Best Food Scale America’S Test Kitchen (Updated | Feb 3rd)
Welcome to our deep‑dive into America’s Test Kitchen’s top food scales, where precision meets kitchen confidence. We’ve put each model through real‑world cooking challenges, weighing everything from delicate spices to hefty roasts. Our hands‑on tests reveal which scales deliver accuracy, durability, and user‑friendly features without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, this guide will help you pick the perfect scale to elevate every recipe. Join us as we slice through data, serving clear recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- The top food scale excels with precise 1-gram measurements and a large food database.
- It tracks 19 nutrients and syncs seamlessly with popular health apps.
- Stainless steel platform ensures durability and easy cleaning.
- Choose a scale with app integration if tracking nutrition is a priority.
- Look for 1-gram accuracy and a spacious platform for versatile use.
Etekcity Smart Food Kitchen Scale with Nutritional Calculator
Smart Nutrition Tracker
- Tracks 19 nutrients
- Large food database
- Stainless steel platform
- BEST FOR SPACIOUS GLASS SCALE: Nicewell Food Scale Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT PRECISION: Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BUDGET RELIABLE: Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SMART NUTRITION TRACKER: Etekcity Smart Food Kitchen Scale with Nutritional Calculator Read More ↓
- BEST FOR VERSATILE UNIT MASTER: Tcsxady Food Scale Read More ↓
- BEST FOR WATERPROOF RECHARGEABLE: Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HEAVY DUTY CAPACITY: Food Scale -33lb Digital Kitchen Scale for Food Ounces Grams Rechargeable 304 Stainless Steel Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT HIGH CAPACITY: Greater Goods Digital Food Scale for Kitchen & Baking Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SLIM PRECISION SCALE: Greater Goods Food Scale – Digital Kitchen Scale Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SLEEK MULTI UNIT: Mik-Nana Food Scale Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Food Scale America’S Test Kitchen
Nicewell Food Scale, 22lb Digital Kitchen Scale Weight Grams and oz for Cooking Baking, 1g/0.1oz Precise Graduation, Stainless Steel and Tempered Glass (Ash Silver)
The Nicewell digital kitchen scale offers a generous 22‑lb capacity with precision down to 1 g or 0.1 oz, perfect for bakers and health‑conscious cooks. Its spacious 9 × 6.3‑inch tempered‑glass platform and clear LCD make measuring flour, meat, or parcels effortless.
A handy tare button lets you zero out containers, while the stainless‑steel top resists fingerprints and is easy to wipe clean. Included batteries and a built‑in hook for storage add convenience.
Whether you’re tracking macros, portion sizes, or shipping packages, this sturdy, feature‑rich scale delivers reliable results every time.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- High 22‑lb capacity
- 1 g/0.1 oz precision
- Large tempered‑glass platform
- Easy tare function
- Stainless‑steel, fingerprint‑resistant surface
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No built‑in battery indicator
- Blue protective film initially
- Limited color options
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and Meal Prep, LCD Display, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel
The Etekcity digital kitchen scale is a compact powerhouse that measures up to 11 lb (5 kg) in 1‑gram steps, ideal for precise baking and portion control. It supports five units—oz, lb, oz/fl oz, g, and mL—so you can switch between weight and volume effortlessly.
A backlit LCD with large fonts ensures readability, while the stainless‑steel surface wipes clean with a simple cloth. Tare functionality lets you zero out bowls, and the included AAA batteries keep it ready for use.
Its small footprint fits neatly on any countertop or in a cabinet.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact, space‑saving design
- Five measurement units
- Backlit LCD display
- Accurate 1‑gram increments
- Easy‑to‑clean stainless surface
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Maximum 11‑lb capacity
- No auto‑off timer
- Battery compartment hard to open
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Batteries Included, Weighs up to 11 pounds, Black and Stainless Steel
The Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale offers a straightforward, no‑frills solution for home cooks who need reliable measurements. Its BPA‑free plastic body houses a sturdy stainless‑steel platform that supports up to 11 lb (5 kg) while a bright LCD shows weight in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and milliliters.
A quick‑press tare button lets you zero out the container weight, and the 2‑gram minimum ensures precision for small ingredients. Powered by two AAA batteries—included—the scale is compact enough to tuck away, yet large enough for bowls and plates.
Ideal for everyday baking, meal prep, and portion control.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Clear LCD display
- Wide stainless platform
- Easy tare button
- Batteries are included
- Up to 11 lb capacity
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited weight increments
- No auto‑off feature
- Plastic body feels cheap
Etekcity Smart Food Kitchen Scale with Nutritional Calculator, Free App with 19 Nutrients Tracking, Calorie, Marco, Digital grams and ounces for weight loss, Premium Stainless Steel, 11lb
Etekcity’s Smart Food Kitchen Scale merges precise weighing with a robust nutrition‑tracking ecosystem. The 304‑grade stainless steel platform holds up to 5 kg, while four high‑precision sensors deliver 1‑gram increments from 3 g to 5 kg.
Through the free VeSync app, you can log up to 19 nutrients, pull data from Nutritionix’s million‑item database, and sync results to Apple Health or Fitbit for seamless monitoring. Unit conversion covers ounces, pounds, grams, milliliters, and fluid ounces, and a responsive tare button eliminates container weight instantly.
Its sleek design fits neatly on countertops, making it ideal for health‑focused cooks, dietitians, and anyone wanting detailed food analytics.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Tracks 19 nutrients
- Large food database
- Stainless steel platform
- Syncs with health apps
- Precise 1‑gram increments
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires smartphone app
- Battery life varies
- Learning curve for features
Tcsxady Food Scale, 11lb Digital Kitchen Scale with 6 Units LCD Display and Tare Function,Compact Design for Baking,Healthy Cooking,Meal Prep, 304 Stainless Steel
The Tcsxady Food Scale delivers lab‑grade accuracy in a compact footprint, weighing up to 11 lb (5 kg) with 1 g precision. Six interchangeable units—grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, milliliters, and milk‑ml—let bakers and meal‑preppers switch instantly, eliminating conversion guesswork.
A bright backlit LCD stays readable in low light, while the tare button removes container weight with a single tap. Automatic shut‑off after two minutes conserves the included batteries, and overload alerts protect the sensor.
Its stain‑resistant ABS surface wipes clean, making it ideal for busy kitchens and travel.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Six measurement units
- Accurate 1‑gram precision
- Bright backlit display
- Auto shut‑off power saving
- Stain‑resistant ABS surface
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No built‑in power cord
- Limited weight range for heavy items
Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale, Grams and Oz for Weight Loss, Baking and Cooking, 0.05oz/1g Precise Graduation,5 Weight Units, IPX6 Waterproof, USB Rechargeable,304 Stainless Steel-Silver, 22lb
The Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale combines rugged durability with versatile functionality for both home cooks and fitness enthusiasts. It measures up to 22 lb (10 kg) in 1‑gram steps and down to 2 g, covering everything from large dough batches to tiny spice portions.
An IPX6 waterproof coating lets you safely weigh liquids and wipe the surface without damage. A rechargeable lithium‑ion battery, charged via USB‑C, eliminates the need for disposable cells.
Five unit options—including grams, ounces, pounds, milliliters, and fluid ounces—switch with a single press, while tare and hold functions streamline multi‑ingredient recipes.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- IPX6 waterproof design
- Rechargeable USB‑C battery
- Wide 22 lb capacity
- Precise 1‑gram increments
- Five unit conversions
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No built‑in power indicator
- Slightly bulky footprint
Food Scale -33lb Digital Kitchen Scale for Food Ounces Grams Rechargeable 304 Stainless Steel,Batteries and Type-C Charging | Perfect for Meal Prep, Cooking, and Baking, Black
Meet the GGQ 33‑lb digital kitchen scale, a reliable partner for any cooking enthusiast. Four high‑precision load sensors deliver accurate readings from 0.1 oz (3 g) up to 33 lb (15 kg) with 1‑gram increments.
Its waterproof anti‑collision glass panel and spacious 7.5 × 5.5 inch stainless‑steel surface provide stability for large bowls and pots. The intuitive touch LCD, tare button, and auto‑off timer make measuring effortless, while the power‑low alarm and overload warning keep you in control.
A hanging hook and rubber feet simplify storage, and the 12‑month support ensures peace of mind.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Precise 1‑gram increments
- Large 33‑lb capacity
- Sturdy stainless steel platform
- Touchscreen LCD display
- Auto‑off power saver
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Battery not included
- Heavy for small kitchens
- No Bluetooth connectivity
Greater Goods Digital Food Scale for Kitchen & Baking, 10kg/22lb High-Capacity Weight Scale with 1g Precision, Stainless Steel Platform, Hi-Def LCD, Ideal for Bread, Sourdough & Bulk Cooking
Greater Goods offers a robust 22‑lb digital food scale designed for serious bakers and meal‑preppers. With a maximum capacity of 10 kg and 1‑gram precision, it easily handles flour, meat, or bulk ingredients while switching between grams, ounces, lb‑oz, and milliliters.
The bright LCD shows bold, high‑contrast numbers that stay visible from any angle, and a hold function keeps the display on for up to five minutes. Constructed from durable stainless steel with touch‑sensitive controls, the scale resists stains and is simple to clean.
Its slim, low‑profile silhouette fits neatly on crowded countertops or slides into a drawer for storage.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- 22‑lb high capacity
- 1‑gram precision measurement
- Bright high‑contrast LCD
- Slim space‑saving design
- Durable stainless‑steel construction
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No battery indicator
- Limited to kitchen use
- No app integration
Greater Goods Food Scale – Digital Kitchen Scale, 1g Precision, Easy-Tare & Quick Conversion, Slim Compact Design, Durable & Portable | Ideal for Cooking, Baking & Meal Prep
The Greater Goods Food Scale is a sleek, compact digital scale built for everyday cooking, baking, and portion control. Its four precision sensors deliver 1‑gram accuracy across a range of 2 g to 11 lb (5 kg), making it reliable for recipes and diet tracking.
A single‑touch tare button instantly zeroes the platform, while a one‑tap unit switch lets you toggle between grams, ounces, pounds, and milliliters. The BPA‑free plastic body is lightweight yet durable, and the non‑backlit LCD keeps battery use low.
Ideal for small kitchens that need precision without sacrificing counter space.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Compact countertop size
- Precise 1‑gram accuracy
- One‑touch tare button
- Four unit options
- Durable BPA‑free build
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited max weight
- No backlit display
Mik-Nana Food Scale, 22lb Digital Kitchen Scale with 6 Units Tare Function & LCD Display, Stainless Steel Weight Grams and Ounces for Baking, Cooking and Meal Prep (Batteries Included)
The Mik‑Nana 22‑lb Food Scale packs a powerful set of features into a slim, 7.5‑by‑5.5‑inch footprint. It measures from 1 g up to 10 kg (22 lb) with 1‑gram precision, and offers six unit conversions including grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, milliliters, and milk milliliters.
A backlit LCD shows large, easy‑to‑read numbers, while the tare function quickly subtracts container weight. Powered by two AAA batteries, the scale automatically powers down after three minutes of inactivity to save energy.
Its sleek design fits neatly into cabinets, making it a versatile tool for bakers, dieters, and anyone needing reliable weight measurements.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Six unit conversions
- Generous 22‑lb capacity
- Slim space‑saving design
- Backlit LCD display
- Auto shut‑off timer
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires AAA batteries
- Platform may flex under load
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key features should I prioritize when choosing a food scale?
Look for a high weight capacity (typically 5 kg or more) and a fine resolution (1 g or 0.1 oz) to handle both large batches and precise measurements. A clear, backlit LCD makes reading easier in low‑light kitchens, and a tare function simplifies ingredient swaps. Durability matters, so consider a stainless‑steel platform and a sturdy housing.
How does the America’s Test Kitchen recommended scale compare to budget models?
The ATK‑approved scale often offers superior accuracy, a wider measurement range, and more robust construction than entry‑level options. While budget models may be cheaper, they can lack features like automatic shut‑off, multiple unit conversions, and a stable platform that resists wobbling. Over time, the higher‑priced scale can provide more consistent results and last longer.
Is a digital or mechanical scale better for everyday cooking?
Digital scales provide precise readings, multiple unit options, and easy tare functions, making them ideal for most home cooks. Mechanical scales are durable and don’t require batteries, but they typically offer lower resolution and fewer features. For everyday cooking where accuracy and convenience matter, a digital scale is usually the better choice.
What value does a built‑in timer add to a food scale?
A built‑in timer lets you track cooking or resting periods without needing a separate device, streamlining multitasking in the kitchen. It’s especially useful for recipes that require precise timing after weighing ingredients, such as bread dough fermentation. While not essential, this feature adds convenience and can improve workflow efficiency.
How important is battery life and power source for a kitchen scale?
Long battery life ensures the scale is ready whenever you need it, and many models use replaceable AA batteries for easy swaps. Some premium scales offer rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries, reducing waste and providing consistent power. Consider how often you’ll use the scale and whether you prefer the convenience of a rechargeable unit.
Should I consider a scale with Bluetooth or app integration?
Bluetooth‑enabled scales can sync with recipe apps, automatically logging weights and converting units, which can simplify complex recipes. However, they require a smartphone and may involve a learning curve. If you enjoy tech‑savvy cooking and want seamless data tracking, this feature adds value; otherwise, a basic scale will suffice.
What price range delivers the best balance of quality and cost for a food scale?
Scales priced between $30 and $60 typically offer reliable accuracy, sturdy construction, and useful features like tare and unit conversion. Models above $100 often include premium materials, advanced connectivity, and longer warranties, which may be worth it for avid bakers. Evaluate which features you truly need to avoid overpaying for unnecessary extras.