Best Food Scales for Precision in the Kitchen

Why should you use a food scale?

The food scale is a secret weapon for every cooking and baking enthusiast. It is that one magic tool to give your recipes the professional edge you crave. Using it, you can save the hassle of getting those certifications and degrees - just kidding.

But, yes, food scales do help you achieve uniform and successful results every single time. Instead of eyeballing quantities, you can use the food scale to measure the ingredients accurately and create perfect dishes.

If you think this is it, then you're wrong. A food scale's advantages go much more beyond helping you make scrumptious recipes. These include:

Quick conversions

Honestly, how often have you found yourself stuck when converting grams to ounces? Probably, a lot of times!

Different recipes call for different measurements. It can be challenging to interpret and convert quantities amid cooking/baking.

But, modern food scales make life a lot easier by offering a conversion mode. You can find out the quantities in the required unit.

Determines portions

A food scale helps you become more mindful about what you are consuming. Using it, you can calculate how many portions of a specific nutrient is present in your meal. You can also maintain a calorie count to monitor weight gain/loss.

Tells nutritional data

At times, you can not find nutritional information on food items like fruits and vegetables. It can be quite challenging to prepare food for someone with special dietary needs.

Types of food scale

Food scales have several types that you will find in the market. Each one serves a specific purpose and possesses a unique set of pros/cons. Here are the five most commonly-used types:

Balance scale

The balance scale is the traditional, old-school food scale still used today. It measures the food weight by comparing it to a set of known masses.

These balances are quite easy to use. You only have to place the items and observe as the scale adjusts itself. However, the scale is not accurate and only tells you whether the food is greater or lesser than the known weight.

Mechanical scale

A little more precise than balance scales - the mechanical scale uses springs to provide measurements. It has an attached spring that compresses when you place a load on top of the scale. The compression helps find the force applied, and so the weight.

Digital scale

Perhaps, the most accurate scale of all is the modern digital one. It features a digital display for the measurement once you put the load. Most scales also come with modes, such as tare/reset.

Commercial-scale

These digital scales have a heavy-duty build designed to meet the needs of a commercial environment. It is larger and bulkier than usual digital scales. Also, it can handle massive weight quantities easily.

Metric system scale

The metric system scales are a type of digital food scale that allows you to convert measurements. You will have several unit options, depending on the model.

Choosing the best food scale

In a sea of food scales, finding the right one for your particular needs is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. There are countless options to consider and analyze. But, worry not.

We have broken down this confusing process into simple steps. Keep these into consideration, and you will find the perfect pick in no time!

Capacity

The first thing to examine about a food scale is its capacity. How much weight can it handle? How large is its surface area?

These questions enable you to decide whether a food scale can meet your daily requirements or not. A standard food scale might do the job for domestic kitchen needs. However, you will require a larger one for commercial purposes.

Functionality

The functionality will determine the usefulness of the food scale in a particular scenario. Go through the food scale's features and evaluate its worth.

Does it measure food only? Or, does it also offer additional modes like tare and unit conversion? Can you find nutritional values from the scale?

Think about all the aspects to ensure your purchase is value-for-money. And, please avoid falling for the looks.

Ergonomics

There's no point in having a food scale if it's too complex for you to understand. Keep your knowledge about food scales into consideration and choose one that lets you use it without worries.

Also, look for food scales that are easy to wash and maintain. Since you will be using it in the kitchen, it is important to keep hygiene up to the level.

How much does a food scale cost?

When purchasing food scales, you will come across three different price ranges. These include:

• Entry-level ($10 to $50)
• Mid-range ($50 to $150)
• Premium ($150 to $300+)

The huge price variation between these ranges is due to food scale type, features, and brand reputation. It doesn't necessarily mean the premium options are the absolute best ones.
You can easily find high-quality kitchen digital scales for $25 to $80. These scales offer all the up-to-date functionalities and are durable too. However, to buy commercial scales, you must raise your budget.

Best Food Scale FAQS

Are food scales worth it?

Yes, a food scale is certainly worth it. It allows you to take accurate measurements and make successful dishes. You can also use it to control portions and become more mindful of eating.

Should you weigh food before or after cooking?

It depends on your purpose. You should weigh food before cooking to find the nutrition value-packed in it. However, if you want to simply weigh the food for storage purposes, then do it afterward.

How to use a food scale effectively?

Using a food scale is a fairly simple process. Begin by switching it on and placing a bowl. Zero out the weight by pushing the tare or reset button.

Then, add the first ingredient, and note down the weight shown. Zero out it again and repeat the process with all the other ingredients.