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Gear

Coffee scales: the cheapest upgrade

Weighing coffee and water is the cheapest change you notice most. The Timemore Basic 2 is my pick for filter; the Maestri is the cheapest one that fits under an espresso cup.

Reviewed on 8 November 2026 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The quick pick

  1. My pickTimemore Black Mirror Basic 2See price on Amazon
  2. The cheapestMaestri House mini scaleSee price on Amazon
  3. For serious measuringBookoo ThemisSee price on Amazon
Black scale with a jug and a pour-over cone on top
Illustrative image generated with AI.

With spoons you never know how much coffee you’re really using. With a scale, you repeat what worked and correct what didn’t. Every scale on this list weighs in 0.1 g steps and has a timer.

What to check before buying

  • Size. For espresso it has to fit on the machine’s drip tray: check the width.
  • Rechargeable or batteries. USB-C rechargeable ones are more convenient.
  • Water. It will get wet: a smooth surface and a silicone pad are better.
  • Extras. Flow rate in g/s and an app only pay off if you’re going to measure seriously.

Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2

My pick

For filter: V60, Chemex, AeroPress.

CapacityUp to 2,000 g in 0.1 g steps
BatteryLithium, USB-C, 24 h of use
DimensionsAbout 15 × 13 × 2.5 cm
  • Improved flow-rate function over the Basic Plus
  • Pad included
  • Large for some espresso machines’ drip trays
See price on Amazon

Maestri House mini scale

The cheapest

For espresso and for starting on a small budget.

Capacity2 kg in 0.1 g steps
Battery500 mAh, USB-C
SurfaceBorosilicate glass
Weight340 g
  • Fits in your hand and under the cup
  • Three units (g, oz, ml)
  • The listing states a reading accuracy of ±1 g in its specifications
See price on Amazon

Hario V60 Drip Scale VST-2000B

For anyone who wants the one from the V60 brand and doesn’t mind batteries.

Capacity2 kg in 0.1 g steps
Power2 AAA batteries included
Weight258 g
  • Simple and intuitive
  • Light
  • Batteries, not rechargeable
See price on Amazon

Timemore Black Mirror Basic 3

For anyone who makes filter and espresso and wants a single scale.

StartDetects from 0.2 g
ButtonsMechanical, 3 modes and ratio
Battery1,600 mAh, USB-C
Weight300 g
  • Magnetic shielding against grinders and machines
  • Calculates the ratio
  • New on the market: few reviews yet
See price on Amazon

Normcore Pocket Scale V3

For espresso, if you want a very slim aluminium one.

Capacity0.1 g to 2 kg
Thickness2 cm
BatteryUp to 15 h
BodyAluminium
  • Very slim
  • Auto-off
  • Less battery life than the Timemores
See price on Amazon

Bookoo Themis

For serious measuring

For anyone who wants to see the flow rate in real time and log it in an app.

Precision0.1 g and 0.1 g/s flow rate
ConnectionBluetooth with apps such as Beanconqueror
Battery500 mAh, 24 h per charge
Dimensions8 × 8 × 1.5 cm
  • Auto tare and auto start
  • Very compact
  • The most expensive on the list
See price on Amazon

My pick

For filter, the Timemore Basic 2. For espresso with little space, the Maestri or the Normcore. Everything else you need to start is in the where-to-start guide.

Sources

I haven't tried all of these products in person. The data come from the manufacturer's website or, when I don't cite one, from the amazon.co.uk listing (each source says which). I write with the help of AI and check every figure against those sources. I don't publish prices because they change daily: the one that counts is the price you see on Amazon when you buy.

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