Reddit reviews SC Series Precision Digital Kitchen Weight Scale, Food Measuring Scale, 2kg x 0.1g (Silver), AMW-SC-2KG

I've used a AWS SC-2KG for many years. It's 0.1g precision and has always been spot on when I've used a calibration weight on it. They're cheap and I've seen a number of cafes using them.

AWS 2kg. $20.50. Has 0.1g resolution. Mine works great! Its often recommended here by others.

this is a pretty common/inexpensive scale i use for coffee. 2kg max, 0.1g sensitivity, works great: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RF3XJ2/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The scale is fine, however I would recommend one with a larger capacity.

Something like this American Weigh 2kg will let you fit most brewing vessels on them with no trouble, and it's a workhorse. I've had mine for more than five years no problem.

Edit: Just noticed you specifically said shots. Oops. I'll leave this here for anybody else though.

When buying new gear like this, I often find it worthwhile to buy the good stuff from the beginning. It'll cost more upfront, but in the long run you save money by not sinking it into gear that you're just going to upgrade away from. I know you're looking for a starter kit, so I'll outline some entry level stuff and then some recommended upgrades.

For a burr grinder, a decent entry level manual grinder is the Hario Skerton. One complaint with this is inconsistent coarse grind size, which is what you'll be using with a French Press. Orphan Espresso makes an upgrade kit that fixes this problem, but personally I feel that if you're going to spend $40 on the Skerton and $15 on the upgrade kit, you should just spend a few more bucks and get something like the Capresso Infinity. This grinder is going to be way more convenient, versatile, and consistent than the hand grinder. For one last option, there's the Baratza Encore. This is probably the best grinder you'd want for French Press, because anything better / more expensive would just be overkill as they're primarily aimed at espresso.

The Press itself isn't too important. Bodum is usually the recommended brand.

You'll also need a way to heat water. You could go with a stovetop kettle, but I think electric kettles are more convenient, and are roughly the same price anyway. You can get a pretty standard one for less than $25. But getting a gooseneck kettle is going to help control your pour better and ensure the coffee grounds are completely saturated. If you don't want to worry about getting the perfect temperature for brewing, a variable temperature kettle will take care of it for you.

Other than that, you might want a kitchen scale to get the right coffee-to-water ratio, and a thermometer to check your water temperature.

American Weigh SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale

I just replaced my first one... which only lasted about 9 months. The LCD screen was no longer legible. However, I used this thing 2-3 times a day for 9 months. I was satisfied enough to purchase another.

That grinder will possibly give you issues with pour over. V60 is really picky too, and you will probably want a gooseneck kettle to use with it to make it much easier to get a good cup. The potential issue with that grinder (or similarly priced ones, which are all knock-offs of another hand grinder) is that it might give you a really inconsistent grind with a lot of fines, which could cause your pour over brew times to vary wildly and take far too long (ruining your coffee).

How much coffee do you want to make at once? If only one cup, here's what I recommend:

• You can keep that grinder and instead of a pour over (which is pickier about grinder + kettle type), get something like an AeroPress ($30). Also, get a scale too, to weigh out your beans + water in order to get a consistently good cup, every time.
  
  If you want a larger amount of coffee (though you might find making your own coffee with fresh beans gives you more of a kick of caffeine than a cup from McD), then pour over is a good way to go, but will probably require more and better equipment in order for it to not suck. The V60 is the pickiest pour over about grind consistency. I don't make large batches, so maybe someone else can chime in with recommendations for devices that might handle a lower quality grind. But no matter what, a better grinder will improve both your ability to make pour over, and the taste of the coffee. If you want to stick with pour over, here's what I recommend for equipment in order for it to not be hard and get coffee that doesn't suck out of it:
  
  
• Get the same scale I linked above. This is important for consistency; without weighing your coffee and water amount you can easily vary between making strong or weak coffee from day to day. It'll suck and be confusing. Scales are awesome and make everything easy.
  
• Get a good-enough grinder, at the very least. When it comes to coffee, the best grinder you can afford is the way to go, it'll make your coffee taste better and with pour over you'll be able to be better at making your coffee. For me, bare minimum is the Baratza Encore. For the same price point but better grind, see if you can get a Feldgrind. Or pre-order the Aergrind for a great deal. A Lido or Helor are good options too.
  
• A gooseneck kettle will be important too. V60 is very difficult without one if you want good coffee. Other pour overs you may be able to handle without needing a gooseneck, but it makes anything easier if you have the free cash flow. A good inexpensive one is the Hario Buono.
  
  And I would recommend going with white/bleached filters instead of the natural/brown ones. The nat/brown ones always have a strong paper taste you can't really get rid of.
  
  

Heres a not-so-easy-to-find wiki page for this sub with gear recommendations. I used this one multiple times a day. It's fast, accurate, good battery life, and doesn't time out too quickly.

A scale that reads to 0.1 will be extremely beneficial, worlds of difference.

http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_21?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1422533237&sr=1-21&keywords=scale

throw this in your cart and you'll thank yourself :)

We use these in the shop. As long as you're not reckless in your espresso routine you shouldn't be getting more than a few drops of espresso on them, which you can just wipe off.

Hi there and welcome to r/Coffee! So based on what you've told me I think your most cost effective option right now to make great coffee would be to master your roommate's French Press instead of spending money on a new brewing method. I'm assuming you have a kettle to boil your water in and a smart phone with a timer so all you need to buy is a digital scale, which costs $15 on Amazon [digital scale] (https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468429307&sr=8-1&keywords=American+Weigh+SC%E2%80%932KG).
 
Next I would find a local coffee roaster or coffee house that sells 1/2 lb or 12 oz bags of coffee instead of the 1 lb bags they sell at Starbucks. The reason I'm recommending the smaller amount is because you're going to ask them to grind the coffee beans for a French Press and you don't want to bring home a 1 lb bag of pre-ground coffee beans because it's going to go bad quickly. If you want to grind your own coffee beans be prepared to spend $100+ on a good burr grinder. As for the type of coffee to buy, you can always ask the barista for recommendations.
 
So once you've got everything you need it's time to measure your dosage. I personally like a 1:17 coffee to water ratio but most people here like their coffee stronger so feel free to adjust according to taste. So based on my ratio, if you measure 25 grams of ground coffee beans you would need to use 425 ml of water (1 ml = 1 gram). Put the FP on the scale and tare the scale. Put 25 g ground coffee in the FP and tare the scale again. Start the stop watch on your phone and pour your water off boil until about 1/3 of the French Press is full. Let the coffee bloom for about 30 seconds, stir the slurry, then pour in the remainder of the water til your scale reads 425 g. Put the lid on the French Press but don't plunge just yet. After 4 minutes you can plunge gently and serve your coffee.
 
Now from what I've read about the French Press some people say blooming isn't necessary but I haven't use mine enough to experiment and come up with my own conclusion so feel free to skip that part and just pour in the entire water. However, you do need to stir the mixture in to get all of the beans wet so don't skip that part.
 
Good luck with your coffee journey and I hope you're able to make great tasting coffee on your own!

Part of making a good cup is repeatability--eliminating variation wherever possible. You'll want a burr grinder and a scale. It's tough, especially with an inconsistent grind, to correctly measure coffee by volume. Any idea on your general brew time? That might be a good indication of what's going on. Let's experiment with technique a bit!

It sounds like you're pouring all of the water in at once after letting it bloom; instead, why not pour about a cup at a time, let it drain for a bit--never letting it get completely dry--and then add the next cup. Rather than pouring in the center, continue pouring in circles the entire time to ensure an even extraction. These are all super minor, and I'm honestly unsure if they'll make any difference. Still, worth a shot!

Maybe try a finer grind, if you can. Shake the blade grinder, grind it for longer--whatever works! A finer grind will prolong the brew time.

> Yeah not 100% sure how to describe the flavor. It's kind of sour but also very "planty" tasting. Sorry if that's unhelpful.

Nah, don't worry about it! I have a tough time describing taste, too. It sounds underextracted to me. If ya have any spare money, a scale goes a long, long way. I use this scale. If you're interested in a grinder, my first--and I'm sure most people's first--was the skerton. I currently use a Baratza Encore, but that might be more than you're willing to invest in a grinder right now.

If you're interested, I can make a video of myself making coffee in my little Chemex.

I'd prioritize a scale over thermometer or bean vault, not that it's bad that you're getting those things. Many will tell you water just off boil is fine, but I think it's worth being able to experiment with water temperature to decide that for yourself.
EDIT: oh and if you end up anything like me when I started going down this rabbit hole, you may find yourself itching for a better grinder (e.g. Baratza Encore) sooner than later. Just something to consider. Upgradeitis is a real thing.

I have an American Weigh SC-2kg.

I previously had an Ozeri Pro, which was similar in price.

I love the American Weigh because it is accurate to 0.1g, which is great for espresso. However, it sacrifices maximum weight, which came in handy a few times on the Ozeri (mainly for other things in the kitchen).

If you're doing the regular 6-cup chemex (I do this with the additional weight of ice for japanese cold brew), you should be fine with the American Weigh. I'd suggest it anyways as I found the build quality a bit better, and the auto-shut off isn't triggered as quickly. It also has an awesome blue LED screen. If you're doing heavier stuff though, the Ozeri is certainly sufficient!

There's loads of scales that go up to 2kg with a 0.1g resolution on amazon just fyi. This one gets recommended here a lot:
http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2

I can't see many coffee brewing scenarios where you'd need a scale larger than 2kg.

Do yourself a favour and get an inexpensive digital scale so you can see how much coffee and water you're actually using.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/

I'm going to assume you already have a smaller scale with a high resolution (say 0.01g or 0.001g) for small items. A scale that will weigh kilo items is usually going to have 1g or 0.1g resolution and no better.

This brand is my go-to for cheap scales - this particular one has a weight capacity of 2kg and resolution of 0.1g

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RF3XJ2/ref=s9_acsd_simh_hd_bw_bjuwvb_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=VH67V0E8RS2K0BGBRZ6F&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=9d24518a-e817-5b28-92dd-ef38520d4d25&pf_rd_i=678508011

This scale has served me well over the last few years. Can't recommend it enough.

http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2

I've been using the AMW-SC-2KG for ~4 years. I love it.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=pd_sim_79_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001RF3XJ2&pd_rd_r=8AB1VHEAG8VV9BYPQVDJ&pd_rd_w=sEcWs&pd_rd_wg=pFl2D&psc=1&refRID=8AB1VHEAG8VV9BYPQVDJ

These work. Not as fast as some, but you can very good results with a little practice.

American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale

https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2

(edited for typo)

I saw a great travel kit on this sub several months ago which included (IIRC) an AeroPress, a Porlex Mini Grinder (which fits inside of the AeroPress for easy packing!), and the BonaVita 0.5 liter Travel Kettle. I'm probably missing a component or two, but I'll poke around and see if I can find the OP.

EDIT: Here's the link!

This setup doesn't meet all your requirements, specifically the desire to make multiple cups at once, and it doesn't include a scale. I use this little bugger, as do some others on the sub, and I love it. It's super portable and I've banged it around a bit without issue. It does have an auto-shutoff feature, which can be a pain for some brewing methods.

EDIT II: Oh snap! /u/unix04 mentioned the Able Kone, which reminded me to mention the Able Disk, should you end up going the AeroPress route.

Try weighing your ingredients instead of measuring volume. Volume-based measurements don't work well for repeatable results. This $18 scale weighs fractions of a gram/oz close enough to dial in the amount of salt you prefer while still using enough to encourage lactic acid bacteria:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RF3XJ2

http://imgur.com/hpvDWrh

• Chemex
  
• Baby Gaggia Twin - Craigslist purchase
  
• Knockbox (not pictured) - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016J7YQM
  
• tamper - purchased locally from http://www.aboutthecoffee.com/
  
• Breville Smart Grinder
  
• Moka Pot
  
• Bonavita Variable Gooseneck - essential!
  
• Bodum French Press
  
• new scale to replace one in the picture - http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-SC-2KG-Digital-Pocket/dp/B001RF3XJ2
  
• coffee canisters from Sweet Maria's
  
• Behmor 1600 (not pictured but love it!)

Slightly over your budget but I can highly recommend this one. Used it daily 2 years and it’s good as new. Only had to change the batteries once that I can think of.

American Weigh Scales SC Series Precision Digital Food Kitchen Weight Scale, Silver, 2000 x 0.1G (AMW-SC-2KG) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VYmXDb0YH6YNF

Dont get one that closes with velcro straps, it makes it really hard to get weird shaped thing in the bag and close it. Straps are only long enough to go around a few knives laying flat ontop of each other. I used this bag. Inside I had everything, even this scale, plus my shirt and apron rolled up in the middle, butane torch, sometimes my mandolin, and any other odd thing.. I used a carabiner to hook the two hand loops together worked better than the velcro. Now working as a butcher i just throw my scabbard into my chrome messenger bag and call it a day. So glad i dont need all that shit anymore.

Ditto everyone else on the scale. Volume is a completely unreliable way to measure coffee. Any digital scale with at least .1 gram accuracy and a tare function will do. I got this one for less that $20 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1495556703&sr=8-4&keywords=american+weigh+scale

That said, if you're not wanting to spend extra money and go down the rabbit hole trying to brew the perfect cup, then just experiment with the number of scoops until you get something that tastes good to you. That's all that really matters anyway, right?

The plastic tray that comes with this one allows you to put the whole portafilter plus basket on top.

American Weigh Scales SC Series Digital Pocket Weight Scale, Silver, 2000G, 2KG x 0.1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0Y.lDbSDA802E

This guy right here.

Easy to read, has tare function, accurate withing 1 gram, comes with two weighing trays (uh...cause you don't own any small cups or bowls, right?), and 10 year warranty. Also weighs up to about 4.5 lbs, so I can use it for other stuff.

Had for a little less than a year and tested it with a 50g calibration weight recently and it was still dead on. So far so good. This thing has been a functional champ so far.

Baratza grinders are hard to beat. If you can manage to wait a little while, they offer refurbished models for sale too (I think they update on Thursday mornings US Eastern time) - https://www.baratza.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=RFRB

For a scale, I use and love the the American Weigh 2Kg scale. It has 0.1g resolution to measure your beans and because it can measure up to 2Kg you can put the Chemex right on it and measure your water while you brew! Plus, it's under $20USD. http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-SC-2KG-Digital-Pocket/dp/B001RF3XJ2

If you have an iPhone, Intelligentsia has a great app that has guides for all sorts of different brew methods. It includes timers and calculators to let you know how much water to use for a given amount of coffee. (Sorry, I can't help with android apps). http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/content/iphone-app

I haven't gotten a gooseneck kettle yet and have been using a 2L electric kettle without any temp control. I use a thermometer every year or so to measure how long it takes for the amount of water I put into it to cool off from a boil to ~200F (which is around 2 minutes) and then just set a timer when I use it. That said, this kettle is on my wish list: http://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-Variable-Temperature-Electric-Gooseneck/dp/B005YR0F40

I make a pot of coffee with the Chemex almost every morning before going to work. I use a Klean Kanteen insulated bottle (http://www.kleankanteen.com/products/wide-mouth-insulated-20oz?variant=1605388483) and some generic travel mug. Before brewing I pour boiling water through the filter of the Chemex and also into the bottle. Then when it's time to brew I pour the water from the Chemex into the travel mug and brew the Chemex as normal. Post brew - empty the warming water from mug and bottle, and pour in the coffee. The mug doesn't keep things warm for very long, but the bottle works pretty well for several hours.

Happy brewing!

The temp controlled one is great because it can hold the temperature for up to an hour and it gives you precise temperature control (obvious) which is good for teas or using different brew methods (some aeropress recipes use 175 degree water for instance). Whist I love the variable temp I wouldn't say its needed. As for scales the one I would recommend is the Hario Drip Scale for its water resistantness and its built in timer, but the American Weigh Scale or the CJ-4000 will also work well. The Kalita Wave is also a good recommendation and is more beginner friendly than the v60. I'd still say go with the v60 though, I think it produces a better cup.

I've been using this AWS scale with my Chemex for a while now.

Pretty cheap, accurate to 0.1g, and the 2kg max weight is more than enough (Chemex weighs ~600g with rinsed filter IIRC).

Until recently, coffee was just a means to an end for me- an unpleasant beverage to be endured for warmth and caffeine. Now I know that coffee is very diverse and capable of being fantastically delicious.

I want to start brewing great coffee at home, and I currently have ~$150 to put towards gear. I have an electric kettle and a digital food thermometer, and I just received a French press and a pour-over cone. It looks like a decent burr grinder should be my first priority, then a scale, gooseneck kettle, and other brewing methods.

As far as grinders go, I've been trying to decide between the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity. If I get the Encore, the only other thing I'd be able to get for now is a cheap scale like the American Weigh SC-2KG. I can get the Infinity for $70, and then I'd have more options. Which grinder would you go with? How would you spend the money? I'll be able to pick up other things later, I don't need or expect to get everything right now.

I'd forgo the steel filter, at least for the time being - paper filters produce great coffee and are dirt cheap. I'd put the money you save either toward a scale or an electric grinder. I use a Capresso Infinity grinder, which is about $93 on Amazon at the moment and an American Weigh Scales digital pocket scale, which is about $20 on Amazon.

I have a Virtuoso as well, but be aware that your grind settings are not going to align 1:1 with everyone else's. That said, I use around a 24-25 size grind for my V60 and French Press, as my go-to coarse grind. This would probably be a decent starting place, but grind coarser if you're brewing more coffee (as it'll take longer to drain w/ more grounds).

Also, get a scale. You can get a .1g accuracy scale on Amazon for $20. This is the one I have and it works great. You'll want to weigh your beans and water - shoot for a 1:16 to 1:18 ratio. I always go for 1:16, meaning 1g of beans per 16g of water (which is equivalent to 16mL). For a ~300mL cup of coffee, I use around 19g of beans. Stick to this ratio, play with your pour method, maybe use a little less or little more beans or water.

Keep notes!!! You'll want to remember which brew worked out very well for you. I usually record the brew method, amount of water, amount of beans, age/freshness of the beans (affects brew time), grind size, water temp, and then the milestones of the brew and when they occurred (e.g. T+1m57s - finished pouring). Then I note the time when it finished draining. I've really dialed in my setup by going over the notes and making slight tweaks until I find something that really works.

Here are some alternatives:

Bonvita variable temp gooseneck kettle

Hario [scale]
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GPJMOU/)

American Weigh scale

For espresso, we use these and they're great. They have a .1g resolution, fit comfortably on a drip tray, and they're backlit.

LOVE the 155. You only see 185s out there, but those are designed for large volume brewing (20oz.+ yields). Way to get the right device for the brewing you're doing! Here's my (professional barista and coffee educator 5 yr.s+) take on your 3 questions:

1. You're doing it right, almost: Don't let the bed get quite dry. Keep all the grounds underwater. Grinding finer can solve this problem, but can create other problems (overextraction). The best thing to do is to work on controlling your flow rate: pour a slower, thinner stream every time you pour.
   
2. A scale is THE good/fast/cheap way to measure water. Here's my favorite. It's affordable and durable: http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462558620&sr=8-1&keywords=aws+2kg
   
3. Your temp control method might be giving you water that's a little too hot. If you grind finer (see above), too-hot water will exacerbate overextraction. Generally, I don't go back to heat between every pulse. Try setting it on the low-heat burner every-other pulse. At home (away from the shop) I use a plug-in electric kettle. I let it boil. I immediately pour it into my gooseneck. That transfer drops temp to approx 207F.

Yes. This is the best scale I've ever owned for this purpose. No, I do not work for American Weigh.

http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396921433&sr=8-2&keywords=american+weigh+2000

So I was in a similar position to you at one point.

I found someone on a reddit community I frequented who sold me his Baratza Preciso for $100. It’s basically a retired version of the Virtuoso with micro adjustments on top of the regular macro. It’s served me very well. I had a friend who I got into coffee who just picked up an Encore and he’s delighted with it. For the bang for the buck it’s hard to go wrong with Baratza really in the sub $200 range. Especially considering you can find their refurbs which are updated (on Thursdays I think?) regularly and can get an encore for sub $100.

I find the Chemex to be far more forgiving than a V60. Some people say it’s expensive ($35ish) but considering you can get away with not using a gooseneck it’s cheaper in the long run in my opinion. If you don’t use a gooseneck with a V60, you’re going to have a bad time. V60s are finicky until you get a good feel for them. Don’t get me wrong, they can make a fantastic cup, but you have to put in the work. You can also look at the Kalita Wave which I think you can find the 185 on amazon for like $25 instead of $45 which is typical. It also takes funky filters that are hard to find (similar to v60).

As others have said the body is going to naturally be a little softer and more nuanced with a chemex. If you like big juicy Kenyans like me that may not be your preference, whereas if you like more floral, delicate Ethiopians then you’re golden. As time has gone on I’ve learned to appreciate my chemex more. It’s easy to dial in and brew correctly. Very forgiving of pour and what not and the body issue (less oils from the thicker filter) is more or less non-existent now that I have a little more developed palate (although I’m far from a connoisseur or q-grade taster).

Also a scale is super important if you aren’t using one. It’s ridiculous how easy it is to think you’re measuring correctly and you are totally off without a scale.

TL;DR Buy an encore or virtuoso and a chemex if you don’t have a gooseneck. Maybe a Kalita Wave if body is a huge deal for you. Get the V60 if you’re obsessive compulsive and want to really nerd out and probably brew shittily extracted coffee until you get it down. Any extra money invest in a good kettle and SCALE.

Cheap ass Shopping List:

• refurb encore $99
  
• chemex 6 cup $35
  
• chemex filters $8 amazon lists them for twice the normal price everywhere else FYI
  
• super reliable, cheap ass, beater scale $26
  Total: $168
  
  For shits and giggles: plain bonavita gooseneck $29 and variable temp version $69 (you want this one if you go this route)

• Kalita Wave [stainless steel] $40 or Chemex $36
  
• Decanter/carafe (if you get Kalita) $15
  
• Hario Mini $30
  
• Bonavita Gooseneck kettle $60
  
• American Weigh pocket scale $19
  
  Total = $145 (Chemex) - $164 (Kalita Wave)
  
  All are available on Amazon Prime as well.

I tried 3 and this was my favorite based on its sensitivity, simplicity, and small size:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001RF3XJ2/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_8?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Is it this one ?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RF3XJ2/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_10?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Well my other post is getting downvoted to oblivion for some reason so here's the main post from that thread:

As I mentioned in my previous post (here: http://www.reddit.com/r/Coffee/comments/214lbh/im_thinking_about_selling_my_extraunneeded_coffee/ ), I've recently upgraded both my kettle and my scale and since both are still in really good condition, I thought I'd offer them for sale at a decent price here on r/coffee.

I'd prefer they go to someone who wouldn't be able to afford purchasing these items new as a way to give back to the r/coffee community who have helped me so much on my coffee journey over the last few years. Obviously I have no way to verify so I'm going on the honor system here but if you're just looking for a good deal and trying to be frugal, please don't attempt to buy these from me. These are both great products and well worth their price new if you can afford them.

With that said, here's detail on the two items I'm selling:

Bonavita 1.0L Electric Kettle

• Just under 2 years old - Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005YR0GDA
  
• I paid $49.74 but it is currently listed at $59.99 - Asking $30
  
  
  American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale
  
  
• Less than 3 months old - Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RF3XJ2
  
• I paid $27.67 but it's currently listed at $16.99 - Asking $10
  
  Shipping within the US = $5 per item
  
  
  Some additional information:
  
  Photos: http://imgur.com/a/2mIRB
  
  Videos of both items showing that they are both in working order:
  
  
• AWS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQvyJqH65d8
  
• Bonavita - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc-vKMv-ZrQ (please note the thermometer is not included)
  
  Notes:
  
  
• The AWS scale includes the original box and all the items originally shipped with it. Does not include batteries (I use rechargeables, sorry) but it does have the AC plug which can be used in place of batteries.
  
  
• The Bonavita scale does NOT include the original box or paperwork but does include an aftermarket silicone flow reducer (this can be easily removed if not wanted). It includes all the original hardware. There is some light scale in the bottom of the kettle (see photo above) but I've only ever used filtered water in the kettle so it shouldn't pose any issues.
  
  
• Both items are in excellent working order and I have had no problems with either. With that said, caveat emptor! The kettle is 2 years old and I have no idea what their life expectancy is. Only guarantee is that items are as described and will be in working order upon arrival.
  
  
• I replaced both items only because I found really good deals on upgrades to a Bonavita Variable Temp Kettle and a Bonavita Scale (both thanks to r/coffee!) otherwise I'd still happily be using these myself.
  
  Sale Info:
  
  Sale to be completed through Paypal and payment must be made before the items ship. As to picking the "winning" recipient(s); if you are interested in either/both of these items, please PM me which items you're interested in and what country you live in (commenting in this thread won't count). I'll use a RNG to pick both "winners" by the end of the week and update the post accordingly. If for any reason that person can't take possession of the item, I'll RNG another person. Hopefully that sounds fair to everyone. :)
  
  I've tried to answer all the questions I could think that you'd want to ask but if I missed anything please let me know and I'll answer as best I can. Thanks!

I really recommend any American Weigh scale. There is a larger one for only $18, that fits every brew method. I have ordered it to replace our Escali.

Two scales I use nearly daily:

1. https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-GEMINI-20-Portable-MilliGram/dp/B0012TDNAM
   
   The first one goes up to 2Kg, but is less precise. The second one only goes up to 20g, but has mg precision.
   
   Both take batteries, but I use rechargable AAAs and the charge lasts for a long time. AWS is a reputable company.

Oh, and don't forget the electric kettle. Any will do, you don't need a fancy gooseneck one for these methods (they're helpful for freehand pour-over methods like the v-60 and Chemex).

Some kind of instant-read thermometer and a kitchen scale like [this] (http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-SC-2KG-Digital-Pocket/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375817673&sr=8-1&keywords=american+weigh+2kg) will help you dial in your process and ultimately make better coffee, but aren't completely necessary.

But yes, I second either aeropress or clever dripper. They're both quick and easy methods which can make great coffee, and easy to clean (the latter is especially important for a dorm).

I use this American Weigh scale for both coffee and tea, and it works super well. It's nice and small, and measures to 0.1 grams!

American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG

This scale has 2kg capacity with 0.1g resolution.

I use the slightly larger one since I need the extra room/weight capacity for my chemex. It works well for me.

The French Press brewing method gives you a very full-bodied cup, but the trade-off is that the flavors "muddy" a bit rather than being clear and crisp.

Chemex is pretty much the polar opposite; as a pour-over method with a paper filter, it gives you a cup with a lot of clarity but fairly low body. The Hario V60/V90 and Melitta pour-overs are similar in many ways, but the filters have different characteristics and they don't typically come with a brewing vessel (you can brew straight into a cup, but then you can't really see what you're doing).

Aeropress is a bit in-between -- it's an immersion brewing method, just like the french press, but also uses a paper filter which reduces body but increases clarity. (If you get one, throw out the included directions. They're universally regarded as silly).

However, before you go about expanding your brewing gear horizons, make sure you have the basics:

• A good-quality grinder. The most important place to spend money on high-quality gear. Getting a good, consistent grind at the grind size you need for each method is important. Check the sidebar and wiki here for details.
  
  
• A way to temp your hot water. If you already have an electric or stove-top kettle, then buy a measuring cup or a steaming pitcher and a steaming thermometer that clips to it. You'll bring water to boil, then decant into the other vessel and wait until the temp is right before brewing. If you want to spend more for convenience, consider a temperature-controlled kettle. If you're buying a kettle, spend a bit more for gooseneck: it makes life much easier for almost every brewing method.
  
  
• A scale. Measuring coffee by volume will net inconsistent results. A gram scale will help you control this easily, and they aren't expensive. I use this AWS scale and like it; but you don't have to even spend $20 if you don't want. Just make sure it'll measure 0.1g increments.
  
  These will help you get the best results out of any brew method you experiment with.

You absolutely need the following to enjoy coffee out of a chemex:

• Burr Grinder: I suggest, to start, the Hario Mill Grinder
  
  
• Gooseneck Kettle: I suggest the Bonavita Electric Kettle
  
  
• Scale: I suggest the AWS Pocket Scale
  
  
  The scale is the least necessary, but the other two are absolutely essential to make decent coffee out of the chemex.
  
  Once you have those, watch a couple demonstration videos and mess around to find what you like! Below is the video I watched when I first started using this method:
  
  
• Buddy Brew Chemex Tutorial
  
  Overall, it's a bit of an investment, but it's so worth it! The chemex is a great method, and I use it often! Good luck!

... or $26, or even $17 if you're real tight on cash, but who's counting right?

Bonavita 1.0L Electric Kettle BV3825B https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YR0GDA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_X8IBzbKG2GP85

Hand grinder- I'm using a java presse, a Hario will work well too

Scale-American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lOKBzbRWNCTD5

Choose what you want for a brewing device. V60/Kalita wave or a French press are your best bets in my opinion. If you are new to coffee I would suggest holding off on an aero press.

If you’re looking to decrease fat intake any calorie tracking app will also show you a breakdown of the fat /protein / carb content of all the foods you eat. You can plan your new diet accordingly by scanning and logging foods that you normally eat, and removing foods that have a high fat content.


Some good proteins to eat for low-fat diets would be

• White fish
  
• White meat chicken
  
• Scallops
  
• Shrimp
  
• Tofu
  
  Pair that with some good veg and starches like rice, noddles, or quinoa and you’re on your way to a low fat healthy diet
  
  
  Edit: almost forgot, if you’re trying to lose weight the only way to do that is to burn more calories than you take in, so buying a food scale and using a calorie tracking app are essential. Pair that with a low fat diet and you should be good to go
  
  
  Edit 2: if you’re looking to decrease fat, it’s essential that you strictly measure any cooking oil or dressings as well such as butter. This scale is great for that purpose because it can measure within 1/10th of a gram

American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HRf2BbW9J0VJ3

Its a bit more expensive than when I bought it. Still well worth the money.

I use this.

The scale is technically my boyfriend's. He got it when he wanted to improve his espresso-making skills hahahaha. I like how it rounds to the nearest 0.1g even though the max it can take is only 2kg. It doesn't measure well if the weight is under 1g, but definitely on the more precise side of things!

http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2

I believe I found it

Thanks!

It's been said already but I have few other thoughts. Purchase an Encore. I've had mine for 6 years now with zero problems and it's still performing. Think of it as an investment.

The only thing I would suggest is make a scale a priority as well. It's secondary to the grinder but eliminates much of the guess work and allows you to make repeatable brews.

If you're open to it, consider getting a clever dripper. It's how I started because I couldn't afford to buy a gooseneck kettle at the time.

If what you have above is within your budget I would stretch it a little bit more to get a proper grinder.

To sum up I would suggest:

• Encore Grinder
  
• Scale
  
• Clever Dripper

Get this scale: https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1495752221&sr=8-5&keywords=American+weigh+scale

Not only does this make it WAY easier when you're trying to figure out how much water to add to coffee, its also accurate.

Easy + Accurate = Yay.

Couple of things:

1. Tablespoon to oz is really an outdated and not that accurate way to measure out your coffee and water and if you want to be consistent and really figure how you like your coffee to taste, a scale is your best option.
   
   
2. This means you can making as many cups or as little cups of coffee as you like regardless of how many ounces your French Press is. You no longer have to eyeball how much water you add or fill it up to the top.
   
   If you end up getting a scale, its easy. Use a brew ratio like 1:15(1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water). So for about a cup, use 20:300. If you want to make 2 cups, double it(40:600). If you want to make 3 cups, triple it(60:900).
   
   Also, check out this video on brewing a French Press: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQqpAyh16R4
   
   I hope this helps!

This is the scale I started with. It's super compact, really responsive, and affordable. American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gftByb941Q4DF

Hey, so I was in the exact same situation as you - I moved to Manhattan, but couldn't justify paying $3+ dollars for a cup of decent coffee (especially considering I would regularly drink more than 1 cup).

I should probably preface this with: In the end, I'm probably not saving much more money (especially short-term), since I just spent the money I might have saved on more coffee equipment (and somehow I keep ending up with more...). But now I have incredible coffee at home, and it's a fun hobby to tinker with, so I have no regrets there.

• As previously mentioned, pick up a decent entry-level burr grinder - The Hario Mini is ~$35, though you get a Skerton Pro for ~$55. Grinding your own beans immediately pre-brew produces significantly better results than buying pre-ground, and allows you to control and fine-tune the grind level. (I upgraded to a Lido 3 in December, and while love it, at $200 it's hardly a budget saver).
  
  
• Buy some beans online. I would highly recommend S&W Roasting. You can pick up a sample pack for ~$20 with shipping, and while it's advertised as 1lb of coffee, I received closer to 2.5lbs the first time I ordered (they seriously pad their packages). All their coffee is phenomenal, plus they seem like really nice guys, so they have my business. Alternatively, Happy Mug sells bags @ $11/lb with $3 shipping, so it comes out to $14/lb.
  
  
• Pick up a cheap scale - making coffee with reliable measurements and not by estimation produces dependable, replicable results. The same is true of baking and making cocktails. I have a basic AMW-SC-2KG, which currently runs ~$22.
  
  
• Find a decent online guide, and practice with it.
  
  Hope this helps!
  
  [edit] formatting

American Weigh

I was overwhelmed with reading all of the options when I got into this. After a lot of reading I got a Chemex.

Oxo kettle

OXO On Adjustable Temperature Electric Pour-Over Kettle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KHPS7F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wMMmDbCR9T648

Baratza encore

Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007F183LK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YNMmDbPHSKK4G

American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

These four things were the most highly recommended from all chemex posts on this sub. These are the basics, and from there I used tons of different beans

I use this AWS scale that does the trick just fine for $20.

I recently purchased this one: Scale

it works well for me. Just search amazon for digital pocket scale with a 2kg range and 0.1g accuracy. There are so many options I'm sure you'll fine something for you!

Get a good tamper. Looks like Clive Coffee sells a 53 mm tamper and a Rattleware version.

Don't forget a scale, preferably one with 0.1 g precision for weighing out your liquid output.

This scale is great and cheap currently, uses AAA batteries, 0,1g and fits french press etc. nicely.

For 20 you can get this one from the same company:
http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2

Its a little bigger(I put the entire hand grinder on it to measure coffee and the entire pour over on it to measure water). The 2KG max capacity is also helpful for other cooking and baking measurements.

Just another option, for me the bigger one is better but for just espresso the small one might be more convenient.

I have a couple of this AWS scale and they're excellent. Same thickness as OP's scale and have been absolute workhorses for about 3 years now. Every time I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a Lunar, I realize it won't be 20x better than the one I already have so I just keep using them.

This one is recommended in many online articles and subreddits for various reasons. It has a lower maximum capacity than the one you listed but if your weighing 5kg of something for baking you probably have a pretty good idea about what you're doing already. I have this one and like it a lot though I use it more for coffee.

I've only seen that scale used for illegal activities.

Take a look at this one AWS 2kg I've been using it for about 3 years now. Works great, precise enough to measure beans in 0.1g increments, and can measure a Chemex fully loaded. The largest Chemex fits neatly on its platen. Also works great for French press and anything else I want to do coffee wise. The case it comes with also functions as a tray that works great for measuring beans.

Chwck this one out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001RF3XJ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1375674066&sr=8-2&pi=SL75

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001RF3XJ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1483129222&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=American+Weigh&dpPl=1&dpID=41DJQlFSr8L&ref=plSrch

I use this one plus i use it for coffee brewing. Been going strong for 5 years.

My wife and I are coffee people as well so we weigh everything with a .1 resolution scale from American weight ~$20on amazon. When drinking Stag i usually calculate various proofs so I can come back to the taste I loved or discard proofs from before. Purchasing a good kitchen scale is truly an investment. From bourbon to coffee to baking. Sitting down with a dram of whiskey with some homemade creme brûlée is life changing. But as others have said it's all preference i just like being able to calculate my preference and return or change easily.

Here's the scale I use. I also purchased a calibration weight so I can make sure it's tared and measuring properly!

I bought this one years ago - it's perfect. It also comes with two flat bottom ingredient bowls which store with the scale so it's compact as well. Highly recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RF3XJ2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This scale fits my clever perfectly.

For the price of that baratza encore you can get a porlex hand grinder, which is wonderfully durable and extremely consistent for a hand grinder, a Chemex, and this scale. I apologize in advance for the ugly links - I'm on my phone. This is the setup I use at work and I love it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002JZCF2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1404223324&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000YWF5E?cache=9ada7d74e8bb83d5e4a86ca38f89940c&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1404223352&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001RF3XJ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1404223399&sr=8-1

This is a great scale. It is stupidly accurate from what I have used it for. I generally use it for espresso but it could also be used for an aeropress or pour over.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RF3XJ2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This one from Amazon.

The best investments you can make are in a quality grinder and a decent scale. I would suggest you don't waste your time with a blade grinder. As others have said, Hario makes a few great hand grinders:

Hario Slim

Hario Skerton

You can use any cheap scale. This is the one that I suggest to most people.

Since you are on a budget I would lean towards an aeropress or a french press. They are close to the same price (~$30) so it depends on the style of coffee that you enjoy. You can certainly use a pour over, but I feel that to get a consistent cup you will also need a goose neck kettle which might put you over your budget.

Well, I was only asking those questions to try and field if there were any specific issues that you were having.

If what you're doing is (a) working and (b) consistent, then keep it up. Since there are a lot of variables that are out of your hands (e.g. type of bean, grind size, freshness), then I'd suggest focusing on making the variables that you can control the best possible.

Filtering the water, or maybe even using bottled water, will likely make your brew better. Since you can't control what beans are being used, I'd recommend investing in a cheap gram scale to repeat your results in the event that your office gets a different type of coffee from the same roaster.

Also, do you have a refrigerator? I know you don't have a freezer, but I found that brewing for 18ish hours in the refrigerator greatly increased flavor and mouthfeel over 12ish hours at room temperature. Something to try/think about, especially during those times when your schedule requires you to brew it for a longer period of time.

A scale to use for weighing jewelry to calculate material cost more easily and to calculate shipping and print postage instead of having to go to the post office! This would really help me with my jewelry business, Yay! :D

Why not both, for cheaper?

American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bs-OCbMX92F8E

I've used a ton of scales and this one has never let me down.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2

This scale is pretty great. It's accurate to .1 gram. If you don't need it to go up to 2 kg (I weigh food on mine too) the same company sells ones that max out at 1 kg for less than $10 USD.

Second on the separate scale. This and this are generally well regarded here. I own the first one, and I love it

I recommend an AWS scale. I've had mine for several years and it still works great.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2

1/8 tsp baking soda weighs .6 g, and my kitchen scale can measure to that level of precision. I get the weight of a "serving" of everything I use in baking off the label, and scale up or down to the amount that I need, then measure everything in a bowl on the scale. I find that this is easier than measuring by volume, because I don't have to drag out a million measuring cups and spoons to bake something. I just need a calculator, a bowl or two, and maybe a small measuring cup to scoop things.

Followed your advise and this is what I was thinking, and it makes better coffee than the v60. At least the decaf from the same place as the steam thermometer on the group head after a shot.

Typically, I go with just around 16-17g per 8 oz (or around 250 ml). Do yourself a favor and get one of these. Use it to accurately measure out the amount of coffee you brew, adjust to taste, and stay consistent.

Honestly though, it could be any number of factors that are causing the issues. The main ones are water quality, brew temperature (best at 195-205), freshness of grind, quality of beans, grind size, and water/coffee ratio. Try to play with one factor at a time and see if you can improve the cup quality to an acceptable amount. That machine should be capable of making a pretty decent cup of coffee given the right factors, assuming it maintains a good brewing temp range.

I use the American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG. It has a 0.1g resolution and you can disable the auto-off if you plug it in.

It doesn't have a timer like the Hario, but it's a whole lot cheaper.

I'd like to add on a digital scale since water-to-bean ratios can be fun to play around with as well. There are a few recommendations in the Wiki on the side bar. I personally have the American Weight Scale AMW-SC-2KG but there are a lot of other scales out there to fit a range of budget requirements.

A pour-over setup works best with a kettle, unless you have really fine motor control skills, so like others said, a Hario hand grinder (~$30), a scale ($~20), and a Clever Coffee Dripper or an Aeropress.
A clever is like a French press in that you put ground coffee in, wait a few minutes, but it's also like a pour-over in that once you put it on top of a cup, the valve at the bottom opens and everything goes through the paper filter. Incredibly forgiving.
Have a look
Aeropress is fine too, since you only drink 1-2 cups.

For the scale, I use this AWS 2kg - compact and updates fast. Survived a couple explosions of water and coffee as well.

I've seen a pianist pour a thinner stream of water than what comes out of a $100+ Takahiro kettle using just a ordinary tea kettle with a huge spout.

Here are the links:

Aeropress

Grinder

Scale

Thermometer

EDIT: I bring this setup with me when I travel for work, along with a small screw top tupperware full of coffee beans.

Have this one and it works great.

I did have to order a replacement though as the first came miscalibrated (probably due to a fall during shipping). To avoid that, it may be beneficial to order a scale that includes a calibration weight, like this one.

I use this measuring cup and this scale. I weigh the beans going into the grinder. I measure the espresso coming out by setting the scale on the drip tray, putting the little plastic cover that came with the scale on top to protect it from spray/overflow, and then put the cup on top of that. With my bottomless portafilter, there's more than enough room.

For a cheap, easy set up at home, you could get a french press. Getting freshly roasted coffee is pretty important, so look up if there are any roasters near you. Grinding at home with a burr grinder is ideal, but if you aren't ready for that yet you can have them ground for you. Ground coffee gets stale much quicker tham whole beans. You also do not need to get the coffee super course ground like a lot of people say, it can be just a little coarser than your normal store bought preground coffee. Look up the James Hoffman French Press technique, it truly works. I usually like a 1:14 ratio of coffee to water. So for one person, 20 grams of coffee to 280 grams of water. I think medium roast coffee works well with a French press. That being said I prefer to use a V60 for my coffee making. A Melitta or Aeropress would be good options for someone starting out. Also would recommend getting a cheap scale like this

That's interesting. I'm actually considering going away from anything posted in this thread, due to the how big they are. Trying to minimize on the size, due to the limited counter space. Considering going towards this American Weigh, but it's all up in the air at this point -- this is assuming it can handle a full load from a 6-cup chemex.

I have recently invested in some budget coffee equipment for making pour over coffee (iced and hot):

• Hario V60 Drip Decanter (Needed full decanter for iced)
  
  
• Hario Skerton Manual Grinder
  
  
• AMW-2KG Scale
  
  Questions:
  
  Standard coffee cooling too quick. Should I heat up full decanter and my cup before brewing? Or should I just get a ceramic dripper and save the decanter for iced coffee?
  
  My coffee enthusiast friend told me to use spring water and what a difference it has made! That being said, I'd like to avoid wasting it as much as possible. Would it be gross to use near boiling spring water to heat up decanter and cup, then pour it back into the jug with other spring water? Any other advice for using non-tap water?

Probably the lowest price for all those:

good, cheap scale:

https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1495899791&sr=8-3&keywords=american+weigh+scale

Gooseneck w/ thermometer:

https://www.amazon.com/CASALEEYA-Stainless-Gooseneck-Thermometer-Disposable/dp/B01HZG92AA/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1495899850&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=gooseneck+kettle&psc=1

grinder:

https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DBM-8-Supreme-Grind-Automatic/dp/B00018RRRK/ref=sr_1_8?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1495899916&sr=1-8&keywords=hario+grinder

I love mine. Can be tossed in a bag, it comes with a lid that is kinda loose, so adding a rubber band would make it perfect.

American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_442DAbCK5K4WV

Here is a good pocket scale to consider adding to your setup, so you can control your ratio. This is important, as you will learn what works for your taste. Different beans have different densities, but a gram is always a gram.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_l-CDAb1C1HHT0

A different model than the other American Weigh Scale, the American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG has the same range and capacity as the Coffee Gear scale and is ~$21. It receives lots of mentions for coffee use, lots of folk like them, some report easy to break or issues with accurate weights.

Suggestion for a budget scale:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

IMO I think you can get better bang for your bucks, all possible with a cheaper price tag -- I've assembled a list assuming a pour over kit. Obviously you would want to get a dripper. Now, there are a lot of different kinds out there (even within the same product line e.g. plastic vs ceramic construction), amongst which the popular ones would be the Hario V60 and the Melitta, the Beehouse included. For the kettle, you can get the Bonavita Variable GooseNeck for $60 now at Amazon (it's a steal!), or the Stovetop version for $20 less. The Bonavita allows the user to manipulate the temperature much more precisely, and thus ensures more consistent consecutive cups of coffee. To be even more precise, get a scale. I have owned the Hario Slim Mill for some time now, and with some simple modification, it can grind some pretty darn consistent grinds! I think altogether this will sum total to at most the same price. And above all, make sure you buy him freshly roasted beans!

Don't get the V60 scale, go for this one: https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464804885&sr=8-2&keywords=AWS+scale

Saw you weren't using a scale, a cheap one that's lasted me for the past 3 years without fail is this little guy, AMW-2C

Just to help a little more. What is your brew technique? My typical method is using the Kalita Wave, which is very similar to your Melitta. On my beans a week and under, I bloom for 30 seconds, just under double my coffee weight (30 grams of coffee = 50 gram bloom). Beans over a week I'll bloom for 45 seconds. Then it's business as usual. A tight controlled pour and I try to limit my brew time to under 2:30 (I make 30g batches). SOMETIMES, depending on the coffee, I'll add in some agitation during the bloom, just depends on how I feel that morning.

This is the American Weigh scale in the photos, it is 100g max with 0.01g resolution and I've had it for 4 years now.

This is another American Weigh scale that I've used for work, it has a 2kg capacity and resolution of 0.1g.

There are also other recommendations in the /r/coffee wiki.

That is a great and cheap place to start experimenting!

Don't know what the water's like in your neck of the woods, but I need a filter jug like a Brita.

Also - get some scales like this - cheap, more accurate than most kitchen scales, and it'll make a world of difference to weigh your water and your beans. You'd be surprised how much of a difference a few grams one way or the other make to the resulting brew.

After that - you're good to go!

That's awesome, good luck on finals! I love your plan of action, I wouldn't change a thing. This is a cheap gram scale that I and many other people use to weigh their beans. Also, what kind of grinder do you have? This will be a fun experiment to watch! I'd imagine that the way you scoop off the bloom will be a huge factor in your method.

My modest setup.
http://i.imgur.com/5b6PoiZ.jpg

Picking up this guy in the near future. Next on the list is a Moka Pot!

I use an American Weighs scale and feel it does a great job measuring to the 10th of a gram. Around $20 on Amazon. I've had it for probably 1.5 years and no issues so far.

Edit:. 2 years and going strong. Link: American Weigh Scales SC Series Digital Pocket Weight Scale, Silver, 2000G, 2KG x 0.1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dzbvDbMC4D6SZ

American Weigh Scales AMW-SC-2KG Digital Pocket Scale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RF3XJ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_AL1vxbYSZSRGR

These are great- stay calibrated and are very durable. 2kg limit and .1g resolution.

$20 for an adequate scale that can do grams and ounces. You should be measuring all of your coffee weight with a scale, cups wont cut it.

The jennings and https://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Scales-AMW-SC-2KG-Digital/dp/B001RF3XJ2 are likely candidates right now. Something to plug in would be nice for my grandfather so he doesn't need to put batteries in

Does your Silvia have a PID installed?

As far as gear goes, here are my recommendations:

Grinder: Baratza Vario - refurb if you can get it from Baratza's website.

Tamper: I like Clive Coffee's Tampers. They're around the same price as a Reg Barber, but I like the way they feel and look a lot more. Here's a link.

Knockbox: Rattleware has some good ones, but basically any knockbox will do.

Milk Pitcher: 12 oz. Rattleware for Capps and smaller drinks. If you're going to be making lattes, then you'll want a 20 oz. pitcher.

Beans: If you've got any good quality, local coffee shops in your area, then try their stuff. See what you like and what you don't. If there isn't much available locally, then there are plenty of online retailers. I've recently been buying from Sterling Coffee Roasters in Portland, OR because they offer free shipping and have great coffee. But like I said there are tons of choices for beans.

Scale: Definitely get a scale. Weighing each dose is probably the best way to pull consistent shots day after day. It's easy - just put portafilter on scale to zero before you grind into the portafilter. Then grind into portafilter and weigh when it looks close. I would start with 19 gram doses if I were you. I like this scale from AWS..

Get a thermometer - any good insta-read thermometer will do.

Get a stiff bristled brush for cleaning the group head, like this one.

Get some Cafiza for back flushing the group head every few weeks.

Get some Dezcal for descaling the boiler a couple of times per year.

Get a bottomless portafilter at some point.

You may want to look into purchasing one of the VST portafilter baskets. The ones that come with the Silvia are not very good.

Honestly, my real advice would be to take back the machine, get cash or store credit, and put that money towards a Breville Dual Boiler 920XL. The Breville comes with a 2 year warranty, and includes quality baskets, milk pitcher, tamper, and water filter. It's about double the price of the Silvia, but it has so many more features that it's more than worth it. I bought a Silvia as my first machine and it took me only a few months before I decided to upgrade. It's a fun little machine, but it's extremely outdated and way over priced for what you're getting.