Varia AKU Coffee Brewing Scales Review

The world of coffee brewing scales has seen a wave of innovation in recent years, but very few have made as much noise as the Varia AKU. Touted as both affordable and feature rich, it’s a scale that’s caught the attention of home brewers and professional baristas alike.

But does it live up to the hype? and how does the Varia AKU stack up to other coffee brewing scales in the market?

Let’s dive into what the Varia AKU promises, how it performs in real-world brewing scenarios, and whether it's worth adding to your coffee bar.

First Impressions Varia AKU Scale

At first glance, the Varia AKU doesn’t scream for attention—and that’s a good thing. It’s minimalist, low-profile, and clearly designed to slip under an espresso machine or V60 without disrupting your workflow. The hidden 9-digit LED display stays dark until it’s needed, lending to a modern, polished aesthetic.

Under the hood, things get a little more exciting. The scale offers:

• 0.1g resolution

• Auto tare and auto timer functions

• Water- and heat-resistance (IPX5 rating)

• USB-C rechargeable battery with up to 35 hours of use

• Includes a 100g calibration weight and EVA travel case

On paper, that’s a lot of value packed into a surprisingly modest price point.

Performance in Practice

In terms of core performance—accuracy, responsiveness, and stability—the Varia AKU punches well above its weight. It reacts quickly to changes in weight, giving you confidence whether you’re dialing in espresso shots or slowly blooming a pour-over.

The scale also feels solid, thanks to its aluminium alloy body and low-profile build that helps it stay put even during fast-paced workflows. If all you’re after is a reliable scale that won’t flinch under pressure, the AKU delivers.

Where It Falters: Auto Modes & Design Quirks

Where the Varia AKU starts to show some cracks is in its user experience and smart features.

Many users have commented on the auto modes being more frustrating than helpful:

• The auto timer stops when you pause a pour, which can throw off your brew time.

• The auto tare works well, but disables the timer entirely.

• The combined mode also stops timing mid-pour, making it only marginally useful for espresso and almost unusable for pour-over.

Most brewers will find themselves defaulting to manual mode, which is fine—but if you’re buying the scale for its automation, expect to be a little underwhelmed.

There's also a recurring issue reported with the power switch. In one user case, the rear toggle switch failed to fully power down the unit, resulting in flickering or even ticking sounds. The suspected cause? Moisture entering the switch—particularly from E61-style espresso machines where water may eject backward toward the scale.

This doesn’t stop the scale from functioning, but it does point to a minor design flaw in an otherwise rugged product.

Varia Aku Scale vs Timemore Black Mirror Scales:

Both the Varia AKU and the Timemore Black Mirror Plus scales offer precision weighing, a sleek design, and feature sets tailored to specialty coffee brewing but they differ in subtle yet meaningful ways.

The Varia AKU leans into durability and workflow automation, with a waterproof, heat resistant body and more advanced (albeit sometimes finicky) auto tare and timer modes. It boasts a higher capacity (3.1kg vs 2kg) and includes extras like a 100g calibration weight and EVA travel case.

On the other hand, the Timemore Black Mirror Plus prioritises simplicity and usability, with faster weighing response, improved tactile buttons, and a more intuitive auto-timer better suited to pour over coffee brewing. While both offer 0.1g accuracy and USB-C charging, the Timemore scale's physical on/off switch and more polished user experience may appeal to those who value reliability over extra features. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prefer the rugged versatility of the Varia AKU or the refined workflow of the Timemore Black Mirror Plus.

Is the Varia AKU Scale Worth It?

Despite its quirks, the Varia AKU remains one of the best bang-for-your-buck scales on the market. If you primarily operate in manual mode and value speed, accuracy, and resilience, this scale is a top contender.

However, if you’re seeking a seamless smart experience with flawless auto modes, you may want to keep looking or be prepared to adapt your workflow.

Final Verdict

Varia Aku Scale Pros:

• Exceptional accuracy and fast responsiveness

• Sleek and durable design

• Water-resistant and heat-resistant

• Great value for money

• Rechargeable with long battery life

Varia Aku Scales Cons:

• Auto modes are not well-implemented

• Some design flaws (e.g. power switch placement)

• Lacks the UX refinement of higher-end scales

• Priced slightly higher than other scales offering similar features

Score: 7/10

For the price of $160AUD, the Varia AKU is hard to beat. It’s not perfect, but it nails the fundamentals and that’s what matters most when you’re brewing your daily cup.