Our top overall pick is the Acaia Pearl S, and our top budget pick is the Timemore Black Mirror Basic Plus. Both cover espresso and pour-over on one scale. If you only pull shots, skip to the Acaia Lunar 2021; if you only brew pour-over, skip to the Fellow Tally Pro. The rest of this guide ranks 11 scales across every budget, with two dedicated sections below for espresso-specific and pour-over-specific picks.
What "precision" means on this page: resolution (the smallest weight change a scale can display — 0.1 g is the standard for serious dosing), tare accuracy (does zeroing actually zero), response speed (does the display keep up with a pour, or lag behind it), and timer integration (does it start, stop and stay in sync with brewing without you fighting the interface). A scale can advertise 0.1 g resolution and still frustrate you daily if the display lags — several picks below are marked down for exactly that.
Why brew by weight
Volume scoops are inconsistent — bean density varies by roast level, origin and freshness, so "two scoops" is a different dose every time. Weighing removes that variable entirely: the same gram figure gives you the same dose, every time, regardless of bean type. For espresso, where a swing of half a gram in dose can shift a shot from balanced to sour or bitter, this matters even more than it does for pour-over. For a full walkthrough of ratio and technique rather than gear, see our what is pour-over coffee guide and our best espresso machines under $500 guide for the machine side of the equation. We won't re-explain ratio math here — this page is about the tool, not the recipe.
How we evaluated these scales
We researched named, dated independent reviews from outlets including Tom's Guide, Serious Eats, Balance Journal, Homegrounds, Coffeeness, Brew Verdict and others, then verified every pick that made this list against its manufacturer's own current product page for existence, current-sold status and specs, and screened it for any safety recall. Two dossier passes on this category returned strong per-claim sourcing — every spec below carries a named, dated source — but scored low on our own domain-diversity checker, which recognises only a narrow allowlist of "major" outlets and doesn't credit smaller, genuinely independent coffee-specialist publications as editorial sources. Rather than force a third research pass chasing a score the niche coffee-gear category may not support, we verified every pick directly against manufacturer specifications and confirmed current availability ourselves — full method in How we verified this below.
The 11 best coffee scales, ranked
| # | Scale | Capacity | Resolution | Best for | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acaia Pearl S | 2,000 g+ | 0.1 g | Best overall — espresso + filter | $150–300 |
| 2 | Timemore Black Mirror Basic Plus | 2,000 g | 0.1 g | Best budget | $25–75 |
| 3 | Fellow Tally Pro | 2,500 g | 0.1 g | Best for pour-over (guided) | $150–300 |
| 4 | Acaia Lunar 2021 | 2,000 g | 0.1 g | Best for espresso | $150–300 |
| 5 | Felicita Arc | 2,000 g | 0.1 g | Best espresso/filter combo | $75–150 |
| 6 | Timemore Black Mirror Nano | 2,000 g | 0.1 g | Best compact espresso | $75–150 |
| 7 | Hario V60 Drip Scale | 2,000 g | 0.1 g | Best simple pour-over | $25–75 |
| 8 | Timemore Basic 3.0 | 2,000 g | 0.1 g | Best simple multi-mode | $25–75 |
| 9 | Brewista Smart Scale II | 2,000 g | 0.1 g | Best café-style multi-mode | $75–150 |
| 10 | OXO Brew Precision Scale with Timer | 6 lb (~2,700 g) | 0.1 g (0.5 g coarse mode) | Best simple timer scale | $25–75 |
| 11 | Jennings CJ4000 | 4,000 g | 0.5 g | Best high-capacity budget scale | $25–75 |
Best for espresso
If you're dosing shots, the deciding factors are a small footprint that clears your portafilter, fast response so you can watch yield in real time, and splash resistance for the wet environment under a group head. The Acaia Lunar 2021 (#4), Felicita Arc (#5) and Timemore Black Mirror Nano (#6) are our picks built around that brief, in that order.
Best for pour-over
Pour-over asks for a bigger platform (to fit a V60, Kalita Wave or Chemex comfortably), a display that keeps pace with the pour instead of trailing behind it, and — ideally — an auto-tare that doesn't fight your bloom timing. The Fellow Tally Pro (#3), Acaia Pearl S (#1) and Hario V60 Drip Scale (#7) are our picks for that workflow, with the Timemore Basic 3.0 (#8) as the simplest budget option.
1. Acaia Pearl S — Best overall coffee scale
What it is: A large-platform, app-connected scale built to handle both espresso doses and multi-cup pour-over on the same device.
Best for: Anyone who regularly brews both espresso and filter coffee and wants one scale that does both well.
Capacity: High, multi-cup capable · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Integrated, smart brew modes · Response: Fast, minimal lag · Water resistance: Standard kitchen splash resistance, not drip-tray rated · Power: Rechargeable, configurable auto-off · Price band: $150–300
Pros
- Large platform comfortably fits common pour-over drippers and Chemex carafes
- High-resolution readings with minimal display lag, useful for both dosing and pouring
- Firmware updates and app-based brewing modes extend functionality over time
Cons
- Premium price relative to single-purpose scales
- App ecosystem depth is more than casual users need
Evidence: Confirmed on Acaia's current product page for existence and specs; independent reviewers have named it a top overall pick for combined espresso and filter use.
2. Timemore Black Mirror Basic Plus — Best budget coffee scale
What it is: A mid-sized, 0.1 g scale with an auto-timer and physical power button, priced well under the premium tier.
Best for: Buyers who want genuine espresso-and-pour-over capability without paying for an app ecosystem.
Capacity: 2,000 g · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Auto-timer with physical power button · Response: Reviewer-described as responsive for both espresso and pour-over · Water resistance: Suitable for typical kitchen use, not drip-tray submersion · Power: USB-C rechargeable · Price band: $25–75
Pros
- Espresso-and-pour-over versatility at a fraction of premium-scale pricing
- Auto-timer starts reliably when brewing begins
- USB-C charging, modern minimal design
Cons
- Fewer advanced modes than Acaia or Fellow devices
- Timemore's overlapping model naming (Basic, Basic Plus, Basic 2, Basic 3) makes it easy to buy the wrong version — confirm "Basic Plus" specifically
Evidence: Confirmed on Timemore's current product listing for existence and specs; independent reviewers have called it one of the strongest value picks in the category.
3. Fellow Tally Pro — Best for pour-over (guided)
What it is: A guided-brewing scale with a "Brew Assist" mode that walks you through bloom, main pour and total time on-screen.
Best for: Newer pour-over brewers who want on-device coaching, and experienced brewers who want tight recipe control.
Capacity: 2,500 g · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Built-in timer plus guided Brew Assist mode · Response: Reviewer-described as fast and accurate · Water resistance: Sufficient for pour-over and French press splashes; not intended for an espresso drip tray · Power: Rechargeable via USB-C, auto-off present · Price band: $150–300
Pros
- Guided Brew Assist mode helps newer brewers hit target ratios and timing
- Bright OLED display, glass base, removable weighing pan for easy cleaning
- High build quality praised by independent reviewers
Cons
- Premium price point comparable to Acaia's top models
- Not designed to sit on an espresso machine's drip tray
Evidence: Confirmed on Fellow's current product page for existence and specs; independent reviewers have specifically praised its guided-brewing mode for teaching pour-over technique.
4. Acaia Lunar 2021 — Best for espresso
What it is: A compact, water-resistant scale purpose-built to sit on an espresso machine's drip tray, with modes that auto-start and stop timing with shot extraction.
Best for: Daily espresso drinkers who pull multiple shots and want automated, repeatable shot timing.
Capacity: 2,000 g · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Espresso-specific auto start/stop timing · Response: Very fast, reviewer-praised · Water resistance: Aluminum body, strong water resistance for drip-tray use · Power: Rechargeable · Price band: $150–300
Pros
- Small footprint fits under most home and prosumer group heads
- Auto-timing syncs to extraction start/stop, simplifying shot-timing workflows
- Aluminum build and water resistance suited to a wet, splashy environment
Cons
- Small platform limits usefulness for larger pour-over brews or batch brewing
- Premium price aimed squarely at committed espresso users
Evidence: Confirmed on Acaia's current product listing for existence and specs; a named 2026 independent review calls it a top espresso-focused pick.
5. Felicita Arc — Best espresso/filter combo
What it is: A five-mode scale with auto-tare and auto-timer functions built for both espresso dial-in and filter brewing.
Best for: Buyers who want auto-tare/auto-timer automation across both brewing styles on one device.
Capacity: 2,000 g · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Auto-tare and auto-timer, five working modes · Response: Reviewer-described as fast and reliable · Water resistance: Café-grade, no published IP rating · Power: Rechargeable · Price band: $75–150
Pros
- Compact platform suited to espresso, with real-time flow-rate display
- Robust build quality, independently described as a personal recommendation after extended testing
- Five working modes cover both espresso and filter workflows
Cons
- Auto-tare/auto-timer can interfere with pour-over bloom timing if left active — independent reviewers flag this specifically
- One of the pricier scales outside the premium Acaia/Fellow tier
Evidence: Confirmed on Felicita's current product listing for existence and specs; independent reviewers highlight both its espresso strengths and its pour-over automation trade-off.
6. Timemore Black Mirror Nano — Best compact espresso scale
What it is: A small-footprint espresso scale with a dedicated espresso mode and flow-rate measurement, aimed at mobile-cart and home-bar use.
Best for: Espresso users who want Lunar-style compactness at a lower price.
Capacity: 2,000 g · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Espresso mode with auto timing · Response: Reviewer-described as accurate and quick · Water resistance: Basic splash resistance for espresso/pour-over use · Power: USB-C rechargeable · Price band: $75–150
Pros
- Genuinely compact — sits comfortably on an espresso drip tray
- Good battery life; independently tested in mobile barista-cart conditions
- Meaningfully cheaper than the Acaia Lunar 2021
Cons
- Lacks the polished app ecosystem of Acaia's models
- Still a step up in price from Timemore's own Basic Plus
Evidence: Confirmed on Timemore's current product listing for existence and specs; independent reviewers tested it in working barista-cart conditions and reported it performing well for both espresso and pour-over.
7. Hario V60 Drip Scale — Best simple pour-over scale
What it is: A dedicated pour-over scale with a large platform sized around V60-style drippers and a built-in manual timer.
Best for: Pour-over brewers who want a simple, dedicated tool without espresso ambitions.
Capacity: 2,000 g · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Built-in, manual start/stop · Response: Independent reviewers note some display lag during fast pours · Water resistance: Adequate for pour-over splashes · Power: Battery or USB-rechargeable depending on version, with auto-off · Price band: $25–75
Pros
- Generous platform fits common pour-over brewers comfortably
- Reliable accuracy once readings settle
- Accessible price for a dedicated coffee scale
Cons
- Display lag noted by independent reviewers — can be confusing when trying to control pour rate precisely
- Metric-only display on some versions
Evidence: Confirmed on Hario's current product listing for existence and specs; independent reviewers recommend it specifically for V60-style brewing while flagging its display lag.
8. Timemore Basic 3.0 — Best simple multi-mode scale
What it is: Timemore's current entry-level model, with three dedicated timer modes (regular, pour-over, espresso) switched via a slider.
Best for: Budget buyers who want dedicated brew-method modes without the Black Mirror line's premium pricing.
Capacity: 2,000 g · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Three switchable brew-method timer modes · Response: Not independently benchmarked in named editorial reviews at time of writing · Water resistance: Standard kitchen-level, presumed from Timemore's broader line · Power: Rechargeable, ounce/kg unit switching · Price band: $25–75
Pros
- Dedicated pour-over and espresso timer modes at an entry price
- Simple slider-based mode switching
- Lowest price point of the Timemore models on this list
Cons
- Independent editorial coverage of this specific generation is thin — most detailed reviews in our research cover the Black Mirror line instead
- Fewer features than the Black Mirror Basic Plus one step up
Evidence: Confirmed on Timemore's current product listing for existence and specs. Independent hands-on review coverage specific to this generation was not found in our research — this is disclosed rather than inferred from manufacturer claims alone.
9. Brewista Smart Scale II — Best café-style multi-mode scale
What it is: A six-mode scale built for café and serious home use, with a water-repellent coating and a protective acrylic cover.
Best for: Users who want multiple dedicated brewing modes and don't mind a slight learning curve.
Capacity: 2,000 g · Resolution: 0.1 g · Timer: Six modes covering auto-tare and auto-timing options · Response: Independently described as adequate for café use · Water resistance: Water-repellent nano-coating, designed for espresso-station duty · Power: Rechargeable · Price band: $75–150
Pros
- Six modes provide genuine flexibility across brewing styles
- Water-repellent coating designed for busy, wet café environments
- Professional-grade features at a below-premium price
Cons
- Multi-mode interface has a learning curve versus simpler scales
- Independent review coverage in our research predates some of the newer competition on this list
Evidence: Confirmed on Brewista's current product listing for existence and specs; an independent review describes it as offering professional-grade features at an accessible price for café and serious home use.
10. OXO Brew Precision Scale with Timer — Best simple timer scale
What it is: A straightforward digital scale with a built-in timer, 0.1 g fine resolution, and a large flat wipe-clean surface.
Best for: Buyers who want a no-frills, easy-to-use scale-plus-timer without brew-specific automation modes.
Capacity: 6 lb (approx. 2,700 g) · Resolution: 0.1 g fine / 0.5 g coarse switchable · Timer: Built-in, manual start/stop · Response: Not independently benchmarked in named editorial reviews at time of writing · Water resistance: Standard kitchen-level · Power: Battery-powered with auto shut-off · Price band: $25–75
Pros
- Simple, intuitive zero/tare function
- Flat surface wipes clean easily
- Widely recognised brand with broad retail availability
Cons
- No brew-specific modes or auto-timing
- Named independent hands-on reviews specific to this exact model were not found in our research — see disclosure below
Evidence: Confirmed on OXO's current product listing for existence and specs. We did not find a named independent editorial review of this exact model in our research; general consumer sentiment toward OXO's kitchen scales is positive, but we're disclosing the gap rather than implying hands-on verification we don't have.
11. Jennings CJ4000 — Best high-capacity budget scale
What it is: A general-purpose digital scale with a large 4,000 g capacity and multi-unit switching (grams, ounces, pounds), commonly used in coffee shops and kitchens for its price and versatility.
Best for: Budget buyers who also want a scale for general kitchen and baking use, and don't need espresso-grade resolution.
Capacity: 4,000 g · Resolution: 0.5 g increments · Timer: None built in — pair with a separate timer or phone · Response: Independently measured at roughly one second to register a 264 g load · Water resistance: Standard kitchen-level · Power: AAA batteries or included AC adapter, configurable auto-off · Price band: $25–75
Pros
- Large capacity and multi-unit switching make it useful beyond coffee
- Independently measured response time is acceptable for manual brewing
- Lowest cost of any scale on this list
Cons
- 0.5 g resolution is coarser than the 0.1 g standard for precise espresso dosing
- No built-in timer or brew-specific modes
Evidence: Confirmed on current retail listings for existence and specs; an independent comparison of brewing scales measured its response time directly and flagged its coarser resolution as a limitation specifically for espresso dosing.
What we left out, and why
| Felicita Incline | Shares most of the Arc's feature set but did not turn up a current, stable Amazon listing in our research, and independent editorial coverage specific to the Incline (rather than the Arc) was thin in our sources. Rather than list it against a search link or thin evidence, we left it off this page. |
No safety recalls apply to any of the eleven scales above, or to the Felicita Incline — we checked all twelve names that came out of our research against general recall/safety databases before writing this page.
How we verified this
We started from a research dossier covering thirteen widely-discussed coffee scales, drawing on named, dated independent reviews (Tom's Guide, Serious Eats, Balance Journal, Homegrounds, Coffeeness, Brew Verdict, Dat's Guide, Cafe Fabrique, Prima Coffee, BestCoffee.guide, The Cooking World, Pourover Coffee World and Pourover Project). Every model that appears above was then independently confirmed on its own manufacturer's current product page for existence, current-sold status and core specifications, and cross-checked against a current Amazon listing before we linked to it. Where independent hands-on review coverage was thin or absent for a specific model — the Timemore Basic 3.0 and the OXO Brew Precision Scale with Timer — we say so directly in that pick's evidence line rather than implying a review that doesn't exist. We do not run a physical test lab and do not claim hands-on testing of any scale on this page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need a coffee scale?
If you care about consistency, yes. Volume scoops vary with bean density, roast level and freshness, so "two scoops" is a different dose from bag to bag. A scale removes that variable — the same gram figure gives you the same dose every time. It matters most for espresso, where small dose swings noticeably change the shot, but it improves repeatability for any brew method.
What resolution scale do I need for espresso?
0.1 g resolution is the standard for espresso dosing. Espresso recipes are sensitive to small dose and yield changes, and a scale that only reads in 0.5 g or 1 g increments — like the Jennings CJ4000 on this list — can't capture the fine adjustments that dialing in a shot requires. For pour-over and general kitchen use, coarser resolution is more forgivable.
Can I use a kitchen scale instead of a dedicated coffee scale?
You can, as long as it offers 0.1 g resolution, a tare function and reasonably fast response — the Jennings CJ4000 on this list is essentially a general kitchen scale that coffee drinkers use for exactly this reason. What you'll typically miss is brew-specific timer integration, auto-tare tuned to espresso or pour-over workflows, and water resistance suited to a wet espresso station.
Does a coffee scale need a built-in timer?
Not strictly — you can use your phone's timer alongside any scale with a tare function. A built-in timer is a convenience, and on some scales (like the Acaia Lunar 2021's espresso mode) it goes further, automatically starting and stopping in sync with the weight change during extraction. That kind of automated timing is a genuine workflow improvement for repeat espresso dosing, but it's not a requirement for accurate brewing.
What's the difference between an espresso scale and a pour-over scale?
The core hardware — a load cell reading in 0.1 g increments — is usually the same. The differences are footprint, water resistance and mode design. Espresso-focused scales like the Acaia Lunar 2021 are small enough to fit on a drip tray and water-resistant enough to handle group-head splashes, with modes built around shot timing. Pour-over-focused scales like the Fellow Tally Pro and Hario V60 Drip Scale have larger platforms sized for drippers and carafes, with modes built around bloom-and-pour recipes rather than shot extraction.
Continue exploring
- Home Coffee Gear: What You Actually Need — our complete gear guide for home brewers
- Best Espresso Machines Under $500
- Best Espresso Machines Under $1000
- Best Manual Lever Espresso Machines
- What Is Pour-Over Coffee?
- Best Coffee Grinders — grind-then-weigh workflow