Kitchen Scale - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Whether you use it to weigh ingredients or track food portions – or both – a kitchen scale is an easy way to keep food measurements accurate and on track. While some kitchen professionals are experienced enough to see ingredient amounts fairly accurately, most cooks get much better results using a kitchen scale.
However, there are many kitchen scales on the market, so how do you know which one is the best? That's where we come in. At Real Indian, we work hard to provide honest and comprehensive product reviews and buying guides that help readers find what they're looking for.
If you're ready to buy a kitchen scale, check out the five products in our product list above. They are all reliable kitchen scales that will serve you well. If you want to learn more about kitchen scales in general, read on. We will tell you what you need to know to choose and use this practical kitchen tool.
Why do you Need a Kitchen Scale?
- To Cook
If you bake or cook a lot and tend to use recipes that list ingredients by weight, a kitchen scale makes your job easier. It's much quicker to put a bowl of ingredients on a scale than it is to carefully fill measuring cups and spoons. And some would argue that weighing ingredients is much more accurate than measuring their volume.
- To Diet
A kitchen scale is a must for anyone on a diet. Portion control can help you lose weight or maintain the healthy weight you already have. It's very easy to overestimate a portion size when looking at food, and those calories add up over time.
When you use a kitchen scale, there is no mystery about your food intake. You can keep track of the exact amount of food you eat on a given day.
Different Types of Kitchen Scales
There are two basic types of scales used in the home kitchen: mechanical kitchen scales and digital kitchen scales.
- Mechanical Kitchen Scales
Mechanical kitchen scales measure weight by means of a spring that lowers under the weight of a food item. There are two basic styles of mechanical scales: platform scales (you put the food to be weighed on a platform) and hanging scales (like the ones you see in the produce section of a supermarket).
Pros :
No need for batteries, and the weight limit is very high. Some people like the retro look and feel of a mechanical kitchen scale.
Cons :
It is difficult to accurately weigh small amounts, and as the springs wear, a mechanical scale becomes less accurate.
- Digital Kitchen Scales
Digital kitchen scales are now much more popular than their mechanical counterparts. Most have an easy-to-read LCD screen and a weighing platform for your food or ingredients.
Pros :
Digital scales are fairly compact and can accurately measure small amounts. You may even be able to switch between metering modes. And it's easy to tare, or zero balance and run; you simply subtract the weight of your bowl from the total weight.
Cons :
Most digital kitchen scales do not have high weight limits, so they will require batteries or an electrical source to operate.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Scale
Although a kitchen scale is a fairly basic appliance, there are some features to look for in a good one.
- Screen
The kitchen scale display should be large and bright enough to read easily. It must be constructed so that it can still be read when a large bowl is placed on the platform.
- Size
A compact scale consumes little counter space, but make sure the platform is large enough to hold your measuring bowl or pan.
- Tare Button
A tare button allows you to zero readings as you go, so you can add ingredients without having to do the math in your head as you work.
- Conversions
Most digital scales can switch between grams/ounces and pounds/kilograms. This is very useful for a busy cook or baker.
- Ability
Think about the types of foods that will weigh. The right scale for you should have the right capacity for your needs. If you typically weigh large portions of food, you'll want a scale with a higher weight capacity. (Some digital scales have weight limits of up to 11 pounds.) If you typically weigh small amounts of food, you'll want a scale that's low enough for exact accuracy.
- Durability
For good durability, look for a kitchen scale made of sturdy plastic and/or stainless steel.
- Easy to Clean
Some scales have removable platforms or measuring bowls, making cleaning up spills a breeze. At a minimum, a kitchen scale should be easy to clean.
- Low Battery Indicator
Digital scales are typically battery-powered, and you don't want to lose power in the middle of a busy cooking session. With a low battery indicator, you won't be caught off guard.
- Flat or Stamped Buttons
No one wants to scrape flour from around their scales... A kitchen scale with flat buttons or a touch screen is less likely to pick up spills or dust.
- Calibration
The most versatile kitchen scales are calibrated to one gram.
- Auto-off
A kitchen scale that turns itself off after a few minutes of non-use is very convenient and saves battery power.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Scale for your Needs
Asking yourself a few questions before you buy will help guide you towards the right kitchen scale.
Do you want a scale that you can take to work or use on the go? If so, look for a compact model.
Are you going to leave your scale on the counter? If so, you may find that an attractive stainless steel model enhances your kitchen's décor.
Want to measure heavy items like cuts of meat, full plates, or multiple pieces of fruit? If so, you need a scale with a large weight capacity. A mechanical scale might be your best option.
Do you want to add a decorative touch to your kitchen? There are mechanical scales with a nice old-fashioned design.
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