- Guides
- Do you need a scale?
Guide
Do you need a coffee scale?
If you want to repeat a cup you liked, weigh it. A scoop of one coffee can weigh far more or less than a scoop of another.
What a scale gives you
- A repeatable dose, so a good recipe stays good.
- A repeatable water amount, so ratio and strength stay the same.
- A clean experiment: when you change only the grind, you know only the grind changed.
What to look for
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 0.1 g readings | Needed for small doses such as espresso and AeroPress. 1 g is fine for large batches. |
| Fast response | Lets you pour to a target weight without overshooting. |
| Water-resistant surface | It will get splashed. |
| Timer | Convenient, but a phone timer works just as well. |
Questions
Do I need a coffee scale?
To repeat a good cup, yes. Scoops vary a lot between coffees, but grams do not. A basic 0.1 g scale is enough for filter coffee.
Does the scale need a timer?
Not at all. A phone timer works. A scale with a timer is a convenience.
What does a scale change in the cup?
It makes your dose and water repeatable, so when you change the grind you know that is the only thing that changed.