If you’re chasing the perfect cup of pour-over coffee, your first ally should be a reliable coffee scale. Why? Because pour-over brewing is all about precision, and eyeballing your measurements just won’t cut it. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use a coffee scale properly and why it makes a noticeable difference in your daily brew.
Why Use a Coffee Scale for Pour-Over?
Manual brewing methods like pour-over give you full control over the coffee-making process—but that also means small mistakes can lead to inconsistent results. A coffee scale helps by:
- Ensuring exact coffee-to-water ratios
- Helping you control your pour speed
- Providing consistency in every cup
Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Pour-Over with a Coffee Scale
1. Prep Your Gear
You’ll need:
- A pour-over dripper (like a V60 or Chemex)
- Paper filter
- Freshly ground coffee
- A kettle with hot water (about 200°F / 93°C)
- Your coffee scale
2. Tare Everything
Place the dripper, filter, and carafe on the scale. Hit “tare” to zero it out. Then add your ground coffee (usually 15–18g). Tare again before you start pouring water.
3. Measure as You Pour
Start your timer and pour 2x the coffee weight in water for the bloom (e.g., 30g water for 15g coffee). Let it sit for 30–45 seconds. Then continue pouring in slow circles until you reach your target weight—usually 240g to 270g total.
4. Monitor Time and Flow Rate
Use your scale’s timer function or a separate timer to ensure your pour-over takes about 2:30–3:30 minutes, depending on grind and method.
Tips for Better Pour-Over Brewing with a Scale
- Use consistent grind size: Medium-fine is typical for V60.
- Practice your pour: A gooseneck kettle helps control flow rate.
- Keep notes: Track your ratios and times to repeat great brews.
- Invest in a scale with a timer: It’s especially helpful for multi-step brewing.
Final Thoughts
Using a coffee scale for pour-over brewing isn’t just for coffee geeks—it’s for anyone who wants better, more consistent coffee at home. It takes the guesswork out of the process and gives you full control over flavor and strength.
