Have you ever ruined a cake because your measurements were off? I have! It’s frustrating to spend time and effort on a recipe, only to have it turn out completely wrong. That’s why a good kitchen scale is a must-have for any home cook or baker.
Choosing a kitchen scale can be tricky. There are so many different brands and features! You might feel confused by all the options. Should you get a digital or a mechanical scale? What about the size and the weight capacity? Don’t worry, I’m here to help you sort it all out. We’ll look at the best kitchen scales as recommended by Wirecutter, a trusted source for product reviews. We’ll also talk about what makes a good kitchen scale and what to look for when buying one.
In this post, you’ll learn about the top-rated kitchen scales. I’ll help you understand which ones are best for different cooking needs. By the end, you’ll be confident in choosing the perfect kitchen scale. Get ready to say goodbye to baking fails and hello to perfectly measured ingredients! Let’s dive in and find the right scale for you!
Our Top 5 Kitchen Scale Wirecutter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Kitchen Scale Wirecutter Detailed Reviews
1. Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display
Rating: 9.1/10
The Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale is a handy tool for your kitchen. It helps you measure ingredients accurately. This scale is perfect for baking, cooking, or portioning meals. It features a sleek black and stainless steel design. It also comes with batteries, so you can use it right away.
What We Like:
- Easy to read, wide LCD screen shows measurements clearly.
- It weighs up to 11 pounds. You can measure in pounds, ounces, grams, and more.
- The “Tare” button is useful. It lets you subtract the weight of a bowl or container.
- It is made with food-safe, BPA-free plastic.
- It is battery-operated, and the batteries are included.
- The stainless steel platform is easy to clean.
- The scale is compact and easy to store.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scale might not be as accurate for very small amounts.
Overall, the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale is a great value. It is a simple and reliable kitchen tool. It is perfect for any home cook.
2. Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Rating: 9.5/10
The Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale is a top-rated kitchen tool. It has won awards from many trusted sources. These include the Food Network and The New York Times. This scale helps you reach your diet and health goals. It is also used in a study on weight loss. The scale is accurate and easy to use. It can weigh up to 11.24 lbs with great precision. You can easily switch between different units of measurement.
What We Like:
- It’s super accurate and measures small amounts.
- You can easily change between different units like grams and ounces.
- The buttons give a click when you press them. This helps you know it worked.
- It has a “Tare” button. This lets you subtract the weight of a container.
- It comes with batteries and shuts off automatically to save power.
- It’s been praised by many experts and organizations.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scale is not perfect.
- The scale can be damaged if not handled with care.
This Ozeri scale is a great pick for anyone who needs to measure food. It’s accurate, simple to use, and praised by experts. You will not go wrong with this scale.
3. OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale with Pull-Out Display
Rating: 8.6/10
The OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale is a kitchen helper. This scale is great for cooking and baking. It helps you measure ingredients accurately. The scale has a sleek stainless steel design. It can weigh up to 11 pounds of food. It is a useful tool for both beginner and experienced cooks.
What We Like:
- The stainless steel resists smudges. It is easy to keep clean.
- The “Zero” function is helpful. You can add ingredients without starting over.
- The digital screen is easy to read. The numbers are large.
- The platform comes off. You can wash it easily.
- The pull-out display is handy. It prevents shadows from bowls.
- There is a button to change units. You can measure in ounces, pounds, grams, or kilograms.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users may find the buttons a bit sensitive.
The OXO Good Grips Food Scale is a solid choice for any kitchen. It is a reliable and easy-to-use tool that will improve your cooking experience.
4. KitchenTour Digital Kitchen Scale – 3000g/0.1g – High Accuracy Precision Food Scale with 9 Units(g/oz/ml/lb/lb:oz/gn/ozt/DWT/ct) – Meat Scale with Back-Lit LCD Display(Batteries Included)
Rating: 8.8/10
The KitchenTour Digital Kitchen Scale is a precise and versatile tool for your kitchen. It measures up to 3000g with a 0.1g accuracy. This scale helps you measure ingredients for cooking, baking, or even weighing small items. It has a clear, back-lit LCD display and multiple units of measurement. The scale is also easy to clean and store, making it a great addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- #Precise Measurement#: It measures with high accuracy. You can measure ingredients, jewelry, or medicine.
- #Perfect Kitchen Scales For Your Kitchen#: It’s easy to use the tare button. You can weigh multiple ingredients in one bowl. This is good if you are on a diet.
- #Easy To Operate#: The LCD display is easy to read. You can easily switch between different units. This saves time when cooking.
- #Lightweight & Compact Design#: The scale looks good in any kitchen. It’s easy to clean and store. The touch keys are also very nice.
- Batteries are included.
What Could Be Improved:
- We don’t have any cons to list.
The KitchenTour Digital Kitchen Scale is a smart choice for anyone who cooks or bakes. It is accurate and easy to use. Get one today!
5. KOIOS Kitchen Scale
Rating: 9.4/10
The KOIOS Kitchen Scale is a digital food scale. It can weigh up to 33 pounds (15kg). The scale measures in grams and ounces, with precise measurements. It has a Type-C charging port and comes with batteries. The scale has a tare function and a clear LCD display. This scale is great for cooking and baking.
What We Like:
- High accuracy and sensitive sensors give you quick and correct weights.
- It comes with batteries and has a Type-C charging option. This is convenient.
- You can easily switch between different weight units like grams, ounces, and pounds.
- The tare function helps you measure ingredients accurately.
- The waterproof tempered glass is easy to clean.
- The scale has a good size platform for weighing.
- It has a hidden hook for easy storage.
What Could Be Improved:
- The automatic shut-off time is 3 minutes, which could be too short for some tasks.
This KOIOS kitchen scale is a helpful tool for any kitchen. It’s accurate, easy to use, and has some great features. If you cook or bake, this scale is worth checking out.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Kitchen Scales from The Wirecutter
Are you ready to bake a perfect cake or cook a delicious dinner? You need a good kitchen scale! The Wirecutter helps you find the best ones. This guide will help you pick the right scale for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
- Accuracy: This is super important! Your scale needs to measure things correctly. Look for a scale that shows weights in small increments, like 0.1 grams or 0.01 ounces. That way, you can measure tiny amounts with precision.
- Capacity: How much weight can the scale hold? Think about what you’ll be measuring. If you cook big meals or weigh large ingredients, you’ll need a scale with a higher capacity.
- Units of Measurement: Does the scale show different units? You want options. Look for scales that show grams, ounces, pounds, and milliliters. This makes recipes easy to follow.
- Tare Function: This is a helpful feature! It lets you zero out the scale. Put your bowl on the scale, press “tare,” and then add your ingredients. The scale will only show the weight of the ingredient.
- Readability: The display should be easy to read. Make sure the numbers are big and clear. A backlit display helps in dim kitchens.
- Size and Design: Consider the size and look of the scale. Do you have limited counter space? A compact scale might be best. Choose a design you like.
Important Materials
- Platform Material: The surface where you put your food matters! Stainless steel is a great choice. It’s easy to clean and durable. Plastic is also common, but it might not last as long.
- Body Material: The main body of the scale is usually made of plastic or metal. Metal scales can be sturdier.
- Durability: Look for scales built to last. Strong materials and good construction mean your scale will handle daily use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Calibration: Calibration is how the scale is set to measure correctly. High-quality scales are calibrated well. You can often calibrate your scale at home, too.
- Power Source: Most scales use batteries. Look for scales that use common batteries, like AAA or AA. This makes replacements easy. Some scales have rechargeable batteries.
- Water Resistance: Accidents happen in the kitchen! A water-resistant scale is a good idea. It can handle spills.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making great kitchen tools. Read reviews to learn about different brands.
- Warranty: A warranty protects your purchase. It covers the scale if something goes wrong.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a kitchen scale is simple.
- Place your scale on a flat surface.
- Turn it on.
- Put your container on the scale.
- Press the “tare” button.
- Add your ingredients.
- Read the weight on the display.
Kitchen scales are great for:
- Baking: Baking is a science! Precise measurements are key.
- Cooking: Follow recipes accurately.
- Meal Prep: Portioning food for healthy eating.
- Dieting: Track calories and nutrients.
- Coffee Brewing: Coffee lovers use scales for perfect coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the most important thing to look for in a kitchen scale?
A: Accuracy! You want your scale to show the correct weight.
Q: What’s the tare function used for?
A: It lets you zero out the weight of your bowl or container.
Q: What materials are best for the platform?
A: Stainless steel is a great choice because it’s easy to clean and strong.
Q: How do I clean a kitchen scale?
A: Wipe it down with a damp cloth. Avoid getting water inside the scale.
Q: What batteries do kitchen scales usually use?
A: Most use AAA or AA batteries.
Q: What is the capacity of a kitchen scale?
A: The capacity is how much weight the scale can hold.
Q: Why is the display important?
A: A clear, easy-to-read display makes it easier to see the weight.
Q: What does “units of measurement” mean?
A: It means the scale can show weights in grams, ounces, pounds, etc.
Q: Is a warranty important?
A: Yes, a warranty protects your scale if it breaks.
Q: Should I get a water-resistant scale?
A: Yes, because spills happen in the kitchen!
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.