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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The short answer

The Acaia Lunar is the best espresso scale if you track shots seriously: fast 0.1 g response that catches a live pour, plus Bluetooth logging for your dial-in. Most people do not need to spend that much. The Timemore Black Mirror Nano gives you the same resolution and a slim under-portafilter fit for roughly a third the price.

Top Pick 4.8

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.

Price: $210-$230
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 time
Low profile fits under most portafilters without hitting the drip tray wall
Bluetooth app logs every shot for tracking your dial-in progress
Premium price is hard to justify when first starting out

No. 2 4.5

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.

Price: $50-$70
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 price
Low enough profile to fit under a standard portafilter
Built-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

No. 3 4.4

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.

Price: $80-$110
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 spout
0.1 g resolution with a responsive enough reading for espresso
Clean display shows weight and time simultaneously
Response time is adequate but not as fast as the Acaia Lunar

No. 4 4.4

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.

Price: $35-$50
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 batteries
0.1 g resolution appropriate for espresso dosing
Compact enough to fit under most portafilters
Slower response time than the Nano or Lunar; better for dosing than live shot tracking

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. 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.

Related guides

Head-to-head comparisons

Acaia Lunar vs Timemore Black Mirror Nano Scale

Compare

FAQ

Best Espresso Scales and Timers: FAQ

Do I need a scale, or can I pull shots by time alone?+

You need a scale. Time alone does not tell you the yield, and the same 30-second shot can pour anything from 28 to 40 grams depending on grind and flow. A scale lets you set a target dose and yield, hold a consistent brew ratio, and actually isolate what changed when you adjust the grinder.

What is an espresso brew ratio and where should I start?+

Brew ratio is the weight of liquid espresso out compared to the dry coffee dose in. A 1:2 ratio, such as 18 grams in to 36 grams out, is the standard starting point for a balanced shot. Tighter ratios like 1:1.5 concentrate the cup, while wider ratios like 1:2.5 lighten and lengthen it.

Why does an espresso scale need 0.1 gram resolution?+

Espresso works in small doses where a single gram is a meaningful change to the ratio and the taste. A 0.1 gram resolution lets you weigh the dose precisely and watch the yield climb accurately in real time. Kitchen scales that read in full grams are too coarse to dial in shots reliably.

Does the scale need to fit under the portafilter while pulling?+

Ideally yes. Pulling directly onto the scale lets you watch the yield live and stop at your target rather than guessing. That means the scale has to be low enough to sit on the drip tray under the spout without hitting the tray wall. On machines with tight clearance, a slim scale solves the fit problem.