Kitchen scales

A kitchen scale weighs ingredients accurately for cooking and, above all, for baking and bread-making, where exact quantities are key. In this category you will find digital and mechanical scales, from domestic models to high-capacity professional scales and precision scales that measure to 0.01 g, from brands such as Lacor, Gefu and Joseph Joseph.

Types of kitchen scales

Domestic digital scales

Domestic digital scales usually have a display, a tare function and a capacity of around 5 kg with 1 g accuracy. You will find models such as the Lacor Bamboo with a bamboo surface, the Lacor Eben electronic, the Joseph Joseph Switch, whose reversible lid works as a platform or a bowl, and the Gefu Score, with a Bluetooth connection to send the weight to an app.

Precision scales

To weigh coffee, spices or starters accurately, precision scales offer resolutions of 0.1 g, 0.01 g or even 0.005 g. Examples are the Lacor pocket precision and the 100% Chef high-precision, which measures to 0.005 g.

Professional scales for catering

For catering, professional scales offer more capacity and sturdiness, with protection that makes cleaning easier. The Lacor 61700 professional takes a tare of up to 150 kg, and the Louis Tellier IP53 professional, with an IP53 rating against water and dust, is designed for intensive kitchen use.

Functions and materials

Look for the tare function to subtract the weight of the container, unit switching (g, kg, ml, oz, lb) and materials such as a glass platform, bamboo or stainless steel. Power can be from batteries, solar or USB.

How to choose your kitchen scale

For home baking, a digital scale of around 5 kg with 1 g accuracy and a tare function is enough; for speciality coffee or spices, choose a precision scale of 0.1 or 0.01 g; and for catering, a professional scale with greater capacity. Round off your weighing with measuring tools and baking utensils for your recipes.

Frequently asked questions about kitchen scales

What accuracy does a kitchen scale need?

For general cooking and baking, 1 g accuracy and around 5 kg capacity are enough; for speciality coffee, spices or starters, a precision scale of 0.1 g or even 0.01 g is preferable.

What is the tare function on a scale for?

Tare sets the scale to zero with the container already in place, so you weigh only the ingredient you add; it also lets you weigh several ingredients in a row in the same bowl.

Which kitchen scale should I choose for baking?

A digital scale with 1 g accuracy, a tare function and around 5 kg capacity, such as the Lacor models or the Joseph Joseph Switch; for bread-making and doughs with precise hydration, a resolution of 1 g or better helps.

How much weight does a professional scale take?

It depends on the model: catering scales reach far higher capacities than domestic ones; the Lacor 61700 professional scale takes a tare of up to 150 kg, compared with the usual 5 kg of a domestic scale.

Do kitchen scales weigh liquids?

Yes, many digital scales let you switch the unit to millilitres to measure volumes of water or milk; for other liquids, bear in mind that density varies and the value in ml is only a guide.