Welcome to the Kitchen Scales Buyer's Guide!
Start Here To Find The Right Kitchen Scale For You
Using a kitchen scale can be helpful for:
- Precision Cooking
- Diet and Nutrition
Precision Cooking
When precision matters in your cooking. A kitchen scale can help to make great food and to make money.
When it comes to choosing a kitchen scale, it's important to consider your intended use. There are two main categories to keep in mind: normal kitchen use and commercial use.
Normal Kitchen Use
For normal kitchen use, a digital kitchen scale is recommended. These scales are easy to use, read, accurate, and can handle most cooking and baking needs. They are also compact and easy to store, making them a great choice for home kitchens with limited space.
Functions to Look for in a Digital Scale for Normal Kitchen Use
1. Tare Function
A tare function allows you to weigh your ingredients in a container without including the weight of the container itself. This can be helpful for recipes that call for specific weights of ingredients, and it also means fewer dishes to wash.
2. Auto-Off Feature
An auto-off feature helps conserve battery life by automatically turning off the scale after a period of inactivity. This can be a great energy-saving feature, especially if you're using your scale frequently.
3. Units of Measurement
Look for a scale that allows you to switch between different units of measurement, such as ounces, grams, or pounds. This can be especially helpful if you're following a recipe that uses a different unit of measurement than what you're used to.
4. Capacity and Accuracy
Consider the maximum weight capacity of the scale, as well as its accuracy. Most digital scales have a maximum capacity of around 11 pounds, but some can handle more. The accuracy of the scale should also be within +/- 0.1 grams or better.
By keeping these functions in mind, you can find a digital kitchen scale that will suit your needs and help make cooking and baking easier and more precise.
Commercial Use
For commercial use, a mechanical kitchen scale may be more appropriate. These scales are typically larger and sturdier than digital scales, making them ideal for high-volume use in professional kitchens. Allowing for much greater speed during production. They also do not require batteries or electricity, so they are more reliable in busy kitchen environments.
Ultimately, the choice between a digital or mechanical scale comes down to your specific needs and preferences. For most home cooks, a digital scale is the best choice, while those in the food service industry may benefit from a mechanical scale. Be sure to consider the capacity, accuracy, and ease of use when choosing a kitchen scale, regardless of your intended use.
Functions to Look for in a Mechanical Scale for Commercial Kitchen Use
If you're running a commercial kitchen and need a mechanical scale that can withstand heavy use, there are a few functions you may want to consider:
1. Maximum Weight Capacity
Make sure to choose a mechanical scale with a high maximum weight capacity, as you'll likely be weighing large quantities of ingredients at once. Look for a scale that can handle at least 20 pounds, and ideally up to 50 pounds or more.
2. Durability and Stability
Choose a scale that is built to withstand heavy use and is made of durable materials. A stable base is also important to ensure accuracy and prevent the scale from tipping over during use.
3. Large Platform and Easy-to-Read Display
Look for a scale with a large platform that can accommodate large bowls or containers. An easy-to-read display is also essential, especially when working in a busy kitchen with multiple people.
4. Accuracy and Calibration
Choose a scale with good accuracy and the ability to be calibrated regularly to ensure consistent and accurate measurements over time. Some mechanical scales may need to be calibrated by a professional, so factor that into your decision-making process.
By considering these functions when choosing a mechanical scale for your commercial kitchen, you can find a reliable and accurate tool that will stand up to the demands of your business.
Functions to Look for in a Kitchen Scale for Diet or Nutrition
If you're using a kitchen scale to support your diet or nutrition goals, there are a few functions you may want to consider:
1. Accurate and Precise Measurements
Choose a scale that can deliver precise and accurate measurements of food and ingredients, as this is crucial when tracking your intake and meeting your dietary requirements.
2. Tare Function
A tare function allows you to weigh your food in a container and then zero out the weight of the container, so you can get an accurate measurement of just the food. This is especially useful when tracking calories or macros.
3. Easy-to-Read Display
Look for a scale with a clear and easy-to-read display that shows the weight of your food in your preferred units, such as ounces, grams, or pounds.
4. Connected Apps and Nutritional Information
Consider a scale that has a connected app that can provide you with detailed nutritional information and diet tracking features. This can make it easier to monitor your intake and make informed decisions about your food choices.
5. Multifunctionality
Look for a scale that has additional functions, such as a timer or temperature measurement, to make meal prep easier and more efficient.
By taking these functions into account when choosing a kitchen scale for diet or nutrition use, you can find a tool that will help you accurately measure and track your food intake, and ultimately support your health and wellness goals.
