When it comes to coffee, we all consume different amounts. Some like a cup of coffee in the morning, whilst others will consume multiple cups of coffee throughout the day.
However, with all that coffee, it's important to have the right equipment and tools to get that perfect brew.
The Hario V60 Drip Scale and Timer is a beloved tool by many coffee enthusiasts who are after more precision when it comes to their brewing method, but is the Hario V60 Scale worth the investment?
Hario V60 Drip Scale and Timer - Pros and Cons
So what are the pros and cons to the Hario Drip Scale?
See below for a quick overview of what we found to be positive and what we didn't like.
Pros:
- It's highly precise with 0.1 gram intervals so every measurement is going to be right on the mark when getting that perfect scoop of coffee.
- Small and compact style makes it easy to pack when on your travels and needing your coffee fix on-the-go.
- Features an easy to use, digital screen and minimal buttons (On/Off/Tare function, and one for stopping the timer)
- Battery powered allows for fuss-free usage. No cables or plugs to deal with!
- Built-in timer to help with manual brewing, which is useful for coffee enthusiasts seeking perfect bloom times for pour over coffee
Cons:
- It's a little more expensive than many of the other kitchen scale models on the market.
- Measures in grams only, so this might not be the most suitable for those who prefer imperial measurements in ounce increments.
- Not so much suited for those who are big on kitchen tech and the future of technology when it comes to kitchen appliances.
Hario V60 Drip Scale Overview
If you've been wanting to expand your knowledge and brewing process when it comes to all things coffee, then a tool like this is worth knowing about.
As far as Hario products go, they've become a very popular brand within the coffee industry. However, that doesn't mean every product is going to be the perfect option for everyone.
For those that use anything other than ground coffee or coffee beans, then this might not be a tool that you even need. That's if you use coffee pods or in some cases, instant coffee for example.
This coffee scale is one that's used by both professional baristas and home brewers.
Who Might Like the Hario V60 Drip Scale
- Those who find it difficult to get the strength and taste of their coffee right.
- Budget-driven individuals to make their coffee stretch further.
- Homeowners with a minimalistic attitude to design and interiors.
- A kitchen appliance that's compact and doesn't take up too much space.
- Typically invest more in quality appliances.
Who Might Not Like the Hario V60 Drip Scale
- Those who use different coffee products, e.g. coffee pods.
- Customers who are on a budget and looking for something more affordable.
- Looking for something more futuristic from a tech viewpoint.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
Whilst it might be a more expensive coffee scale in comparison to others, we feel that the value you get from this one outweighs the cost.
Yes, you can probably find something cheaper but with Hario products, they tend to have a good shelf life that makes it worth the cost.
Some customers might need a product that's more technical and features the more standard functions like Bluetooth capabilities, etc.
However, as far as coffee scales go, you probably don't need much more in the way of tech when it comes to measuring coffee.
Key Features
So what makes this a stand-out product in comparison to others on the market. The Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale performs extremely well as it hits the mark consistently when measuring out your coffee.
Not only that but the timer benefits those who are wanting to try out different extraction times when brewing their coffee.
Product Construction and Specs
The V60 Coffee Drip Scale and Timer is comes in two colors, either Black or Silver.
It features a timer and delayed auto-off function, which avoids you wasting precious battery life. Offering precise measurements, it's an easy kitchen appliance to use, despite it not being the most technology-driven one on the market.
Design
The design is compact, whilst still providing plenty of surface space when placing any type of brewing kit on top.
It's a minimalist design that has limited color options, which may not be suited for everyone. However, if you tend to be someone whose pretty indecisive, the limited colors may be a benefit!
Material
The quality of this scale is apparent from visual appearances and how it feels in your hands.
It's made out of stainless steel and not a cheap plastic that many scales are often made out of. With the digital screen, it gives an element of tech but nothing that's too difficult to manage.
Size/Dimension Options
Product dimensions are 43.18 x 35.56 x 27.94 cm and the total weight of the scale itself is 258g, which is fairly light.
Warranty
There's a limited warranty covering any manufacturing defects for one year on electric items and 90 days on all other items purchased from an authorized seller of Hario items.
This warranty doesn't include wear and tear or negligence on the customer's part.
Any warranty claims should be made through their customer service team via customerservice@hario-usa.com. It's worth noting that you'll be responsible for paying your own shipping costs for warranty claims.
It is somewhat more rare nowadays to have to pay for your own shipping when submitting claims. However, the limited warranty is likely to be more than substantial in comparison to similar products available.
How it Works
Using the scale is easy and due to it's basic functions and features, it won't be confusing for anyone who decides to go with this one over a more complicated option.
- Insert the batteries - The scale takes 2 AAA batteries, which are very easy to find and you'll likely have some already lying around the house.
- Turn on - Turn on the power to activate the scales.
- Tare to base measurement - Taring the scale will ensure accuracy in your measurements. You should see the screen reset to zero.
- Measure out your liquids, coffee beans or coffee grounds, taring each time if you're doing the brewing process on the scale itself.
- Set timer if you have a preference for extraction time.
- Enjoy your perfectly measured out and extracted cup of coffee!
How to Care/Maintenance/Clean the Coffee Scale?
The beauty of this scale is because it's flat and fairly simple in it's design, it doesn't need much in the way of cleaning.
Simply wipe down with a damp cloth to avoid any water marks and to get rid of any coffee grinds that may have fallen during the measuring process.
In terms of the maintenance, you'll just need to replace the 2 AAA batteries as and when it's needed. Our recommendation would be to get rechargeable batteries if possible.
How Does the Hario V60 Drip Scale Compare to Others?
For our review, we would give the Hario V60 Coffee Drip Scale and Timer, a four star rating. The reason we didn't give it five out of five was simply for the basic functionalities, which of course is a preferred option.
If you're looking for some comparisons to this product, then we would suggest the following:
Acaia Lunar Coffee Scale
The Acaia Lunar scale comes with a few additional features that might be preferred by those looking for more technology functions.
The Lunar has a built-in, rechargeable battery that provides less fuss as well as Acaia Apps and Bluetooth capabilities to provide a more enhanced brewing experience.
However, the drawback of this one is that it's vastly more expensive than the Hario.
Jennings CJ4000 Coffee Scale
Similar performance to the Hario, the Jennings CJ4000 is another great one for introductory coffee drinkers to measure their coffee.
It has a whopping twenty-year warranty in comparison to Hario's one-year warranty. However, it's not as sensitive and so may find it difficult to pick up the presence of one or two coffee beans on the scale.
The Jennings CJ4000 is cheaper though than the Hario, so a good option for those on a tight budget.
Hario V60 Drip Scale Owner Reviews and Feedback
Many existing users of the scale find that it's easy to use, easy to clean and the timer function is a welcome addition for those wanting something extra. The accuracy is another highlighted mention that features on many reviews.
However, some have mentioned that it's not a preferred choice for espresso drinkers and the limited warranty is something that would likely benefit from having somewhat of an increase.
The odd few reviews do mention that there are issues with the display not working, so this may be why many want the warranty extended for any electrical defects that occur beyond the first year of owning it.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hario Drip Scale
We've scoured the internet to get a few of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the product.
How long should Hario V60 take to deliver?
Shipping charges and delivery times are relative to where you're located and where you order from.
For those in Europe, delivery takes between 1-7 days depending on the location.
There's a helpful chart for estimation of time and cost for your country here.
How do I calibrate my Hario scale?
You don't need to calibrate this Hario scale. It's a high-quality scale that won't require regular calibration.
However, you do need to tare the scale each time you use it in order to bring the measurement back down to zero.
How do you use a V60 drip scale?
Start by turning on the scale. Be sure to tare your scale back to zero before use, just in case it's not at the base setting already. If you're placing a container or brewing tool on top of the scale, then it's worth taring it after you've placed it on.
You can then pour the desired coffee or start the particular brew methods on the scale to measure out the right coffee grinds/beans or liquid desired.
Be sure to tare the scale every time you're adding something new onto it so that the measurements are accurate.
Is a timer necessary?
For most, an integrated timer isn't necessary but it can be useful to help experiment with extraction times.
Having a device that serves more than just the one function of weighing your coffee bean is always a bonus!
Other Products from Hario
There are plenty of other great coffee products that are popular and worth mentioning for any coffee enthusiast.
For example, the Hario Drip Station pairs nicely with the Hario V60 Drip Scale.
Additional noteworthy Hario products include:
- V60 Glass Brewing Kit
- V60 Ice-coffee Maker
- Smart G Electric Handy Coffee Grinders
- V60 Power Kettle BuonoN with Temperature control
Company Information
Founded in 1921, the company has been manufacturing products for over 100 years. They are the only manufacturer with a heatproof glass factory in Japan.
Hario initially started off with laboratory glassware but beyond 1948, they began making coffee siphons. The refinement of Hario's glass processing techniques took off from there.
They've done everything when it comes to industrial and domestic products, expanding into microwave-safe cooking utensils and of course, coffee and tea products.
Find all of Hario's available products here.