SIDE BY SIDE - Is The $250 Acaia Better Than The $100 Varia?

[@SidneyKochman]

I use the new model of the acaia lunar and, while I don't use any of its smart modes, I've found the flow rate indicator to be immensely helpful. A visual guide of how my flow rate is increasing throughout the course of a shot I find much more useful than just brew time. A shot that's way too coarse, and a shot that's so fine that the puck ends up breaking and channeling could have the same total time, but their flow rates throughout the extraction are entirely different. You can do the same thing by monitoring output weight and shot time simultaneously, but I find the visual indicator a lot easier to follow

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah I feel like the flow rate indicator would be a nice feature to have. I have it on my pour over scale and helps keep my pouring in check.

[@SidneyKochman]

@@Sprometheus It's great, honestly. It usually lets me know if a shot that pulled out of spec is even worth tasting.

[@quazster]

I have the 2021 Lunar and suprisingly have found out the same - the flow indicator has really upped my espresso consistency to new levels. Love that I don’t need any app for it, it is real time and works with whatever machine of your choice. Also so easy to observe how different beans behave and help dial them in etc.

[@JosiahAnduril]

I think a big differentiator is going to be Bluetooth. Since my espresso machines all stop the shots automatically via a Bluetooth enabled scale, it's pretty essential for me. I know some people like to have their graphs when using things like Flair Espresso machines and third party apps.

[@ryankirkman5485]

This.

[@stevegee218]

I just use a $15 Amazon scale with timer. I can hit buttons to tear and start timer.

[@Sprometheus]

If it works it works, smart scales are definitely a luxury, and it seems like one that’s somewhat wasted on me.

[@cloudyview]

Same 👍 I had been looking at a timemore, but decided to try a super cheap one, and it's super responsive with a timer... Don't need much else 🤷‍♂️

[@m_cabral]

I’m on team cheap scale, though in a world with $250 coffee scales, I throw the Black Mirror into the cheap crowd and use it for the sole reason that it’s more responsive than some cheap scales out there.

[@Maybaby1959]

Ditto. If u want to buy a 300 dollar scale do it. My 10 dollar one works greeeeeaatt

[@jons3808]

I splurged, spent $20 on mine 😂. Very happy with it too 👍🏻

[@edipisreks5535]

I have three Acaias (Pearl, lunar, Pyxis) and they are completely interchangeable, for me, with my black mirror and black mirror nano. I never use the connected smart features. I like having them (especially the Pyxis, for use with my Flair Pro when I travel) all, but I completely agree: they are scales. They weigh stuff and do some other stuff maybe.

[@Sprometheus]

I’ve had my eye on the Pyxis for espresso, and like you the smaller drip trays on manual machines. Good to know it performs as well as the Lunar. Also, the nano is solid I hear, but haven’t used them myself yet.

[@execatty]

I just ordered the pearl for espresso is it good

[@timgerber5563]

I bought the lunar back when it there wasn’t yet that much good choice. Yet I don‘t regret it. It’s reliable and looks good even though I also don’t really use any smart functions. I would though if La Marzocco would enable time or weight based pump engagement. Not sure why LM don’t go down this path as many minis and all micras already have the connectivity units that allow Bluetooth connection. In my opnion it would be easy to use the user’s smartphone as a display and let them determine either a max shot time or max output that they are looking for.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah same. It’s been a solid scale. That’s a good point, I’m surprised LM hasn’t gone that route with the connected machines, also considering they recommend the Lunar and have drain trays with spots built for them.

[@timgerber5563]

Let’s see what’s coming! I can imagine that the Mini will get an overhaul soon and maybe as part of that there might be an update to the LM app and firmware that might enable more functions.

[@roberthenrypoet]

@ Sprometheus My biggest concern with coffee scales is simply weight and timing: I've used a $7 scale since 2020, though it is pretty small, and it would be more convenient to have a larger one( with slight more accuracy ) that I can use for espresso, eventually.

[@Sprometheus]

Well there are definitely a lot of options out there. Even the Timemore that has been pretty well received by friends and even viewers who have them. And when you’re ready you’ll probably have even more options.

[@smaskell]

I use the Filtru app with my lunar to help dial in espresso and as a guide for pour over. I find it super helpful though slightly buggy. I know a lot of people don’t want to have to use an app while brewing coffee but I like the workflow a lot and I enjoy having a log of all my brews.

[@hoagie8822]

Hey thanks for all the valuable videos. I noticed the La Spaziale/Lucca machine in the background. Any plans for a review or have you done one already?

[@Sprometheus]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching and the kind words. Yeah, I’m working on the Lucca video, likely for next week.

[@Roberto33-v9j]

I just bought a Acaia Lunar in March of 2024. I did a firmware update to insure the scale was up to date. During the firmware update the scale froze at 89% of the update. Since then, the scale is unusable. Of course I contacted both the retailer Clive Coffee and Acaia the Manufacturer to see to to reset the scale. Clive referred me to Acaia and Acaia sent me a procedure to reset the scale (it is obviously a known issue). After trying a dozen times to reset the scale via the procedure, the scale remained in update mode and would not function. Acaia told me they would refer me to someone local to assist me and Clive said I could return it but had to pay the shipping charges (I live in Italy but bought the scale while visiting my family in the USA). In short, the hype about the technically advanced Lunar Scale is just marketing. At 250 USD I expected a scale that would be close to perfection and that tech support would be able to assist me with any unexpected problems. Alas, that is not the case and I now have no usable scale and will have to pay to ship it to the US to get a refund. I no longer see any advantage to such an expensive scale if Tech support cannot solve a problem as simple as resetting the software. I recommend to anyone seeking a scale to buy a simple one that weighs and tares with or without timer. All the other software smart features are a can of worms when something goes pear shaped.

[@jordankatz4268]

5:23 To be fair Acaia does come with a pair of adhesive rubber strips you can add to the bottom that function as "feet." I like that you can choose to add them (I did) or go bare metal.

[@erikngomez]

And the newer version has a bright LCD.

[@Fuuntag]

First; loving the audio on this, have you tweaked your setup? Warm, crisp & balanced! Second; I hate to throw cold water on the excitement everyone has for bespoke tools that are extensions of passion but I chose a $30 Maxus Brew scale w/timer & 0.01g accuracy (basically the size of Acaia Lunar) over the $400 AUD Pyxis from Acaia and never have regretted it. Does the core tasks required and while it might lack the “fancy fancy” & doodads, I’d rather have the $370 AUD. No Bluetooth or fancy case but I’m not pulling competition shots or crippled by massive obsessiveness. Also being able to just toss this thing in my bag and not have to care for it like a small child is pretty priceless from a practical standpoint. Given the basic tech behind weighing is the same I find these companies are really taking things too far with trying to justify massive prices with what are 90% of the time only minor increases to function & build quality.

[@coughfee_beans]

For $150 cheaper, the AKU seems a little better for me. I was just about to buy a new one and I didn't even know about this scale so thanks for the video.

[@Sprometheus]

Happy to help. And yeah, the AKU hits all the notes I need. The Timemore Nano is another one if you’re looking for a smaller, slightly cheaper option than the AKU. I haven’t used them, but lots of friends swear by them and use them in their cafes.

[@willemsteven]

Bit weird to do a comparison video between a brand new scale and a 6 year old one. The current lunar comes with several rubber strips to choose (anti slip or slick) so no scratching your tray. Also, the new Lunar display is much brighter. It also has a flow indicator which is extremely useful. Maybe you should have used the current second hand value of your old Acaia to make it a more fair comparison… That said, the price with these ‘simple’ devices still 99% based on build quality. So everything else is just noise really…

[@Unitedstatesgov598]

I think your lunar might just be old, I have the newest one and its very bright.

[@JoseCinnamon]

Blows my mind how people can spend hundreds on a scale when there are excellent options available for $20

[@Wip3out_]

To me important factor is how responsive it is. Some scales have delay with refreshing informations. Don't want to make game of guesses where i need to predict 1.5 sec ahead to stop brew and exacly hit my mark. I'll stick with mirror+

[@darylfortney8081]

Not a fan of products with visible branding

[@AlexeiWatson]

Received my AKU today, very happy with build quality of it and I'm finding it very low profile and premium feeling. Tested out the auto-tare/time features, and while neat for pulling a shot, it makes for annoyance when measuring your grind, or lifting your cup for a long black. Will probably mostly use manual mode.

[@ryanhoman1251]

I can't help but keeping looking at that atom 75 in the background. But timemore make my favorite scales- decently inexpensive, have the ability to tare, and a timer

[@ryanburdick9766]

I purchased this scale largely based on this review and have had a terrible customer experience with Varia. I highly recommend looking at alternatives. I hope this saves some people the headaches I am currently going through

[@LiamboYoungson]

Good video! Great to see another option with the Varia. I purchased a Felicita Arc and love them, my budget couldn't reach the Acaia and the Arc does everything and with a wider base for portafilter.

[@davinprince5309]

I watched your video recently on the Varia AKU. Looked like it was quite the contender against the Acaia Lunar as like your poll showed I’m with the majority that doesn’t need phone connectivity. I followed your suggestion and bought an AKU and unfortunately withing the first couple weeks it has randomly tared a couple times mid-shot. Dealing with the customer service has been atrocious. Them pretty much implying I just am not using it correctly and that they pretty much won’t consider the scale defective unless I send them a video on the aforementioned random mid-shot tare before they will warranty out. You care about your suggestions and you test before giving recommendations on product. Do be aware though that with Varia if you get a rare exception to their seemingly positive quality control, you are in for a fight.

[@maymoo509]

dont dead open inside

[@pspfreedom]

"I understood that reference"

[@brentroman]

The biggest selling point of the acaia over other scales has been waterproof-ness, as espresso can drip over your scale and ruin it. Is the Varia also waterproof? If it is, I’d find that a huge selling point

[@atticustay1]

Yes it is

[@richfox1255]

Love my $15 rechargeable Amazon scale. I stick it in a ziplock sandwich bag to protect it from the occasional spray.

[@angelosaldhahery9965]

i keep it simple to track weight and time.

[@David-wh7rm]

I have the Timemore Black Mirror Nano scale and use it for filter only and find the auto timer really useful. One press and it auto tares the scale and waits for water to be added then starts the timer and measures weight. It's pretty cheap at the moment at £79.00. It's the perfect size for a V60 02. I really liked the look of it so was happy to spend a little more compared to an equally accurate cheaper scale. I've not found the flow rate useful. I don't like how the timer stops when I pick up the V60 to swirl it, and requires me to start the timer again once it's placed back on the scales. Other than that I'm really happy with it.

[@ovi_4]

To me, paying that kind of money for the Akaia scales, or any high-end model for that matter is just "Wasted Money". Even AKU Varia is over-priced considering the shipping + custom duty charges end up being way beyond the $100 mark. In my opinion even the most sophisticated coffee scale on the market today should in no way cost more than a maximum of $100 and that's being generous. After all, is a bloody scale and a timer in a box !, nothing remarkable about any of them. I would rather reserve that money toward a better quality grinder and/or expresso machine. So far (for the last 4 years) I've been using a very cheap ($20 No Name!) jeweler scale that has crazy precision, way beyond any coffee scale I've heard of so far (with 3 decimal points) but the downside is: it only measures up to 50g and has no timer or auto power-off functions on it. Having said the above, I think I like the VARIO so, I'm going to give it a try-Tnx for the nice comparison video.

[@Line-vw5io]

For what I saw in other reviews is that the acacia is in 1 peace. There are no gabs on top and the side. So if you spill coffee it can't get into the machine.

[@BB-mt5no]

The maximum weight includes what you are pouring into. So 500g of water + the weight of the pot, grounds, filter, dripper all together. And if you use the mat, that too. It's not just the weight after you hit tare. Lunar includes feet, you just had to put them on. No comparison of smart features or which apps they are compatible with. The Lunar works with Smart Espresso Profiler and Pressensor. Does the Varia? If you aren't going to use these features then a cheap waterproof kitchen scale will do the same thing for $20. It's like doing a review of a fancy espresso machine and only talking about the steam wand. No mention of size (will the Varia fit under a Flair 58?) Does the Varia do flow rate calculation like the Lunar? Does it have bluetooth? Most of the review was off topic. A better title may be "Why I don't review scales."

[@gehtnurdurch]

Acaia added another cool feature which can save a weight (like your portafilter) and so can grind into it and tare it out after. Before I had to tare first and then grind into it, so one step less. And even with single dosing grinders you may have varying dosage when using slow speeds.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah they’ve definitely added new features since I got mine way back late 2016 early 2017, it’s just wild to see how few people actually utilize those features. I thought I was the only one.

[@gehtnurdurch]

Yeah I really like to play with every setting that a device has. I change up the grind speed on my p64 with every new coffee for example. And I found something really strange: the ssp cast burrs grind finer with slower speed and get coarser with higher speed and not just a bit. Shot times vary by 15 seconds in the same grind setting. With higher speeds giving almost mp burr clarity and slow speeds adding a lot of texture. May a video Idea…@@Sprometheus

[@hakki368]

Any 0.00g scale with a max weight of 1-2kg, and wide enough to handle bigger caraffes, will work. I've been using one worth $6, which is actually even more accurate than an Acaia which is only accurate to 0.0g. Mine is quite robust as I've had no problem with it these past 3 years. Branded and expensive scales are just over kill and crazy.

[@alanroderick7153]

I see scales as a commodity item. Buy a cheap (sub $20) one and recycle it in electronic waste when it givers up. Current one still going well after two years. So if five of them last 10+ years for less that $99 cost I won't be getting even the AKU. Spend the money on beans and water treatment ! Thank you for the video.

[@Sprometheus]

For sure I get what you’re saying. I had a basic Hario that lasted me a long long time. I just wish properly recycling electronics was as widely available/easily accessible as it should be in 2023.

[@alanroderick7153]

@@Sprometheus Yes, one of the "upsides" of being in UK/Europe is the WEEE recycling

[@philindeblanc]

if the scale cannot do .00grams, i dont bother. Also needs real buttons, NOT touch sense. Hands get wet and those touch sense become useless. Speed of read is also important. I dont agree with when you time a shot. What you suggest is ruined by preinfusion, and changes the extraction time. But drop in cup is a uniform way to measure.

[@Kats072307]

i own a Felicita Arc. Use two functions all the time. First, simply scale for grinding. Second, time start counting and weighting the moment I place cup on scale

[@yusufsutanto]

The Acaia Lunar provides a pair of long rubber feet stickers inside the box.

[@handshake883]

Said it before will say it over again Lunar is an overpriced chinese made gadget. Felicita Arc costs $140, Mischiefs knock off Lunar costs $65 and is the exact same thing without flowrate meter, Acaia Lunar is an over priced rip off at $250 in the US and over $300 in other parts of the world. You can be brand loyal whatever you want you probably care about the company more than the company cares about you but they are a rip off.

[@RedspartHD]

I think it comes down to workflow. For me I've been debating the lelit Bianca v3 vs the DE1+ which would ultimately "choose" the scale. If I go with DE1+ the acacia I believe has native integration, while v3 wouldn't.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah I get that. I mean, the La Marzocco home machines have drain trays that fit the Acaia so it’s flush and gives you more clearance. I’ve never invested in one though as it seems weird to flush your group water directly on top of your scale. On the machine choices, the Bianca wins for me. It’s a much more visceral, hands-on brewing experience and it’s a pleasure.

[@AlexeiWatson]

@@Sprometheus @RedspartHD I've got the Bianca v3 and I do agree with what is said here, but one thing I didn't consider at purchase time with the Bianca is true for all E61 dual boiler machines: Energy and Warm-up time. I run mine on a smart plug with automations through home assistant and even still I'm generally sinking about 1.5 - 2 kWh in to the Bianca daily, which is excessive for our usual 3 or 4 cup routine. That said, the coffee experience is just, sensational. Absolute joy to use from all aspects.

[@faremissound]

Curious if you ever found Lunar too small for pourovers? Or is the carafe you’re using narrow enough for this not to be an issue? Thanks

[@IconcentrationI]

I think it might be important to touch on if the scale is for a electric or a manual espresso machine setup. In theory, a lever machine like the Flair 58 would benefit a lot from a responsive scale with flow rate because pressure is adjusted by the user.

[@gro967]

How doesn't use the smart functions on the Acaia Lunar, it's basically like buying a car and not starting the engine 😂 PS: You can adjust things like activated modes, brightness and a lot of stuff in the internal settings of the Lunar without using the app.

[@TY-ob7fz]

Don't like electronics with rechargeable batteries limiting it's life. Replaceable batteries can have a scale lasting for years !! Think a 10 dollar scale and counting under my breath will be enough. Rest goes to healthy food for my dog 😮.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah I get that, but it’s hard to avoid in 2023. And many items do allow replacements, these I’m not sure unless you sent it to the manufacturer. But even after 6 years the Lunar still lasts me a month of brewing of brews, considering it’s on for just a minute or two day usually.

[@BobGeffen]

The Lunar is delivered with some strips you have to stick underneath the scale yourself which will prevent scratching. It's a user fault if you didn't put these under yourself. 😊

[@AntMelz]

Mine fell off over time. Pretty lame.

[@BobGeffen]

@@AntMelz i have 2 of a few years old, still nothing felt off.

[@whosgonnadotcom]

And all the other coffee KZbinrs are now on the fellow scale that costs more than thr Acia. I'm guessing fello didn't send you one because youve had the audacity to give honest reviews of their stuff.

[@Sprometheus]

You would be guessing correctly, at least that would be my assumption. It seems in general they want a chorus of fans.

[@davidisaiv]

Thank you for this video! I once bought a black mirror and found all of the smart scale stuff a bit annoying. It was finicky for me. I felt that it was taking the joy of making an espresso, since I was taking more time messing with the scale. I now use a cheap but good scale that just does the job I need it to. Don’t really see myself upgrading.

[@Sprometheus]

I’ve heard good things about the Timemore, but I know what you mean about them getting in the way. When I accidentally have an auto tare or timing function on it completely throws off my program haha.

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

@@Sprometheus That is exactly the same for me.

[@myname-mz3lo]

i think even a cheap scale does the job . chosing a scale for espresso is more about workflow and ease of use . the bluetooth connectivity for phoner or gagguino is also interresting

[@SeeingCirclesLLC]

Been using AKU scale for months daily, actually have 2 fits perfectly in my LM. Battery 🔋 no issues charge monthly as PM.

[@orbseeker]

I just bought one too and im really happy so far. The only thing i dont like is the beep. Its really loud. Do you know if there is any way to make it quieter or turn it off?

[@gergelyprinz3102]

I use 2 scales. One cheap jeweller’s scale to weigh out the beans which has a 200 grams limit and a cheap kitchen scale from Lidl. For timing, my phone. And do not feel the need for more… Both scales have more than 3 years in them

[@Sprometheus]

I hear about a lot of folks using jewelers scales, they must do a solid job.

[@jazzynotjeff]

Thanks for always keeping it real. I have a cheap, large Amazon scale that I use for baking and weighing coffee beans, so admittedly it's not ideal but it works. Using the Flair Neo with its etched in water fill line makes it easier to work volumetrically (how does it taste when I start with 14/15/16+ grams of espresso to the same fill line volume of water). I'd love a little scale that would fit on the drip tray (or replace it) but with a sub $20 budget, I'm not sure I could get something worth buying. I'd consider that Varia at some point, but I'm thinking it's gonna be too big. Thanks again for the content.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah manual machines can be tough with scales! I used the Acaia with my flair and other manual machines and any movement was always kind of annoying as the scale would always be shifting and all that. Maybe look into a jewelry scale? I imagine they are pretty small and inexpensive, someone mentioned using them earlier.

[@3ede467]

I've upgraded to the new Lunar model from a Brewista scale that drove me crazy as it wasn’t able to hold the tare value and was "drifting away" so I always had to re-tare and continuously got wrong values like weighing 16g of beans and then after re-weighing got 18.3g… I am so glad to got over that with my acaia.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Some scales get interference from cell phone signals I found. That could have been the cause. Keep the phone away and it might work better.

[@Andrew-wp1bz]

Max capacity matters a lot. I have a scale with a 500g max capacity that I can’t brew pour over with because once I had the carafe and dripper the scale will fail.

[@Sprometheus]

Oh yeah I’m not saying it doesn’t in every case, just between these two scales it doesn’t.

[@oysteinalsaker]

A better description of battery size would be in Wh (you can multiply the voltage (V) by the charge (mAh) and get Wh, the vario has 1150 mWh while the Lunar has 4070 mWh which clearly defines the difference in usage time for the batteries.

[@Sprometheus]

This perfectly illustrates my point from the beginning, scales are more or less mysteries to me.

[@oysteinalsaker]

@@Sprometheus I am guessing battery size affects price, so it's one piece of the puzzle to why Acaia is more expensive.

[@coreycannon4511]

I upgraded from a kitchen scale to a $70CAD Timemore Black Mirror+ about a year ago. It has 3 advantages over its predecessor (still in use as a kitchen scale): speed/responsiveness to weight changes, the “upside down” design for water resistance and 0.1g sensitivity vs 1.0g. I’ve since added a Timemore Black Mirror Nano for its smaller size for travelling/taking to work; smaller footprint and saved the need to pack and unpack every day from my work kit. If I ever get into home espresso, the Nano will also be more useful than the Basic+ as an espresso scale. I expect them to have a long life as there’s not much to break here, and the batteries should last a good long time, as they only need charging every couple of months, so charge cycles are low.

[@Sprometheus]

Timemore makes a quality product. I was tempted to buy a Timemore scale and make this a three way comparison.

[@tylergarrett8066]

Black mirror basic plus is a super solid scale.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Maybe back when you got your Lunar it didn't come with the feet? Mine came with two sets of feet one for easy sliding the other is grippier padding which is what I used. You need to apply them yourself. It is kind of annoying how the Lunar is so sensitive to small changes even after playing with the sensitivity settings it didn't seem to change much. But I think I got used to it. The espresso auto timing start and stop mode has been the most reliable/ smart on mine vs Hiroia Jimmy which would often get confused when espresso flows too slow. Cheaper scales sometimes have an auto start timing feature but not auto stop so you gotta remember to pay attention and stop it manually. I believe the older black mirror scale was like that not sure but they may have improved that now.

[@deTouni]

I use the Atomax Skale + DE1 and Sworksdesign Driptray integration. The Decent does all the „smart“ stuff and I don’t have to change batteries because the scale is connected directly to the power outlet. I love it.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah the Acaia makes sense in the case of machine connectivity for sure

[@KNURKonesur]

What I'd like is a scales manufacturer who focuses on professional use. I want a scale that can be dropped off the counter several times. I want a scale with extremely stable measurements, regardless of temperature, humidity, whether there's a steam wand next to it (Acaias are very bad with that), that has fantastic response time, that can be covered with coffee, hot water and steam and not get damaged. All of the scales on the market seem to be aimed at a home barista, not for professional use.

[@aemaz7287]

I am glad you finally weighed in on this topic. I have been debating (yes with myself) about upgrading my scale and is it worth the money. Still not sure I can justify the cost.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah they definitely are an investment, some more than others that’s for sure.

[@VerbalKint]

I see what you did there

[@garciatony]

A small note that should be mentioned, the Lunar does come with rubber feet that can be added if the user chooses to.

[@Sprometheus]

Must be a new option, mine is one of my oldest pieces of coffee gear

[@gigi9467]

Lazy video huh? Did u even state the dimensions of these two? Maybe i missed it lol

[@erukuish]

Only reason I can think off to have a bluetooth smart scale is to pair with the Decent for stop by weight.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah having machines that pair or have accessories for a scale can definitely be a selling point, and Acaia has been on the scene for awhile and has made serious inroads with manufacturers.

[@thenameiwantedwastaken]

Am I the only one who hates that most smart coffee scales are rechargeable?

[@Sprometheus]

It definitely not the ideal. It absolutely shortens their usable lifespan

[@simpletroll]

Lunar is better and more reliable company worth the extra money

[@dkreventon]

How does Varia's rubber cover hold up? At first glance it seems to me that it collects dust and fingerprints way too quick.

[@erbartlett]

I’ve been happy with my time more

[@mixeddrinks8100]

more or less the worst value in scale is actually the Fellow new scale.

[@Sprometheus]

Haha I think that goes for most of what Fellow puts out.

[@Expat0]

Thanks for the review! I have always been daunted by the pricing on the Lunar - although I do love my Pearl for the pourovers. Also, would you mind IDing the espresso cup used at 6:26?

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah the Lunar is a bit of an investment for sure, and the Pearl is definitely solid too. The cups are from www.odakahome.com

[@Expat0]

@@Sprometheus Thanks a ton for the response! Those cups truly are beautiful.

[@mexicanhalloween]

The only reason I bought the $99 Skale was because I needed bluetooth for the DE1, otherwise I would still be using the $15 drug dealer scale that worked great for years on AAAs. If you want to be the fashionably overpriced "Apple of X" brand, good for you, I will consciously avoid anything you make, even if I have to build it myself.

[@Althawadi105]

For me the most important feature is auto start timer for espresso, other features are useless for me, any scale that fairly accurate and responsive will do the job.

[@Sprometheus]

I can see that being helpful, depending on how my measure shot time. Are you a first drop or pump on timer? It seems most scales are aimed at the first drop crowd.

[@Althawadi105]

@@Sprometheus I measure shot time with first drop it will start, some scale has weird feature, it can stop timer after shot and cannot start timer which is totally useless.

[@chongli297]

No smart scale here. I use a super-cheap amazon special. Accurate to within 0.1g and responsive enough for me to stop the shot right on the dot. The idea of paying $250 for a scale is so offensive to me that I wouldn't do it even if I were a billionaire. But I'm also a person who doesn't time my shots (and my machine lacks a shot timer). I dial-in by taste.

[@mikloscsanady3955]

Bluetooth connectivity makes all the difference. There are multiple apps that work with bluetooth scales (and other sensors). They display the whole flow curve and drink weight in real time instead of just momentary data. Our one is called Pressensor Coffee Flow. It's free and is compatible with most bt scales. But there are others, like Beanconqueror, or SEP. (Hope this does not violate any policies, feel free to delete the comment if it does)

[@spoitras]

I'm like you. Only timer and weight.

[@dlgtx3631]

On the basis of this recommendation I bought a Varia AKU scale. Out of the box it behaved strangely, turning on by itself intermittently. Within a week It also intermittently stopped weighing during the drawing of a shot. I wanted to send it in for warranty service. The address is not on Varia Brewing's website. I asked for the address and they refused to give it to me. They made it clear that they have no intention of honoring the warranty. I have never encountered a business that would not honor a warranty on a new product. I have never encountered a business that did not publish the address of their service center on their website. Life is too short to worry about a scale. I bought a Acaia Lunar. It works reliably.

[@davidburgess937]

Although not covered here, I have owned the Acaia Pearl for 7 years. I don’t use the special features, but I do use the app for dosing my pour overs using a 1:15 ratio. The longevity has been perfect, an excellent investment for home use.

[@sjorlando7282]

I got a Miicoffee scale that can start timing when liquid hits the cup. Works well. Rechargeable.

[@Sprometheus]

I haven’t tried theirs out, but I’ve worked with them on some DF reviews and I sure they sourced a solid scale.

[@sjorlando7282]

It works well - im betting its made by someone else and repackaged under several names...... and the Miicoffee will auto tare when you set a cup on it.

[@Hemshemsems]

I have the Timemore mirror pro and it was around 125$ when i bought it. I need the timer and weight and flow meter is nice to have but not needed - and never use any auto just manual tare and timer on and off. The specific coffee scales as well as mine are overpriced - but timer and weight are what i needed and the Timemore is nice for what it is - but pretty big eventho i don't do espresso - the Varia and the Acaia's form factor would suit me fine or better..

[@talktomn]

I have a $20 BOMATA and it does the job. The only disadvantage I see in it is its size. It won’t fit under small espresso machines. I blame that for my inability to produce a single shot of decent espresso at home, and not my absolute lack of skills in doing so.

[@marchmadecollective7983]

I have a Flair58… so it’s a size issue I have… the Varia is bigger… too big to fit. Unfortunately the Acaia Lunar is the only one that will fit! Must pay the price? Or does someone have a better option?!

[@chris_tahir]

The latest Lunar 2021 has rubber stickers provided. And I use my scale stupidly plus the connectivity to SEP app to measure the flow. That's it. Scale+timer+app.

[@stoicar]

Just as a scale not even the timer but i really want to buy a acaia

[@Sprometheus]

They’re nice. It’s been a reliable tool for years now.

[@CinkSVideo]

I want a waterproof scale that just measures weight and time. I’ve tried various options and keep coming back to my $15 Amazon scale that I can extend longevity by taping I’ve the display.

[@TINGSTARR]

App Schnapp. I think the one Flair sells is decent. I have an old Brewista from 2013 still my go to. I sold my Lunar and Pearl and made a mortgage payment.

[@askay2k]

I am an ECM+P64 user, for what I need, I found a Timemore is perfectly fine. Can't quite justify spending that kinda money on a lunar.

[@herrbanane]

The lunar has some feet you have to glue on yourself

[@MrDonEladio]

I own the Varia. I think the rubber mat is too wobbly and moves around pretty easy. That's something they could improve. Plus you can't turn off those beeps

[@TylerPoppe]

Did you find the accuracy to be equal? I have a Bartaza Vario and while it's been fairly rock solid, one thing I noticed is that I'll get weird inconsistencies if the scale measures two different objects that are close but off by a tenth of a gram or two. So for example. Dosing cup to scale, then tear. 18g into dosing cup. Grind then weigh dosing cup and get 18g. Now go to pull shot, put scale under espresso machine with the same tear I had from dosing cup. Put shot glass on scale and scale displays zero. Now what gets funky for me is the dosing cup is something like 111.5g and the shot glass is something like 111.7g and so that will actually show as zero when switching back and forth. It's strange.

[@robojimtv]

I like my Timemore Black Mirror Pro at $65 though it's too big for espresso IMO, which is fine for me since I don't do espresso. No real smart features apart from auto timer.

[@jasonmather3382]

Video wasn’t boring, but I think a interesting topic would be the Lelit Tamper v Pullman Tamper…… no one has done it as far as I know

[@allen.t]

I feel like all of the features on higher end scales like tracking flow rate or keeping target brew weights aren’t actually that useful. The only thing I look for in a scale is it being reactive, small, and thin.

[@thomasm3163]

This is late.. but any idea if the AKU would fit the stock drip tray on the Gaggia Classic Pro?

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

I have a Luna and the sensitivity means that the auto start timer fires off prematurely and I cannot use it reliably, so I do not use it at all. I like the flow rate bar as I can glance at it a couple of times during extraction and it tells me my shot rate is within acceptable parameters. I never use the timer anyway, as I have an iPhone app that logs my pressure and extraction weight, and I can look at this after an extraction to see if I want to tweak the grind size or dose for the next shot. I also can count time in my head perfectly well. If I wanted rubber feet on my Luna, I could get some after market ones. I love a long battery life on all my devices - charging is a fire hazard so I never do it unless I am around for any of my devices that are charging. To summarize, I would be happy with a scale that only did weight, but I do like to log my extraction numbers via Bluetooth.

[@Abrikosmanden]

I've been very pleased with my Timemore Black Mirror for a good few years. I use no smart features.

[@bjfeerus]

☕☕☕ Love Is Important 💓

[@Sprometheus]

Indeed my friend, cheers!

[@TheMrJuhis]

I upgraded to timemore black mirror + from a regular kitchen scale that worked on batteries. Glad that i did. I do not feel a need for smart applications. Just a responsive and accurate scale with a timer and usb charging is enough for me.

[@toddpower4674]

I accidentally almost submerged my acaia lunar and it survived, how is the water resistance of the varia?

[@greysuit17]

Weighing and auto timing is pretty much all you need. The smart settings are not needed and a waste of money.

[@400080vikkash]

What it comes down to is how it looks. The lunar is definitely more "sexy" lol I added silicone round stickers on the lunar and it made it perfect!

[@Adrian-ll6ef]

lunar includes rubber feet fyi

[@commentator2.0]

I use a $7 espresso scale with timer I got on Amazon in 2020 that works just as good as these. I don’t think I’ve even changed the batteries yet so it’s actually better than these since you said you have to charge it monthly lol

[@tingshanfrancisho7311]

I have a lunar and a few very cheap Ali coffee scales. The lunar is to pair with DE1 and it works even better than the decent scale

[@jamesexline689]

Is the Varia available in the US? A quick Google search results are rather sparse.