How Many Scoops of Coffee Should You Use Per Cup (Coffee Scoop 101)


How many coffee scoops per cup

A coffee scoop is one of the three ways to measure coffee for brewing. The other two ways are using a scale or coffee grinder that has a timer so that it grinds the set amount of grounds.

The main handicap to using a scoop or a spoon is that you have to have to grind the coffee beans before measuring hence can cause wastage when you grind more coffee than you need. A scoop is therefore perfect for pre ground coffee.

How many scoops of coffee should you use per cup?

You should use one level scoop of ground coffee per 6 ounces (177ml) cup of coffee, considering the coffee golden ratio of 1:18. A standard coffee scoop holds 10 grams (two tablespoons) of ground coffee.

What is a Coffee Scoop?

A coffee scoop is a spoon-like tool, with a handle and a bowl, that measures the set amount of coffee. Scoops are handy around the kitchen for scooping spices, cocoa, coffee, powdered creamer, or loose tea. A coffee scoop is affordable and easy to use and it ensures that your brew is consistent in both strength and flavor.

What is the Size of a Coffee Scoop?

The average size of a coffee scoop is 10 grams. Coffee scoops are available in different sizes, designs, and materials. The sizes range from less than 5 grams to more than 12 grams.

A 10 grams coffee scoop is an excellent choice because it measures enough coffee grounds for one cup of coffee. A variation of one or two grams will not significantly affect the quality of your brew unless you are looking for perfection.

Factors To Consider When Buying a Coffee Scoop

Buying a coffee scoop is as easy as buying a spoon. However, buying the wrong size of a scoop in terms of the bowl’s capacity and the length of the handle sucks: you start doing calculations to find out how many scoops you need to use – a problem that the scoop was meant to solve.

Taking time to select a good coffee scoop can save you a lot of trouble.

1. Size of the Scoop

A good coffee scoop should measure 10 grams of coffee. A 12 grams scoop is also fine. Choose a scoop whose measurement is indicated on it so that you don’t have to memorize the size. Embossed measurements last longer than printed measurements.

2. The Design of the Coffee Scoop

A scoop with tapered sides funnels the grounds smoothly reducing spillage. A slim coffee scoop can fit through the narrow opening of a mason jar if you are storing your coffee grounds in mason jars.

Some scoops are double-sided with a different measurement on each side. For example, one side can measure 10 grams, and the other side one tablespoon or teaspoon as the case may be.

A double-sided scoop eliminates the need to have several scoops. For example, the teaspoon side is ideal for instant coffee or sugar and the bigger bowl is ideal for coffee grounds.

Some coffee scoops also feature a coffee tamper that can be handy when you don’t have a tamper for espresso. Some other scoops have a bag clip to create an airtight seal for the remaining coffee grounds.

3. Material of the Scoop

The material of the scoop also dictates the scoop’s durability, ease of cleaning, and eco-friendliness. Stainless steel coffee scoops are recyclable, resistant to rust, and they do not introduce foreign flavors or smell to the coffee.

A wooden scoop can grow mold when not dried properly after cleaning. Wooden scoops are compostable and safe for the environment.

Plastic scoops should be BPA-free to err on the side of caution.

4. Safety

The edges of the scoop, especially, for metallic coffee scoops should be blunt and non-rugged to avoid accidental cuts.

5. Easy to Use

A coffee scoop with a comfortable non-slip handle is easy to use.

6. Length of the Handle

A short handle will not reach the bottom of your coffee bag. A scoop with a handle that is at least five inches long easily scoops from the bottom of the bag.

7. Sturdy Structure

The scoop should be sturdy to prevent bending and breaking. Wooden scoops are likely to be brittle and break easily. Plastic scoops should not be rubbery.

Metallic scoops made from one piece of material without welding do not fall apart as they have no joints. Welded scoops tend to fall apart, especially, when they accidentally fall.

8. Cleaning

A coffee scoop should have a smooth finish without grooves to ease cleaning. A dishwasher-safe scoop is an excellent choice when you have a dishwasher. Wooden scoops should not go in the dishwasher.

9. Artistic Appearance

A scoop with a stylish appearance is a great addition to your coffee making tools.

How to Take Care of a Coffee Scoop

1. Clean and Dry Properly

It’s not necessary to clean a coffee scoop in the dishwasher after every use. Rinsing under running water or wiping with a dry lint-free cloth is fine. Air-dry the scoop after washing with water to prevent mold problems. Water droplets or molds in the scoop can end up in the coffee bag the next time you scoop coffee.

2. Avoid Scooping Spices

Avoid using your coffee scoop for kitchen spices that can introduce strong flavors and smell to the coffee. Clean and dry the scoop after scooping other products such as tea or cocoa before using it for the coffee.

3. Storage

Store the coffee scoop upside down in a container or a tall cup. Dry the scoop, especially, the bowl with a lint-free cloth before storage.

Patrick

Patrick is first a coffee lover and then a trained barista. His bucket list includes sky diving and sipping on Java in the Himalayas.

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