Very high-tech and very useful, but by no means necessary. Various modes cover espresso and pour-over scenarios indicating elapsed time, weight, and flow rate. Coming from a typical kitchen scale, there is a learning curve. There are SIX different modes, and I'd recommend skimming the manual to learn how to disable the modes that you won't need, as it can be cumbersome to cycle through all of the modes to land on the one you want to use. I wish the buttons were actual tactile buttons as the touch-sensitive buttons don't always provide ample feedback, but I understand the current design makes the scale more waterproof. For example, if you are pulling an espresso shot with preinfusion, you probably don't need flow rate, but you might like the auto-timer feature to start counting elapsed time from the moment of the first drops land in your cup. At this price point, I think the display would benefit from something like you see on the Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle, with a color display rather than a simple LCD screen. Something I don't see mentioned often is that the Bluetooth capability allows you to use profiling apps on your phone to keep a log of the flow rate of your pours. I think this can add another layer of enjoyment when you are dialing in your shots/pours. I didn't realize I'd like this aspect of the scale the most. Pros: - ideal modes for basic weighing, espresso workflow, and pour-overs - Bluetooth capability and app integrations to provide fun ways at looking your brew methods - small, thin, rechargeable and long battery life Cons: - buttons can be hard to press - lots of modes can make it confusing to navigate - you expect scales to be really simple and intuitive, this one is not, but provides benefit when you learn it - expensive