Top mechanical kitchen scales Reviewed & Buying guide
Whether you’re a passionate cook or someone who prefers to make a delicious and healthy dish from time to time, getting the best mechanical kitchen scale can surely help you out. The problem is that finding the right scale might be time-consuming, especially considering the large number of models both analog and digital available. Fortunately, you won’t have to spend days doing research since we’ve already done that for you. We’ve analyzed some of the most accurate and sturdy scales so we can make the best recommendation in terms of price and quality. Our first choice is the Taylor Stainless 11-pound. This classic scale has a solid stainless steel body, it can offer readings in 1-ounce increments, and you can also easily calibrate it with a knob. In the unfortunate event that this model is no longer available, you might want to take a look at the Polder 985-75 Professional as well.
If you’re looking for the best mechanical scale for kitchen use but have no idea how to properly compare models to be sure that you get the right one, then read on. We’ve written a short guide with some essential tips you might find handy when choosing your next scale for home or professional use.
Capacity and precision
Depending on your particular needs, you might need to go for a larger scale or a smaller one. For home use, you’d probably be comfortable enough with an 11-pound model. This would enable you to weigh all sorts of fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, and other ingredients that you usually use around the kitchen.
If at home you’d probably work with small amounts of ingredients, a restaurant or other type of food business would require a scale with a larger capacity. A model with a maximum capacity of 100 pounds or so would probably do a fine job in weighing both small and larger quantities, from sacks of potatoes to things weighing 1 pound or less.
Precision is also an important feature to look at. If you weigh large amounts of ingredients, you need a large capacity and not a high precision, especially when 2-3 ounces isn’t going to make much of a difference. For home use, your cooking style and necessities might dictate how precise you want it to be, with increments ranging from ¼ ounces to 1 ounce or more.
Construction and durability
When searching for one of the good mechanical kitchen scales available, you also need to pay attention to construction. Getting a model with a sturdy build is probably less important for a 2-pound scale than a 100-pound one.
Look for a scale that comes with solid stainless steel construction, with a strong tray or platform that will ensure a long-term service life. Stainless steel models are also more resistant to corrosion, and that’s a quality you might need, especially if you weigh all sorts of raw or processed foods which might leak acidic or alkaline juices.
A scale that comes with a highly resistant glass or thermoplastic dial is also a good idea. That becomes even more important when using it in a restaurant kitchen where it wouldn’t just get used a lot, but the risk of accidents might also be higher. There are quite a few shatter-proof models so finding a proper scale shouldn’t be too hard.
Other features to consider
Another thing you want to look at when comparing scales for sale is the size of the dial. This might not be as important if you have a good vision, but it might be vital if your eyesight isn’t great. The good news is that there are quite a few models that come with wide dials and large markings so you can accurately read even increments of ¼ ounces or less.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the scale comes calibrated with imperial units so that you get to use it right away. You can often find scales that have both imperial and metric markings if you need the latter for some specialized cooking.
5 Best Mechanical Kitchen Scales (Reviews) in 2024
If you’re trying to find the best scale for your kitchen but don’t have time to read pages-long descriptions, then you’re in the right place. We’ve created a list with easy-to-read short reviews of mechanical kitchen scales so you get to pick from some of the most popular options on the market and save both time and money.
Contents
1. Taylor Stainless Steel Analog Kitchen Scale
The Taylor Stainless Steel scale is the perfect addition to your kitchen. This mechanical scale can measure anything up to 11 pounds. This device is accurate on the entire weight range and displays measurements in 1-ounce increments. You get to ensure that you use the proper amount of ingredients when cooking so you can follow recipes to the letter.
This scale comes with a solid stainless steel body for long service life. The retro-style will certainly appeal to both family and visitors, as well as elderly people who remember the old designs. The oversized 5-inch diameter dial allows for easy reading, thanks to the large markings.
This classic analog design makes this scale easy to match with other appliances and motifs and it can easily blend into any kitchen decor. Thanks to the adjustment knob, you can calibrate the device with ease so you get accurate readings every time.
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2. Polder 985-75 Professional Stainless Steel Analog Kitchen Scale
If you’re looking for a quality scale with a vintage look, then you should definitely give the Polder 985-75 a look. This professional model has an attractive finish as well as a reliable mechanism that allows it to weight foods and other ingredients weighing no more than 11 pounds. This model is highly accurate and can show readings in 1-ounce increments.
This scale comes with a strong construction that makes use of heavy-duty stainless steel that will last for a very long time. The stainless steel is also highly resistant to corrosion so you can weigh any kind of food without a worry, including those fruits that are highly acidic.
The bowl is removable so you can wash it with ease or weigh foods faster. It’s also quite stable thanks to the upturned braces. The wide dial features large markings so you can always read values even if your eyesight isn’t 20/20.
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3. Excellante 100 Pound Mechanical Scales
Whether you run a restaurant or a delivery company, the Excellante 100-Pound Mechanical scale can help you ensure accurate readings each and every time. With the ability to weigh items up to 100 pounds, you can measure large quantities of foods in no time.
The stainless steel construction makes this device highly durable while the powder coating ensures resistance to corrosion from acidic juices. You get measurements in 4-ounce increments as well as a big dial that displays large values for super-easy reading. You also get an adjustment knob to calibrate the scale effortlessly.
The measurement plate is large enough to hold large bags of groceries and other produce. Thanks to the 2 large bolts used for securing, you get a high-strength platform that will work flawlessly for years to come. This plate is also easy to wash so you can keep it clean and avoid the cross-contamination of foods.
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4. Detecto Mechanical Dial Type Portion Scale
If you’re looking for a reliable scale that’s great at weighing food produce as well as other items, then you can’t go wrong with the Detecto Mechanical Dial. This model has a classic analog design that will surely appeal to both old and young customers. You also get a 25-pound maximum load so you can weigh heavier items smaller kitchen scales couldn’t handle.
The solid metal construction ensures long service life. The lens is shatter-proof so there’s no need to worry about damage even when working in harsh conditions. The rotating dial is large and so are the markings that show the weight in pounds as well as subunits, with the lowest being 2 ounces.
The enamel finish confers this unit resistance to corrosion, which can be a problem when weighing citrus fruits, apples, as well as other fruits and vegetables which might contain highly acidic or alkaline juices.
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5. Winco SCAL-62 2 Pound Scale with 6.5-Inch Dial
The Winco SCAL-62 is a small kitchen scale that can weigh ingredients up to 2 pounds. You get to benefit from exact measurements thanks to the ¼-ounce increments so you can weigh even tiny amounts of powders, seeds, or fresh herbs. The readings will allow you to use precise quantities of ingredients to make delicious recipes and get consistent results.
This unit has a robust construction that can handle a lot of stress while the large steel platform holds well and is also resistant to corrosive substances. The large 6.5-inch dial is great for people who don’t have perfect vision as all values come in large fonts that make for easy readings.
One of the advantages of this model is that it comes calibrated with pounds so you won’t have to recalibrate from the metric system or adjust the calibration. This allows you to start weighing produce and get cooking right away.
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