The Best Food Scale in 2020
Every properly equipped kitchen includes a kitchen scale. Once you get one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one. Kitchen scales make the precise measurement of ingredients possible. This improves your cooking and baking results. In some recipes, even small errors in ingredient amounts can produce poor or unexpected outcomes.
The best kitchen scale for one person might differ from the best choice for someone else. For example, a baker who mixes large batches of dough will need a scale with a larger capacity than someone who blends small amounts of herbs to make tea. As you consider your options, the kitchen scale reviews presented here will help you choose the best kitchen scale for your kitchen.
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Scale?
Analog versus Digital
Analog is old-school technology that employs a spring mechanism to display weight. Analog scales have the benefit of not needing batteries, but they lack the ability to display very small graduations in measurements. To be honest, almost all scales on the market these days are digital.
Digital scales excel at measuring small amounts. Many models can weigh materials down to fractions of an ounce or gram. They typically require AA or AAA batteries although some have lithium batteries that last longer but cost more to replace. Most scales have auto-off features to save battery life, but an auto-off that triggers too quickly could be frustrating because you’ll continually need to turn the scale back on in the middle of a recipe.
Display Readability
Screen or display readability cannot be emphasized enough on an electric scale. Tiny figures or a dim display could lead to mistakes. Angled displays are sometimes the most visible, but horizontal displays will serve you well as long as they are not blocked by your measuring bowl or container.
Weight Capacity
The majority of kitchen scales handle up to 10 or 11 pounds. This is sufficient for most cooks and bakers. If you work with large amounts of food or very small amounts, then you’ll want to focus on scales that accommodate these extremes.
Tare Function
Most digital scales include the tare function. It’s very useful because it cancels out the weight of your measuring container with the touch of a button. Then the electric scale weighs only the contents of the container.
 | Inspired Basics Digital Kitchen Scale ✓ Accurate between 0.05 ounce to 15 pounds ✓ Easy-to-clean tempered glass construction ✓ Auto-off feature ✓ Included AAA batteries | $10.99 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Ozeri ZK14-R Pronto Digital Multifunction Scale ✓ 5 measuring units ✓ Tare function ✓ Auto-off feature ✓ Good LCD display | $13.83 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | EatSmart - Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale ✓ 15-pound capacity ✓ Large stainless steel platform ✓ Tare function | $19.95 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | OXO Good Grips Food Scales with Pull Out Display ✓ 11-pound capacity ✓ Helpful pullout display ✓ Large weighing platform | $48.40 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Kalorik Digital Kitchen Scale ✓5 units of measurements (g, lbs, lbs:oz, oz, ml) ✓ Pull-out display ✓ Tare function | $19.99 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | American Weight Scales Black Blade Digital Pocket Scale ✓ Unique flip-out display and easy to use three key operation ✓ 10 year warranty ✓ Two sizes of expansion included | $10.95 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Ozeri Touch II 18 lbs Digital Kitchen Scale ✓ High measurement accuracy ✓ Much space for weighing large food items ✓ Comparatively more measurement units included | $18.88 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | AmazonBasics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display ✓ Wide LCD screen ✓ Measures in ounces, grams, pounds, and kilograms ✓ Weighing platform accommodates larger bowls ✓Tare function | $10.99 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Epica TM Accupro Digital Kitchen Scale 11 lbs ✓ Large LCD screen ✓ Extra large platform ✓ Choice of 4 units | $12.00 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Salter Stainless Steel Aquatronic 22-Pound Scale ✓ 22-pound capacity ✓ Measures dry and liquid ingredients ✓ Automatically adjusts to different containers | $59.99 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Etekcity Digital Multifunction Food Kitchen Scale ✓ Measures liquids and solids ✓ Large platform ✓ Backlit LCD screen | $16.88 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | EatSmart Precision Elite Digital Kitchen Scale ✓ 15-pound capacity ✓ Large platform ✓ Tare function ✓ Long, 3-minute auto-off | $39.99 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Accuweight 11lb Digital Food Kitchen Scale ✓ 11-pound capacity ✓ Easily converts between measurement units ✓ Tare function | $9.99 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale ✓ 11-pound capacity ✓ Easily converts between measurement units ✓ Tare function | $24.95 at Amazon | Read our review |
 | Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale with Removable Bowl ✓ Angled display ✓ Senses room temperature ✓ Includes timer feature ✓ Tare and zero functions | $19.99 at Amazon | Read our review |
Kitchen Scale Reviews
1. Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale
 | $11.99 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- Measures liquids and solids
- Large platform
- Backlit LCD screen
Cons:
- Buttons lack waterproof seal
- Takes up more storage space
With this digital food scale, you get the tare function, ability to measure liquids and solids, and a large and bright LCD display. Available units of measurement are fluid ounces, milliliters, grams, ounces, and pounds, and it has an 11-pound capacity. Large weighing platform eliminates any worries about your container tipping or sliding off. Design is easy to wipe clean.
2. Inspired Basics Digital Kitchen Scale
 | $10.99 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- Accurate between 0.05 ounce to 15 pounds
- Easy-to-clean tempered glass construction
- Auto-off feature
- Included AAA batteries
Cons:
- Below average LCD display readability
- Overly sensitive touch buttons
- Pounds and ounces not shown simultaneously
Despite a lackluster display, the Inspired Basics kitchen food scale provides good overall service. You can use it straight out of the box because of included batteries, and its slim profile requires little storage space. You’ll appreciate the precise tare function that lets you eliminate the weight of the container. The auto-off feature kicks in after 90 seconds, and the rubber bottoms prevent the scale from slipping.
3. Ozeri ZK14-R Pronto Digital Multifunction Scale
 | $14.33 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- 5 measuring units
- Tare function
- Auto-off feature
- Good LCD display
Cons:
- Short inactivity turn-off time
- Cheap plastic construction
The ZK14-S really shines as a small weight scale with precise measurement in 1 gram graduations. You also get a choice of 5 measuring units (milliliters, ounces, pounds, pounds with ounces, and grams). A scientific study at Harvard Medical School even relied on this scale. The two-button minimalist design is easy to use, but the auto-off function is annoyingly fast.
4. EatSmart – Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale
 | $14.33 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- 15-pound capacity
- Large stainless steel platform
- Tare function
Cons:
- Weight limit of 11 pounds
- Comparatively small weight platform
- Gradual fading of display brightness
This cooking scale stands out among many of its competitors owing to high measurement accuracy, which is performed in a few different units: grams, kilograms, ounces, and pounds. These scales can also boast of unparalleled consistency: unlike many other models, the EatSmart scale weighs correctly regardless of the position of the food item on the platform surface.
These scales are complete with a large bright display. Although the readability of the numbers is good, the brightness of the display gradually drops, which cannot be fixed by changing the batteries. This model is a small weight scale with a weight limit of 11 pounds. This is accompanied by the comparatively small platform size, which makes around 20 square inches (bigger scales usually feature platforms of at least 65 square inches). However, this might not be a problem for those who usually cook small portions of food. With a tare function included, the EatSmart Precision Pro will become a nice and affordable home baking scale.
5. OXO Good Grips Food Scales with Pull Out Display
 | $47.80 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- 11-pound capacity
- Helpful pullout display
- Large weighing platform
Cons:
- The heaviest model among our kitchen scale reviews
- Weight measurement is shown in fractions instead of decimals
The OXO Good Grips is distinguished by its well-proven accuracy in measuring weight.
What makes this kitchen scales so desirable is the pullout display, with the help of which it is easy to read the weight measurements of food on large plates. The readability of the display is enhanced by large numbers.
Although the OXO Good Grips has a large weighing platform of 64 square inches, its 11-pound weight limit is comparatively low. One more characteristic that might disappoint some buyers is weight measurements shown in fractions instead of decimals. However, the shiny stainless steel design of this digital food scale will adorn any kitchen counter thus making up for some of its minor drawbacks.
6. Kalorik Digital Kitchen Scale
 | $19.95 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- 5 units of measurements (g, lbs, lbs:oz, oz, ml)
- Pull-out display
- Tare function
Cons:
- Fluid ounces and kilograms not used as measurement units
- One year warranty
The Kalorik XL Digital Kitchen Scale has the biggest weight limit among the models we tested — it offers the measurement range of 0.1 ounces to 22 pounds. With a tare feature to subtract the container weight, it is a helpful tool for cooking experts.
The accuracy of measurements performed by these scales is perfect according to our tests. However, the same cannot be said about the consistency of measurement in different places of the weighing platform. The Kalorik XL Digital Kitchen Scale displays the measurement results in most common units: ounces, pounds, grams, and milliliters. However, fluid ounces and kilograms are not included in the list.
7. American Weigh Scales Black Blade Digital Pocket Scale
 | $19.95 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- Unique flip-out display and easy to use three key operation
- 10 year warranty
- Two sizes of expansion included
Cons:
- Weight limit of 2.2 pounds (1 kg) due to the scale size
The American Weigh Blade BL-1KG-BLK is a pocket food scale you can easily put into your purse, laptop bag, backpack pocket, messenger bag, or briefcase. With a 9x9x1-inch size, it can be even put in a pocket, which makes it perfect for on-the-go measurements.
This small digital scale running on two AAA batteries is a perfect choice for people who need to regularly check the amount of food they consume. The weight limit of this mini food scale is only 2.2 pounds. However, this proves to be enough for a person who needs to weigh individual food portions. This scale is equipped with a 2.7×2.7-inch weighing platform, a backlit pop-out display, and a plastic lid, which can be turned into a small tray. For extra usability, the scale is fitted with a carrying case. A 10-year guarantee for such a tiny scale is an extra benefit.
8. Ozeri Touch II 18 lbs Digital Kitchen Scale
 | $19.95 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- High measurement accuracy
- Much space for weighing large food items
- Comparatively more measurement units included
Cons:
- Not the largest display numbers in the market
- Comparatively shorter guarantee protection period
The Ozeri Touch II stands out owing to its usability and measurement accuracy. Moreover, the size of its platform allows weighing large food portions.
The Ozeri Touch II scale will surprise you with the choice of measurement units available — you can set it to make measurements in ounces, pounds, grams, milliliters, and fluid ounces. This is a great feature for those who use recipes originating from different parts of the world. Another astounding feature of this food scale amazon is the weight limit of 18 pounds, which can come in handy when cooking large quantities of food. Another indispensable feature you will enjoy is the tare function that will help you to easily find out the weight of the food portions with the container weight subtracted. The usability of these scales is enhanced by a bright LCD display with quite large numbers.
All these features are packed in a small and lightweight body with a stylish modern design. This food measuring scale comes with a guarantee, which is the case with all decent food scales. However, the comparatively shorter guarantee protection period is somewhat disappointing.
Pros:
- Wide LCD screen
- Measures in ounces, grams, pounds, and kilograms
- Weighing platform accommodates larger bowls
- Tare function
Cons:
- Loses accuracy in small quantities
- Slow manual shut off
- No decimals or fractions
This food scale has a relatively low price coupled with an extra-large weighing platform designed for large bowls. The large LCD screen is easy to read at a glance, and the smooth design supports fast cleaning. You have 4 choices of measurement units, but precision is somewhat lacking because it only displays whole numbers. The vast majority of cooking activities, however, don’t need measurements down to fractions or decimals.
10. Epica TM Accupro Digital Kitchen Scale 11 lbs
 | $12.00 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- Large LCD screen
- Extra large platform
- Choice of 4 units
Cons:
- Fussy scale
- Plastic housing feels cheap
- No separate on/off button
When you need a food weight scale, this Epica model will adapt to recipes using English or metric units. You can choose from ounces, pounds, grams, or kilograms with a capacity of 11 pounds. Large numbers on a large display provide great visibility even if you don’t have your reading glasses. Measurements include decimal units for precise weights down to a single gram. The oversized platform on this digital food scale makes it able to do double duty weighing packages for the mail. It has an important tare function too.
11. Salter Stainless Steel Aquatronic 22-Pound Scale
 | $59.99 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- 22-pound capacity
- Measures dry and liquid ingredients
- Automatically adjusts to different containers
Cons:
- Small display screen
- No seals around button edges
- No decimal display for pounds
This scale’s 22-pound capacity is much larger than most digital scales. Its versatility includes easily switching between liquid and dry ingredients with the touch of a button. The weighing platform is stainless steel, and the machine adjusts to many types of bowls. The lack of seals around the buttons, however, could cause food to build up in the crevices.
12. EatSmart Precision Elite Digital Kitchen Scale
 | $39.99 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- 15-pound capacity
- Large platform
- Tare function
- Long, 3-minute auto-off
Cons:
- Display hard to read at some angles
- Cannot detach weighing platform
- Only measures in full grams
Durable stainless steel forms the weighing platform that is a generous 7 inches wide. Boasting a 15-pound capacity, this food scale gives you the options of measuring in ounces, pounds, grams, or kilograms. The display is large and lighted, but not always easy to read at certain angles. The relatively long delay before the auto-off shuts down the baking scale gives you time to work with your ingredients. Scale ships with 4 AAA batteries and includes an EatSmart booklet with advice about counting calories and controlling portions.
13. Accuweight AW-KS001BB Digital Food Scale
 | $13.99 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- 11-pound capacity
- Easily converts between measurement units
- Tare function
Cons:
- Glass platform could be fragile
- Inaccurate by 2 grams
This amazon food scale gets the job done, but is not particularly accurate with very small amounts. The 11-pound capacity meets the needs of most users, and the sleek design makes it an attractive addition to your kitchen.
14. Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale
 | $24.95 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- 11-pound capacity
- Easily converts between measurement units
- Tare function
Cons:
- Glass platform could be fragile
- Inaccurate by 2 grams
On two occasions, a respected consumer magazine rated the Escali Primo the best digital food scale in its price range. It’s very accurate to small gradations of units, and the sealed control panel resists spills. Your options are easy to navigate with only two buttons. Despite its plastic construction that’s not particularly durable, the measurement mechanism endures for years and provides consistent results. Although the numbers are sizeable on the display, the measurement unit is quite small. This top rated food scale has a 5-kilogram capacity and offers a choice of ounces, grams, pounds, and kilograms. The auto-off feature gives you a full four minutes before it shuts down.
15. Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale with Removable Bowl
 | $24.95 Amazon Customer Reviews |
Pros:
- Angled display
- Senses room temperature
- Includes timer feature
- Tare and zero functions
Cons:
- Loud reset beep
- Removable bowl could be knocked off
This scale has many extra features that could be useful in the kitchen like the timer and thermometer for ambient air temperature. It has an 11-pound capacity or 2.15 liters for liquids. The angled LCD screen is backlit as well. The manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty and ships the product with 2 AAA batteries. The wide bowl grants plenty of room to stir and mix ingredients. Since it’s removable, you could set other bowls or plates on the platform.
When a Kitchen Scale Comes in Handy?
Cooking
Whether you are really into cooking and baking or only planning to try out a few recipes, a good kitchen scale will lift the chances of success and your satisfaction to the maximum degree. Weigh measurement with the best digital food scale provides much more precise results than volume measurement with cups and spoons. Besides, measuring food with a scale involves considerably less mess in comparison with volume measuring instruments.
Dieting
When following a diet of any kind, it is vital to keep the food portions accurately measured. Relying on your sight only is a risky way, which can lead to a gradual departure from your diet plan. The worst thing is that this may remain unnoticed. Using a portable food scale will prevent you from slipping off your road to a healthy lifestyle.
Various Types of Kitchen Scales
Before you start looking for a most accurate food scale, it is better to decide on the scale type you need. Kitchen scales come in two types: mechanical food scale and digital scales.
Mechanical Kitchen Scales
Mechanical scales are a time-honored way of weighing food ingredients. Their work is based on the spring mechanism that reacts to the pressure of food weigh. This scale for food comes in two types, which both use the same principle of operation: platform scales that you put food items on and hanging scales with a hanger to attach the item to.
Pros:
- These scales do not require batteries and can measure large objects. Also, they have a vintage feel to them, which might be a nice addition to your kitchen decor.
Cons:
- Mechanical scales do not boast of extreme accuracy, which gets even lower with time due to spring deterioration.
Digital Kitchen Scales
After their appearance in the market, digital scales have been forcing the mechanical models out of the kitchens. Thanks to an LCD display, they are easy to use and provide far more accurate measurements.
Pros:
- A small digital scale can nonetheless take very accurate measurements even of the smallest food items. This is the best food scale for macros. Also, you can choose different modes for measuring liquids or solids. Finally, you can use the tare function to find out the weight of the food with the container weight subtracted.
Cons:
- To use an electronic food scale, you will need batteries or a source of electricity. Also, most of the models have comparatively low weight limits.
