Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale vs Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale
Two scales side by side. They differ on max capacity, water-resistant. The Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale has a higher weighing limit (3000 g against 2000 g for the Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale).
Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale
Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale
Our take
If you spill water around your brew station, the Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale is the better fit, being water resistant with a 3000 g limit. The Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale offers the same flow-rate display and auto tare but is not water resistant and tops out at 2000 g. We would choose the Model S for daily use.
What actually differs
- The Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale has a higher weighing limit (3000 g against 2000 g for the Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale).
- The Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale has water resistance; the Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale does not.
Which one should you buy?
Home users who monitor flow rates while brewing espresso or pour-over coffee.
Coffee enthusiasts who track pour flow rates will appreciate the integrated display and timer functions. Its size suits espresso machine setups.
Skip it if: Anyone needing a water-resistant scale should look elsewhere.
Full specs and review →Espresso and pour-over brewers who weigh doses and yield
1 g with a 3000 g capacity, this rechargeable scale adds a built-in timer, flow-rate display and auto tare. It fits espresso and pour-over brewers who track dose and yield, and it is water-resistant.
Skip it if: You only need a basic scale without a timer or flow-rate display.
Full specs and review →Where each one wins
- A higher weighing limit
- Water resistance
Specs compared
Rows where they differ are highlighted. Specs are from manufacturer sources; blanks are left blank, never estimated.
| Spec | Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale | Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $$$ $150–300 | $$$ $150–300 |
| Max capacity | 2000 g | 3000 g |
| Resolution | 0.1 g | 0.1 g |
| Built-in timer | Yes | Yes |
| Auto tare / auto start | Yes | Yes |
| Flow-rate display | Yes | Yes |
| Power | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
| Water-resistant | No | Yes |
What they have in common
Both record the same value for: resolution (0.1 g); built-in timer (Yes); auto tare / auto start (Yes); flow-rate display (Yes); power (Rechargeable).
Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale vs Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale: common questions
What is the main difference between the Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale and the Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale?
The Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale has a higher weighing limit (3000 g against 2000 g for the Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale). The Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale has water resistance; the Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale does not.
Is the Acaia Pearl Laboratory Grade Coffee Scale or the Acaia Pearl Model S Coffee Scale more expensive?
Both sit in the same typical price band, $$$ $150–300.