Measuring coffee by weight provides more consistent and accurate results than measuring by volume because the density of coffee beans and grounds can vary significantly, leading to inconsistent brew strength and flavor.
When brewing coffee, the goal is to extract the optimal amount of soluble compounds from the coffee grounds. These compounds contribute to the coffee's flavor, aroma, and body. The amount of coffee used directly impacts the extraction process.
Measuring by volume, such as using scoops or tablespoons, is unreliable because the density of coffee can vary greatly. Factors like the roast level (light vs. dark), the grind size (coarse vs. fine), and even the humidity can affect how densely the coffee packs into a scoop. A scoop of finely ground, dark-roasted coffee will weigh significantly more than a scoop of coarsely ground, lightly roasted coffee. This means you could be using vastly different amounts of coffee even when using the same 'scoop.'
Measuring by weight, using a kitchen scale, eliminates this variability. A gram is a gram, regardless of the coffee's density. By consistently using the same weight of coffee for each brew, you can ensure a more consistent extraction and, therefore, a more consistent brew strength and flavor. This allows you to fine-tune your brewing parameters and replicate your desired results accurately.
Invest in an inexpensive digital kitchen scale that measures in grams. Even a small difference of a few grams can impact the taste of your coffee, especially when brewing smaller batches.