3 Best Kitchen Scales of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
For the most accurate measurements, you need a top-notch digital kitchen scale.
When it comes to accuracy in the kitchen, there is nothing more essential than a kitchen scale. Whether you are a professional baker or an avid home cook, a scale is one of the most important tools to help you achieve success. A set of measuring cups will serve you well, but these measurements can vary greatly: How hard did you pack the brown sugar? Did you level the cup of flour? Was the flour aerated or packed? The only way to know that your measurements are the same every single time time is to use a kitchen scale. We tested 10 digital scales to find the best kitchen scales for baking, meal prep and more.
Tested by Stevie Stewart
Our Top Kitchen Scale Picks
How We Tested
We researched top-rated and well-reviewed kitchen scales to test 10 for this review. Before performing any tests, we unboxed each scale and evaluated it for size, weight and style. We also looked through any user manuals that accompanied it.
To test the accuracy of each scale, we first stacked and weighed 4 nickels. Every nickel weighs exactly 5 grams so we knew that the result should be 20 grams for each test. We then placed the nickels in different places around the surface of the scale to see if the measurement would remain accurate no matter where an item was placed. Use this method to calibrate your scale before first use.
Stevie Stewart
To see how easy each was to clean, we mixed together flour and oil, spread the surface of each scale and allowed the mixture to set for 20 minutes. We then used a wet towel to clean by hand.
We also noted how stable the scales were when something was placed on top, measured and weighed each scale and also took into account the materials with which each was made.
Finally, when making our final picks, we took all of these tests into consideration and looked at price and availability.
- Easy two-button operation
- Durable (even with a plastic material)
- Auto shut off after 4 minutes
- Platform is on the smaller side
The Escali scale was one of the most accurate of those we tested, maintaining a steady, exact read no matter where an object was placed on the surface. The design is simple with just two buttons (On/Tare/Off and g/oz) and a circular platform that can hold small to large containers.
Made of hard plastic, it is durable and sturdy, leaving no worry of cracking or scratching while using or cleaning. This scale was also easily cleaned by hand with a wet towel without leaving prints, grease or spots behind. Another bonus feature? In testing we found the auto shut off lasts for a full 4 minutes without use, so feel free to go in the fridge and grab some more ingredients without worrying that your reading will be lost as you walk away.
The Escali Primo Digital scale is a dependable tool that is appropriate for the professional to the home cook. This scale is also used in the Food Network test kitchens.
- Material Plastic
- Size 8.5" x 6" x 1.5"
- Maximum Weight Capacity 11 lbs
- Units lbs:oz, oz, g
- Inexpensive
- Small footprint
- Easy wipe buttons for fast cleaning
- Not suitable for larger items
The Greater Goods scale had one of the smallest profiles of the 10 scales we tested but was equally as accurate as some of our top picks. Measuring just 3/8 of an inch thick (1/2 an inch with feet) and just over 9 inches in length, it could fit in any size kitchen.
Despite its small size, it can still weigh up to 11 lbs like most of the larger scales we tested. It measured accurately each time, was stable, easy to clean and easy to operate. As a company, GreaterGoods places importance on responsible manufacturing and also contributes some of their profits to charities.
- Material Plastic
- Size 8" x 6" x 0.5"
- Maximum Weight Capacity 11 lbs
- Units g, lbs:oz, ml, fl.oz
- Pull-out screen display
- Auto shut off after 30 minutes
- Detachable weighing platform for easy cleaning
- On the heavier side
- Most expensive scale on our list
One of the drawbacks of most digital scales is visibility. If you are measuring in a large bowl or plate, it may eclipse the screen, preventing you from seeing the weight clearly. The OXO Good Grips scale has a pull-out display which solves this problem. The display is connected with a flexible cord which allows you to pull away and maneuver the screen so you can see it clearly away from the measuring vessel.
This scale had the longest auto shut off time of 30 minutes (it switches to standby mode and retains memory after 6 minutes). Although one of the larger and heavier of the scales we tested, if you are working with larger-scale recipes in need of larger measuring vessels, this scale would be the one for you.
- Material Stainless steel
- Size 9.5" x 7.13" x 1.25"
- Maximum Weight Capacity 11 lbs
- Units lbs, kg, oz, g
What To Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Scale
Accuracy
We only chose scales that passed our weight test using nickles. Any scales that were not properly calibrated out of the box were disqualified.
Versaility
While the most important feature to a scale is accuracy, it is not the only attribute we wanted to keep in mind when choosing our favorites. We were looking for scales that could weigh both small and larger amounts. All the scales we tested could weigh up to at least 11 pounds.
Cleaup and Storage
We also chose our top kitchen scales based on which were easy to clean, easy to store (all of the scales we tested were less than 2 inches thick) and user friendly. We eliminated scales that were inaccurate, unstable and bulky.
Why Do You Need a Kitchen Scale?
Precision
For the most accurate measurements in both baking and cooking, a kitchen scale is essential. While dry measuring cups and measuring spoons and liquid measuring cups can be useful, they leave room for user error. For example, how you choose to spoon flour into a measuring cup can greatly affect the actual measurement. Kitchen scales measure by weight, making them a more precise way to cook.
Easy Cleanup
We found that using a kitchen scale cut down on the number of dishes we used during baking, especially. Not having to pull out our measuring cups saved us when it came time for dish duty.
How to Zero and Calibrate a Kitchen Scale
If your kitchen scale is not 100% accurate, your finished product won't be either. Calibrate your kitchen scale the same way we tested ours: with a stack of nickels. Four nickels should weight exactly 20 g. A digital scale will give you the highest level of accuracy.
Most kitchen scales have a "zeroing" function that allows you to measure ingredients into almost any size bowl or vessel. In many cases, you'll turn on your scale, place your bowl or container on top and press a botton (refer to the user's manual on which one) to bring the digital interface back to zero. When that happens, you're ready to start measuring. Keep in mind, you can do this multiple times during the baking or cooking process.
If you're unsure of the accuracy of your scale, you can try to calibrate it with an ingredient or household item that you're sure of the quatity. For example, we calibrated our scales using a stack of nickles that we knew weighed 20 g. Refer to your user's manual for more information on calibrating.
