Which electronic floor scales are best to choose?
Nowadays, when a huge number of people are overweight, home scales are an indispensable thing. Modern measuring instruments will not only indicate the presence of extra pounds, but will also display many important indicators necessary to monitor your health.
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Criteria for selecting floor scales
Bathroom scales are purchased to control your weight. But some models also have an additional function that allows you to weigh heavy objects at home. Any household appliance store today offers a variety of scales to choose from, both traditional mechanical and modern electronic.
When choosing among the variety of models, you need to proceed from what you need: infrequent weighing to determine your weight or constant monitoring of several body parameters. You can rely on the following sources:
- Reading accuracy. In inexpensive mechanical models, the difference between the actual weight and its display on the scale can be almost a kilogram.Therefore, if accurate recording of parameters is required, you will have to buy a more expensive and high-quality device.
- Case material. The most popular models today are made of plastic and glass. The former are cheaper, the latter are more expensive. But glass requires more careful care and respect. Scales with a wooden platform are also sold. There are samples with a base made of small natural pebbles.
- Availability of additional functions. Conventional mechanical scales or an inexpensive electronic device can last for years without any additions. If you wish, you can purchase a modern model with a lot of useful functions that help determine your body mass index, calculate the amount of water, muscle and fat tissue. Advanced analogues have built-in memory for several people.
- Weight Limit. Most devices are rated for an average of 160 kg. There are models whose scale is graduated up to 100 kg. But they also sell those where the limit reaches 220 kg.
- Price. The better the assembly of the scales, the more expensive the materials used and the greater the coverage of measurements, the higher the price of the device. The usual mechanical version costs around 400 rubles; a little more expensive you can buy the simplest version of the electronic model. Diagnostic analyzer scales, capable of transmitting a lot of data to a computer or smartphone and having a battery for long-term operation without recharging, cost about 10–15 thousand rubles.
IMPORTANT! For some imported models, the unit of measurement is pounds. In Russia, weighing results are shown in kilograms. When choosing a foreign analogue, you should make sure that the metric measurement system is also available.
What types of floor scales are there?
Those wishing to buy bathroom scales will have to choose between mechanical and electronic models.
Mechanical
The design of such scales is much simpler. Under the weight of a person, the spring inside the body begins to stretch and activates the arrow, which points to a certain division of the scale. In some models, everything happens the other way around: the arrow remains static, but the scale itself moves. For mechanical scales, the measurement step is usually 1 kg.
IMPORTANT! Due to constant mechanical impact, the calibration of the scales may be lost, then you have to set “zero” using the wheel located at the bottom.
Among the advantages of the mechanical model are reliability and durability, the ability to withstand loads of up to 160 kg, and low cost. But in our technical age, when household appliances are becoming more and more “smart” and advanced, many may not be satisfied with the narrow specialization of such scales. The mechanical version is unlikely to be suitable for people who carefully monitor their health, since there are no additional functions and the weight is determined approximately plus or minus a few hundred grams.
Electronic
The functioning of such scales is based on an electronic pulse. They show data more accurately and quickly, the measurement step can vary from 100 to 500 g in different devices, the error in the indicators is minimal - up to 100 g. And various additional functions make the device indispensable for supporters of weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.
The design of the scales plays an important role. Unlike the mechanical version, the mechanism of which is enclosed in a traditional box, electronic ones often have a futuristic appearance. Usually this is a square or round platform, on the underside of which the main sensor of the device is attached. A battery is required to operate, but there are models that are powered by a solar panel or the accumulation of mechanical influences. Devices turn on and off automatically.
IMPORTANT! Despite all their functionality, electronic scales are very demanding on the surface on which they stand. Their operation is affected by the temperature and humidity in the room, and an expired battery can lead to incorrect data.
Which electronic scales are best to choose?
Modern manufacturers include many functions in their creations. The latest generation of electronic floor scales are increasingly reminiscent of a mini-laboratory where complex diagnostics are carried out. All available functions are indicated in the instructions for the device. Built-in electronics allow:
- Determine body mass index (BMI). Some models even recommend daily calorie intake for a specific person.
- Measure the percentage of muscle and fat tissue.
- Identify and remember the parameters of several people at once.
- Store the dynamics of measurements for a certain period.
- Determine biological age.
- Measure water and fat levels.
The latest developments from companies producing electronic devices can connect to smartphones and computers, fitness bracelets and display all data there. Advanced models can be controlled using a remote control. There are scales equipped with a remote unit. Owners of this new product do not need to bend over to see their results on the display; it can be mounted in a convenient place.
It is worth thinking about additional functions.Their presence is not always just a marketing ploy, as supporters of mechanical samples fear. Some diseases require monitoring the amount of fluid in the body to prevent edema. Older adults can monitor their bone mass, which is known to become lighter with age. Determining the amount of fat and muscle tissue will be necessary during active sports with heavy loads. Even if your weight does not change at this time, the device will display an increase in the percentage of muscle tissue and a decrease in fat mass.
When choosing a model, decide on the amount of memory and the number of people who will use the scales. If the device is purchased for personal use, is it worth overpaying for an expensive thing that can record the results of 10–12 people?
Rating of the best electronic floor scales 2018
Every year, measurement instrument manufacturers release many models with new features. If the first scales only served to measure weight, then modern analogues can tell much more about the state of your body. And not only tell you, but also calculate the required number of calories for daily consumption. The choice is up to the consumer: buy a simple but reliable item or opt for a multifunctional model that connects to various gadgets. And now a small rating of electronic floor scales of different prices.
UNIT UBS 2052 BKGY - accuracy and reliability at an affordable price
According to buyers, it is considered one of the most reliable and convenient models for little money. In some household appliance stores, this product from a well-known Austrian company costs about 700 rubles. The scales are highly accurate, the error is minimal - only 100 g.The glass platform can withstand loads of up to 150 kg. Automatic switching on and off. A CR2032 battery is suitable as a power source. The appearance of the model is delicate and stylish.
Tanita BC-587 - best value for money
The Japanese company Tanita is considered a leader in the production of devices designed to monitor human health. One of its best models is the Tanita BC-587 floor scale analyzer, which has high accuracy of all indicators. The maximum load is 200 kg, while the permissible error is only 100 g. The device has memory for 5 people, a large backlit screen unit and a stylish design. Scales measure the proportion of fat, bone and muscle tissue, and the amount of fluid. Can determine biological age and physical type. The price in household appliance stores is 6 thousand rubles.
Soehnle 63760 Body Balance Comfort Select - expensive and technologically advanced
This model of the famous German company evaluates five indicators of the body at once: weight, proportion of fat, muscles, water, number of calories. Has a large memory for 10 years of constant measurements. Can save the performance of 8 people. A portable screen with a radio communication range of 3 m, which additionally indicates the temperature in the room and the current time. The scales come with software that allows you to process data on a computer. The downside is that the portable screen displays information in English. The price of Body Balance Comfort Select is 17 thousand rubles.