While the scale does offer some advanced features, such as an auto-timer, I find that it’s a lot more convenient to use it in its standard mode, where you manually start and stop the timer. The auto-timer function has room for improvement, and doesn’t play well with modern features such as pre-infusion, which will cause the timer to start/stop at the wrong time. You’re on a tight budget: Compared to more expensive brands like Comandante and Orphan, Timemore grinders are relatively affordable. But you can find cheaper options if you’re trying to create the ultimate budget brewing set-up. The bottom line is that just because the grinder is small, it doesn’t mean it compromises on grind quality. Indeed, the consistent grind exceeds that of most entry-level manual and electric grinders. Accessories The Timemore Chestnut Nano Grinder is built to last and is a great travel companion due to its portability. Its maximum dose is 15g each time, which requires you to grind a second time if you are intending to make a bigger cup of coffee or pulling an espresso shot. This grinder is fully metallic with no plastic parts which make it feels premium. The detachable wooden knob at the end of the axle gives a nice natural finishing touch that is both stylish and functional. With certain suppliers, you can get around this issue with the option of the stainless steel burrs coated in titanium. Stainless steel burrs perform excellently on mid-range grind sizes, whereas titanium-coated burrs cut much sharper, making them more effective at fine grinds. Therefore, if you usually grind for espresso, you should consider titanium-coated burrs.

Beneath the hefty base are two of the chunkiest rubber strips I’ve seen on a scale. These are pretty effective at keeping this small scale from sliding around. We strive to ensure that your delivery arrives safely to you, but we understand that sometimes accidents happen outside of our control.What sets the Acaia apart from other scales is its capability to change weighing modes. There are six modes that you can use simply by using a long hold on the power button. These modes include: Weight only, Espresso, Weight and Timer, Auto Start, Beverage, and Auto Tare. So, for example, if you are using the Auto Start mode, the scale will display a timer up to 9:99 and weight in grams, and after zeroing out the brewing materials, the timer digits will flash and automatically start once the user begins pouring. The main downside is that the scale feels a bit expensive for what it is. You have some really cheap options that do the same things and look almost as good. On the other end of the spectrum you have the luxury scale from Acaia that are vastly superior in terms of looks and functionality. The Brewista Smart Scale II lands somewhere in the middle. The ProScale can work as an espresso scale, but the reading lags behind the true measurement, so it is necessary to cut off the water about 3-4 grams before it hits the target weight (about 2 grams earlier than the Lunar). For a 40g espresso, for instance, the water should be cut off at about 36g. One caveat, though, is that the ProScale is not waterproof, and, due to its design, appears to catch liquids that fall off the weighing platform. However, in the end, the ProScale makes a great espresso scale at a price that doesn’t hurt much.

The burrs and most internal mechanics are stainless steel as well. There are some plastic components inside, which detracts from build quality a tad. But the plastic is heavy-duty and only used on parts that see little wear. As a positive trade-off, using plastic where possible makes the grinder lighter and more affordable. For an occasional shot, the C3 is a great budget option, but if espresso is your main focus, consider one of the espresso-specific grinders we’ve recommended below. Build quality 4.5/5Includes protective feet, 100g calibration weight, and a heat-proof silicone pad that can hold a portafilter. The Brewista digital coffee scale is another popular coffee scale. One could probably say that it’s a bit more focused on espresso due to its compact size. This scale is also conveniently battery-powered by two AAA batteries. It has an auto power-off function after 5 minutes to save battery life. Volume is a less accurate way of measuring things than mass is. That’s not an opinion; it’s physics,” he explains in The Blue Bottle Craft of Coffee book. the titanium burr is made for finer grinding that'll give you better results for Aeropress, moka pot,