Can You Use Any Kitchen Scale For Coffee?

If you want to start weighing your coffee grounds before brewing a pot, then you may be curious about the type of scale that you can use.

Do you really need a coffee scale or espresso scale?

Or will a regular kitchen scale work for weighing coffee?

The short answer is yes, you can use a kitchen scale for coffee, but I think you’ll prefer a dedicated coffee scale.

Keep reading and you’ll learn why a coffee scale is better.

Kitchen Scale vs Coffee Scale: What’s The Difference?

Essentially, these two scales work in much the same way and get the job done of measuring your coffee or espresso.

However, there are some subtle differences that you need to be aware of.

Essentially, most coffee scales, like the Hario Drip Scale, only handle weight in grams whereas a kitchen scale can accommodate grams, oz, grams to the nearest 100th, and lbs.

The Hario coffee scale also comes with a timer function.

So I’d say that a coffee scale would prioritize features a coffee connoisseur would most likely need when brewing.

Here’s another key difference between these two types of scales.

My kitchen scale has an auto shut off, so it used to turn off halfway through my brewing process…which is just awful.

The Hario does not do this and you can simultaneously brew and time.

That is a much better user experience as a coffee drinker.

You’ll also notice that coffee scales tend to have a higher cost than your average kitchen scale.

But there is a good reason for that – coffee scales are designed specifically for the needs of coffee drinkers (weighing in grams, not auto shutting off, etc.)

So, despite the higher price tag, in the end you’ll likely be happier with the coffee scale in the long run.

Most of the crappy cheap kitchen scales don’t weigh in grams, or are intended for large amounts, and won’t weigh the 20 grams you need.

Or they are very slow to respond, or show a slightly different number every time you pick up a load and put it back down.

And you need more precision than that to make the perfect cup of coffee or espresso.

Why Use A Scale For Coffee

Our Top 5 Recommended Coffee Scales

Here’s a quick look at the coffee scales that we recommend using when you make coffee at home.

1. Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer
2. Acaia Scale Lunar
3. Brewista Smart Scale II
4. Smart Weigh Digital Pro Pocket Scale
5. American Weigh Scale SC Series Precision Digital Scale

Final Word

The coffee craze as of late is weighing extractions, which I find hilarious.

I’ve been at this long enough to rely on my sense of taste, smell, sight to know when to stop extracting.

But when we’re talking measuring out the ground coffee or espresso, then hands down go with a coffee scale every single time.

Otherwise, you never know from one cup to the next how you cup of coffee will actually taste.