Whether you're an expert or just starting to perfect your coffee skills, there are several tools that will make your job easier. One accessory is absolutely essential for your collection: a coffee scale. In this blog post, we'll explain why a coffee scale is a must-have accessory and how to use it to get the most out of your coffee beans.
Why is a coffee scale essential?
The foundation of a good cup of coffee lies in the correct ratio of coffee beans to water. A coffee scale allows you to measure this ratio perfectly, creating a fantastic taste experience every time.
Why is accuracy so important?
When brewing coffee, especially espresso, even a small difference in the amount of ground coffee or water can affect the flavor. Too many coffee beans can make your espresso bitter, while too few beans result in a watery and bland taste. A coffee scale helps you ensure consistent flavor.
How do you use a coffee scale?
A coffee scale may seem like a simple tool, but it's essential for good coffee brewing. Here are a few steps to get the most out of your coffee scale:
1. Weigh your coffee beans
Start by accurately weighing the coffee beans before grinding them. For an espresso, you usually need between 18 and 20 grams of coffee, depending on your machine and personal preference. The advantage of a scale is that you can work with gram accuracy, ensuring consistent results.
2. Weigh your water for filter coffee
When brewing filter coffee, such as pour-over or Chemex, the ratio of coffee to water is crucial. A common ratio is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water). A scale makes it easy to add the correct amount of water, ensuring the perfect balance of acidity and bitterness.
3. Control during the extraction process
When brewing espresso, you can place a coffee scale under your portafilter to accurately measure the amount of espresso. This will help you achieve the perfect extraction, especially when considering factors like brew time and the coffee-to-water ratio.
Other useful features of a coffee scale
1. Built-in timer
Modern coffee scales often offer additional features that help you refine your technique. Many models have a built-in timer, allowing you to track the brew time of your espresso, for example. This is useful for checking whether your extraction is within the optimal timeframe, which is usually between 25 and 30 seconds.
2. Tare function
Additionally, some models have a tare function, which allows you to ignore the weight of the container or filter basket, so you only measure the weight of the coffee. This makes using a scale even easier and more efficient.
Coffee scale as an accessory
A coffee scale is undoubtedly a must-have accessory for any home barista. It offers precision and control over every step of the coffee brewing process, from weighing your beans to measuring the brew time of your espresso.
This accuracy allows you to brew consistent, high-quality coffee and get the most out of your beans. If you want to take your barista skills to the next level, investing in a good coffee scale is a smart first step.