A kitchen scale is a must-have for precision and consistency in the kitchen. No matter if you bake professionally or cook for fun, a scale can help you improve your skills and results. Measuring cups can be unreliable: The amount of brown sugar, flour, or other ingredients can change depending on how you pack or level them.
The only way to ensure that your measurements are accurate and repeatable is to use a kitchen scale. We reviewed top 4 best kitchen scales to find the best ones for baking, meal prep, and more.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall
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Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display
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Best Aesthetics
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Escali Arti Glass Kitchen Scale
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Best Value
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Ozeri Pronto Digital Kitchen Scale
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Best Compact
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GreaterGoods Digital Kitchen Scale
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Why Should I Invest in a Quality Kitchen Scale?
Weighing ingredients, especially flour and salt, is much more accurate by weight (in grams or ounces) than by volume (cups or scoops). Scooping flour can lead to inconsistencies due to compacting, which affects the amount of water needed for your dough. These inaccuracies can lead to inconsistent results, something every baker aims to avoid.
Using a scale ensures that the amount of each ingredient is consistent every time, regardless of how it’s scooped from the bag or container. Consistent measurements lead to consistent results.
Weighing ingredients is also more efficient. You don’t have to scoop, level, and dump repeatedly. Simply weigh and go.
1. Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display
Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display can help you measure your ingredients with precision and ease. This scale has a stainless steel platform that can weigh up to 11 pounds of food in various units, such as ounces, grams, pounds, and milliliters.
It also has a tare function that allows you to subtract the weight of the container and only measure the food inside.
The scale has a large LCD screen that shows the results clearly and accurately. It is powered by two AAA batteries that are included in the package. The scale is easy to clean and store, making it a convenient and reliable tool for your kitchen.
2. Escali Arti Glass Kitchen Scale
If you prefer a more modern and sleek design, you might like the Escali Arti Glass Kitchen Scale. It is made by Escali, the same brand as our top pick, but it has a different look and feel. It can weigh up to 15 pounds in various units and has a separate tare button for zeroing out the container weight.
It also has a hold button that prevents the screen from turning off automatically, which can be useful if you need to see the measurement for longer. The glass platform is easy to wipe clean, but it does not offer any significant advantage over the Primo.
3. Ozeri Pronto Digital Kitchen Scale
The Ozeri Pronto Digital Kitchen Scale is a versatile and reliable tool for your cooking and baking needs. Whether you need to measure large or small quantities, this scale can handle it with accuracy and ease.
It can weigh up to 11.24 lbs (5100 grams) with precise graduations of 0.05 oz (1 gram), and it can instantly convert between 6 units of measurements (g, lbs, lbs:oz, oz, ml, kg) with the touch of a button.
The LCD screen is easy to read and shows the results in your preferred unit. The scale also features a Precision Tare Button that calculates the net weight of your ingredients by automatically subtracting the weight of any bowl or container. This way, you can measure only what you need and avoid wasting food.
The scale has a sleek and elegant design, with a newly enlarged weighing platform finished in chrome. It is easy to clean and store, and it runs on 2 AAA batteries (included) that automatically power-off after 2 minutes to preserve battery life.
The battery compartment is easy to access and does not require a screwdriver. The Ozeri Pronto Digital Kitchen Scale is a must-have for any kitchen, and it is backed by a satisfaction guarantee. Order yours today and enjoy the convenience and accuracy of this multifunction scale.
4. GreaterGoods Digital Kitchen Scale
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If you are looking for a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use kitchen scale, the GreaterGoods Digital Kitchen Scale is the perfect choice. This scale has a sleek and low-profile design that fits in any kitchen, and a large LCD screen that displays clear readings in four units of measurement: grams, ounces, pounds, and milliliters.
You can easily switch between units with a touch of a button, and use the tare function to zero out the weight of your container or ingredients. The scale has a high capacity of 11 lbs, and a precision of 0.1 oz or 1 gram, so you can measure anything from a pinch of salt to a whole turkey.
The scale is also easy to clean, thanks to its smooth and durable surface. Plus, when you buy this scale, you are supporting a good cause: GreaterGoods is a company that donates a portion of its profits to charity, and practices ethical and sustainable manufacturing.
With the GreaterGoods Digital Kitchen Scale, you can enjoy cooking with confidence and convenience, while making a positive impact on the world.
Types of Kitchen Scales
Digital Scale
Digital scales are the most common and useful for the average home cook. They typically weigh items from 0.5 ounces to 6-12 pounds, read in 0.05-ounce or 1-gram increments, and offer taring capabilities. These scales are compact, lightweight, and battery-powered. They work best on a flat, level surface. Some digital scales have a glass platform, which looks sleek but can be fragile and hard to clean. A good digital scale will have rubber feet to prevent slipping.
Analog Scale
Analog scales, though somewhat outdated, do not require batteries. They have a large base with a bowl or surface on top for weighing items. These scales are bulkier and heavier than digital models, so you’ll need more storage space.
While some analog scales can support more weight than digital ones, there’s no significant advantage in using them. They do offer a vintage aesthetic if you want to display them in your kitchen.
Pocket Scale
For measuring smaller items like spices or coffee, a pocket scale is ideal. These small, lightweight tools provide precise measurements for items weighing less than 1 gram or 0.05 ounces. Pocket scales are battery-powered and can read in both metric and imperial units. They’re compact and affordable, making them a convenient addition even if you don’t use them often.
Hanging Scale
A hanging scale is perfect for weighing large cuts of protein or oddly shaped items that won’t fit on a countertop scale. Unlike digital kitchen scales, which typically support up to 12 pounds, hanging scales can handle weights up to 100 pounds and can also read in metric units.
Maintenance
To maintain accuracy, never overload a scale beyond its capacity, as this can affect calibration and damage the scale. Avoid weighing messy or wet items directly on the scale; instead, use a bowl and tare it before weighing. Don’t store the scale with items on it when not in use. Some scales have recalibration features, but they aren’t always precise, so rely on them sparingly.
If your scale gives inaccurate readings, try replacing the batteries. Always use the scale on a firm, flat surface for best results. Clean the buttons and platform with a hot washcloth, but never place the scale under running water.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Scale
Accuracy
Accuracy is the most critical aspect of any kitchen scale. If it doesn’t provide the correct weight, it’s useless. A simple accuracy test is to measure plain water: one cup should weigh exactly 8 ounces. If your measurements are off, try replacing the batteries since low power can cause inconsistencies.
Also, avoid exceeding your scale’s weight limit to prevent damaging internal components and affecting calibration.
Precision
Accuracy and precision are different. An accurate scale gives the correct weight, while a precise scale measures down to a small fraction of an ounce or gram. Scales usually read weight with one or two decimal points. Most home cooks are fine with measurements to the nearest tenth of an ounce, but some recipes may require precision down to the hundredth.
Ease of Use
Modern kitchen scales often feature a digital display. Look for models with larger numbers and a backlight for easier reading, especially if you have vision issues. A tare button and the ability to switch between imperial and metric measurements are also useful features.
Some scales have motion-sensitive screens that save battery by turning off when not in use and automatically turning back on.
Care and Cleaning
Keeping a kitchen scale clean is essential but can be challenging. Most digital scales shouldn’t be submerged in water or get wet and must be carefully wiped down. Some models have removable parts that can be cleaned in the sink, but never run water over the battery compartment. To make cleaning easier, place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap on the base before weighing.
This keeps the surface clean and helps transfer ingredients without spilling. When storing your scale, turn it sideways to avoid stacking items on the weighing plate, which can lead to inaccurate readings.
Essential Features of a Kitchen Scale
Accurate Measurements
A good kitchen scale must provide accurate and consistent measurements, whether you’re weighing 10 grams or 10 pounds. Accuracy is key to achieving perfect results in cooking and baking.
Reads in Ounces and Grams
The scale should be able to measure in both metric (grams) and imperial (ounces) units. Switching between these units should be simple and intuitive.
Tare Button
A tare function is essential. It allows you to subtract the weight of a bowl or container, giving you the net weight of the ingredients. You should be able to tare repeatedly to zero out the weight each time you add new ingredients.
Long Auto-Off Duration
Most scales automatically shut off after a period of inactivity, typically between two and five minutes. A longer auto-off duration is preferred to prevent the scale from turning off in the middle of a task.
Speedy Measurements
The best scales provide quick measurements, allowing you to see the gradual increase in weight as you add ingredients. This helps you know when to stop adding an ingredient to reach the desired weight.
Easy-to-Read Display
The display screen should be easily readable and not blocked by the bowl or container. A backlit display is ideal for better visibility.
Laminated Buttons
Controls with a plastic membrane covering are easier to clean and prevent ingredients from collecting in the cracks. This feature also contributes to the scale’s longevity.
Nice to Have
Measures in 0.1-Gram Increments
While most digital scales measure in whole grams, a pocket scale that reads in 0.1-gram increments can be useful for tasks requiring high precision, such as measuring coffee or baking ingredients.
Rubber Feet
Rubber feet help prevent the scale from sliding around on the counter, providing stability during use.
Maximum Capacity of at Least 11 Pounds
While home cooks rarely need to measure more than a few pounds at a time, a scale with a maximum capacity of 11 pounds (6 pounds for pocket scales) offers flexibility for larger batches.
Large, Removable Platform
A large platform can support big mixing bowls, and removable platforms make cleaning easier. Though rare, this feature is highly convenient.
AC Adapter
While batteries generally last long with average use, an AC adapter is handy for continuous, heavy use, such as during long cooking sessions.
Things to Avoid
Glass Platform
Glass platforms often lack a raised surface, making them harder to read when used with large bowls. They can also be fragile and harder to maintain.
“Smart” Functionality
Scales with smart features tend to be expensive and offer unnecessary functionalities. These extras are often not worth the additional cost and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a kitchen scale?
Using a kitchen scale is simple. Start by placing the scale on a flat, stable surface. Turn it on and ensure it reads zero. If you’re using a bowl, place it on the scale first, then press the tare button to reset the scale to zero. This allows you to measure the ingredients without including the bowl’s weight. Add your ingredients until you reach the desired measurement.
Can kitchen scales measure both solid and liquid ingredients?
Yes, many kitchen scales can measure both solid and liquid ingredients. They typically offer different units of measurement, such as grams and milliliters, allowing you to switch between them depending on what you’re measuring.
How accurate are kitchen scales?
Most digital kitchen scales are highly accurate, often measuring in increments as small as 0.1 grams or 0.01 ounces. However, the accuracy can vary between models. High-quality scales, like the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Scale, are praised for their precise measurements.
What is the maximum weight capacity of kitchen scales?
The weight capacity of kitchen scales varies. Common capacities range from 11 pounds (5 kilograms) to 22 pounds (10 kilograms). Choose a scale with a capacity that matches your cooking and baking needs.
How do you clean a kitchen scale?
Cleaning a kitchen scale depends on its design. For scales with removable platforms, you can wash the platform separately. For those without removable parts, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Avoid submerging the entire scale in water unless it’s explicitly stated as waterproof.
Are there any special features to consider?
Some kitchen scales come with additional features such as:
- Tare Function: Resets the scale to zero after placing a container on it.
- Auto Shutoff: Saves battery life by turning off the scale after a period of inactivity.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows you to track measurements on your phone via an app.
- Dual Platforms: Provide two weighing areas for different measurement needs.
