How Does the Acaia Lunar Compare With the Timemore Black Mirror Nano?
Summary
Both weigh to 0.1 g up to 2,000 g, start a timer on their own for espresso, and show flow rate. The Acaia Lunar ($250) adds Bluetooth, a finer 0.01 g reading, much longer battery life, and a two-year warranty that covers water damage. The Timemore Black Mirror Nano ($99.00 on sale for the white version, $109.99 list) is a little lighter and has no connectivity listed on its page.
Spec for spec
| Acaia Lunar | Timemore Black Mirror Nano | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250.00 | $99.00 sale, $109.99 list (white) |
| Size | 105 x 105 x 15 mm | 3.9 x 4.5 x 0.8 in (about 99 x 114 x 20 mm) |
| Weight of the scale | 265 g | 0.51 lb (about 231 g) |
| Capacity and reading | 2,000 g, 0.1 g, up to 0.01 g | 0.1 to 2,000 g in 0.1 g steps |
| Auto timer | Three espresso modes plus a pour-over mode | Auto timing for espresso and pour-over |
| Battery | 30 to 40 hours, USB-C | Up to 15 hours, USB-C, turns off after 3 minutes idle |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | Not listed |
| In the box | Heat-resistant pad, 100 g calibration weight | Not listed |
The footprints are not the same shape. The Lunar is square at 105 mm a side. The Nano is about 6 mm narrower in one direction and 9 mm longer in the other, so which one fits a given drip tray depends on the tray's shape more than on which scale is smaller.
What the Lunar's modes change
Acaia numbers the Lunar's modes from 1 to 7. Modes 3, 4, and 5 are the espresso ones. In mode 3 the timer starts when flow begins, mode 4 also tares automatically, and mode 5 tares and starts the timer on its own. Mode 7 is the pour-over version. Timemore describes the Nano's automatic timing in a single line, a timer that starts when the scale senses a change in weight, with modes for espresso and for pour-over.
The Lunar's body is water-resistant anodized aluminum, and Acaia's two-year warranty includes water damage. Acaia doesn't give an IP rating, and Timemore doesn't describe water resistance for the Nano.
Shopping for one? Shop espresso tools and accessories →
Sources
- Acaia — Lunar
- Acaia — Guide to Lunar 2021 Modes
- Timemore — Black Mirror Nano espresso coffee scale (white)
We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.