Sometimes eyeballing your ingredients doesn’t quite cut the mustard. A precise and quality set of kitchen scales will take the guesswork out of measuring, so you can get the best results from your favourite recipes. Whether baking with the kids or stirring up a three-course meal, these are the very best kitchen scales to level up your cooking skills.
An overview of the best kitchen scales
- Best digital scales: Taylor Pro Digital Dry/Liquid Cooking Scales | £25.99
- Best mechanical scales: Classic Collection Mechanical Kitchen Scale | £57.49
- Best dual platform scales: KitchenAid Dual Platform Scale | £47.99
- Best touchless scales: Taylor Digital Food Scales with Touchless Tare | £21.99
- Best scales for heavy loads: Taylor Pro High Capacity Digital 15Kg Kitchen Scale | £44.99
- Best balance scales: Living Nostalgia Traditional Balance Scales | £101.99
- Best slim scales for small kitchens: Taylor Digital Kitchen Scale, 5kg / 5000ml, Copper Tempered Safety Glass | £18.49
- Best antibacterial kitchen scales: Taylor Pro Antibacterial Digital Dual 5kg Kitchen Scale | £28.99
- Best waterproof scales: Taylor Pro Waterproof Digital Dual 14Kg Scale | £38.99
- Best scales for displaying battery life: MasterClass Electronic Dual Dry & Liquid Platform Scales | £29.99
How to choose the best kitchen scales
A set of scales is essential in any kitchen, whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned home chef. Having accurate measurements at the touch of your fingertips will help you to whip up reliable results time and time again.
But, understanding the difference between the types, their functions, and their features can be tricky when looking for the best set of scales. First, let’s look at the types available.
Mechanical
Mechanical scales use a spring mechanism to calculate weight. Once pressure is placed on top, the spring stretches and moves the needle on the display dial to the corresponding weight.
As the movement of the spring powers these scales, they don’t need batteries to work. This makes them super convenient and can help you to avoid any last-minute battery disasters! In the past, mechanical scales could often tolerate heavier loads than other types, but today’s electric innovations mean that digital scales are also equipped to read significant weights too.
The downside to mechanical scales is that they aren’t always the most accurate. If the spring isn’t very sensitive, they may struggle to display small amounts. Also, over time and with frequent use, the spring can wear down, reducing its accuracy.
Digital
Digital, or electronic scales, use a strain gauge load cell to measure weight. The electric load cell sensor converts the force placed on top of the scale into a digital reading, which is usually displayed on a small LCD screen.
It’s all very technical and scientific, but all you need to know is that this can happen in a tiny amount of space. That’s why digital scales are so compact and often smaller than other types of scales. They’re also much more accurate than mechanical scales because the electric sensor is more responsive than a spring. So, a digital scale is your best bet if you’re looking to measure minuscule amounts.
Digital scales also tend to come with multiple features, like buttons that allow you to quickly change the reading between imperial and metric or easily reset the reading to zero.
Unfortunately, the downside to digital scales is that they will need batteries.
Balance
Balance scales are some of the oldest scales in the book. This traditional device works like a see-saw, with two platforms that swing and shift as weight is added to each side.
On one platform, weights are placed; on the other is usually a bowl to measure the weight of your ingredients. You’ll need to adjust the amount of ingredients in the bowl until the scales are equal.
It’ll definitely take you longer to measure out food, but old-school scales are sure to last you a lifetime and will look impressive on any countertop.
Next, you’ll want to consider which functions and features are important to you. Here are just a few to consider:
- Size/storage – If you’re short on kitchen space, a slim and compact set of scales that can be easily tucked into a drawer is an excellent option.
- Usage – Planning to reach for your scales on the daily? A durable set made of sturdy stainless steel will help you face any culinary task.
- Maximum weight – Scales that can hold a heavier weight might seem like a nice-to-have, but it can have a bigger impact than you think. If you batch cook or serve up dinner for a big family, scales with a max weight of more than five kilograms could be what you need.
- Touchless reset – Regular bakers will know the struggle of measuring out different ingredients in the same bowl. Fiddling with resetting the reading back to zero as you add sugar to your flour can be tricky – especially with sticky fingers. Some scales have a touchless reset function where you can simply wave your hand over the sensor to reset the scale back to zero so you can weigh your dry ingredients in the same bowl!
- Multiple platforms – Some digital scales come with two separate weighing platforms, usually one for heavier quantities and a smaller one for more precise amounts. This can help you cut down your prep time by measuring two ingredients at the same time.
- Hold button – This simple but handy function on certain digital scales allows you to lock in the last measurement you placed on the scale, even after you lift it off the platform.
What does tare mean on kitchen scales?
Tare on a set of kitchen scales means to reset the reading back to zero.
It’s a useful function that you may need if you set a measuring bowl on a scale and want to zero out its weight before adding your ingredients to the bowl. The tare function means you can measure an accurate amount of ingredients without the weight of the bowl affecting your results.
The best kitchen scales of 2023
Key features:
- Weighs dry and wet ingredients
- Maximum capacity of 5 kg (dry) or 5000 ml (liquid)
- Touchless tare reset
- Stain-resistant surface
- Thin, space-saving design
- Twenty-year guarantee
- Batteries included
- 23 x 17 x1.8 cm
Taylor has been crafting kitchen scales since 1851 and, since then, has become a household name when it comes to measuring and weighing. They’re also endorsed and tested by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr.: “Taylor scales are precise, pleasing to the eye, and have a clever design. They feel sturdy and strong.”
These liquid and dry digital scales are both sleek and powerful; measuring only 23 cm in length and 1.8 cm in depth, they’ll fit snugly into the smallest of spaces in your kitchen while weighing up to 5 kg for dry or 5 l for wet ingredients. They also come with a wide range of handy features to boot.
The touchless tare reset means you simply wave your hand over the built-in sensor to send the reading back to zero, so you can weigh multiple ingredients in the same bowl without making a mess. The easy-read display shows you the weight clearly. And we especially love that the surface of the scale can be quickly wiped clean and is stain resistant for a polished finish.
Key features:
- Removable stainless-steel bowl
- Measuring bowl is dishwasher safe
- Sturdy cast-iron base
- Reads metric and imperial measurements
- Measurement conversions available on the back
- Maximum capacity of 2 kg
- Comes with a 12-month guarantee
- 24 x 24 x 30 cm
These vintage-inspired mechanical scales from KitchenCraft offer a pleasant change from digital displays, showing readings on the large-faced dial. The easy-to-read dial is printed with metric and imperial measurements and the scale has a maximum capacity of 2 kg, which is ideal for everyday cooking and baking. The sturdy cast-iron base offers a heavy-duty feel and means there’s less chance of them toppling over while you’re following a recipe. On the back you’ll find weight conversions for cups, ounces, tablespoons, teaspoons, and millilitres, so you can easily switch between metrics.
Our favourite thing about these scales is the stainless-steel measuring bowl. It’s removable so you can easily transfer your weighed ingredients into a mixing bowl or saucepan, and it’s also dishwasher-friendly to make washing up a breeze.
This set of scales is a touch larger than the other ones on our list so you may need extra cupboard space to store these away, but we think their vintage charm looks best on your countertop for a pretty display!
Key features:
- Digital scales
- Two sets of scales
- Tempered glass surface
- Tare function
- Auto shut-off feature
- Maximum capacity of 5000 g (larger scale) and 500 g (smaller scale)
- Backlit LCD display
- 2 x 16 x 22 cm
From one of the leaders in practical kitchen utensils, these KitchenAid scales are made for busy lifestyles and home cooks who need to juggle more than one ingredient at once. What sets these scales apart from others is their two separate platforms: the larger can give you measurements for heavier loads up to 5000 g, while the smaller reads more minuscule amounts up to 500 g — perfect for pasta or pinches of spices.
The LCD screen can show readings for both scales at the same time on its two-line display, which is also backlit for ease. These KitchenAid scales offer ultra-precise readings in one-gram increments, so you can be sure you’re following your recipe to a tee.
We also like additional features like tare reset to zero out anything already on the scales and auto-shutoff after three minutes to save battery life. The platforms are made from odour-resistant stainless steel, and the scale uses durable tempered glass, which can be wiped clean once you’re finished.
Key features:
- Digital scales
- Touchless tare reset function
- Weighs dry and liquid ingredients
- Maximum capacity of 5 kg or 5000 ml
- Ultra-thin and compact
- Stain-resistant surface
- Battery included
- Comes with a twenty-year guarantee
- 17 x 23 cm
These digital Taylor scales are a pretty and practical addition to any kitchen collection. The sleek rose-gold surface is stain resistant, so you can weigh dry ingredients straight onto them without needing a bowl. Wipe them down after with a damp cloth for effortless cleanup.
The thing we loved the most about this set is their innovative touchless tare feature. Keep messy fingers at bay by waving your hand over the built-in sensor to reset the reading back to zero, even if they’re dusted in flour or covered in sauce.
Being able to weigh both liquid and dry ingredients stops you from having to swap between scale and measuring jug, saving you time and washing up! A button on the base lets you switch up your metrics to suit you; choose from grams, kilograms, ounces, pounds, millilitres, and fluid ounces.
These scales have a slim, compact frame, but don’t be fooled by their appearance: they can handle heavy-duty loads of up to 5 kg. We also like that these are ready to use straight out of the box as they come with a battery included.
Key features:
- Digital scales
- Ultra-high capacity of 15 kg
- Tempered-glass platform
- Stain and odour resistant
- Tare reset function
- Hold function
- Blue backlight display
- Comes with a twenty-year guarantee
- 22.5 x 19.5 x 2.2 cm
These may look like any other digital scales, but they have a maximum capacity of a whopping 15 kg. Taylor’s reputation of unfaltering accuracy means that you’ll get precise results whether you’re weighing a sprinkle of salt or cooking for a crowd.
The tempered glass platform is tough and sturdy, so you can weigh without worry. It’s also stain and odour-resistant, so you can place food directly onto its surface. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth after use to keep it clean.
If you’re measuring with a bowl, the tare button lets you subtract it from your final overall weight for greater accuracy.
We especially love how easy to use these scales are. The LCD screen has a blue backlit display for instantly checking your measurements. Pressing the ‘UNIT’ button lets you cycle between pounds, ounces, grams, millilitres, and fluid ounces to keep an eye on your liquid and dry ingredients.
These scales will automatically power off to save battery life. But, if you need to check back with your recipe, you can hit the ‘HOLD’ button to lock in the measurement — even after you’ve removed your ingredients from the scale!
Key features:
- Balance scales
- Removable measuring bowl
- Maximum capacity of 2 kg
- Acacia-wood base prevents scratches to countertops
- Sturdy cast-iron design
- Twelve-month guarantee
- 34 x 27 x 25 cm
For bakers who love a retro look, these Living Nostalgia balance scales use a simple and reliable mechanism that’s been trusted for centuries. It doesn’t need batteries so you don’t have to worry about it running out of juice mid-recipe, and unlike mechanical scales, there’s no spring to wear out over time. Just set your weights on one side, your ingredients on the other, and you’re away.
The removable, stainless-steel bowl is pear-shaped for pouring and scooping ingredients; it’s also roomy enough to cater for the whole family. The bowl sits on an authentic cast-iron body for maximum vintage appeal, and the acacia-wood base gives a rustic finish that also prevents the scales from scratching your surfaces.
We love these balance scales for their retro charm and unfailing reliability; we’re sure that bakers who want to enjoy their old-school mechanism will find them super satisfying to use. As they come beautifully gift boxed, they’ll make an excellent present for a budding baker. Just don’t forget to add the weights — available in cast iron and traditional metal — to your basket too, as they don’t come with the scale.
Key features:
- Digital scales
- Tare function
- Lightweight and slim
- Measures liquid and dry ingredients
- Maximum capacity of 5 kg
- 20 x 15 x 2.5 cm
These affordable and petite Taylor scales offer a whole host of neat functions for those looking for a small and budget-friendly option. The streamlined shape only measures 2.5 cm, so they can slot into empty gaps in your drawers or cupboards for convenient storage.
Despite their compact nature, they can weigh up to 5 kg loads which is plenty for light cooking and baking tasks. You can also benefit from the tare reset function and will be able to weigh liquids as well as dry ingredients.
The coloured-glass surface is sturdy and chic, while the LCD screen accurately displays weights in grams, pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, and millilitres.
These are a great beginner scale for new home cooks and come in rose gold and pewter.
Key features:
- Digital scales
- Maximum capacity of 5 kg and 5000 ml
- Antimicrobial platform
- Measures both liquid and dry ingredients
- Extra large display with backlight
- Hold function
- Tare function
- 21 x 22 cm
These scales are treated with a food-safe antimicrobial additive which prevents the surface growth of mould and bacteria. Sounds gross, we know, but this layer of protection means you don’t have to worry about any nasties growing on these scales. By destroying bacteria, it also keeps stains and odours at bay. And our favourite part is that the antimicrobial layer won’t wear away; it’s guaranteed to last for years to come.
Along with measuring dry ingredients up to 5 kg directly on the surface of the platform, you can also weigh liquids up to 5000 ml. The extra large display is illuminated with a backlight for easy reading and the ‘HOLD’ locks in the last displayed weight. You can also toggle between measuring in pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, grams, and millilitres by turning the rotating metric knob.
Key features:
- Digital scales
- Waterproof up to a depth of one metre
- Weigh liquid and dry ingredients
- Maximum capacity of 14 kg or 14 l
- Hold function
- Tare reset function
- Comes with a twenty-year guarantee
- 27 x 23 x 2 cm
If you’re prone to making a mess in the kitchen, these digital scales are fully waterproof up to a depth of one metre. This means they’re safe to wash in the sink and can even be submerged for up to 30 minutes. This makes them especially quick to clean and hygienic.
They can weigh liquids up to 14 litres and dry ingredients up to 14 kilograms, making them an excellent choice if you’re hosting dinner for the whole family. The ‘UNIT’ option lets you switch between pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, grams, and millilitres at the touch of a button, while the tare function will set your reading back to zero.
The glass platform is resistant to stains and odours and also looks elegant on any countertop.
Key features:
- Digital scales
- Weighs liquid and dry ingredients
- Tare reset function
- Stainless steel weighing plate
- Maximum capacity of 5 kg and 5.2 l
- Non-slip and non-scratch rubber feet
- LCD screen
- Battery life indicator
- Comes with a 5-year guarantee
- 17 x 17 x 2.1cm
Don’t let battery issues ruin your bake with these MasterClass scales. They contain a high-precision sensor that offers extremely accurate readings for liquid and dry ingredients up to 5.2 litres and 5 kilograms. But the thing we like the most is that they have a built-in battery life indicator that tells you when they’re running low on power.
They also have a tare reset function, multiple measurement unit options to flick between, and the contrasting LCD display is easy to read when you’re in the middle of following a recipe.
A stainless steel weighing plate can take the toils of the kitchen as they’re odour and stain-resistant, and non-slip and non-scratch rubber feet keep this set of scales firmly in place on your countertop.
How to calibrate kitchen scales?
Calibrating kitchen scales is crucial to ensure that they’re accurate and functioning correctly. It’s best to do this with new scales that are fresh out of the box so that they give proper readings for anything you weigh afterwards.
To calibrate kitchen scales, you will need to weigh an item that you know the weight of to check that the scale reading matches the actual weight of the item.
Here’s how you can calibrate scales at home:
- Place your scales on a flat surface for the most precise reading.
- Refer to the instruction manual for your scales to find out how to access the calibration mode. It may also be called the ‘cal’, ‘function’, or ‘mode’ button.
- Turn your scales on and press the calibration button.
- Choose an item that you can use as your calibration weight. This can be any household item you know the weight of, such as a tin of beans, a pint of milk, or a bag of flour.
- Place your calibration weight on your scale and check that the display matches the weight of your item.
- If the weight doesn’t match, check the instruction manual for how to recalibrate your scales. This will vary between models, so follow the steps carefully.
You may also need to calibrate kitchen scales after using them for a while to reset their weighing mechanism or after replacing the battery.
Weigh up your options with scales from CookServeEnjoy
Get ultra-precise when following your next recipe with a quality set of scales. Whether you’re looking for mechanical scales to fit the style of your kitchen or hi-tech digital scales with the latest functionality, you’ll find something to suit your needs from our collection.