Dial in your flavour and consistency with the right coffee scale
If you’ve ever wondered why your home brews taste different day to day — even when using the same beans — the answer might come down to one simple tool: a scale. Brewing coffee isn’t just art; it’s science. And like any good recipe, precision matters. Whether you’re a French press fan, a Moka pot purist, or dialling in an Aeropress, a coffee scale gives you consistency, control, and (let’s be honest) better flavour. In this guide, we’ll break down the best scales for coffee brewing in the UK — from budget picks to pro tools — and explain what really matters when choosing one.
Why You Need a Scale for Coffee
Even if you’re not into espresso tech or dialling in extraction curves, a scale helps you do one thing better: brew consistently. Eyeballing coffee grounds or using tablespoons may seem easier, but it leads to variation in strength, balance, and taste.
Here’s what a coffee scale improves:
- Brew strength: precise ratio of coffee to water
- Taste balance: fewer bitter, sour, or watery cups
- Efficiency: avoid wasting beans
- Repeatability: if it tastes great, you can recreate it
🔗 Related: What Is the Right Coffee-to-Water Ratio?
What to Look For in a Coffee Scale
When buying a scale, these are the key features to prioritise:
1. Accuracy and Range:
Look for 0.1g precision — this is the standard for pour overs and Moka brewing. A range of up to 2–3kg is ideal.
2. Built-in Timer:
Essential for pour overs and Aeropress. Great for timing bloom and extraction.
3. Speed:
Cheap digital scales often lag. Go for responsive ones that don’t freeze or skip.
4. Size and Surface:
Compact is good — make sure it fits under your brewer or French press comfortably.
5. Battery Type:
Rechargeable USB-C is a plus. AAA battery scales are fine too, but less eco-friendly.
The Best Coffee Scales Available in the UK (2025)
Here are our top picks for different price points and brew styles — all available from UK retailers.
1. Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 – ★★★★★
Best All-Round Coffee Scale for Home Brewers
- Price: ~£55
- Accuracy: 0.1g
- Max weight: 2kg
- Timer: Yes
- Battery: Rechargeable USB-C
- Why we like it: Minimalist design, fast response, super accurate. Best value in its class.
2. Hario V60 Drip Scale – ★★★★☆
Best for Pour Over Fans
- Price: ~£45
- Accuracy: 0.1g
- Max weight: 2kg
- Timer: Yes
- Battery: 2 AAA
- Why we like it: Simple, intuitive, pairs perfectly with V60s and small brewers.
3. Felicita Arc Scale – ★★★★☆
Best for Espresso and High-End Setups
- Price: ~£115
- Accuracy: 0.1g
- Max weight: 2kg
- Timer: Yes
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Why we like it: Designed for speed and espresso, water-resistant and super responsive. Great if you’re investing in a full setup.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Felicita-Electronic-Coffee-Scale-105x135x15-5mm/dp/B07XP6J1GD
4. Ozeri Touch Professional Digital Scale – ★★★☆☆
Best Budget Kitchen Scale That Works for Coffee
- Price: ~£15
- Accuracy: 1g
- Max weight: 5kg
- Timer: No
- Battery: AAA
- Why we like it: Not perfect for espresso or pour over, but great for batch brewing or French press. Very affordable.
https://ozeri.com/kitchen-scales/Ozeri-Professional-Digital-Kitchen-Tempered/B003MSZBSI
Comparison Table: Best Coffee Scales (2025)
| Scale | Price | Accuracy | Timer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timemore Black Mirror | £55 | 0.1g | Yes | All-around use |
| Hario V60 | £45 | 0.1g | Yes | Pour over |
| Felicita Arc | £115 | 0.1g | Yes | Espresso setups |
| Ozeri Touch | £15 | 1g | No | Budget brewers |
FAQs About Coffee Scales
Do I really need 0.1g accuracy?
Yes — especially for Moka pots, pour over, and espresso. Small differences in coffee dose or water volume can impact flavour dramatically.
Can I use my kitchen scale for coffee?
Yes, but only if it’s fast and accurate. Most are too slow or jumpy for real brewing.
What if I don’t have a timer?
Use your phone, but once you’ve got a scale with built-in timing, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
🔗 Related: French Press Brewing: The Perfect Ratio and Timing
Common Mistakes When Buying Coffee Scales
| Mistake | Result | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing 1g accuracy | Inconsistent brews | Go for 0.1g if possible |
| No timer | Harder to repeat results | Pick one with a built-in stopwatch |
| Buying too large | Doesn’t fit under brewers | Look for compact design |
| Delayed reading | Poor flow control | Choose a responsive model |
Related Posts to Explore
- Best Manual Grinders in the UK
- How to Use a Moka Pot
- Understanding Coffee Grind Sizes
- Why Is My Coffee Watery? 7 Fixes
Final Thoughts
A great cup of coffee starts with a great ratio. And you can’t hit that ratio without a scale. Whether you’re fine-tuning pour overs, improving your Moka game, or brewing French press with consistency, a digital coffee scale gives you control, clarity, and repeatable results. Spend what you can afford — even the budget picks are better than guessing.
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