Scale Buying Guide
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It is about time we discuss the different features and specs available to you in a set of scales. Before we get into it I wanted to emphasise that because we are comparing brand to brand we really want to keep transparency high and mainly commentate on the factual differences. The goal is not to summarise a better brand but to compare the different features and highlight all the factors we think you should know.
We want you to be happy with your purchase, the last thing we want is buyers remorse or any surprises upon delivery. We understand that opening 4 tabs and creating a 'spec sheet' is tedious, time consuming and overall not fun... So we did it for you.
We will be looking at:
Acaia Lunar /RRP$439
Acaia Luna + Weighing Plate /RRP$508.95
Acaia Pearl /RRP$273.90
Hario V60 Drip Scales /RRP$109.95
Rhino Coffee Gear 2kg Bench Scales /RRP$52.95
Value and Price
We believe the first thing to consider in a set of scales is the value and price range you are looking for, some of the scales we discuss are built for specific uses in mind while others offer a range of different features to accomodate as many different types of coffee weighing uses.
It's important to remember that there is no better scales, just like how there is no better coffee there is a range that appeals to many different coffee lovers and individually we all find value in different aspects.
Features:
The nitty-gritty spec sheet we compiled so you don't have to XD... Thank you Basic Barista.
| Acaia Lunar | Acaia Lunar + Weighing Plate | Acaia Pearl | Hario Drip | Rhino Bench | Pequeño | |
|
Weighing Capacity |
2kg | 2kg | 2kg | 2kg | 2kg | 2kg |
| Dimensions (mm) | 105 x105 x15 | 105 x160 x18.3 | 160 x160 x32 | 120 x190 x29 | 185 x158 x40 | 110 x 75 x18 |
| Weighing Plate Dimenisions (mm) | 105 x105 | 105 x160 (irregular shape) | 160 x160 | 120 x140 | 150 x158 | 65 x 72 |
| Fits a Portafilter | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fits 2 capuccino cups | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 |
| Use for Dosing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20-30H | 20-30H | 20-30H | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cable Charging / Powered | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Replaceable Batteries | No | No | No | Yes 2xAAA | Yes 1x9V | Yes 2xAAA |
| Internal Battery | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Includes Batteries | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes | No |
| Use Under Group Head | Yes | Yes | No (Yes with 'Stem') | No | No | No - not water proof |
| Sensitivity (Min) | 0.01g | 0.01g | 0.01g | 0.1g | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| Response Time (Aprox) | Fast 20ms | Fast 20ms | Fast 20ms | Slow 1.5sec | Slow 2sec | Slow 1sec |
| Taring | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Tare | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Auto Timer Start | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Auto Off | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hold Weight | No |
No |
No | No | Yes | No |
| Displays Weight | g/OZ | g/OZ | g/OZ | g | g/OZ/OZT/DWT | g/OZ/CT/OZT/DWT |
| Display Type | LED | LED | LED | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Durability 1-5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Weighing Plate Design | Reversed | Reversed | Reversed | Upright | Upright | Upright |
| Timing Capability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Can be Calibrated | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware Upgradable | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Interactive with app | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Material | Aluminium & Acrylic | Aluminium & Acrylic | PC | ABS Resin | Stainless Steel & Plastic | Stainless Steel & Plastic |
| Overload Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
