Why Use a Scale?
It’ll be hard to find us doing anything in the cafe and roastery without a scale! Today we’re talking about why we’re such big believers in them and how it can help you create a better drink at home too.
Involved in every part of the brewing process, a scale foremost ensures consistency.
By measuring the same amount of beans (i.e. 20 grams), with the same amount of water (i.e. 350 grams), while aiming for a final weight of brewed coffee, we are making it possible to replicate the same great drink every time. Of course there are other variables: water temperature, grind size, extraction method—but ceteris paribus, let’s move on :)
Cereal boxes often come with the disclaimer that the contents are measured by weight, not volume. The same concept applies for coffee beans!
A small but densely packed bean like the heirloom varietals from Jet Mill in Ethiopia versus the large Pacamara beans from La Bendición in Nicaragua will weigh quite differently when measured as 2 tablespoons — especially whole versus ground!
Using a scale is ensuring that you’re brewing the true amount of beans that you intend to.
Don’t like the way a coffee is turning out? Let’s get back to those variables we were holding constant. There are many adjustments you can make to a coffee recipe. Among many factors, the four biggest components and their respective measuring tools are:
temperature of water — thermometer
how fine/coarse the bean is — grinder
brew time — timer
“dose” (weight) of coffee used — scale!
To experiment with how different factors affect the taste, mouthfeel or experience of a coffee, we always recommend to adjust only one factor at a time. If all the components are being adjusted at once, it’s difficult to give credit to which factor caused the change. A great place to start is with the dose. The dosage will most heavily influence the coffee’s brew strength and body. While holding all the other factors the same, add more or less beans. We recommend working in increments of 2 grams.
Take notes! (Yes, really! That’s the best way you’re going to compare.)
There are all kinds of scales available on the market with different features. We have tried most of them and use each kind for different purposes. For example, our roastery uses a scale that must be annually certified by the State of New Jersey Office of Weights & Measures to attest to its accuracy.
But for our purposes, we have found that the Smart Brew Brewista Scale is by and large the perfect and reliable scale for homebrewing use. It is sensitive enough to measure in 0.1 gram increments up to 2,000 grams and has a count-up timer measuring up to 9 minutes 59 seconds. Its surface is stainless steel (easy clean-up), sleek enough to display or slim enough tuck away, and just large enough to be used for other kitchen uses.
With all Brewista scale purchases, we’ll add a free bag of beans to help you get on your journey to brewing awesome coffee!
At the end of the day, brewing coffee should be a delightful ritual. Good equipment can help with that, but excellent coffee and a good book or companion are harder to find.
