Measurement plays a significant role in our daily life. We measure and keep track of time every single minute of the day. We monitor our health by measuring blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc. All recipes are based on measurement of the ingredients to provide accurate and consistent taste.
We would apply the same concept towards coffee making by measuring the ground coffee. Have you ever weighed a tablespoon of ground coffee to see if you measure it correctly? Chances are, it is not accurate every time.
Not all coffee will taste nor brew the same. The best way to polish up your brewing skill is to measure accurately, which includes the coffee beans, water, and extraction time.
Accurate measurement ensures the best result in the brewing process. The most accurate way to measure coffee is by weight. I weigh both ground coffee and water when brewing. Precise measurement is not necessary in most cases, but it is a critical part of brewing success. I chose not to measure by volume due to density variance between different coffee beans and different coffee roast levels.
If you are serious about coffee, consider investing in a good digital kitchen scale to achieve a proper coffee brewing ratio. Brewing ratio is the proportion of ground coffee used in relation to the amount of water used.
As a general guideline, use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, which is approximately 10 grams or 0.36 ounce, for every 6 ounces of water.
Note: Each serving size is 6 fluid oz., not 8 fluid oz. here. For Starbucks coffee, a tall coffee is 12 fluid oz, that is 2 servings.
Proper brewing ratio is essential for a good cup of coffee and can be attained easily with some practice. I know it might sound complicated to some people, but it is not if you follow the routine and make it a habit. I can assure you that the outcome is highly rewarding.
So, should there be a difference in the amount of coffee use when brewing?
The answer is a big YES!
No matter which brewing method you use (AeroPress, French Press, espresso machine, drip, siphon, etc.), density does affect the amount of ground coffee use.
Finer grind makes a lower packing density while coarser grind is significantly denser.
Darker roasts are less dense than lighter roasts due to moisture outflow during the roasting process.
Grind size makes a huge impact in the resulting taste, so adjust your grind if possible. Otherwise, adjust the amount of ground coffee to suit individual taste preferences.
For people who are less adventurous and prefer using a coffee scoop, try to identify if it is a standard scoop. The classic standard scoop has 10 grams or 0.36-ounce capacity.
Ground coffee is then measured as accurate as possible by leveling off even with the top edge of the scoop.
If you are in the market for a new coffee scoop, here are 7 considerations that will do the job for you:
1. Royal Coffee Scoop
Get the exact 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 g) with this stainless steel coffee spoon with a half foot (6 inches) handle. It’s only $6 at Amazon.
2. Norpro 2 Tablespoons Coffee Scoop
This stainless steel coffee scoop with long handle measures 2 tablespoons (30 g). It cost less than $8 at Amazon.com.
3. Good Cook Extendable Coffee Scoop
This coffee scoop measures 2 tablespoons (30 g) and is extendable to make it easier to scoop beans from the coffee bag. It cost less than $5 at Amazon.com.
4. Frieling 1 Tablespoon coffee scoop and stirrer
5. Handmade wooden coffee scoops
Photo shows 3 different scoops made of layers of black walnut, cherry, oak and maple woods. Every coffee scoop is uniquely designed. These wooden coffee scoops are handcrafted in Wisconsin and measure 2 tablespoons (30 g) of coffee each. Each costs $21.75 at Amazon.com. (plus $7 shipping).
6. Bialetti 2-in-1 Stainless Steel Coffee Scoop and Bag Clip
Bialetti, an Italian company that makes quality coffee pots has a fun coffee scoop with bag clip which we like. A canister or extra container is not needed, just use the bag clip to seal the coffee beans or ground coffee. The coffee scoop measures 1 tablespoon (15 g) of coffee accurately and costs only $10.49 at Amazon.com.
7. Disney World Parks Exclusive Coffee Scoop
Measuring the right amount of coffee is as important as having quality coffee beans. How do you measure your coffee? Let us know.
Article was first published on February 22, 2016 and updated by Latte Art Guy.
