Best Kitchen Scales

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Kitchen scales are one of the most important culinary gadgets that should be in the kitchen. They provide much greater accuracy compared to traditional measuring cups and spoons.

Whether you are a hobby baker or an experienced chef, precise measurement of ingredients is necessary for perfecting complex recipes, portioning, or brewing coffee.

In search of the best kitchen scales, I analyzed over 30 models, selected the 5 most interesting ones, purchased and tested them.

Affiliate disclosure

By purchasing products through the links in this article, I receive a small commission. This does not affect the final cost for the buyer. Thanks to this, I will be able to purchase more products for other reviews, as well as expand this comparison by adding additional models in the future.

🏆 In a Nutshell: The Best Kitchen Scales

My top favorite scales turned out to be the Greater Goods scales. According to the test results, they showed the best accuracy and detail (able to measure weight from 0.4 g with a 0.1 g increment – this is the best detail, excluding the KitchenAid with two platforms), they are compact, affordable, and equipped with a bright, large, two-tone display, as well as a built-in stopwatch/timer for lovers of alternative coffee brewing methods, which I recently became interested in.

For those looking for a cheaper option, I recommend considering the Brapilot scales. I consider them the best budget scales for high measurement accuracy, compactness, quality materials, and an attractive design that looks much more high-quality and presentable than other cheap models.

Best durability. In third place are the scales from OXO. Although they did not show the best side in measuring the accuracy of small weights, overall they are made very high-quality: many metallic details are hidden under cheap plastic, which cannot be said about other tested models. Thanks to this, I am confident that OXO scales will become the most durable scales of all reviewed, but the price is a bit steep.

The KitchenAid scales initially interested me with their form factor. But I was disappointed with the quality and “plasticity” of them. The platforms quickly become worn out and lose their presentable appearance. They are bulky and not cheap. I do not recommend them.

I can only recommend Amazon scales if you are looking for the cheapest option, even with some kind of name, and are willing to overlook all other drawbacks. But I repeat – it is better to pay attention to Brapilot. Amazon scales win only in the convenience of the platform for measurements because in Brapilot it is very small, and also not entirely even, with a small depression, which complicates the measurement of large objects.

🚪 Outsiders

For various reasons, many other scales mentioned in other similar reviews did not make it into this review. There may be several reasons for this: they did not pass my initial selection / did not interest me / did not meet my criteria / I ordered other scales from this brand, etc.

Here are some of them:

Greater Goods Nutrition Food Scale — cool scales that stand out from the rest with the ability to calculate the nutritional value of weighed products, good accuracy, and elegant design. But I chose to test other scales from this brand, perhaps I will test this model in the future.

Zwilling — there are problems with accuracy, frequent disconnection during use, and inconvenient button placement for converting units of measurement.

Escali Primo — many reviews and feedback note excellent accuracy, but there are problems with the quality of materials, design, and autonomous operation time. Cheap plastic and an awful appearance. Also, some users note an increase in measurement error over time. The silicone feet may fall off, which will also affect accuracy and make it difficult to weigh heavy objects.

Amiloe — users complain about inaccuracy, weight fluctuations, battery drain due to the lack of an automatic shut-off function, as well as difficulties with touch buttons.

Kitchen Aid KQ908 — overall good scales if you overlook the short auto-off time, but since I chose a more interesting KitchenAid model to test, I decided not to take these.

Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale — scales with good accuracy, fast response, and a timer. However, there are problems with button responsiveness and the lack of display backlighting. Also, I was put off by the limited maximum weight of 2 kg and the relatively high cost.

TIMEMORE Black Mirror Nano — they have a cool design and good accuracy, but users find them inconvenient to use due to sensitive touch buttons and their placement. Accidental clicks often occur. High price.

🔍 How did I evaluate and test?

I identified several key criteria for myself, starting from subjective ones such as design and material quality, and ending with objective ones: speed and accuracy of measurements, power on/off time, and so on. Then I tested each scale model and rated each criterion on a scale of 1 to 5.

After that, I summed up the values and divided them by the number of criteria, obtaining the final average rating.

For the most important criterion in the context of scales – measurement accuracy, I conducted several tests: up to 1 g, 1 g, 2, 5, etc., and assigned separate ratings for each result so that the number of points obtained for accuracy had the greatest weight relative to other criteria when calculating the final score.

For criteria such as power on/off time and others like it, I gave a rating of 5 points to the fastest scales and, accordingly, 1 to the slowest scales.

⚖️ Comparison

—	Amazon	OXO	Brapilot	Greater Goods	Kitchen Aid
Min. weight	1	2	3	4	5
Accuracy:
up to 1 g.	1	1	5	5	5
1 g.	1	1	5	5	5
2 g.	1	4	5	5	5
5 g.	4	5	5	5	5
10 g.	5	5	5	5	4
50 g.	5	5	5	5	4
100 g.	5	4	5	5	4
200 g.	4	5	5	5	3
500 g.	5	5	5	5	4
Measurement speed	1	5	3	4	2
Stability/Sturdiness	4	5	2	1	1
Visibility	3	5	2	4	5
Auto-off function	2	5	2	3	4
Design	2	4	5	5	4
Material quality	2	3	5	4	1
Power on/off time	1	2	5	4	3
Cleanliness	2	5	2	5	2
User interface	3	4	4	5	4
Platform	4	5	1	3	4
Display	2	5	3	5	4
Price	5	1	4	3	2
Total:	63	86	86	95	80
Average total.	2,86	3,91	3,91	4,32	3,64

Minimum weight

As you might have guessed, KitchenAid turned out to be the most sensitive thanks to its second, small platform that recognized a weight of 0.01 g. Next come the Greater Goods, which recognized the weight at 0.4 g, and surprisingly, the Brapilot scales, which were able to identify 0.5 g. OXO came fourth with 2 g and the Amazon scales came last with ~5 g.

Accuracy

As can be seen from the comparative table, the Brapilot and Greater Goods scales performed best in terms of accuracy. I rated 1 when the scales could not determine the set weight. 3 and 4, when the scales identified the set weight not on the first try, and when it was necessary to reset the value to 0 through taring. The presence of such indicators indicates that the scales have a tendency to inaccuracy in sequential measurements.

The average accuracy ratings were as follows:

Amazon — 3,44

OXO — 3,67

Brapilot — 5

Greater Goods — 5

Kitchen Aid — 4,44

Measurement speed

To calculate the speed of measurements, I found the moment of the sound peak from the weight hitting the scale platform on the video and counted the number of frames until the screen displayed the reference value. You can see all my measurements in the table below. In general, the tendency is that the speed of measurements is lower on small weights and gradually increases with the increase of the measured weight.

After all the calculations, I calculated the average speed value. For more fair assessments, I did not take into account the speed of measurements of weights up to 5g, which some models cannot measure, in the overall assessment of the speed of measurements.

The average speed of measurements:

Amazon — 1,35 sec — 1

OXO — 0,56 sec — 5

Brapilot — 0,75 sec — 3

Greater Goods — 0,82 sec — 4

Kitchen Aid — 1,03 sec — 2

Computation speed (sec):

	up to 1 g.	1 g.	2 g.	5 g.	10 g.	50 g.	100 g.	200 g.	500 g.	Result:
Amazon	—	—	—	2 sec.	0,54/1,96/1,25 = 1,25 sec.	2,25 sec.	1,33 sec.	0,54 sec.	0,75 sec.	1,35 sec.
OXO	—	—	0,75 sec.	0,58 sec.	0,42 sec.	0,42 sec.	0,58 sec.	0,58 sec.	0,83/0,92/0,62=0,78 sec.	0,56 sec.
Brapilot	0,5 sec.	0,71 sec.	0,58 sec.	0,63 sec.	0,71 sec.	0,71 sec.	0,71 sec.	0,92 sec.	0,79 sec.	0,745 sec.
Greater Goods	2,9 sec.	1,67 sec.	1 sec.	1 sec.	0,58 sec.	0,58 sec.	0,58 sec.	0,58 sec.	0,63 sec.	0,66 sec.
Kitchen Aid	—	0,71/1 sec.	1,25 sec.	2,17 sec.	1,08 sec.	0,5 sec.	0,42 sec.	0,92 sec.	1,08 sec.	1,03 sec.

Stability/Sturdiness

The most challenging scales to move were the OXO ones due to their large silicone feet, which grip the table surface tightly. It takes a significant amount of force to move them. The Amazon scales were slightly less stable but still required some effort to shift.

The Brapilot scales were below average in stability, but this is not surprising considering their small size and weight.

However, the Kitchen Aid and Greater Goods scales slide on the table more than bobsledders on ice, which is unacceptable.

Visibility

To assess visibility, I placed two large objects on the scales: a 25 cm diameter bowl and a 28 cm diameter pot.

The OXO scales had the best visibility on the display screen due to the pull-out display, and the Kitchen Aid scales were also easy to read because the display is located on the side rather than under the measuring platform.

Despite their small size, the Greater Goods scales allow for the reading to be seen by slightly leaning over, thanks to the measuring platform hovering over the display screen by a few centimeters, creating a gap.

The Amazon and Brapilot scales also allow for reading the value with a larger object covering the screen, but it is less convenient to do so.

Auto-Off Function

On one hand, the auto-off function is useful but can play a nasty trick if the scales turn off too quickly. Imagine a situation where you have measured one product and are about to add another, relying on the total weight. However, while you are searching for the second item, the scales turn off, and you did not memorize the value they displayed. What if you weighed not just one product, but several?

Therefore, in this case, the longer the better. Yes, batteries will discharge faster, but nerves are more important, right?

Amazon — 2 minutes

OXO — 15 minutes

Brapilot — 2 minutes

Greater Goods — 2 minutes (5 minutes with the timer on)

Kitchen Aid — 6 minutes

Design

The Amazon scales look cheap, but they are inexpensive. However, Brapilot, which is not much more expensive, looks great.

Regarding the design of the OXO scales, I have a small criticism of the font on the buttons, but these are details that I would not pay attention to if these scales were not so expensive. I have no complaints about the design of the Greater Goods scales personally. The Kitchen Aid scales look okay but are too bulky.

Material quality

In my review of the OXO scales, I complained a bit about the quality of the plastic on the back panel, which also applies to Kitchen Aid. Kitchen Aid’s platform was also of terrible quality – it looks like metal, but it is made of plastic with a coating that wears off after the first use.

I don’t like the plastic platform of the Greater Goods scales, but otherwise, there are no complaints.

The Amazon scales look cheap overall, and if there were no stainless steel platform, the quality would deserve a one-star rating.

Considering their cost, there are no complaints about the Brapilot scales.

Turn-On and Turn-Off Time

Amazon: ON – 2.5 sec, OFF – 3 sec. Average – 2.75

OXO: ON – 3.4 sec, OFF – 2 sec. Average – 2.7

Brapilot: ON – <1/10 sec, OFF – 1 sec. Average – 0.55

Greater Goods: ON – 1.8 sec, OFF – 1/3 sec. Average – 1.05

Kitchen Aid: ON – 2 sec. for the first platform, 4 sec. for the second. OFF – 1/4 sec. Average – 2.15

Convenience of cleaning

Laminated buttons prevent dirt and dust from getting stuck in them, and moisture from getting inside when you wipe them with a damp cloth. Removable platforms make it easy to clean difficult dirt that cannot be wiped away with just a cloth.

Amazon — non-laminated buttons, non-removable platform. 2/5

OXO — removable platform, laminated buttons. 5/5

Brapilot — touch buttons, easily washable, no gaps, but dirt can theoretically get stuck between the weighing platform and the top of the scale, which can affect the accuracy of measurements. Non-removable platform. 3/5

Greater Goods — removable silicone platform cover and laminated buttons, no gaps. 5/5

Kitchen Aid — mechanical buttons, not laminated, dirt can get stuck under the buttons. Non-removable platform. 2/5

Interface and control

Amazon — 2 mechanical buttons. One is for power and tare, the other is for switching weight units: g, ml, fl.oz, lb:oz. Buttons loudly click and sometimes do not respond to presses. 3/5

OXO — 2 buttons. One is for power and tare, the other is for switching weight units: g, kg:g, oz, lb:oz. As I mentioned in the review of these scales earlier, I don’t really like that the buttons don’t respond to presses from the edges, otherwise, there are no complaints – 4/5.

Brapilot — 2 touch buttons, one is for power, tare, and the other is for switching between units of measurement: g, milk ml, water ml, oz. Buttons work even with wet hands, but I don’t really like touch buttons on kitchen gadgets because there are often problems with them – 4/5.

Greater Goods — 4 buttons. Power on/off, tare, switching between measurement units/timer settings, turning the timer on/off. Units of measurement: g, ml, oz, lb:oz, fl.oz. No complaints. 5/5

Kitchen Aid — 4 buttons: power on/off, switching between units, and 2 tare buttons for each bowl separately. Units of measurement include: g, lb:oz. Buttons are tactilely pleasant. 4/5

Platform

The most convenient platforms in my opinion are from OXO – they are large, stable, and made of stainless steel. With a small gap, Kitchen Aid comes next. Then in descending order – Amazon, Greater Goods, and Brapilot.

It is difficult to place a large container on Brapilot due to its small size, the level of the screen being higher than the platform, and the shape of the platform with a small depression from the corners to the center.

Display

All scales, except for Amazon, have large, bright, and easily readable displays with backlighting. The display on OXO is overly bright, and inactive segments are visible at some angles, which slightly hinders reading. Also, OXO has a maximum fill scale. The display on Greater Goods is two-colored, which looks great. Brapilot has the least bright display among all the reviewed models.

Price

*prices as of the publication date. Full price / discounted price.

OXO — $56

Brapilot — $19/14

Greater Goods — $30 / 24

Amazon — $11,4

Kitchen Aid — $52/36

Buyer’s Guide

Types of kitchen scales

Mechanical/analog scales: The classic workhorses of the kitchen, mechanical scales use an internal spring mechanism to measure weight. These scales come with a nostalgic design, but often lose out on accuracy over time when compared to digital models.

Digital scales: They combine high accuracy with modern design. For measuring weight, digital scales use electronic sensors. With easy-to-read displays and a variety of features, they are popular in modern kitchens. We recommend digital scales for those who value accuracy and ease of use, as they usually provide more precise measurements. I recommend this type of kitchen scale as the most accurate and affordable.

Nutritional value measuring scales: A subset of digital scales that not only weigh ingredients but also provide information on their nutritional value. Ideal for people with dietary restrictions or sports goals.

Key features

Maximum weight and measurement increments. Most digital kitchen scales measure in 1 g increments and have a maximum weight limit of around 5 kg. This is more than enough for everyday tasks. However, if you enjoy baking or experimenting, then you may need scales with greater detail. In this case, you should either buy 2 pairs of scales: 1 standard for most measurements and 1 jeweler’s type with a 0.01 g detail. You can also pay attention to coffee scales, which often have a 0.1 g detail but are less accurate than jeweler’s scales.

Display. Choose scales equipped with backlight displays. This option is not mandatory, but it is much more convenient to read information from such displays, which is especially important for the elderly or those with vision problems. The backlight also greatly simplifies measurements in poor lighting conditions.

Units of measurement. In this case, more does not mean better. You only need one unit of measurement – g or oz, depending on which measurement system you use. In all other types – ml, fluid ounces, etc. – it makes little sense, and it certainly shouldn’t be your selection criterion.

Tare function. Most modern kitchen scales probably have this function, as it is their own must-have. Thanks to it, it is easy to subtract the weight of the container, which simplifies the measurement of ingredients.

Power source. Most digital scales run on AAA batteries. There are models with a built-in rechargeable battery that works off USB. There are also stationary models powered by the grid. My choice is batteries. The few models with built-in batteries currently have many negative reviews about battery life, long charging times, and so on.

Additional features.

Removable platform – A very convenient function that allows you to wash the platform separately from the scales. I recommend this.

Pull-out display – Adds convenience, but you will likely use it very rarely if you use it at all. So decide for yourself if it’s worth paying extra for it.

Timer – I recommend it if you plan to use the scales for brewing coffee; otherwise, the function will be useless.

Nutritional value calculation – An interesting function, but I have not yet formed my final opinion on it. I do not see the need for it myself, and you decide for yourself how it will be more convenient for you to use – by using the application on your phone or entering data into the scales.