PullRatio

Best Espresso Scales and Timers

Pulling espresso by weight and time instead of by feel is the single fastest way to improve consistency. A good espresso scale reads to 0.1 g, responds fast enough to catch the shot live, and fits under the portafilter without hitting the drip tray wall. This category covers the scales baristas actually use, from the community-standard Acaia Lunar down to capable budget options.

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Acaia Lunar Scale 1
4.8 Amazon

Acaia Lunar Scale

The community standard for espresso scales. 0.1 g resolution, sub-0.5 second response time, integrated shot timer, Bluetooth logging, and a low-profile design that fits under a double spout portafilter.

Best for Intermediate to advanced home baristas who track shots seriously and want the scale the professional community uses.

0.1 g resolution with fast enough response to track a live shot in real timeLow profile fits under most portafilters without hitting the drip tray wallBluetooth app logs every shot for tracking your dial-in progress Premium price is hard to justify when first starting out
$210–$230 Check price
Timemore Black Mirror Nano Scale 2
4.5 Amazon

Timemore Black Mirror Nano Scale

A 0.1 g espresso scale that fits under a portafilter, responds quickly enough for live shot tracking, and costs less than a third of the Acaia Lunar. The community-recommended budget path.

Best for Beginners and budget-conscious baristas who want accurate weight-based pulling without the Acaia price tag.

0.1 g resolution at a fraction of the Acaia priceLow enough profile to fit under a standard portafilterBuilt-in timer with a flow rate display on the Nano Plus version Response time is slightly slower than the Acaia Lunar, noticeable at shot end
$50–$70 Check price
Felicita Parallel Scale 3
4.4 Amazon

Felicita Parallel Scale

A mid-range espresso scale with 0.1 g resolution, a built-in timer, and an ultra-thin body that is among the slimmest on the market, pairing well with taller drip trays.

Best for Baristas with machines that have taller drip trays where clearance is tight, or those who want a thinner scale than the Timemore.

Ultra-thin body maximizes clearance between the scale and the portafilter spout0.1 g resolution with a responsive enough reading for espressoClean display shows weight and time simultaneously Response time is adequate but not as fast as the Acaia Lunar
$80–$110 Check price
Timemore Basic Plus Coffee Scale 4
4.4 Amazon

Timemore Basic Plus Coffee Scale

A compact dual-mode scale with a rechargeable USB battery, 0.1 g resolution, and a built-in timer. The entry-level Timemore that works well for espresso and pour-over.

Best for Beginners who want a first scale for weight-based dosing without spending on a dedicated espresso model.

USB rechargeable; no proprietary cable or AA batteries0.1 g resolution appropriate for espresso dosingCompact enough to fit under most portafilters Slower response time than the Nano or Lunar; better for dosing than live shot tracking
$35–$50 Check price

The method

How we chose

We evaluated each option on fit, build quality, daily usability, and value. Our top pick, Acaia Lunar Scale, earned the spot because the scale that sets the standard. if you are dialing in carefully and tracking results, nothing else is as good. The comparison above highlights exactly who each pick is best for.