The fastest way to make your pour-over taste the same every day is to weigh your coffee and water. This guide covers the features to look for in a coffee scale. It doesn't review any specific model.

Why you need a scale

Even with the same beans and the same grind setting, small changes in the amount of coffee or water change the taste. Fix a ratio, say 15g of coffee to 240g of water, and you'll get close to the same cup every morning. I keep my grinder on one setting for daily pour-over, and that only works because the amounts are consistent too.

Six things to check

  1. Resolution: 0.1g steps let you match your dose precisely. At minimum get 1g resolution; ideally 0.1g.
  2. Timer: a built-in timer lets you watch weight and time together. Some start automatically when you begin pouring.
  3. Response speed: does the display keep up as you pour? Check reviews for this.
  4. Size: make sure you can still read the display with a dripper and server on top.
  5. Water resistance: spills happen, so look for water resistance or at least an easy-to-wipe surface.
  6. Power: AA/AAA batteries or USB rechargeable. For daily use, rechargeable is less hassle.

Rough budget tiers

  • Basic: a scale with a timer. Plenty for a first scale.
  • Mid range: faster response, water resistance, auto-start timers.
  • Premium: flow-rate display, app connectivity, and more.

Browse coffee scales with timers on Amazon.com

Browse water-resistant pour-over scales on Amazon.com

Check the price and specs on the product page before buying.

Pair it with a good grinder

A scale shines alongside a consistent grinder. See how to choose your first hand grinder or Timemore S5 Pro vs EPEIOS Essence Go.

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