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14 best kitchen scales for delicious bakes every time

These ones are really pulling their weight

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VerifiedTested by Household Product Tester
best kitchen scales
Good Housekeeping UK/Kitchen Aid

While there are times when you can get away with a pinch of this and a little bit of that, accuracy is crucial for some recipes, taking your dinner or your latest bake from showstopper to disaster.

While it’s often tempting to measure with your heart (garlic, we’re talking about you), with lots of ingredients, adding the wrong amount can make that careful balance go awry. That’s why having a set of the best kitchen scales is so important.

In fact, when it comes to baking it’s a must. Add too much flour and you’ll be faced with a dry mix. Add too little and you’ll have a gloopy mess on your hands… There’s certainly truth to the idea that baking is a science, not an art.

Luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute has put lots of kitchen scales to the test to give you the confidence that your favourite sponge cake recipes will come out perfectly every time. Here are our top picks to shop now or read on for our full reviews.


What to look for when buying kitchen scales

There’s not masses of variety when it comes to kitchen scales, but there are a few subtle differences to look out for.

What are you weighing?

If you’re planning on using your scales to measure ground coffee, look for more sensitive ones. The Bodum BISTRO Barista Scale, for example, measures to a tenth of a gram, giving a level of accuracy that you don’t typically need when baking.

If you’re curious about what’s in your meals, some kitchen scales also boast smart capabilities, analysing the food you’re weighing and sharing nutritional information including calories, protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Digital versus mechanical

The simplicity of mechanical scales has made them a popular choice for bakers. However, they aren’t the most accurate or reliable, so we’ve focused on digital scales in this list. While traditional scales have that old-school charm, they tend to lack the speed of digital models.

Of course, you can also use cup and spoon measurements when baking, but these rarely provide a good level of accuracy due to the different densities of ingredients.

Functions

Two helpful functions to have on your radar are the 'zero' and 'tare' buttons. The zero function does exactly what it says on the tin and resets the weight back to zero grams, helping to recalibrate the scales before you start weighing again.

Alternatively, the tare button is handy when you place a bowl or container onto the scales, and you don’t want to include it in the final weight reading.

Measurements

Before choosing your scales, look at which measurements they offer. All the scales on this list convert between metric and imperial measurements and most weigh liquid and solid ingredients.

Also note what the maximum weight is for your scales. Going over the specified weight limit could break the sensors and prevent an accurate reading. Most of the scales below weigh up to five kilograms but some, like the Zwilling Enfinigy Digital Kitchen Scale, go up to ten kilograms.

How we test kitchen scales

To find the best kitchen scales, our testers use 50-gram, 500-gram and 1000-gram calibrated weights. They put them on each scale five times to assess its accuracy, noting down the results and calculating an average.

Of course, the chances are you won’t do this in your kitchen, so they also test each model as you would use it at home. They measure out the ingredients in this banana loaf cake recipe, using a separate set of scales as a control to make sure they’re weighing out the same amount of flour, condensed milk and banana each time.

Our experts weigh everything three times, again calculating an average. They also time how long it takes for the scales to settle and display the final weight, and score ease of use, design and instructions. These are the ones that really pull their weight.

Best kitchen scales

Smeg Digital Kitchen Scales

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Digital Kitchen Scales

Pros

  • Easy to clean and free of dirt traps
  • Non-slip feet kept it stable in use

Cons

  • Bigger than some, requiring more cupboard space

Score: 95/100

It's hard not to love these stylish scales. The unique design features a removeable and dishwasher-safe 1.8-litre bowl, which neatly slots into place, automatically setting the scales to zero.

Each time we weighed ingredients, clear readings popped up on the digital display within just half a second. And it was amazingly accurate in our test kitchen, with just one reading coming up slightly out – and only by two grams.

It charges via a USB-C cable, so you’ll never have to worry about replacing batteries and a handy icon alerts you when the power is running low.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions15 x 20 x 20 cm
BatteriesRechargeable
Bowl1.8L
Joint runner up

Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scales

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Digital Kitchen Scales

Pros

  • Easy to store
  • Has a weight overload message

Cons

  • Minimum weight of two grams could be lower

Score: 93/100

We love it when a bargain performs well, and we were pleasantly surprised by this great value runner-up, which excelled across our tests. It was one of the fastest models to display an accurate weight, taking under 0.9 seconds. It lost just one mark when weighing the ingredients for our banana loaf recipe; it was one gram out on the condensed milk measurement (we don't think it will harm your loaf).

The clear LCD display stayed on for two minutes before automatically turning off, giving us plenty of time to measure everything out. Some dirt stuck under the stainless-steel disk, but otherwise it was easy to wipe away any mucky fingerprints.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightTwo grams
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions3.2 x 17.8 x 21cm
Batteries2 x AA batteries, included
BowlNot included
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Joint runner up and best smart scale

Cosori Smart Kitchen Scale with Nutritional Calculator

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Smart Kitchen Scale with Nutritional Calculator
Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Auto shut-off feature turns the scales off after 120 seconds
  • Stable in use with non-slip feet
  • No dirt traps

Cons

  • Minimum weight isn’t labelled on the scales
  • Marks easily with fingerprints

Score: 93/100

You can also track the nutritional value of your food with this smart set of scales. Just scan the product’s bar code before weighing, and it will display 12 key metrics, including total carbs, protein, fat and number of calories, on the large LCD screen. You can get even more data in the accompanying app too, which our experts found easy to set up and navigate.

But if tracking your intake isn’t your cup of tea, that doesn’t mean this scale isn’t for you. On test, it took less than 0.75 seconds to display a weight reading, and its accuracy impressed across the board – it was only a maximum of 2.4 grams off when weighing a kilogram. The surface picks up fingerprints easily but that’s something we can let slide for a responsive, accurate and versatile scale.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, millilitres
Minimum weightTwo grams
Maximum weight 5000 grams
DimensionsNot specified
Batteries3 x AAA batteries, included
BowlNot included
Runner-up smart kitchen scale

AENO KS1S Smart Digital Kitchen Scales

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
KS1S Smart Digital Kitchen Scales

Pros

  • Detailed instruction manual
  • Responsive controls

Cons

  • Fingerprints noticeable

Score: 92/100

This is another smart scale that works alongside an accompanying app to track the nutrients and calories of each selected ingredient. It's easy to use and informative if you're looking for more detail on what you’re eating.

As a normal set of scales, it was amazingly accurate, out by 1.3 grams at worst in our tests. Results appeared in just 1.1 seconds on the easy-to-read display too.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, kilograms, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight8000 grams
Dimensions3.2 x 16.5 x 19cm
Batteries3 x AAA batteries, included
BowlNot included
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Best kitchen scale for coffee fans

Bodum Scale

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Scale

Pros

  • Low battery warning and weight overload message
  • Uncluttered design was easy to use

Cons

  • Lacks clear troubleshooting advice in the manual

Score: 91/100

Able to weigh to a tenth of a gram, this scale is for the coffee nerds among us. On test, it excelled at weighing out smaller ingredients (like coffee beans and grounds) but was less accurate with heavier weights. This wouldn’t be noticeable when cooking though – it was only 1.4 grams out when weighing 1 kilogram.

There were a few dirt traps but otherwise testers loved the design; it’s easy to read, and sturdy with non-slip feet.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementGrams, millilitres, ounces
Minimum weight0.1 grams
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions3 x 13 x 15.7cm
Batteries3 x AAA batteries, not included
BowlNot included
Easiest to clean

Oxo Good Grips Everyday Glass Food Scale

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Good Grips Everyday Glass Food Scale

Pros

  • Clear instructions
  • Lightweight design

Cons

  • Its 11cm diameter might not be large enough for some bowls

Score: 89/100

This sleek, lightweight scale was never more than one gram out in test and took less than a second to confirm the measurement. It also impressed for overall ease of use – the glass surface proved easy to clean, and the low battery and weight overload messages were helpful.

The countdown from three before the scale switched on was mildly annoying for busy bakers and the screen was difficult to read at some angles (clearest directly above) but those are small irritations that won’t stop you from flexing your Bake Off muscles.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementGrams, pounds, ounces, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions1.9 x 15.9 x 21.6cm
Batteries4 x AAA batteries, included
BowlNot included
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Best kitchen scale for pizza making

Ooni Dual Platform LCD Digital Kitchen Weighing Scales

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Dual Platform LCD Digital Kitchen Weighing Scales

Pros

  • Switches easily between units of measure
  • Informative instruction manual

Cons

  • A few dirt traps as the weighing surfaces are elevated above the base

Score: 88/100

We’re big fans of Ooni’s pizza ovens (pizza lovers should check out our full Ooni pizza oven review), so we couldn’t wait to get our hands on its kitchen scales and perfect our dough recipe too. There are two integrated weighing platforms; the smaller of the two measures down to a tenth of a gram (ideal for salt and yeast) and the larger one has a maximum weight of 10 kilograms… That’s a lot of pizza dough!

Both were fantastic at their respective roles and were fairly speedy too, taking under 1.2 seconds to settle. Ideally, we’d like a weighing bowl but that’s just us being picky.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, kilograms, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weight0.1 gram (small scale) and one gram (large scale)
Maximum weight200 grams (small scale) and 10,000 grams (large scale)
Dimensions3 x 18 x 31cm
Batteries3 x AAA batteries, included
BowlNot included
Best for speed

Zwilling Enfinigy Digital Kitchen Scales With LCD Display

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Enfinigy Digital Kitchen Scales With LCD Display

Pros

  • Stable in use thanks to non-slip feet
  • No major dirt traps

Cons

  • The on/off switch is on the side of the scale rather than the top like on other models

Score: 88/100

If speed is of the essence, this is the scale for you. It was one of the fastest on test, taking 0.8 seconds to show up results when tasked with weighing all our different cake ingredients. It didn’t disappoint in terms of accuracy either, proving fairly reliable.

We also liked that it’s not battery operated. Simply pop it onto charge with the USB cable after use and you’ll never run the risk of the scale switching off mid-bake!

There was one notable bugbear though – the button to change the measurement units is on the underside of the scale, so in the (admittedly rare) situation that you need to switch them midway through use, it’s quite fiddly.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementGrams, pounds, ounces
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight10,000 grams
Dimensions2 x 18 x 24.5cm
BatteriesRechargeable via USB cable
BowlNot included
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Best for 2-in-1 design

Joseph Joseph SwitchScale Kitchen Scales

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
SwitchScale Kitchen Scales
Now 10% Off

Pros

  • Lightweight design with non-slip feet
  • No dirt traps

Cons

  • Weighing surface area is smaller than some models

Score: 87/100

Ticking the boxes for both accuracy and speed, our testers loved this intuitive scale. The set’s USP is the accompanying bowl, which flips, acting as either the weighing surface for whole ingredients or as a bowl for loose ones.

The bowl isn’t dishwasher safe, but it's easy to clean and our testers appreciated the compact design for storage.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions9 x 18 x 22cm
Batteries3 x AAA batteries, included
BowlIncluded

Salter Arc Pro Kitchen Scale

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Arc Pro Kitchen Scale

Pros

  • Display is clear and uncluttered
  • Good instructions

Cons

  • If you press the ‘on’ button too hard, the scales tip forward
  • Need a screwdriver to change the battery

Score: 86/100

This sleek scale stood out for its combination of accuracy and speed (it took under 1.4 seconds to display measurements), nailing our tests with the 50-gram weight and when measuring self-raising flour. It struggled more with larger weights such as the 1 kilogram one, where it was out by almost four grams.

For quick baking tasks though, it would be an asset in the kitchen – it’s responsive, easy to read and the stainless-steel surface simply wipes clean.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, millilitres, fluid ounces
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions2 x 18.5 x 17.5cm
Batteries1 x CR2032, included
BowlNot included
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Best budget kitchen scales

Dunelm Electronic Bake Of It Kitchen Scales

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Electronic Bake Of It Kitchen Scales
Now 50% Off

Pros

  • Controls were responsive to touch
  • Easy to wipe clean

Cons

  • More visually cluttered design than some
  • Fingerprints mark fairly easily

Score: 85/100

This scale will make a great sous chef for any avid baker. It features two rulers along the edge in millimetres and inches and a handy conversion chart between litres, cups, and pints.

On test, it was one of the most accurate sets when weighing actual ingredients – it was spot on with the bananas and self-raising flour. Technically, it was the slowest to display a final result, but this shouldn’t be noticeable, as it still settled in an average of 1.6 seconds.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementOunces, pounds, grams, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight8000 grams
Dimensions2 x 19 x 23cm
Batteries1 x CR2032 battery, included
BowlNot included

KitchenAid Dry & Liquid Digital Glass Top Kitchen Scale

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Dry & Liquid Digital Glass Top Kitchen Scale

Pros

  • Non-slip feet kept the scale stable
  • Display was easy to read

Cons

  • No weight overload message
  • The stainless-steel strip collected fingerprints easily

Score: 85/100

KitchenAid’s stand mixers are iconic, so we were excited to see whether this scale lived up to the brand’s reputation. Our results were mixed; it was accurate weighing our set weights but less consistent with actual food, coming in nearly three grams off when weighing bananas and self-raising flour.

Unlike most scales that have a button for switching units, there’s a control knob instead. This will suit if you want something more tactile, but it created some dirt traps around the bottom. Overall, though, this premium scale was easy to use and reactive.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions3 x 15.9 x 21.9cm
Batteries3 x AAA batteries, included
BowlNot included
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Salter 1036 SVSSDR Disc Digital Kitchen Scale

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
1036 SVSSDR Disc Digital Kitchen Scale

Pros

  • Didn't show up fingerprints like many others
  • Good set of instructions

Cons

  • Screwdriver required to change the battery
  • Not the most stable

Score: 85/100

As one of the only scales to score full marks for its design, this disc-shaped model would make a fantastic addition to your kitchen. The controls are responsive, the display is clear, and testers loved the quality build. At times, the lightweight design caused issues though – testers found that if you pressed the buttons along the front too hard, the scale would tip forward.

In terms of accuracy, the larger weights proved a challenge at times – it was two grams off when weighing condensed milk – but it was one of the fastest scales in the lab, giving testers results in under 0.9 seconds.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions0.83 x 7.09 x 6.3cm
Batteries1 x CR2032 battery, included
BowlNot included

Salter Phantom Digital Kitchen Scale

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Phantom Digital Kitchen Scale

Pros

  • Good value
  • Has a low battery warning message

Cons

  • Struggled weighing condensed milk
  • You'll need a screwdriver to change the battery

Score: 84/100

Salter is well known for its kitchen scales, which is why we have three on our list. And this proved another reliable pick, performing reasonably well throughout testing.

It was just 1.2 grams out in our 1 kilogram weight test but fell short when weighing condensed milk, coming in over 3.3 grams off. It was swift though, giving us a final weight in 1.4 seconds.

Testers also liked the uncluttered display and the detailed accompanying instructions that helped them start baking in no time.

Key specifications

Metric to imperial conversionYes
Units of measurementPounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, millilitres
Minimum weightOne gram
Maximum weight5000 grams
Dimensions2 x 16.5 x 19cm
Batteries3 x AAA batteries, included
BowlNot included
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The verdict on kitchen scales

It was difficult to fault our winner for accuracy, speed and design, making the Smeg Kitchen Scales a great pick for accurate food prep.

However, at such an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with opting for the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale instead, which also nailed our accuracy tests.

For those wanting to track the nutritional value of their food, Cosori's Smart Kitchen Scale is an excellent choice that provides plenty of metrics on the scale and even more via an app.


Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

Having tested products for the last 100 years, with decades of protocols to fall back on, particularly when it comes to cooking appliances and kitchen gadgets, we know how to really put a product through its paces, and ensure it won't let you down at home.

Our protocols for kitchen scales were developed by Blossom Boothroyd, our homes testing manager, to ensure all our results are fair and unbiased.

Our homes writer, Megan Geall, has helped to analyse the results and bring you all the information about the best scales for every need and budget.

Headshot of Megan Geall
Megan Geall
Senior Homes and Lifestyle Writer

Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.

When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between. 

Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.

Headshot of Masudah Khatun
Tested byMasudah Khatun
Household Product Tester

Masudah has a master's degree in clinical drug development and combines this scientific background with a love for all things homes – from cooking appliances to smart home tech. She enjoys collecting and analysing quantitative data, ensuring that her product evaluations go beyond mere opinions. She particularly loves using the Digi Eye machine in the GHI lab to assess the colour and texture of products as part of our duvet cover and detergent tests. In her spare time, Masudah enjoys learning about new tech, baking delicious treats, and keeping her home spotless. With a passion for creativity and an eye for detail, she brings a unique perspective to every product she tests.

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