my review of the EXAGRAM COMPACT SCALES BY WACACO
I was thrilled to get the chance to review the new Wacaco Exagram compact coffee scales.
In summary, the precision, quality of manufacture and compact size were impressive. I really liked that they have included a built-in timer and that they also provide a silicone pad that can be used to protect the scales from liquid spills.
Even before removing the Exagram from the box I knew this was going to be a winner. The robustness of the packaging and the simplicity of the marketing suggested to me that the contents were going to be well designed and simple to use. I wasn’t disappointed.
The inside of the box was lined with black foam to protect the scales in transit. The box also contained a comprehensive user booklet.
Turning the scales on and off is simple!
I saw some comments on reddit that I feel need correcting. Someone said that they found it inconvenient that the on/off switch is on the underside of the scales. What they appear not to have realised is that the scales switch on by applying light pressure on the display. They will either turn off automatically after 5 minutes, or alternatively, press the display by applying light pressure for a couple of seconds, and the unit will switch off.
It’s also worth noting here that the scales use 2 x 1.5v AAA batteries (not included). Another feature to mention here is that the display backlight dims after 90 seconds of non-use, therefore conserving battery power.
Compact and light
These scales are perfect to use on your travels as they weigh only 128g. For ultimate convenience they also fit in the palm of your hand. They are very stylish in black so can also be used at home, and will complement all your other coffee making gadgets.
The scales can be used with or without the ribbed silicone pad. I found the pad useful so used it all the time. Not only does it protect the stainless steel scales from heat transfer it also protects them from any liquid spills.
Precision weighing with the Exagram
You can weigh from as little as 0.3g and up to 2kg. The tare function zero’s out the display so you can use any cup or container to start weighing accurately.
My home testing
First of all I measured out 50g of coffee beans on some old trusted kitchen scales. I also re-measured the weight using my Basal Pequeno Digital Scales. I then repeatedly transferred the coffee beans to and from the Exagram scales, occasionally applying some extra weight with my finger. The weight consistently showed 50g on the display of the Exagram.
I also weighed out 16g of coffee beans that I would use in a Nanopresso with a double-basket fitted from the Barista Kit.
And I weighed out 18g of coffee for the Picopresso.
I repeatedly put the beans on the scales, took them off, and put the beans back on. As before I also pressed down to add extra weight occasionally, and the exagram scales consistently showed the correct weight.
I was impressed!
Built-in Timer
I tried out the timer using my Cuppamoka pour-over coffee maker. After tareing the display I was ready to start pouring.
I pressed the timer button, poured a small amount of water then paused the timer after a couple of seconds to let the coffee bloom.
After un-pausing the timer I controlled the remaining length of the pour and at the same time checked the weight to make sure the extracted coffee was exactly how I like it!
Conclusion
Wacaco have done a great job with these scales. Not only are they well built and stylish, they are also compact so very convenient to use when travelling. The addition of the timer makes it perfect for the coffee connoisseur to help them get their coffee right every time. And the inclusion of a removable ribbed silicone pad is a great idea to protect the scales from liquid spills and from heat transfer.
UPDATE: JULY 2022 – The Exagram Compact Coffee Scales are now available to buy in Australia. The recommended retail price of the scales is AUD$53.90.
Wacaco have produced this short video demonstrating the Exagram coffee scales in use.