Acaia vs MANTABREW vs Timemore: Which Pour Over Scale is Right for You?
If you're passionate about pour-over coffee, you already know that precision is everything. A few grams too much or too little can drastically affect your brew. That’s why investing in a reliable pour-over coffee scale isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Among the most talked-about options in the specialty coffee community today are the Acaia Lunar, the MANTABREW WeighMaster, and the Timemore Black Mirror. Each caters to a slightly different audience, with unique strengths in design, features, and usability.
So which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
🔍 Brand Overview
Acaia
A pioneer in precision coffee gear, Acaia has built a strong reputation among professional baristas for its minimalist design, lightning-fast response time, and app connectivity. If you’ve stepped into a high-end café, chances are you’ve seen an Acaia scale in action.
MANTABREW
The new kid on the block — but don’t underestimate it. Winner of the 2025 Red Dot Award, MANTABREW’s WeighMaster was designed with both performance and aesthetics in mind. It’s a smart, modular scale aimed at brewers who want intuitive feedback, visual clarity, and modern elegance on their countertop.
Timemore
A go-to for budget-conscious brewers, Timemore’s Black Mirror series offers surprising functionality for its price. The scales are popular among hobbyists and new home brewers who want solid performance without breaking the bank.
⚙️ Feature Comparison
Feature | Acaia Lunar | MANTABREW WeighMaster | Timemore Black Mirror 2 |
---|---|---|---|
Accuracy & Capacity | 0.1g / 2000g | 0.1g / 2000g | 0.1g / 2000g |
Response Speed | Ultra-fast | Fast | Moderate |
Brew Modes (Espresso/PO) | Yes (via App) | Yes (modular switchable) | No |
Display Interface | LED + App | Dynamic LED + icons | Basic LED |
Bluetooth / App Support | Yes | Planned (next-gen) | No |
Charging & Battery | USB-C / Long battery | USB-C / Long battery | Type-C / Standard |
Water Resistance | Splash-proof | Modular, easy to clean | Light splash-resistant |
Price Range | $$$ | $$ | $ |
🎯 Real-World Brewing Experience
Acaia Lunar
Brewing with Acaia is like using a finely tuned lab instrument. Its real-time Bluetooth connectivity and Acaia app ecosystem allow you to track flow rate, extraction time, and weight with scientific precision. It’s designed for serious users who thrive on data and repeatability.
MANTABREW WeighMaster
MANTABREW brings visual logic and clarity to brewing. With its dynamic LED flow indicators, weight/time overlay, and tactile feedback, it’s one of the most intuitive scales on the market. The modular build lets you switch between espresso and pour-over platforms, and its magnetic accessories and slim profile make it a great choice for both home and travel use.
Timemore Black Mirror
While not as advanced as the others, Timemore’s scale delivers reliable performance for casual use. It has a clean look, decent responsiveness, and basic timing features. It may lack visual feedback and smart modes, but for many beginners, it’s more than enough.
🎨 Design & Portability
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Acaia: Compact and sleek, crafted with a professional metal body. Ideal for café settings.
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MANTABREW: Lightweight yet sturdy, with a flip-screen display, magnetic risers, and clean modular parts that travel well.
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Timemore: Lightweight plastic build with minimal interface — simple and effective, but not particularly travel-optimized.
💰 Value for Money
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Acaia offers pro-grade quality, but its high price reflects that.
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MANTABREW hits the sweet spot between form and function. For its features and award-winning design, it offers excellent value, especially with launch promotions and early access pricing.
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Timemore is hard to beat for basic pour-over scaling needs if you’re on a budget.
✅ Final Verdict: Which One’s Right for You?
You Are… | Go With… |
---|---|
A barista or serious home brewer who values data, speed, and app integration | Acaia Lunar |
A design-conscious coffee lover who wants a smart, stylish, and versatile scale | MANTABREW WeighMaster |
A beginner or budget-minded brewer who just needs the essentials | Timemore Black Mirror 2 |
📦 Conclusion
No matter where you are in your coffee journey, the right scale makes all the difference. Whether it’s the precision of Acaia, the innovation of MANTABREW, or the simplicity of Timemore — choose the tool that fits your brewing style and elevates your cup.
Because great coffee isn’t just about taste — it’s about control, clarity, and consistency.