How to choose a kitchen scale

It is impossible to imagine a kitchen without scales. From them you can tell a lot about the habits and preferences of a cook, because the more experienced he is, the more high-quality and functional equipment he surrounds himself with. But choosing them “for yourself” can sometimes be very difficult.

Criteria for choosing kitchen scales

It is inconvenient to weigh the ingredients for a casserole by hand, but they are convenient for checking sellers for honesty. And a device without a calorie counting option will not be very helpful to those on a diet. To choose the right assistant for the kitchen, you should decide on the tasks assigned to the equipment.

According to maximum load

Scales with a maximum load of 3-5 kg ​​are widely used. This is enough for everyday use.

If you practice a large number of preparations for the winter, then it is better to choose equipment that can weigh up to 10 kg. For those who need a device that helps them stick to their diet, options with a maximum load of up to 3 kg and a large number of additional functions are well suited.

Accuracy

Kitchen scales are characterized by high accuracy, reaching 1 g in electronic versions. But mechanical analogues show results with an accuracy of up to 10 g, which makes them unsuitable for weighing small portions.

Type, principle of operation

Depending on the device, there are 2 types of scales.

1. Mechanical ones determine the force of compression/extension of the spring or the force of influence on one of the levers of the system. The user focuses on the result displayed on the scale. They do not need a power source, but as they wear out, errors will inevitably appear. A “tired” mechanism can display the result with an error of up to 40-50g.
2. Electronic scales show the result determined using a strain gauge that converts the load into an electrical signal. They are much lighter and more accurate than their mechanical counterparts, but require connection to a power source. Such equipment will not work for too long without recharging or changing batteries, however, the possibility of errors occurring is completely excluded. Weighing accuracy - up to 1 g.

A separate category includes jewelry scales that work without errors and display weight with an accuracy of hundredths of a gram. But their purchase as kitchen assistants is not justified.

Convenience of design

An important factor influencing the choice of one technique or another is its ease of use. There are different types of scales:

• desktop;
• wall;
• manual.

The upper limit of tabletops rarely exceeds 10 kg. Among the design features, it is worth highlighting the rubberized feet - their task is to prevent slipping. Often, manufacturers complete with such scales offer a bowl for weighing bulk substances, which is reflected in the final cost.

If the device has a tare option, then you can safely refuse the addition of a bowl.

Wall-mounted ones are not much different from tabletop options. Their main advantage is the fastening system that allows you to fix the device on a vertical surface. Thanks to this solution, you can save useful space in the kitchen.But the maximum weight for such equipment rarely exceeds 3-5 kg.

Manual scales are compact, which eliminates the issue of allocating space for them. Most often they do not have additional functions. But the main disadvantage is felt when weighing a large number of products - the user has to constantly raise the load to a height sufficient to read information from the display or scale of the device.

For precision cooks, another convenient assistant has been invented - a spoon-scale. With its help, it is easy not to exceed the dosage of spices - their weight is displayed on the display built into the handle.

Functional

Kitchen scales have long gone beyond simple weighing. They are able to count calories and determine the volume of liquid. There are even models with a built-in clock and thermometer.

Additional options significantly affect the cost of equipment. Therefore, you should choose based on your needs and budget.

The most useful are:

• taring;
• auto shutdown

The first allows you to weigh food without taking into account the weight of the dishes. Moreover, you can weigh several ingredients at once in one container. To do this, it is enough to reset the indicators to zero after each added component using the tare function.

Automatic shutdown is relevant for electronic scales with an independent power source. This option allows you to extend the battery life or increase the interval between recharges by limiting operation in passive mode.

Tips for choosing

The first thing your eye catches when you see the range of kitchen scales is the variety of design and technical solutions.But to ensure a long service life of the equipment, it is better to choose models with a minimum of glass and plastic - these materials are not durable and wear-resistant. Retractable elements are also not very durable.

If the choice fell on equipment with push-button control, you should focus on the ease of removing contaminants from this area. For the same reason, it is not advisable to purchase scales with a ribbed surface.

Top 5 rating

Skarlett is practicality in its purest form. There are many design solutions, but beauty gives way to pragmatism. Both electronic and mechanical scales are produced at affordable prices.

Maxwell - economical precision. The manufacturer does not actively seek to expand the functionality of its scales, but compensates for this with noteworthy product quality. The original design, ease of use and low cost are well suited for those who just want to weigh products.

REDMOND is a leader in functionality. If additional features that help make it easier to control proper nutrition are important, then this is an ideal option. They make it easy to count calories and determine the composition of foods. Such assistants do not come cheap.

Beurer - German quality, manifested in the choice of materials and execution. The simple design is compensated by the affordable price. Relevant for those who rely on durability with a minimum of additional options.

Polaris is a case where beauty and durability trump precision. The appetizing design of the platform and the quality of materials turn the scales from the manufacturer into a worthy gift. Prices are below average, but you can’t count on particularly accurate weighing.