Contents
  1. Scale sizes compared
  2. Published clearances
  3. What to measure at home
  4. Recommendation

A scale under the cup lets you stop a shot at a target weight. On a compact machine, the scale has to fit twice: on the drip tray, and under the spout with a cup on top. Manufacturers rarely publish drip-tray dimensions, so this guide works from what is published and shows you what to measure.

Scale sizes compared

Scale footprints, top view1. Timemore Black Mirror Nano: 99 mm wide by 114 mm deep; 2. Hario V60 Drip Scale: 120 mm wide by 190 mm deep; 3. Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2: 150 mm wide by 150 mm deep; 4. Fellow Tally Pro: 177 mm wide by 150 mm deepWall610 mm (24 in) counter depth1234
  1. 1 Timemore Black Mirror Nano: 99 × 114 mm (3.9 × 4.5 in), manufacturer
  2. 2 Hario V60 Drip Scale: 120 × 190 mm (4.7 × 7.5 in), manufacturer
  3. 3 Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2: 150 × 150 mm (5.9 × 5.9 in), independent test
  4. 4 Fellow Tally Pro: 177 × 150 mm (7.0 × 5.9 in), manufacturer
Scale footprints, top view. Top view, drawn to one scale from each product’s stated width and depth; the shaded band is a 610 mm (24 in) counter depth, the NKBA planning standard. Leave extra room for cables, lids, portafilter handles and hands. This is a planning aid, not a measurement.
Scales for espresso
SpecTimemore Black Mirror NanoTimemore Black Mirror Basic 2Hario V60 Drip ScaleFellow Tally Pro
Resolution0.1 g0.1 g; within 0.1 g of reference in Tom's Guide comparison0.1 g (2–200 g), 0.5 g (200–500 g), 1 g (500–2,000 g)0.1 g readability
TimerAuto-start when weight changes; flow rateAuto timer and flow-rate displayBuilt inTimer mode shows time and weight together
Dimensions3.9 × 4.5 × 0.8 in5.9 × 5.9 × 1.5 in120 W × 190 D × 29 H mm177 × 150 × 33 mm
Editorial score7/107/105.5/107/10
Where to buyView on Timemore's siteCheck price on AmazonBlack Mirror Basic 2 (TM0056)Check price on AmazonBlack (new model), VSTN-2000B on listingCheck price on AmazonTally Pro, black

Figures are as stated by the linked sources on each review page; "Not stated" means we did not find the figure in an accessible primary source.

Published clearances

  • Breville Bambino: about 10 cm (4 in) from spout to tray, per CoffeeGeek (CoffeeGeek).
  • Gaggia Classic Evo Pro: about 10–12 cm, per CoffeeGeek (CoffeeGeek).
  • De'Longhi Dedica Arte: cups up to 5.1 in, per a retailer listing (Whole Latte Love).

What to measure at home

Recommendation

For compact machines, start with the smallest scale that has 0.1 g resolution and a timer, such as the Timemore Nano. Larger scales like the Basic 2 and Tally Pro suit pour-over or machines with bigger trays.

Sources

  1. TIMEMORE Black Mirror Nano coffee scale — TIMEMORE. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  2. V60 Drip Scale Black — Hario USA. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  3. Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 review — Tom's Guide. Independent review. Erin Bashford, 2024-11-22. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  4. Tally Pro Precision Scale — Fellow. Manufacturer. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  5. Breville Bambino Espresso Machine first look — CoffeeGeek. Independent review. Mark Prince, 2024. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  6. Gaggia Classic Evo Pro first look — CoffeeGeek. Independent review. Mark Prince, 2023-11-02. Accessed September 26, 2026.
  7. DeLonghi EC885M Dedica Arte Espresso Machine — Whole Latte Love. Retailer listing. Accessed September 26, 2026.