The must have accessory for every home baristas
Whether you're an expert or just starting to perfect your coffee skills, there are a number of tools that can make your work easier. One accessory that should definitely be part of your collection is a coffee scale. In this blog, we explain why a coffee scale is a must-have accessory and how you can use it to get the most out of your coffee beans.
Why is a coffee scale essential?
The basis for a good cup of coffee lies in the right ratio between coffee beans and water. A coffee scale ensures that you can measure this ratio perfectly, creating a great taste experience every time.
Why is accuracy so important?
When making coffee, especially espresso, even a small difference in the amount of ground coffee or water can affect the flavour. Too many coffee beans can make your espresso bitter, while too few beans will result in a watery and bland flavour. A coffee scale ensures consistency in the flavour of your coffee.
How do you use a coffee scale?
A coffee scale may seem like a simple tool, but it is indispensable for making good coffee.
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 a double espresso, you usually need between 18 and 20 grams of coffee, depending on your machine and personal preference. The advantage of using a scale is that you can work with precision down to the gram, ensuring consistent results.
2. Weigh your water for filter coffee
When brewing filter coffee, such as pour-over or Chemex, the ratio between coffee and water is crucial. A common ratio is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for 16 grams of water). With a scale, you can easily add the right amount of water, maintaining the perfect balance between 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 helps you achieve the perfect extraction, especially if you pay attention to factors such as flow time and the ratio of coffee to water.
Other useful features of a coffee scale
1. Built-in timer
Modern coffee scales often offer additional features that help refine your technique. Many models have a built-in timer, which you can use to track the brewing time of your espresso, for example. This is useful for checking whether your extraction falls within the optimal time frame, which is usually between 25 and 30 seconds.
2. Tare function
In addition, some models have a 'tare' function, which allows you to ignore the weight of the container or filter holder so that 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 the must-have accessory for every home barista. It offers precision and control over every step of the coffee-making process, from weighing your coffee beans to measuring the flow time of your espresso.
This precision allows you to brew consistent, high-quality coffee and get the most out of your coffee beans. If you want to take your barista skills to the next level, investing in a good coffee scale is a smart first step.
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