Scale vs. scoop measuring 

While using a scoop or spoon to measure coffee beans can work, it’s not as accurate as a coffee scale. Coffee beans can vary in size and density, so using a scoop can result in inconsistent measurements. 

A coffee scale, on the other hand, can weigh the coffee beans precisely, making it easier to achieve the desired taste and strength.

Overall, using a coffee scale can be a valuable tool for any coffee lover who wants to brew magically every time. It can offer accuracy, and consistency, and eliminate the guesswork involved in measuring coffee beans and water.

How to Pick The Best Scale For Coffee

Outside of your budget, you should consider how important the below features are to you.

Precision

Digital scales can measure as precisely as 0.1 grams, which is why we only recommend them. The more advanced your brewing method, the more this matters, so it’s best to go for digital and precise. 

For instance, when brewing specialty coffee through methods such as pour-over or espresso, the ratio of coffee to water plays a significant role in achieving desired flavors. Even a small variation in the portion of coffee used can result in a significantly different taste.

Furthermore, digital scales provide the convenience of easy-to-read displays, which eliminate the need for manual adjustments or estimates.

This ensures consistency in measurements and reduces the chances of errors.

In summary, if you are serious about brewing and want to have complete control over the brewing process, investing in a digital scale that can measure as precisely as 0.1 grams is highly recommended. Its precision will allow you to follow recipes accurately, achieve consistent results, and ultimately enhance your brewing experience. 

Built-in Timer

A timer is what makes coffee scales unique from standard kitchen scales. It keeps track of brewing times for you.  Coffee scales are designed specifically for coffee enthusiasts who want to achieve the perfect brew every time.

While standard kitchen scales measure weights accurately, coffee scales take it a step further by incorporating a built-in timer.

The timer function on coffee scales allows the user to monitor the brewing time precisely. This is crucial because different brewing methods, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso, require specific timing for optimal flavor extraction.

By having a timer on the scale, you can eliminate the need for separate timers or relying on phone apps. They can easily weigh their grounds, start the timer, and ensure that they brew their coffee for the desired duration.

The timer feature helps coffee enthusiasts to experiment with different brewing times and refine their technique. They can precisely replicate their preferred brewing time consistently, leading to a more consistent coffee flavor each time.

Additionally, some coffee scales also offer features like auto-tare, which automatically subtracts the weight of the brewing vessel, making it even more convenient for users.

Overall, the timer function on coffee scales adds a level of precision and convenience for coffee lovers, making them an essential tool for those who are passionate about achieving the perfect cup. 

Auto-Start

Auto-start simply means you don’t have to press the start button manually.  Most modern coffee scales have a power button that automatically starts the device when it detects weight. 

Auto-Off

Auto-off just means you don’t have to worry about your battery dying because you left your scale on because it turns off automatically.

It’s always convenient when devices have power-saving features or long-lasting batteries. It helps prevent unexpected shutdowns. 

Size

How you plan to use your scale matters here along with how much space you have in your kitchen. Smaller can mean better if you are tight on the room, but you may not be able to stand a Chemex up on it.

Battery Type

Make sure your model has batteries if you’re planning on traveling with it. Otherwise, rechargeable is probably your best bet. These usually have a USB port on the side of the scale so you can quickly plug them in.

Measurement Unit Conversion

Metric to imperial and back again. Depending on where you live, this feature is either a game-changer or just in the way. Most coffee recipes use the metric system, so if you are an American like me, measurement conversion can be awesome. If you’re in Europe, probably not so necessary.

Smart Features

Do Bluetooth capabilities matter to you? What about a dedicated app? If so, make sure your scale is smart with a dedicated app to ensure seamless integration with your other devices.

How to Use a Coffee Scale

Coffee scales can greatly improve the quality of your coffee brewing. Here are the steps on how to use one effectively.

1. First, make sure your coffee scale is zeroed out before you start. This ensures accurate measurements.
2. Next, place your coffee cup or brewing device on the scale and tare it so that the weight of the container is subtracted. This will give you the precise weight of your coffee.
3. Then, weigh out the desired coffee amount. The recommended coffee-to-water ratio is usually around 1:15 to 1:18, depending on your personal preference.
4. Once you’ve measured the right dose of coffee, you can proceed with your brewing method of choice. During the brewing process, you can also use the scale to measure the water you pour into your coffee. This helps maintain consistency in the strength and flavor of your brew.
5. Finally, after brewing is complete, weigh the final yield of your coffee. This is particularly useful for those who like to track their coffee consumption or who want to experiment with different brewing parameters.

Learning how to operate your scale will help you consistently brew coffee with accurate measurements and achieve the desired strength and flavor in every cup.

Our Verdict: The Acaia Pearl is the Top Precision Coffee Scale

Owning a coffee scale signals you’ve leveled. up your coffee game. It’s essential in turning guesswork into predictable perfection when weight ground coffee at home. 

And from our analysis after searching the earth to find the best coffee scale, the top-rated coffee scale to achieve that is the Acaia Pearl. 

This scale is a great balance of accuracy and functionality, making it arguably the top pick in the coffee industry.

Best Digital Coffee Scale FAQs