Not all of us can—or should—freestyle in the kitchen. As much as we’d love to just throw together dishes using a handful of this and a pinch of that, for the unseasoned cook that approach can often end in disaster. So if you’re a novice—or even a professional-grade baker who wants to ensure consistent results—kitchen scales are an absolute essential. These nifty devices allow you to weigh each ingredient to exactly the right amount and cook with precision.
A cut above those old-fashioned pan balances that date back to the 1600s—you remember those right?—digital scales are able to measure ingredients with supreme accuracy. Of course, not all scales are created equally—some give incorrect reads or power off partway through use. To help you avoid those shoddy models, we’ve selected four of the best digital scales on Amazon that are a cut about the rest. Not only are their measurements spot on, but they also have a remarkably long battery life. You’re welcome.
1. Ohaus Compass CX Kitchen Scale
Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the Ohaus kitchen scales eat up a very small amount of power and therefore are capable of up to 1,000 hours of continuous use. This long battery life makes them the perfect model for people who plan to weigh ingredients on the daily. The ultra-precise scale reads in increments of 0.05 oz(1 g) and has a capacity of up to 4 lbs (2 kgs). The interface is nice and straightforward with just two buttons and the backlit LCD display that increases readability in dimly lit kitchens. The scale also comes with a durable stainless steel bowl to pop your ingredients in.
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2. My Weigh Kitchen and Craft Scale
My Weigh’s kitchen scales are by far the most robust model on this list. The strong stainless steel platform has been reinforced for added durability, while the LCD screen has a removable acrylic cover to protect both the buttons and screen from any damage. It also has the largest capacity and can weigh up to 15.4 lbs. This means the multipurpose brute can also be used to measure things outside the kitchen, like craft materials for soap- or candle-making. On top of that, the scales are plenty accurate and read in increments of 0.05 oz. They can be easily wiped down after use, so cleaning is no big deal.
3. KitchenAid Digital Scale
For most novice bakers, KitchenAid is a name that needs no introduction. The brand’s iconic mixers are a countertop staple and are best paired with a matching digital scale. This will ensure you get the exact right amount of wet or dry ingredients each and every time. The stylish design features a durable tempered glass surface that easily wipes clean, along with rotating knobs inspired by the brand’s electric ovens. This scale weighs up to 11 pounds and also offers a rare feature that accurately calculates the weight of your ingredients by automatically subtracting the weight of any container, including your KitchenAid mixing bowl.
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4. Nicewell Food Scale
Some chefs like to play it loose with recipes, others like to be as precise as possible. For the latter, this easy-to-use model from Nicewell is a necessity. The brand’s scale is accurate to the gram, has a large LCD display that’s easy to read and is sleek and compact so that it doesn’t take up too much counter space. It’s also made of stainless steel and has a capacity of 22 lbs, so you know it can take a beating too.
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