BREWSTEAD SUPPLY

Read coffee-scale specifications carefully

A coffee scale can help make a recipe repeatable, but a small number on the box does not describe every aspect of performance. A listed 0.1 g increment tells you about the displayed steps. It is not by itself an independently verified accuracy specification.

Weigh the entire setup

For pour-over, include the brewer, vessel, grounds and water when comparing the maximum load. Check the minimum weighing threshold for small doses. A scale intended to fit a drip tray can be too small to support a larger carafe securely.

Measure the footprint

Compare width, depth and thickness with your available space. On an espresso machine, allow for the cup above the scale and the spouts above the cup. Do not rely on a product description that simply says it fits most machines.

Consider maintenance

Look at charging or battery requirements, automatic shut-off and timer operation. Splash resistance is not the same as waterproofing. Keep the charging port and scale dry as instructed, and use the maker’s calibration procedure when one is supplied.