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10 best kitchen scales to help you whip up masterpieces
Whether you have your sights set on the next Bake Off crown, or you simply need a trustworthy kitchen scale that’ll accurately weigh your ingredients for delicious homemade treats, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best kitchen scales for 2022.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Apr 13, 2022
With more than a fifth of Brits now cooking every meal from scratch and rediscovering the joys of being in the kitchen, compared to just one in eight before lockdown, a reliable kitchen scale is a must for any home cook or baker. From the sourdough craze to more elaborate creations flooding our social media feeds, kitchen scales have now become more useful than ever.
But which kitchen scale is best if you’re on a budget? And which one should you pick if you’re looking for a multipurpose kitchen scale that’ll save you precious time whilst preparing meals? The good news is that we’ve done the hard work for you and spent countless hours on the Mumsnet forums to get personal feedback and recommendations from those who regularly use kitchen scales for both cooking and very precise baking. Plus, we went through many expert review sites and considered consumer feedback before narrowing it down to our top 10.
Each kitchen scale here is made with top-quality materials and serves a very specific purpose, whether it be to add and weigh multiple wet and dry ingredients at the same time or help you weigh and track calories and macros in every meal.
How we chose the best kitchen scales
Because we know that there’s nothing quite as valuable as real, honest recommendations from those who have personally tried and tested the latest kitchen scales out there, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which ones families had bought for their kitchen.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at which kitchen scales had won accolades, been endorsed by experts or top chefs such as Heston Blumenthal or Michel Roux Jnr or had been featured in ‘best buy’ lists across websites. Having collated all that information, we picked the kitchen scales that we think are the best buys for a variety of needs.
Here are the best kitchen scales to buy in 2022.
What is the best kitchen scale?
- Best overall kitchen scale: Salter Glass Digital Kitchen Scale 10kg
- Best budget kitchen scale: ACCUWEIGHT Digital Kitchen scale
- Best accurate kitchen scale: Heston Blumenthal Precision Dual Platform Digital Kitchen Scale
- Best compact kitchen scale: Joseph Joseph TriScale
- Best dual kitchen scale: Taylor Digital Dual Kitchen Scale
1. Best overall kitchen scale: Salter Glass Digital Kitchen Scale 10kg
Price: £22 | Buy now from Amazon
“I’ve got Salter electronic scales that work for fluids too.” Tried and tested by Datsandcogs
If it’s simplicity and ease you want, the Salter High Capacity Digital Kitchen and Electronic Food Scale will fit the bill nicely and comes with a thumbs up from Mumsnetters who love the Salter brand.
One of the main features is the sheer weight this beauty can take – up to a whopping 10kg – while still remaining really accurate.
Another nifty feature is the add and weigh ‘zero’ function which means you can measure multiple ingredients in the same bowl. Plus, this scale has an Aquatronic function, which allows you to measure any liquid including milk, cream, wine, stock and more, so no need for additional measuring jugs taking up space in your kitchen.
The solid glass platform makes it easy to clean with a hygienic surface to work on. The only downside is that the buttons can be quite sensitive, so will need some getting used to with only a light touch required.
Pros
- Stylish
- Easy to clean
- Measures multiple ingredients
- Measures any liquid
- Comes with a 15-year guarantee
Cons
- Batteries may not last long
- Difficult to read red display at an angle
- Slight lag in display time
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 0.66kg
- Weight capacity: 10kg
2. Best budget kitchen scale: ACCUWEIGHT Digital Kitchen Scale
Price: £10 | Buy now from Amazon
You get a lot of bang for your buck with this popular digital kitchen scale, which is currently ranking fifth on Amazon’s top 100 Best Sellers list for kitchen scales.
With four high-precision sensors to give you accurate measurements with a 5kg (or 11lb) capacity, you can also measure in 1g increments. The device has an easy on/off button and a larger platform than most scales with a tempered glass surface making it easy to clean. It also has a handy tare button that’s used to measure multiple items in the same container. Simply add your first item, note the weight, press tare and you’re ready to weigh your next item.
The downside? Measuring very small quantities from the get-go can be a little hit and miss, and you need to get the scales to register a weight initially before adding whatever you want to weigh.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Clear backlit LCD display
- Gives reading quickly
- Easy-to-clean tempered glass platform
- Measures liquids accurately
- Rubber feet to keep it sturdy
Cons
- Not always accurate with larger amounts
- Doesn’t weigh very small amounts
- Display not as easy to read with large amounts/containers
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 0.7kg
- Weight capacity: 5kg
3. Best accurate kitchen scale: Heston Blumenthal Precision Dual Platform Digital Kitchen Scales
Price: £40 | Buy now from Amazon
While not the cheapest, if it’s precise measuring and accurate readings you’re after, then this celebrity-endorsed dual-platform scale is a good bet as it rates highly with those who use it.
The high-capacity platform (10kg) measures in as little as 1g increments and the second, smaller precision platform (200g) in 0.1g, so weighing ingredients like fresh yeast is a cinch. A common gripe with digital scales is the time it takes to give a precise reading, but Heston’s scales give a precise readout very quickly, making it measurement heaven for keen bakers.
Not only does this scale look professional on your worktop, but the stainless steel also makes it a breeze to clean and we like the responsive touch screen. Another great feature is the add and weigh function which allows you to keep adding ingredients to the same bowl or container including liquids. Also, this scale doesn’t turn off as quickly as other models, so there’s enough time to choose and weigh the next ingredient.
Pros
- Accurate measuring for cooking and baking
- Easy-to-use dual platform
- Large LCD screen display
- Quick display of reading
- Comes with an in-depth instruction booklet
- Includes Aquatronic feature to measure liquids
Cons
- Pricey
- LCD panel isn’t waterproof
- Scale may rust
- Not that easy to clean
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 0.8kg
- Weight capacity: 10kg
4. Best compact kitchen scale: Joseph Joseph TriScale
Price: £30 | Buy now from Amazon
“I've got the Joseph Joseph ‘foldy outy’ TriScale, and it's very good, and tidies away neatly in a drawer. It's the first digital scale I've had that has outlasted its first battery.” Reviewed by BridgetInHerBravery
Not all of us are blessed with kitchens that have copious worktop space, which makes this cleverly designed scale by Joseph Joseph great for cooks who have more bijou kitchens.
This digital compact scale is made with touch-sensitive controls and has an auto power-off feature, plus it folds neatly away to fit inside your cutlery and utensil drawer after use. It measures everything from flours to eggs and liquids such as milk, water and more.
The only slight complaint is that it can be a little wobbly when you press reset with nothing on it and it may not be suitable for weighing smaller items less than 50g. But it’s robust enough to do the job and just needs a wipe with a wet cloth to clean.
Pros
- Super-sleek to fit any worktop space
- Compact folding to fit in a cutlery drawer
- Large LCD display
- Has a convenient add and weigh function
- Great touch-sensitive control controls
- Handy auto power-off feature
- Weighs in imperial, metric and liquids
Cons
- Quite pricey
- A little flimsy
- Sometimes doesn’t sense measurements being added to a bowl
- May not pick up small amounts between 10-20g
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 0.15kg
- Weight capacity: 5kg
5. Best dual kitchen scale: Taylor Digital Dual Kitchen Scale
Price: £15 | Buy now from Amazon
If speed is of the essence and you need to whip up meals or baked treats in minutes, this Taylor Pro Dual Platform digital scale could be just the ticket to help you prep faster.
Endorsed by two-star Michelin chef, Michel Roux Jr. there’s no doubt that this scale deserves a spot on our list. The unit comes with two sets of scales with the larger platform designed for weighing bigger quantities of dry or liquid ingredients up to 5kg (five litres) and the smaller ultra-precise platform for weighing smaller quantities up to 500g. A great feature is that the two platforms can be used separately or at the same time. We also like that the scale is made from good-quality stainless steel that’s easy to clean, thus allowing you to weigh loose items such as fruit and vegetables.
The only niggle is that the unit powers off very quickly, so if you’re not paying attention or get distracted, then you may lose your place and need to remember where you got to.
Pros
- Expert endorsed
- The smaller scale measures as little as 0.01 gram
- Can measure pounds, ounces, grams and millilitres
- Made from good-quality stainless steel
- Slimline – easy to store
- Highly accurate
- Comes with a 20-year guarantee
Cons
- Some say the unit wobbles on a flat surface
- Buttons don’t always register when you press them
- Display unit isn’t backlit
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 5kg
- Weight capacity: 0.5kg
6. Best analog kitchen scale: KitchenCraft Living Nostalgia Mechanical Kitchen Scales
Price: £28 | Buy now from Amazon
If you prefer the look and feel of a traditional kitchen scale over a digital option, then the retro-style KitchenCraft Living Nostalgia Mechanical Kitchen Scale may just be what you’re looking for. Not only is it precise and functional, but it also looks particularly attractive on any kitchen countertop and is available in several colours including Antique Cream, French Grey and Vintage Blue.
Features we like are the easy-to-read metric and imperial dial, the large dishwasher-safe bowl, the stylish easy-to-clean base and the fact that this scale doesn’t need batteries.
The only downside is the round-shaped bowl which can be messy when pouring liquids out into another container.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Reliable and accurate
- Classic vintage style
- Extra-large stainless-steel bowl
Cons
- Some say the scale isn’t always accurate
- Bowl scratches easily
- Difficult to read between marks for smaller items
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 0.4kg
- Weight capacity: 4kg
7. Best kitchen scale for nutritional data: Stellar Kitchen Bluetooth Diet Scale
Price: £57 | Buy now from Amazon
Calling all techy fans! This Stellar Kitchen Bluetooth Diet scale will help you understand the nutritional values of what goes into every dish you make. It measures both weight and liquid volumes with a simple touch of a button.
A smartphone app connects to the scale via Bluetooth and transfers all the information you need to keep track of daily nutrition values like protein, carbs, fats, fibre and sodium. Its slimline style makes it easy to store and it’s a cinch to clean too – just wipe with a wet cloth.
While this isn’t an out-of-the-box-and-get-going type of product (you’ll need to read the instructions first), it’s worth the investment if you’re keen to track what you’re eating. However, bear in mind that the app may not have certain items on the database like chocolate pastries, in which case you’ll need to manually input the information.
Pros
- Modern and well built
- Can use multiple containers on the scale
- Large backlit LCD screen
- Comes with a two-year guarantee
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Change in measurement button is a bit fiddly
- Limited food database on the app
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 0.4kg
- Weight capacity: 5kg
8. Best multi-purpose kitchen scales: Salter 1079 WHDR Digital Kitchen Scale
Price: £33 | Buy now from Amazon
For the multi-tasking queens or kings out there, the Salter Chopping Board Digital Scale doubles up as a handy kitchen accessory, letting you chop and measure on the same surface.
Brilliant for recipes that require a specific amount of chopped ingredients, this scale also saves you the bother of having to pull out a chopping board first as you can chop directly onto the platform.
The scale has an extra-large glass platform to use with large mixing bowls and can weigh up to 15kg directly on the platform or in a bowl. Slim and compact, you can neatly store the unit as you would a chopping board and just wipe clean after use.
Pros
- Multipurpose scale
- Sleek and stylish
- Large surface area
- Easy-to-read LCD display
- Has a handy “add and weigh” function
- Includes an aquatronic function to measure liquids
- Easy to clean and store
Cons
- Buttons are a little fiddly
- Not waterproof or dishwasher safe – can only wipe down the platform
- May not accurately measure smaller items less between 1-10g
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 1.7kg
- Weight capacity: 15kg
9. Best kitchen scales for making bread: Lakeland Digital Kitchen Weighing Scale
Price: £30 | Buy now from Amazon
If, like many others, your bread making obsession has continued post lockdown, you may want to get your hands on a good -quality kitchen scale that’s more suitable for bakers.
The Lakeland Digital Kitchen Weighing Scale is a good option because along with all the standard features you’ll find in a good kitchen scale such as the add-and-weigh function (so several ingredients can be weighed in the same bowl) clear LCD display and auto-off function, this device also tells you the room temperature (from 0°C to 40°C).
Plus, it includes a 99-minute timer with a distinctive beep, so worth having around for bread making where both are especially useful when proving dough. We also like that it can weigh up to 5kg of ingredients thanks to the large, sturdy 2.5kg stainless-steel bowl.
Once the job is done and you can smell the bread in the oven, simply pop the bowl in the dishwasher and place neatly over the base for easy storage. You’ll need to buy your own AA batteries though as they’re not included.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Accurate scale
- Clear LCD display
- Easy to store
- Has a three-year guarantee
Cons
- Bowl doesn’t have a pouring spout
- May wobble a bit
- Some say the auto-switch off is too quick
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 0.7kg
- Weight capacity: 5kg
10. Best vintage kitchen scales: KitchenCraft Natural Elements Traditional Balance-Style Food Scale
Price: £57 | Buy now from Amazon
Oozing old-school charm, this classic black cast iron balance scale features a solid acacia wood stand and comes complete with a nifty pear-shaped, stainless-steel weighing dish that’s ideal for scooping and pouring ingredients.
While it’s easy to use with traditional metric and imperial weights, it’s worth noting that you need to buy the weights separately, which cost around £30 to £40 for a set of 10. Not the most accurate of scales on our list, you may want to avoid this model if precision is key. It’s also quite heavy and takes up quite a bit of worktop space, however it’s a real centrepiece in any kitchen. The stainless-steel bowl is dishwasher-safe, which we like, although the scale itself can only be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Pros
- Classic, elegant design
- Simple to use
- Easy-pour spout ensuring less mess
- Doesn’t require batteries
Cons
- Calibration is a little fiddly
- Bowl may be a bit wobbly on the stand
- Scale doesn’t include a pointer
Key specs
- Weight of unit: 0.8kg
- Weight capacity: 1kg
What should I look for when buying a kitchen scale?
This depends on your personal needs. For instance, if you like baking bread at home you’ll want to find a scale that has both a high weighing capacity and the ability to measure smaller percentages should you need to adjust your recipe. However, if you’re after something a little prettier for your kitchen worktop – then a classic vintage-style scale might be what you’re after.
There are four basic types of kitchen scales to consider:
Mechanical/analog scales: Considered to be the traditional way to measure weight. These work by adding ingredients, and therefore weight, to the bowl, which activates a spring that moves the dial on the display to reflect the correct weight.
These scales can usually take a heavy load and you don’t need batteries, but the spring may experience some wear and tear over time which could affect accuracy. Not ideal for measuring really small amounts.
Digital scales: By far the most popular scales, mainly due to their compact shape and extreme accuracy in measuring even minuscule amounts. You can see the weight displayed on the LCD display screen in either grams or ounces and the unit can handle even fractions of a gram.
There’s often an ‘add and weigh’ (also called ‘tare’) function which resets your scales to zero when you need to add more ingredients – and with many of them, you can use your own bowl or jug.
Many digital scales also offer added extras, such as doubling up as a chopping board or allowing you to weigh both wet and dry ingredients. The only downsides? You’ll need batteries and the weight capacity is often more limited than with other types of scales.
Balance scales: The old-fashioned type that works a bit like a seesaw in that you pop the weights on one side and the ingredients in the bowl on the other, then wait for them to balance.
There’s no doubt that balance scales will last years with no need for batteries, but they are time-consuming and less accurate than more modern scales when it comes to minute amounts.
Jug scales: Great for weighing wet ingredients as well as dry, these use the jug as your bowl with the weight shown on a digital LCD display usually found at the top of the handle.
Most have an 'add and weigh' function so you can weigh solid and liquid ingredients in the same jug to save on washing up. Jug scales often require batteries, and you should always check the quality of the jug before you buy.
How do I know if my kitchen scales are accurate?
There are several ways you can test whether your kitchen scales are accurate. Here are a few suggestions:
- Weigh a 250g block of butter to see if the scale is in the ballpark.
- Use calibration weights to check your scale’s accuracy.
- Use the change in your purse. Set the scale to zero and weigh a coin or two.
A 1p=3.56g, 2p=7.12g, 5p=3.25g and 10p=6.5g. Don’t worry if your coins are not fresh from the mint, but don’t use any that look old and worn. If a coin or two weighs the correct amount, you can stop there.
What if your scale is off? If it has a calibration feature (check the manual), follow the instructions to recalibrate.
Which is the best kitchen scale?
For price, ease of use, and functionality, the Salter 10kg Glass Electronic Digital scale is the best kitchen scale to buy right now. It can take large amounts and is really easy to use and clean in general. It’s often recommended on the Mumsnet forum and by consumers on review sites.
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