Tea Scale
I’m not a fan of imprecise measurements such as: scant, rounded, generous, heaping, “1-2 tsps.”, etc. I’m very impressed with TeaVivre’s very specific Brewing Guide which provides recommendations in grams: http://www.teavivre.com/info/recommend-brewing-guide/#black
I’m thinking of buying the DURASCALE D2 300:
– http://www.saveonscales.com/products-page/100th/my-weigh-durascale-d2-300-digital-scale/
– http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/my-weigh-durascale-d2-300.html?gclid=CNG_37nApbYCFVGf4Aodxy0A5g
It was first mentioned by Sillyvicen in this thread:
http://steepster.com/discuss/4498-need-scale-advice.
This scale appears to be a good choice for this application:
– TRUE 10,000 DIVISION (D-100) German-Made HBM Sensors.
– 6 standard modes plus full range tare, temperate / RF interference compensation
– Large rubber “Bumpers” around the scale act as stabilizers to keep the Durascale D2 steady on uneven surfaces. They also help reduce vibration and help protect the scale from damage if dropped.
– Lifetime/30 year worldwide warranty (Upton: 1 yr, limited warranty)
– Capacity: Grams 300 (Upton: 200 g)
– Resolution: 0.01 g (Upton: 0.05g)
– $24.90 (Upton: $32)
This scale appears to be a better choice than the one from Upton Tea Importers: http://www.uptontea.com/shopcart/information/INFOscaleUse.asp
Are there any other choices I should consider?
Thank you!
I’ve been really happy with this one from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Signature-Series-Digital/dp/B002SC3LLS/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1370019491&sr=1-4&keywords=digital+scale
It is only $7. If you really want precision there is another model for about $10 that measures .01 gm. I have them both (one at work).
I have found that if I put a small piece of paper on the scale prior to turning it on it zeros with the paper, which saves hitting the tare button.
I have that one, it works really well. I recently broke the lid off but that was of no fault of the product, just me being stupid. Still works of course!
Thanks for your recommendations. The first model is certainly cost-effective and also weighs up to a kg. The Amazon reviews http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-Signature-Series-Digital/product-reviews/B002SC3LLS/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 are mostly positive.
– How long have you have had your scale?
– What is the max capacity of the other AWS model you mentioned?
– How much precision is recommended for weighing tea?
– I understand the battery-saving auto-off feature of some models can be annoying by turning off too quickly. How are the AWS models on this point?
Thank you
I’ve had the 0.1 gm scale for about a year, the other since Christmas. The .01 gm scale is 100 gm max. I find that the 0.1gm is adequate for weighing tea (within about 7%). It’s really hard to get within about .03 gm when you are spilling tea onto the scale. Also, the scale seems to take a little while to settle, so it will creep up by .01 or .02 gm over a couple of seconds. The scale doesn’t turn off as quickly while there is weight on the scale, but you definitely want to keep going once you turn it on.
I’ve been curious whether the portable scale at Mandala is good, don’t know firsthand:
http://shopmandalatea.com/portable-scale.html
I like that it runs on cheap, easy to replace batteries and is pretty sensitive.
I like Garret’s introduction:
“Even the most experienced tea brewer benefits from using consistent amounts of leaf to get their best results. This scale is the perfect tool for standardizing tea quantities and ensuring consistent tea brewing.”
However, his webpage doesn’t provide many details: Brand, model, max weigh amount, tare function, warranty.
All the digital scales I’ve seen run on A-type batteries. Thus, they also have a battery-saving auto-off feature, which on some models can be annoying by turning off too quickly. An AC model wouldn’t have this issue. However, their probably more expensive.
Scale Magazine
Market Commentary
“The Chinese Invasion Continues”
http://www.digitalscale.com/chineseinv.html
You may also find the following to be of interest:
http://www.digitalscale.com/scalemagazine.htm
http://www.digitalscale.com/brands.htm
Upton Tea Imports AR-44 scale has a capacity of 200 g x 0.05 g, tare function, 4-AAA batteries, 1-yr warranty, and costs $32.
http://www.uptontea.com/shopcart/item.asp?ItemID=AR44
http://www.uptontea.com/shopcart/information/INFOscaleUse.asp
For nearly the same cost as the Upton Tea Imports scale, one could select the Jennings JT-2 1000 scale which is much more versatile:
•1000 g x 0.1 g
•Stainless steel Platform 4.5" diameter
•Tare function
•Weight display hold button
•2 AAA batteries or AC adapter (included)
•20 year warranty
•Takes less width on a kitchen counter (The weighing platform is behind the display versus beside it.)
http://www.thedigitalscale.com/jennings-jt-2-1000.html
Review: http://www.digitalscale.com/jt2.html
For a digital pocket scale, the current My Weigh Durascale D2 660 model http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/my-weigh-durascale-d2-660.html caught my eye:
•660 g x 0.1 g
•Stainless steel platform size – 3″ × 2.125″
•A Removable Rubber Bumper for Stability & Protection
•10,000 division German HBM weighing sensors
•WeighMeter™ Technology
•Takes less width on a kitchen counter (The weighing platform is behind the display versus beside it.)
Update: We purchased the My Weigh Durascale D2 660 and have been very pleased.
Review: http://steepster.com/looseTman/posts/190347
Product Info: http://steepster.com/teas/teaware/37731-my-weigh-durascale-d2-660-digital-scale
You’re welcome.
TeaVivre’s brewing guide has been removed. Do you have a copy of it?
TeaVivre’s Recommend Brewing Guide is now found at the bottom of each of TeaVivre’s individual tea description pages (for example: http://www.teavivre.com/keemun-fragrant-black-tea/) instead of in one central location as it was previously.
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