Thx Brian, nice video. Just got the Basic + delivered as a black friday offer. Cant wait to use it 😊 Especially the increasing weight value in smal increments is needed for a comfortable work process. Hope, that the battery has not to be loaded every two weeksas I saw in another video. Maybe its wise to cover the usb slot also. When I am working on my cappuchino a bit of water / steam always could get inside the scale I assume 😅
For people who own scales without visible switches, a simple solution is to put a dot of paint pen, liquid correction fluid or similar on the preferred spot. Then you will always know its orientation.
I bought mine this past 11/11 sale as well and I appreciate the battery and autotimer function. However, I mainly purchased mine for espresso and have some regrets there. It's just not a great espresso scale (for plenty of reasons Brian mentions and listed in other comments) and I should have probably gone with the Nano. It's great for pourover, but doesn't offer much more than a basic waterproof coffee scale available from any etailer for $13-14 USD. I still use it daily, and it's a very passable choice for someone not looking for peak workflow/efficiency/hyper-precision. But if I were to do it over I would probably invest more in a separate specialized espresso scale like the Nano and use an inexpensive unit for pourover.
Great comparison but if you're looking for "Acaia Lunar killer" then the more apt comparison would be Timemore Black Mirror Nano. Size and feature wise it's pretty much the Lunar without Bluetooth connectivity at less than a quarter of the price. It even has the flow rate indicator although it displays the flow rate in number instead of dotted line and it replaces the timer so there's no way to see the timer and flow rate at the same time.
The on/off button on the plus is just for travel. You can throw it in your suitcase and not worry about it coming on. You can leave the plus on/off button to on and it will automatically turn itself off and come on when needed.
One more feature in model 2021, the plus can be tare and functional touch less, just try to move above the tare button without touching physically and u will hear sound. It’s amazing scale
For espresso, I used the Timemore Black Mirror 2021 for a few months, but the size wasn't comfortable moving it around, especially picking it up with one hand. Also, barely fit on my Elizabeth grates. Was planning to try the Nano, but eff it, splurged on the Lunar. Pricey, but love the workflow. Also able to recalibrate if necessary.
The problem with a brief overview is that it doesn't address the reliability and accuracy over time. I was just reading some of the reviews on Amazon and quite a few people found it to be inaccurate and unreliable. I don't know whether that represents a very small percentage of defective units or if the company has issues with quality control.
I have the Black Mirror Basic Plus and it's not a great scale. Its main problem is that it's too thick for both of my espresso machines, making it impossible to fit some cups. The other issue is the touch buttons. They get activated unexpectedly and are less satisfying to use than regular tactile buttons. Then there's the issue of responsiveness. Even with the improvements over the previous model, the Basic Plus is still less responsive than some cheaper scales, and its reading doesn't increase as gradually during the shot. It's easy to see that in some instances it even decreases the reading for a split second, which really should never happen. Bottom line is that I don't use it much and can't recommend it. I have a scale I bought off aliexpress for 14 dollars that is thinner, has better responsiveness (or at least never decreases readings even for an instance), is just as accurate, has real buttons and has a metal top plate that I use to attach a magnetic mirror (no need to lean over to see the bottomless portafilter during the shot). The only real downside is that it's not water resistant, but it's easy to tape over its battery compartment to protect it from drip tray splashes.
The MHW-3BOMBER is probably not a clone. They've been a lot of exciting stuff in the coffee sphere, similar to Timemore but more geared towards espresso and milk drinks (milk jugs, distributors, etc.).
I'm guessing you have several videos to make before completing this video... Do you have a suggestion of the ultimate pour over scale? I have a previous gen time more and am debating between upgrading to new gen or going with something like the acai pearl
I bought the original Timemore. The jumping numbers (instead of smooth ramp up like Acaia) was so infuriating that I returned it. Anything but a pour over and I think it's too frustrating, you'll overshoot every time.
I recently got the WAcaco scale. its great for my espresso machine but has some DUMB design decisions like a button for power on the bottom and a beep anytime a button is pressed. But its built the right way round so it doesn't fill with water, and its reasonably inexpensive
My experience with that scale have been awful, weight move up and down and the scale stop at the moment I do a swirl. When I clic to do a tare, nothing happen, need to click 4 or 5 times. I usually enjoy making my coffee as much as drinking it but it ruined everything
Felicita Arc is a better option than Acaia, no problems with availability and just as well quality built for half the price. I don’t care about people saying they copied Acaia, they both got parts from the same supplier. Acaia doesn’t care how loyal you are so don’t be a fool and buy the cheaper option that works and feels just as well, plus Arc has a perfect shape to accomodate two cups. Acaia is super overpriced and Felicita just proves that!
great video sub'ed and yeah, the aliexpress is much cheaper...like about half. and so, well, you know. not used aliexpress before. i assume you wouldn't link unless you know this seller on aliexpress is legit? no offense. :) clicking on the various links for the seller won't pull up.
Great review! You now need to compare the Black Mirror Plus to the Black Mirror Nano 😉
Agreed 😊 that would be great ✌🏽
Thx Brian, nice video. Just got the Basic + delivered as a black friday offer. Cant wait to use it 😊
Especially the increasing weight value in smal increments is needed for a comfortable work process.
Hope, that the battery has not to be loaded every two weeksas I saw in another video.
Maybe its wise to cover the usb slot also. When I am working on my cappuchino a bit of water / steam always could get inside the scale I assume 😅
i really like my black mirror basic + for pour over. Its worth noting they now do a Black mirror Nano espresso scale!
For people who own scales without visible switches, a simple solution is to put a dot of paint pen, liquid correction fluid or similar on the preferred spot. Then you will always know its orientation.
Have you seen the Timemore Black Mirror Nano?
Is there any way to switch Timemore mirror plus to oz
I bought mine this past 11/11 sale as well and I appreciate the battery and autotimer function. However, I mainly purchased mine for espresso and have some regrets there. It's just not a great espresso scale (for plenty of reasons Brian mentions and listed in other comments) and I should have probably gone with the Nano. It's great for pourover, but doesn't offer much more than a basic waterproof coffee scale available from any etailer for $13-14 USD.
I still use it daily, and it's a very passable choice for someone not looking for peak workflow/efficiency/hyper-precision. But if I were to do it over I would probably invest more in a separate specialized espresso scale like the Nano and use an inexpensive unit for pourover.
Great comparison but if you're looking for "Acaia Lunar killer" then the more apt comparison would be Timemore Black Mirror Nano. Size and feature wise it's pretty much the Lunar without Bluetooth connectivity at less than a quarter of the price. It even has the flow rate indicator although it displays the flow rate in number instead of dotted line and it replaces the timer so there's no way to see the timer and flow rate at the same time.
I really like my black mirror nano. It has a WiFi symbol that shows every boot up...I have no idea why if it doesn't connect with anything.
The on/off button on the plus is just for travel. You can throw it in your suitcase and not worry about it coming on. You can leave the plus on/off button to on and it will automatically turn itself off and come on when needed.
Thanks for such a great review!
One more feature in model 2021, the plus can be tare and functional touch less, just try to move above the tare button without touching physically and u will hear sound. It’s amazing scale
Hi Brian! Great video
Any chances of testing the Timemore dual sensor? I’m intrigued and there are no reviews.
For espresso, I used the Timemore Black Mirror 2021 for a few months, but the size wasn't comfortable moving it around, especially picking it up with one hand. Also, barely fit on my Elizabeth grates. Was planning to try the Nano, but eff it, splurged on the Lunar. Pricey, but love the workflow. Also able to recalibrate if necessary.
I may consider Black mirror Plus for my next scale 😁
Yeah I also want to see your take on the Timemore Nano
The problem with a brief overview is that it doesn't address the reliability and accuracy over time. I was just reading some of the reviews on Amazon and quite a few people found it to be inaccurate and unreliable. I don't know whether that represents a very small percentage of defective units or if the company has issues with quality control.
I have the Black Mirror Basic Plus and it's not a great scale. Its main problem is that it's too thick for both of my espresso machines, making it impossible to fit some cups. The other issue is the touch buttons. They get activated unexpectedly and are less satisfying to use than regular tactile buttons. Then there's the issue of responsiveness. Even with the improvements over the previous model, the Basic Plus is still less responsive than some cheaper scales, and its reading doesn't increase as gradually during the shot. It's easy to see that in some instances it even decreases the reading for a split second, which really should never happen.
Bottom line is that I don't use it much and can't recommend it. I have a scale I bought off aliexpress for 14 dollars that is thinner, has better responsiveness (or at least never decreases readings even for an instance), is just as accurate, has real buttons and has a metal top plate that I use to attach a magnetic mirror (no need to lean over to see the bottomless portafilter during the shot). The only real downside is that it's not water resistant, but it's easy to tape over its battery compartment to protect it from drip tray splashes.
The MHW-3BOMBER is probably not a clone. They've been a lot of exciting stuff in the coffee sphere, similar to Timemore but more geared towards espresso and milk drinks (milk jugs, distributors, etc.).
Interesting I haven't opened it up yet! The externals are looking a lot like a bunch of other scales though so I hope it inside is much better
I'm guessing you have several videos to make before completing this video... Do you have a suggestion of the ultimate pour over scale? I have a previous gen time more and am debating between upgrading to new gen or going with something like the acai pearl
Hi I see Nautilus! When will be the review of it?
Great review! Is it possible to turn the beep on and off? If so, how is that done? Thanks!
Yes press and hold the tare button I believe! It could also be the timer button but you'll see the speaker icon disappear
I don’t think you took the time to appreciated the pure joy of removing the protective film 😂😂
No Decent scale? It’s super quick and accurate, can hold two cups, and connects to the Decent DE1 via Bluetooth.
I have the 1.0 and didn't have it when I was filming haha. I quite like it but it scratches and chews through batteries like crazy :(
I bought the original Timemore. The jumping numbers (instead of smooth ramp up like Acaia) was so infuriating that I returned it. Anything but a pour over and I think it's too frustrating, you'll overshoot every time.
I recently got the WAcaco scale. its great for my espresso machine but has some DUMB design decisions like a button for power on the bottom and a beep anytime a button is pressed. But its built the right way round so it doesn't fill with water, and its reasonably inexpensive
My experience with that scale have been awful, weight move up and down and the scale stop at the moment I do a swirl. When I clic to do a tare, nothing happen, need to click 4 or 5 times. I usually enjoy making my coffee as much as drinking it but it ruined everything
Please compare the new black mirror nano with the acaia lunar
Isn't the Black Mirror Nano the competitor for the Acaia Lunar?
The nano didn't exist 2 years ago!
8:12 seems like the accuracy of these scales were breathtaking. :-\
Felicita Arc is a better option than Acaia, no problems with availability and just as well quality built for half the price. I don’t care about people saying they copied Acaia, they both got parts from the same supplier. Acaia doesn’t care how loyal you are so don’t be a fool and buy the cheaper option that works and feels just as well, plus Arc has a perfect shape to accomodate two cups. Acaia is super overpriced and Felicita just proves that!
Would love to hear what you think of the decent scale too
Yep! I have the 1.0 and I'll be getting around to it.
@@BrianQuan woohoo!! Looking forward to that!!
4:40 Steve are you just gonna take this
great video sub'ed
and yeah, the aliexpress is much cheaper...like about half. and so, well, you know. not used aliexpress before. i assume you wouldn't link unless you know this seller on aliexpress is legit? no offense. :) clicking on the various links for the seller won't pull up.
fellow scale when
My timemore is garbage