Table of Contents
Using the best kitchen scales can elevate your cooking. Whilst there’s a place for putting in a ‘bit of this’ and a ‘bit of that’, cooking in the main is a science and getting the exact quantities right is crucial. That’s why the right kitchen weighing scales can really make a difference.
Whilst putting a huge range of balances to the test, from leading brands including Lakeland, Salter and Heston Blumenthal, I discovered that kitchen scales can range from basic, flat affairs that will slide into a drawer when not used, up to huge traditional weighing scales that you’ll keep out on the counter.
The cheapest models simply weigh a single item, but the best scales have a ‘tare’ option to add ingredients as you go. More premium features include two weighing platforms on the same scales, for larger and smaller weighing capacities, charging options for other devices and even voice-activated scales that help cooks who are visibly impaired or just find it easier to call out orders rather than fiddle with buttons.
“As a home chef,” says Callum Graham, head chef at Jersey’s Michelin-starred restaurant Bohemia, “I would look for a kitchen scale that measures in precise one-gram increments. Some measure by two grams, but one gram is best for accuracy. I would also seek out a heavy-duty option. Generally, you get what you pay for. Investing in a reliable, well-made scale usually pays off in the long run.”
You can read our full reviews of the 10 best kitchen scales below, but if you’re in a hurry to start weighing out ingredients, here’s a quick look at our top five:
Which are the best kitchen scales in 2024? At a glance
What to look for in kitchen scales
There are three main factors to consider when you’re shopping for a set of kitchen scales. The first is, do you want digital or a set of analogue traditional scales? The next is size: do you want a large kitchen counter affair or something that can slip away into a drawer or cupboard when unused? Thirdly – if you’ve gone for digital – consider whether you want battery-powered scales or a rechargeable model.
Beyond that, your scales choice will depend on what you primarily cook. “Accuracy is vitally important in baking and pastry cooking, as it’s more of a science where every ingredient needs to be measured precisely,” adds Callum. Regular bakers will benefit from scales with a dual platform option, so you can measure large and tiny ingredients. Batch cookers, meanwhile, will want a large-capacity set of scales taking 10kg or 15kg worth of ingredients.
As for the choices between digital kitchen scales or mechanical scales, digital offers the convenience of that ‘tare’ function, which puts the scale back to zero once you’ve weighed something but it remains in the bowl, so you can add the next ingredient. This saves on washing up as you can do far more measuring using just one bowl.
Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended
Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product at the best price. No manufacturer ever sees copy before publication and we do not accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.
