Some devices have, in addition to the option of measuring weight in grams, measurements in pounds (used in the United States) or ounces (used in European countries like England and Germany), this makes it easier to weigh ingredients read on websites or international cookbooks. To change the measurement unit, just press buttons on the scale panel.

The design of the piece is also an important feature, some have a metal or stainless steel base, which are beautiful and highly durable materials, others are made of rigid plastic, lightweight and can be found in different colors. The bases of the scale (where the weight is measured) can be made of stainless steel or 35 mm tempered glass.

Some scales come with the bowl to weigh the food as an extra, removable piece, which can be used in the tare function without having to measure the weight of the container before placing the ingredient.

Look for options where the bowl is made of tempered glass, more resistant to falling, or made of plastic.

The operation of this type of scale is by batteries or battery. But avoid leaving these generators too long in the balance, to avoid leaks that can be caused by temperature changes, as they damage the energy conductors and can break your balance.

For you to know even more the benefits of this appliance, we have prepared a table with the main advantages and disadvantages of a kitchen scale:

Another difference is that the analog scales are slower to compute the weight, but it does it with high precision (when it is well calibrated). This appliance can also be easily washed, as its parts are removable.

This model is classic and also serves as a piece of vintage decoration, as it refers to the kitchens of grandmothers and great-grandmothers. In general, this type of scale is still widely used, although it is outdated in some functions.

The biggest problem with mechanical scales is that the weighing mechanism must always be calibrated to correctly indicate the weight of the food, because unbalanced scales report wrong weights.

On the digital scale, on the other hand, just place the food on top of its base and the weight instantly appears on the display, with clearer visibility and faster operation.

With these scales it is possible to add the weight of each added element, recognizing the weight of each one of them.

They are easily found and, currently, this is the best selling model worldwide. They have elements that are not present in mechanical models, such as load cells, integrated circuits and microprocessors.

They are more practical to use and highly accurate, some models are even called that. They can be made of hard and resistant plastic or brushed stainless steel, they can have steel tray or tempered glass, which may or may not be removable.

These scales also have a digital display, and several other interesting features, such as the possibility of changing the unit of measurement from grams to ounces or pounds, some have a clock, other battery displays, and automatic shutdown after use, which generates battery savings .

They are powered by a battery or cell, and do not need to be calibrated frequently, just avoid putting weight above the recommended on its base, as this can damage them and even break them. Some models come with a removable tray, attached bowl, and compartments to assist in weighing heavier foods.

There are portable scale models that can be loaded, they are very small and have the capacity to weigh up to 500g.

With a kitchen scale you can prepare standardized meals with equal weights. This device is ideal for weighing lunch boxes that will be frozen to be stored and thawed according to consumption.

Other features that vary from one model to the next are the sizes of plates and bowls that you can use to support food. In some scales, which have a base with lean proportions, they may be smaller, in others, with wider bases, the containers may be larger.

There are also models for sale that already come with a container, made of stainless steel, plastic or glass, while others already have a collection container format in their own design.

We have prepared a table with the main characteristics found in the main models for sale, that is, the mechanical and digital scales, so that you can buy what differs from the other:

Purchasing criteria: Factors for comparing kitchen scale models

You already know what the advantages and uses of a kitchen scale are and you are determined to have one at home. But which model is right for you? Analyzing the criteria below, it will be easier to reach a conclusion.

• Size
• Capacity
• Extra features
• Cleaning

Let’s talk a little more about each one, so that you can make the best choice when buying your kitchen scale.

Size

Note the size of the scale before purchasing a model. The size is usually small to medium, as the models for domestic use are compact.

But in general there are wider models and other very small ones, choose one that has the proportions of average width and length, in case you need to use the device to weigh larger foods.

A model that is too small can be of little use in everyday life. Just as a very large one ends up taking up space and being little functional.

Capacity

Regarding capacity, most models have a weighing limit of 5 kg. However, some even manage to weigh up to 10kg.

The models with more capacity are very useful for those who own a gastronomic business. Whether for the production of cakes or lunch boxes, this may be the best option for this audience.

In the domestic environment, for larger families the most suitable model is the one with the capacity to weigh up to 10kg, now if you live alone or have a smaller family, you can choose the model that can weigh up to 5kg.

Extra features

Extra features are the main features that differentiate digital models from mechanical models.

The design of the piece stands out for the materials of the base and the bowl. There are pieces made entirely of plastic that can be colored, and more sophisticated models made of brushed stainless steel and 35 mm tempered glass base.

• Bowl : Some models come with attached bowl, which can be removed, others have the shape of a bowl, this brings a lot of practicality to use, because except for some scales that have a very flat base, you will need to use a bowl or plate to support the food to be weighed, even because this is a more hygienic practice.
• Display : most models have a liquid crystal display, LCD and even touchscreen.
• Internal light : makes it easier to use at night, or even if the environment is very dark.
• Clock : some have the function of showing the time when they are not being used.
• Units of measure : the option to be able to change the weighing unit from grams to ounces or pounds is also an interesting feature, especially if you are used to looking for recipes on foreign websites or have cookbooks in other languages.
• Tare : it is one of the most important in a kitchen scale, as it subtracts the weight of the dish or bowl being used to support the foods that will be weighed, and only considers the weight of the food inside the container.
  Some add up the weights being added to the tare, but are able to differentiate them.

Cleaning

The kitchen scale is used to weigh different foods such as meats, fruits, vegetables, powdered foods and even liquids, so the chance of contamination or even crossing smells and flavors is very large, so it is necessary to always keep the scale clean.

Keeping this device sanitized is also essential for it to work properly.

If your scale is digital, just turn it off, remove the batteries, disassemble the parts (if your device is detachable), wipe with a cloth moistened with water to clean the parts that have the electrical part and wash the parts with water and neutral detergent washable, such as tray and bowl.

In case your scale is mechanical, remove the tray or plate that is used to weigh the food and wash these parts in the sink using warm water and mild soap, for the rest of the equipment use a damp cloth. Allow the parts to dry thoroughly before fitting them back together.