Timemore Black Mirror Basic 3 – Coffee Scale for Pour-Over and Filter Coffee
The water stream hits the coffee bed, and weight, time and flow rate run along on the display. Next to them is the coffee-to-water ratio, which the scale calculates itself.
The Timemore Black Mirror Basic 3 weighs accurately to 0.1 g, shows your pour speed in real time and has three timer modes for standard, pour-over and espresso. It is 2 cm flat, weighs 300 g and is protected against splashing water to IPX3.
What's new about the Basic 3?
Electromagnetic shielding
A purpose-built load cell delivers fast, stable readings to 0.1 g. Shielding keeps out interference from magnetic accessories and nearby devices, so the reading stays steadier.
Coffee-to-water ratio
You weigh in the coffee and confirm with the ratio button. While you pour, the scale shows the current ratio and does the maths for you.
Multifunction slider
A slider on the side switches the scale on and off and changes between the three timer modes. You can find it by touch, and it sits where it stays out of the way while brewing.
Real-time flow rate
The display shows how many grams of water per second you are pouring. That way you can see whether you are pouring evenly and repeat your recipe next time.
24 hours of runtime
The 1600 mAh battery lasts up to 24 hours with the display on. Timemore calculates around 280 pour-overs of five minutes each per charge. Via USB-C it is fully charged in 3.5 hours.
Flatter and lighter
Compared with the Basic 2, the Basic 3 is around 25% lighter and 35% smaller, according to Timemore. It is 2 cm flat, offers 168 cm² of weighing surface and fits on the counter as well as in a travel bag.
The details in everyday use
Wraparound mat
Instead of the smaller mat of its predecessor, a thicker mat wraps the Basic 3 right up to the edges. That keeps it in place while brewing and when you handle it, and deep grooves channel away spills.
Rest for the portafilter
Flipped over, the mat offers a shaped rest for the portafilter, for example when weighing the ground coffee.
How the pour-over and espresso modes work
In pour-over mode you weigh in the coffee and confirm with the ratio button. A tap on the timer starts a three-second countdown, after which the timer waits for the first pour. When you lift the server off, the final weight and time stay on the display.
In espresso mode you place the cup on the scale and it tares automatically. Time and weight start with the first drop. As a starting point, we work with a 1:2 ratio by weight, not by time. What counts is what tastes good to you. That is our view, one of many.
At a glance
| Weighing range |
0.2 to 2000 g |
| Accuracy |
0.1 g (0.2 to 500 g), 1 g (500 to 1000 g), 3 g (1000 to 2000 g) |
| Timer modes |
3 (standard, pour-over, espresso) |
| Flow rate |
in real time |
| Ratio display |
Yes, via ratio button |
| Shielding |
against electromagnetic interference |
| Battery |
1600 mAh, charging via USB-C |
| Runtime |
up to 24 h with display on, charging time 3.5 h |
| Water protection |
IPX3 |
| Dimensions |
140 × 120 × 20 mm |
| Weighing surface |
168 cm² |
| Weight |
300 g |
| Brand |
Timemore |
Who it's made for
For anyone who brews filter coffee by weight and wants to see how they pour. The Basic 3 works with any dripper and any grinder. Whether one scale is enough or you want more features is a question of taste, not of skill.
For anyone who wants a scale that is affordable and precise: besides Timemore, there is Normcore. If you want app connectivity and Bluetooth: Acaia. You can find all models in our barista scales.
A grinder goes well with the scale: as a hand grinder from Comandante or Timemore, electric from Varia or Weber Workshops. All models are in our coffee grinders. As brewers, the Hario V60 and AeroPress are good options; if you want more, take a look at the BIRD from Weber Workshops. Our advice tool helps you put your setup together.
Delivery across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2–4 working days. Click & Collect in Bern and Zürich. You can see the scale live in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zürich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Basic 3 and the Basic 2?
The Basic 3 shows the coffee-to-water ratio, has a multifunction slider for on/off and mode, is better shielded against electromagnetic interference, is around 25% lighter and 35% smaller according to Timemore, and has a wraparound mat. Both show the flow rate.
Which brewing methods is the Basic 3 suited to?
For pour-over in pour-over mode, for espresso in espresso mode with automatic taring, and for everything else in standard mode with timer, for example French press or AeroPress.
How accurate is the scale?
To 0.1 g between 0.2 and 500 g, to 1 g up to 1000 g and to 3 g up to 2000 g.
How is the scale charged?
Via USB-C. The 1600 mAh battery lasts up to 24 hours with the display on and is fully charged in 3.5 hours.
Can I see the scale before buying?
Yes, in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zürich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). Ordered online, it reaches you in 2–4 working days.
Tip from the roastery: For a round, full-bodied filter coffee with chocolate and nut, we roast Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight. If you are looking for maximum body, go for Very Nutty. For the curious looking for a fruity experience in the V60, there is Wild Peach. That is our recommendation, one of many.
