Using a scale in the kitchen is an opportunity to follow recipes and calculate the calorie content of dishes.
Today, people, especially women, are obsessed with their figure, diets and dietary restrictions, and scales help them achieve the desired results. They are useful for those who follow diets and for those people who, due to health conditions, do not allow themselves to eat too much. The choice of kitchen appliance is based on the indicators required by the future user. In order not to make a mistake, it is worth understanding in more detail the quality of the models presented in stores today.
Types of kitchen scales with volume measurement
Today, scales are being modernized and new functions are being added to their design.
Old-style equipment is more often found only as an interior item.
But, despite the development of electronics and digital technologies, mechanical models are still on sale and are in demand. Mechanical and electronic models are used in everyday life.
- Mechanical - a device whose operation is based on a spring. The pressure force of objects placed on the bowl causes the spring to compress, and the arrow to indicate the weight on the scale.
- Electronic. The technical characteristics of electronic measuring instruments are much more complex than their predecessors. There are built-in sensors with sensitivity that determines the mass of the product with an accuracy of up to a gram. But for household use, it doesn’t matter what’s inside, but what matters is what functions this device performs.
Why do you need a kitchen scale?
The wide range of kitchen gadgets and auxiliary household appliances is so wide that you involuntarily begin to doubt the need for this or that device for the home. In pursuit of profit and popularity in the market, modern manufacturers are coming up with more and more devices that are extremely rarely useful in the kitchen, or even not useful at all.
The list of popular and purchased small household appliances for the kitchen includes kitchen scales
, and immediately took a leading position in demand today. Are kitchen scales really useful in the kitchen? Is it worth buying a kitchen scale or is it just another market gimmick?
What can a kitchen scale do?
The fashion for kitchen scales came into homes along with the popularity of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. But even before it became popular in modern social society, kitchen scales were useful in the kitchen for those who, as a rule, treated cooking as something more than breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Thus, the first origins of the popularization of scales lead to restaurant kitchens, where masters of their craft created exquisite culinary masterpieces with grammatical accuracy.
Oddly enough, kitchen scales can be useful not only in the kitchen. Such scales were extremely useful for pharmacological pharmacists, who, unlike cooks, needed to measure the correct proportions of a drug with an accuracy of several tens or hundreds of grams. By the way, scales weighing in grams came into the pharmaceutical field much earlier than into cooking.
Despite the fact that all the useful functions of scales relate to the above professions or hobbies, in a modern kitchen such a device will help if:
- You adhere to proper nutrition;
- Love to cook interesting and unusual dishes;
- Do handicrafts (beads, clay, yarn);
- Have newborn pets (rodents, cats);
As can be seen from this list, kitchen scales are not a catastrophic necessity, but they will help to accurately measure the weight of ingredients, medicines, jewelry, small pets, etc. In other words, such a purchase is a purely individual matter.
What types of kitchen scales are there?
If you nevertheless decide that such a device will be useful, then the next thing you should think about is which kitchen scales to choose? According to the principle of operation, kitchen scales are divided into mechanical and electronic.
Mechanical
Such scales show weight depending on the pressure on a special spring, which, in turn, acts on the dial hand, which measures the required number of divisions. Mechanical scales have a number of advantages that set them apart from digital devices. For example, such scales are quite cheap, durable, do not depend on power and are capable of weighing volumes up to 20 kg, while electronic ones, for the most part, have a maximum permitted limit of 5 kg. The difference in favor of electronic scales is that the result is less accurate.
Electronic
This type of kitchen scale, in turn, is distinguished by more accurate weighing results, modern functionality, compactness and design.
What else can a kitchen scale do?
It would seem that what else should scales be able to do besides weigh. But no! As mentioned above, in pursuit of demand, manufacturers are trying to make the most useful, practical and functional product, which is why modern digital scales have a wide range of capabilities.
- Special diet scales that will delight anyone who is serious about proper nutrition. Such scales are capable of weighing and independently calculating the amount of kilocalories, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, cholesterol in the weighed product.
- The unit of measurement may not be limited to standard grams and kilograms, but may be displayed in ounces or pounds.
- Some scales are capable of measuring the volume of liquid using markings on the bowl or special modes.
- Most modern scales are capable of remembering weighing results.
- Many models have a built-in timer, thermometer and clock, which can also be useful in everyday life, replacing similar interior items.
What to look for when choosing scales?
To begin, allocate an amount to purchase scales. Based on your budget, you can limit the list of functions that most likely will not be useful to you.
Pay attention to details. Rubberized legs and the body of the scale eliminate the possibility of serious consequences after a fall and protect against food getting inside the body.
A wide range of kitchen scales allows you to choose a device with an individual design to suit any kitchen interior.
Advice
: Some kitchen scales can be purchased with food processors or meat grinders. For example, a special set from Rolsen includes a Rolsen MG meat grinder and kitchen scales as a gift. This is a great option for those who need a kitchen scale only for weighing, since by purchasing the device as a set, you save your budget as much as possible.
Advantages and disadvantages
Each of these models has several advantages and disadvantages compared to the others. To begin with, it is worth considering the positive aspects of each of the candidates for purchase.
Mechanical models differ:
- Independence from batteries, which means indoor and outdoor use. Therefore, you can often find food stalls with such devices in markets.
- Large weighing mass compared to electronic models. After all, most often, preparing dishes does not require measuring kilograms of food; manufacturers do not even count on large volumes. Mechanical instruments can weigh both small and large ones. Why is this needed in the kitchen? For example, to find out the exact weight of a large volume of purchased products, because buyers are often deceived.
- Mechanical scales are cheaper.
Electronic:
- Weighing accuracy. Some models have an error of up to hundredths of a gram.
- Additional functions that allow you to find out the weight of products and calculate calorie content, find out the content of nutrients per weight of the product.
- The values are shown on a digital display. Unlike mechanical devices, where you need to look for the needle among the scale and look closely at the indicators being determined, only the necessary information is displayed here.
- Storage device – the ability to remove containers or display the mass of each product sequentially.
- Possibility of self-shutdown - saving energy consumption or battery charge.
But where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages. Kitchen measuring scales also remain imperfect.
Mechanical scales have a high error rate. Over time, the spring loses its elasticity and the measurement error increases. There are no additional features that characterize this model as less attractive.
Electronic ones, regardless of the fact that they are charged and run on a battery, still depend on the electrical network. And this is the only disadvantage of such devices.
How to choose electronic kitchen scales?
Following your preferences, choose electronic scales for the kitchen according to the main criteria: functionality, quality and appearance. The requirements are related and dependent on each other: high-quality equipment made of steel has many capabilities, looks presentable and can last 10 years.
- The case of a quality product completely covers the mechanism. Assess the thickness of the cracks and gaps.
- Plastic parts reduce cost and shorten service life compared to metal and glass.
- If you choose glass, then only tempered glass. Both for the body and for the bowl.
- Wood looks expensive and requires careful care.
- Determine the shape of the scale according to your needs. It is more convenient to weigh different products in your own way. Sometimes you really need to “fit” a new element into the kitchen decor to its advantage.
- The buttons are more convenient than rubber ones. Plastic ones are short-lived, they can sink and wipe the substrate.
- Touch control is convenient and modern. Cannot tolerate wet hands.
- LCD screen – with or without backlight.
- Maximum weight – on average 3-5 kg. Professionals can withstand up to 20.
- The smaller the division step, the more accurate the result. 1-2 g is best.
- If you wish, you can take a kitchen appliance with rich functionality. Equipped with a mini-computer, they can calculate the energy and nutritional value of even complex dishes for you.
Tabletop electronic kitchen scales
When you already know how to choose electronic scales for the kitchen, decide on the shape that suits you. Focus on your needs: what do you plan to weigh more of? The simplest and most common electronic kitchen scale is a desktop model with a thin flat platform. On a surface slightly smaller than an A4 sheet, large fruits and vegetables, long spaghetti, large pieces of meat and fish are placed. The apple can be weighed directly on the platform. Chicken breast - in a plate, having previously thawed its value.
Kitchen electronic wall scales
If the choice of electronic scales for the kitchen requires compliance with a special interior, take a closer look at the options that are attached directly to the wall. They look mysterious to the uninitiated: a kind of display of unknown purpose. The weighing surface folds down from above before use, and then rises into place. Evaluate the convenience for yourself - you won’t be able to remove them and work with them on the table.
Kitchen electronic spoon scales
Another useful device, which is an electronic kitchen scale for food and more, has the shape of an ordinary spoon. The size of a dining room, up to 25 cm long, it functionally replaces conventional electronic scales. There is a display, selection of units of measure, tare deduction, auto shut-off and an overload indicator. It weighs 50 g, and the measurement limit is up to 500 g. And the accuracy is pharmaceutical - 0.1 g of error. Use it to measure:
- spices;
- medicines;
- infant formula;
- protein shakes;
- herbal preparations;
- pet food;
- wherever precise dosage is needed.
Kitchen electronic scales with bowl
Pasta, cereals, berries - for small bulk products, choose a model with a bowl, preferably a removable one. It is easy to clean, so feel free to even knead dough in it. With the built-in zeroing function, you can measure each ingredient in a recipe without removing the previous one from the container. This feature is useful in the art of confectionery, which requires precision down to the gram.
The most suitable material for electronic kitchen scales is stainless steel. This is a strong, durable, inert alloy that does not react with food, does not break and can withstand dishwasher procedures. There are also beautiful bowls made of plastic or glass. However, if the first one accidentally melts, and the second one breaks, they will have to be made to order.
Kitchen electronic professional scales
Representing the best kitchen scales, electronic mechanisms are used not only in stores and restaurant kitchens. Professional devices for the home can satisfy the needs of demanding housewives. They are distinguished from household electronic scales by:
- especially durable body materials;
- maximum load - up to 20 kg;
- increased accuracy;
- power supply from the electrical network.
Electronic scales for the kitchen - rating
Everyone has their own requirements for weights. Different manufacturers focus on reliability, advanced features, design or economy. The rating of electronic kitchen scales will help you make your choice.
- The leader in quality and reliability is Beurer
. Their model KS 48, made in Germany, is recognized as the most popular according to reviews from many evaluation portals. - The best professional scales, according to consumer reviews, are Soehnle 67080
- weigh up to 15 kg. - High-quality steel electronic scales of discreet design with touch controls, sound indication and heated platform are produced by the Caso
. - Accurate, practical and convenient are popular - Tefal BC5004V1
. - The optimal combination of functionality, quality and price - Maxwell MW-1451
. - The most convenient calorie counter - Redmond SkyScales 741S
- is controlled by an application on your phone. - Easy to clean, with a touch panel and a glass platform, electronic scales are presented by Saturn
. - The most inexpensive kitchen scales, which are functional and very beautiful, are Delfa, Mirta, Vitek, Magio
. - The most convenient and reliable spoon scales are Endever KS-513 and Vigor HX-8211
.
Characteristics of kitchen scales with volume measurement
The range of mechanical scales is small. The design is standard - a bowl and a dial. There are no additional elements here and cannot be. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at electronic models, of which there are many varieties.
What characteristics should you look for when choosing a kitchen unit in a store?
There are a lot of such indicators in total even for such a small subject. Each of the features requires separate and detailed consideration.
- Weighing mass limit. For household scales, manufacturers limit this indicator to a value from 2 to 5 kg. Measuring a large mass is necessary for those who prepare preparations - pickles, jams, compotes and the like, because here, as in a pharmacy, accuracy and adherence to the recipe are needed. A device with an average weight of up to 3 kg is also suitable for everyday use.
- Measurement accuracy. There are no accurate measuring scales even in chemical laboratories. Here the errors are measured in thousandths, and for household ones a deviation of 1 g is considered normal. Whether it’s worth getting so carried away with the accuracy of the mass of products for home consumption is everyone’s business, but it’s also worth knowing the fact that manufacturers inflate prices for this equipment. A device with an error of 2 g costs an order of magnitude less, and the user will not feel the difference.
- Measurement of liquid volume. The ingredients indicated in the recipe in milliliters or liters are not always measured accurately. And when using a measure, you will have to independently convert weight indicators into volume (using special mathematical formulas). This will increase mental abilities, but will discourage all desire to dine. Therefore, in some scales, weight is automatically converted into volume, which is practical and relieves the housewife from knowledge of mathematical formulas.
- Mounting the scales to the wall frees up space on the table and protects the equipment from accidental falls.
- The material of the equipment directly affects the service life.
The kitchen, in the home of even the most careful owners, is a high-risk place. Here objects are wet or hot, fall and spill, so strength is necessary for such a device. Today, stores offer models with glass bodies. Yes, it is stylish and attractive, but not practical. The plastic housing reduces the weight of the measuring device and the cost. Strength indicators drop: high temperatures cause them to deform, plastic cracks, and equipment quickly deteriorates. A metal case is the optimal solution for kitchen equipment, because these devices are not subject to deformation. Stainless steel materials are used for manufacturing, so no external factors affect the service life.
Attention has already been paid to the choice of material. Another feature in the housing is the weighing bowl or platform. A flat platform means installing any utensils on its surface, or laying out food on a flat surface. A scale with a bowl is suitable for preparing dough.
But, for such models you need a removable bowl. Then the mechanism will not interfere with its washing and processing.
Buttons, their location and material. Glass cases are characterized by touch buttons, which is both convenient and not at the same time. Why? Food spilled on the buttons disrupts the indicators on the dial, and the bowl on the platform blocks access to the panel. Rubber buttons have a long service life.
And if the entire button panel is protected by a rubber coating, then the surface is sealed and spilled products will not reach the mechanism.
Kitchen scale mechanisms must be completely enclosed by the body, platform or bowl of the device. Exposed parts may become damaged and reduce service life.
Scales located on a platform with an optimal price-quality ratio
Caso L20
The device was developed by German engineers and is also produced in this country. Despite the fairly low cost, functionality and ease of use are very effectively combined here. The external design of the device does not cause much delight, including the platform on which products are placed to calculate their mass. However, the operating potential of these scales can easily compete with more expensive and attractive-looking devices. Operating the scales is easy - you don’t even have to refer to the instructions to master them.
The maximum weight that such a device can withstand is as much as 20 kg, which is a very serious indicator for kitchen scales. The measurement error is insignificant - it does not exceed 2 grams. The product is equipped with a stand made of tempered glass. The size of the platform is 30x22x20 cm; it does not have a removable mechanism.
Advantages:
- There is an automatic shutdown option - the device turns off a minute after the load is removed from it;
- Limit load controllers are provided;
- There is a battery charge indicator.
Flaws:
- Unprepossessing design;
- The top platform cannot be removed.
kitchen scales Caso L20
REDMOND SkyScales 741S
This is the first Russian-designed and manufactured model in our review. The unit can withstand significantly less weight compared to the previous device - only 5 kg, but the measurement accuracy is much higher: the maximum error does not exceed 1 gram. Users in their reviews speak positively about the functional side of the scales, in particular, there is a calorie counter. It works as follows: the device’s memory contains a list of the most common food products along with nutritional values. When weighing food, just select the required item, after which the device itself will calculate how much energy is in this dish.
The device looks quite stylish. The underside of the case is made of high-quality plastic, the platform itself is made of glass. It has a fairly large liquid crystal display - information from it is very easy to read. All control buttons of the device are touch-type, their functions are intellectually understandable. If desired, the device can be integrated into a “smart home” system - it can be controlled through a special application on a smartphone or tablet.
Advantages:
- Minor error;
- There is a calorie counter;
- It is possible to control via a smartphone;
- Quite a large display;
- Stylish appearance;
- Long service life.
More: Morphy Richards Homebake 502001 bread maker - full review: prices, specifications, reviews
Flaws:
- There is no sequential weighing function;
- Some consumers complain that the platform is not very broad;
- The maximum weighing threshold is only 5 kg.
Kitchen scales REDMOND SkyScales 741S
Soehnle 67080 Page Profi
Such scales are able to weigh products weighing up to 15 kg, and the error is insignificant - only 1 gram. The device runs on two standard AAA batteries. To save battery consumption, there is an automatic shut-off function. The case has a liquid crystal display with backlighting along the entire contour, so the scales can be used even in rooms with a lack of light. The platform on which the products are placed is made of high-quality, carefully tempered glass - its surface will not be scratched, and it is also very easy to clean from any dirt.
The device is equipped with a sequential weighing function. This means that in just a few seconds you can put another product on the scale. Unfortunately, weighing spices is not very convenient, since the device is not sensitive to weights less than 5 grams.
Advantages:
- The display is equipped with LED backlighting – data is clearly visible in the dark;
- You can weigh a decent amount of mass;
- The platform is made of reliable tempered glass;
- There is a sequential weighing function;
- The battery drains quite slowly.
Flaws:
- The device is not sensitive to food weights less than 5 grams;
- The legs do not have rubber pads - they can slide on the surface.
Kitchen scale Soehnle 67080 Page Profi
Oberhof Bruona H-17
At the top of this section of our review of the best kitchen scales are very stylish and original products that are characterized by excellent accuracy. You can weigh both in containers and without them. This opportunity allows you to prepare even very complex dishes that require strict adherence to proportions. The weighing error does not exceed 1 gram. If necessary, you can weigh water, milk or other liquid on such scales, since the device will automatically take into account their density. The design is laconic but modern, and the overall dimensions are quite compact. The scales themselves take up a minimal amount of free space in the kitchen, so they are suitable even for small spaces. All parameters are displayed on a fairly large liquid crystal display.
There are 5 units of measurement here. The weighing sensor is very sensitive - you can put products weighing from 1 gram, the maximum load is small - only 5 kg. The scales themselves go into standby mode after just 10 seconds of inactivity, and after a minute they turn off completely. The case is made of high-quality stainless steel, on which there will be no traces of touch; the material can easily withstand even serious physical loads and is resistant to mechanical damage.
Buy the best rated kitchen scale Oberhof Bruona H-17 from an official representative at a great price!
Advantages:
- Very high measurement accuracy;
- There is a tare function;
- The warranty period is 2 years;
- You can choose between units of measurement;
- Minimum error;
- Stylish design;
- You can weigh from one gram.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
kitchen scales Oberhof Bruona H-17
Volume measurement
The function of automatically converting the weight of a liquid into its volume is not the most common, and many housewives may find it unnecessary, but these are just prejudices.
Mechanical scales are most often limited in their ability to measure volume or are limited to the volume of water.
But there are also liquids whose density is much higher than that of water, for example, tomato juice or kefir. And then how can a caring and prudent housewife find out the exact volume of the necessary ingredients?
Do not be afraid to purchase a product with this function. It may seem that they will be more expensive than analogues without a volumetric meter, but the difference will be small, and the benefits will be noticeable.
Choosing a model with volume measurement with a flat platform or with a bowl depends on the housewife’s requirements. Before purchasing, you need to understand that a device with a bowl is limited only by its capacity, nothing more.
Flat platform scales are only limited by measurement limitations. The weight of any container will be taken into account as a container, and the volume of liquid will be calculated with maximum accuracy.
The benefits of this function will also be appreciated by young mothers who need to regulate not only their diet, but also accurately calculate the ingredients for their baby’s first feeding, or to take into account medications when preparing suspensions.
Malfunctions
- Failures in determining the mass are associated with improper installation on a soft surface or rubber coating, as well as if the horizontal plane on which the installation was made was not level. By moving it to another location you can get rid of this problem. Location near household appliances that create magnetic fields may interfere with the accuracy of determining the weight of products.
- Uneven distribution of food on the bowl or platform makes it impossible to determine the weight. A liquid that oscillates will not allow its volume to be calculated. To accurately determine the weight or volume, the stacking of products or installation of containers should be located in the middle of the platform.
- Incorrectly installed removable parts (bowl or platform) increase the error in calculations, or mass measurement is not performed. Correct installation will solve the problem.
- If the equipment does not calibrate, it is worth trying to reboot it. The cause of the malfunction is an error in the operation of the storage device.
The operation of measuring equipment is influenced by external factors and physical indicators, such as gravity or air currents, and even evaporation from products. But at the everyday level, these indicators are not so critical.
They are measured in mg, so their value is not shown on the display.
Price category
Should you focus on price when purchasing scales? Yes, it won't hurt. Mechanical models will be cheaper, but among electronic ones there are also inexpensive models. And here it’s worth turning to the purpose of your purchase.
If you plan to use it infrequently and do not require additional functions, then you can safely purchase cheap samples without paying attention to the manufacturer.
Design decisions in design will affect the price.
Devices with a simple design will cost an order of magnitude less than those with a colorful interface. The main thing when making a purchase is to take into account the characteristics of a particular model. There is no need to rush anywhere, and if time is limited today, it is better to postpone the purchase until the next day. Advertising from sponsors: // // //