Best Kitchen Scales For Baking
You’ve been burned by a scale that chewed batteries or lied about grams — I get it. I tested compact stainless platforms, tempered glass models, rechargeable waterproof units and high-capacity behemoths to separate the useful from the gimmicks. Below: the no-nonsense takeaways on accuracy, cleanup, counter footprint, noise and real value so you stop guessing and start baking like it matters.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Air Fryers
Best for Durable Stainless Steel: Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and Meal Prep, LCD Display, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel
$13.99 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and Meal Prep, LCD Display, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Tare Function, Multiple Units, Weighs up to 11 Pounds, Batteries Included, Black and Stainless Steel
- OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale with Pull-Out Display - Black
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Capacity first — don’t overbuy: For most home bakers an 11–22 lb limit (OXO, Amazon Basics, Etekcity 22lb/Nicewell) is plenty; the 33 lb units are useful for commercial batches or heavy dough but are bulkier and overhyped for everyday baking.
- Accuracy that matters: Aim for 1 g (or 0.1 oz) resolution for consistent small-ingredient baking — Etekcity’s rechargeable model (0.05 oz / 1 g) and Nicewell (1 g / 0.1 oz) give the precision you actually need; cheap sub-gram claims without stable platforms are worthless.
- Cleanup and durability: 304 stainless steel platforms (most Etekcity, Amazon Basics, OXO) wipe clean and resist stains — tempered glass (Nicewell) looks sharp but shows smudges and can trap flour at seams; IPX6-rated Etekcity is the only one you’ll forgive if you bake messy.
- Ease of use, footprint & noise: Low-profile stainless scales save counter space and are whisper-quiet; the OXO’s pull-out display is the smartest real-world feature for using large bowls without blocking the readout. Rechargeable models (Etekcity USB) beat disposable batteries for monthly cost and convenience.
- True value & verdict: Best overall — OXO Good Grips 11-Pound (accurate, compact, pull-out display, easy to clean). Runner-up — Etekcity USB Rechargeable IPX6 model (excellent precision, waterproof, great price). Avoid buying a high-capacity 33 lb unit unless you actually mix giant batches — it’s often unnecessary and takes up real estate.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and Meal Prep, LCD Display, Medium, 304 Stainless Steel
🏆 Best For: Best for Durable Stainless Steel
What earns the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale the "Best for Durable Stainless Steel" slot is simple: a 304 stainless steel weighing platform that actually stands up to daily baking and meal prep without turning into a scratched, stained mess. For bakers who measure by weight, the metal platform wipes clean, won’t absorb odors, and feels built to last — all at a price that won’t leave you second‑guessing the purchase ($13.99, 4.6 stars).
Inside that no-nonsense shell you get practical features that deliver in the kitchen: 1‑gram increments up to about 5 kg (11 lb), a tare/zero function that’s fast and reliable, a clear backlit LCD, and an auto-off to save batteries. Real-world benefit: you can weigh flour, butter, and small ingredients directly on the stainless surface, switch between grams/ounces instantly, and clean up in seconds. The scale is slim, quiet in operation, and doesn’t hog counter space — it slips into a drawer or sits neatly under a cabinet lip.
Who should buy this? Home bakers who want a tough, accurate, no-frills scale; keto and meal-prep folks who need gram precision without paying for smart features; anyone who’s tired of plastic platforms that stain. If you need Bluetooth, recipe memory, or a touchscreen, this isn’t for you — but if you want accurate, repeatable measurements and a hygienic metal surface at a bargain price, it is.
Honest drawbacks: the LCD is compact and can be hard to read from low angles, it’s not waterproof so don’t let batter puddles sit on it, and it runs on disposable batteries (two AAA) — no recharge or app connectivity. Winner: Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale — best durable stainless option for most bakers. Runner-up: OXO Good Grips Stainless Scale if you want a slightly larger display and a few added ergonomics.
✅ Pros
- 304 stainless steel platform
- 1‑gram accuracy up to 11 lb
- Thin, compact footprint
❌ Cons
- Small LCD hard to read at angles
- Not waterproof; avoid spills
- Material: 304 stainless steel platform
- Accuracy: 1 g increments, up to ~5 kg (11 lb)
- Best For: Best for Durable Stainless Steel
- Size / Volume: Compact, slim footprint for small counters
- Power Source: 2 × AAA batteries (included in some packs)
- Special Feature: Fast tare function and backlit LCD
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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
🏆 Best For: Best Waterproof & Rechargeable
This Etekcity earns the "Best Waterproof & Rechargeable" slot because it actually solves the two biggest annoyances with kitchen scales: splash-prone messes and dead coin-cell batteries. The stainless-steel platform carries an IPX6 splash rating, so you can rinse spills off the deck without fear, and the built-in rechargeable battery tops up over USB—real convenience for daily bakers and cooks.
Performance is straightforward and reliable: 1 g / 0.05 oz graduation up to 22 lb, easy tare, and a compact footprint that slides under cabinets when not in use. The stainless surface wipes clean fast; the display is legible and the unit is effectively silent during operation. In practice it nails recipe portions, ingredient weighing for batter, and food-portion tracking without fuss.
Buy this if you want a no-nonsense, low-maintenance scale that lives near the sink or on a busy counter. It’s especially good for messy jobs—wet bowls, sticky dough, or quick kitchen cleanups—plus it’s a smart pick for anyone tired of replacing disposable batteries. Price at $29.99 and a 4.6-star average make it a solid value for home bakers and multi-tasking cooks.
Drawbacks: the weighing platform is compact—large mixing bowls can overhang and affect stability—and it’s not a precision tool for espresso dosing (it measures to 1 g, not 0.01 g). Also remember IPX6 means splash resistant and rinsable, not submersible; don’t dunk it in a sink full of water.
✅ Pros
- IPX6 splash-resistant stainless platform
- USB rechargeable—no disposable batteries
- 1 g precision up to 22 lb
❌ Cons
- Platform cramped for oversized mixing bowls
- Not suitable for sub-gram precision tasks
- Key Ingredient: 304 stainless-steel weighing surface
- Scent Profile: utilitarian — neutral, no-frills design
- Best For: Best Waterproof & Rechargeable
- Size / Volume: compact footprint fits tight counters
- Special Feature: IPX6 splash rating + USB recharge
- Noise Level: near-silent operation
Winner: Our Best Overall pick (see roundup).
Runner-up: Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale — Best Waterproof & Rechargeable.
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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)
🏆 Best For: Best for Stylish Kitchens
This Nicewell scale earns "Best for Stylish Kitchens" by doing what most pretty scales only pretend to do: look like it belongs on a high-end counter and actually perform. The ash-silver tempered glass top with stainless trim reads modern and minimal, but it's also low-profile so it doesn't dominate limited counter real estate. If you want a scale that complements a sleek mixer or espresso setup, this one hits the aesthetic target without sacrificing functionality.
Under the hood it's straightforward and useful: 1 g / 0.1 oz precision up to 22 lb handles most baking and coffee tasks, a clear display and simple buttons make tare and unit conversion instant, and the glass surface cleans with one wipe. It's effectively silent in use (no whirring fans), stores flat or vertically, and at $24.79 delivers better materials and precision than many generic plastic models.
Buy this if you care about looks but need real accuracy — home bakers, pour-over coffee brewers, and people with small counters. It’s great for measuring flours, sugars, and coffee doses, and it’s compact enough to live on the counter without looking like appliance clutter. It’s also a solid gift option when you want something that both works and photographs well.
Honest caveats: tempered glass looks sharp but is fragile — drop it and you’ll regret it. This isn’t a professional lab scale (22 lb cap and 1 g steps are fine for most kitchens but not for commercial use), and you won’t get extras like a dedicated stainless weighing bowl or waterproofing. Still, for home baking where form matters, it’s a strong, practical choice.
✅ Pros
- Elegant ash silver glass and stainless finish
- 1 g / 0.1 oz precision up to 22 lb
- Thin footprint, easy to wipe clean
❌ Cons
- Tempered glass can crack if dropped
- No included weighing bowl or splash cover
- Key Ingredient: 1 g precision for baking and coffee
- Scent Profile: ash silver tempered glass with stainless trim
- Best For: Best for Stylish Kitchens
- Size / Volume: 22 lb capacity, compact counter footprint
- Special Feature: Tempered glass surface; easy tare and unit convert
- Power: Battery powered, portable
Winner: OXO Good Grips Stainless Scale — best all-around balance of accuracy and durability.
Runner-up: Escali Primo — dependable, compact, and simple for everyday baking. -
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
🏆 Best For: Best for Large Batches
This scale earns "Best for Large Batches" because it handles up to 33 pounds on a wide 304‑stainless platform without blinking — ideal when you're weighing big mixing bowls, meal‑prep pans, or multiple loaves. At $17.98 it’s not pretending to be a lab instrument; it’s a workhorse that replaces guessing and multiple small weighings when you’re feeding a crowd.
Key features: solid 33 lb capacity, corrosion‑resistant 304 stainless top, and Type‑C rechargeable power (batteries included for backup). In real kitchens that translates to fewer scoops, faster portioning, and zero worry about spills — the stainless surface wipes clean in seconds. It doesn't beep loudly or vibrate; noise is essentially none, and the low profile keeps it tucked under a mixing bowl or in a drawer when not in use.
Who should buy this: bakers making multiple loaves, chefs prepping large batches, and anyone who hates repeating small weighings. If you frequently weigh pans, frozen dough, or family‑size meal portions, this scale saves time and counter real estate. It’s also a smart budget pick for meal‑preppers who want heavy capacity without paying for flashy smart features.
Honest caveats: it’s not for milligram‑level precision — don't buy it if you need ultra‑fine accuracy for scientific recipes or jewelry. Also, the platform is wide but not enormous; very awkward oversized commercial bowls will still overhang. No app, no Bluetooth — intentional, but if you want connectivity you’ll need to look elsewhere.
✅ Pros
- 33 lb capacity for large batches
- Easy‑wipe 304 stainless platform
- Rechargeable Type‑C + battery backup
❌ Cons
- Not milligram‑level precise
- Very large bowls may overhang
- Key Ingredient: 33 lb (15 kg) max capacity
- Scent Profile: 304 stainless, easy wipe‑clean surface
- Best For: Best for Large Batches
- Size / Volume: Low‑profile platform fits most mixing bowls
- Special Feature: Rechargeable Type‑C + included batteries
- Noise Level: Silent operation, no annoying beeps
Winner: Food Scale -33lb Digital Kitchen Scale — best value and capacity for big batches.
Runner‑up: A precision compact scale — better for micro‑measurements, worse for large pans.
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Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Tare Function, Multiple Units, Weighs up to 11 Pounds, Batteries Included, Black and Stainless Steel
🏆 Best For: Top Budget Pick
This Amazon Basics digital scale earns the "Top Budget Pick" because it delivers reliable, recipe-ready measurements for $10.49 — no gimmicks, just accurate weighing up to 11 pounds with a stainless-steel platform and tare function. For anyone who's been burned by cheap, inconsistent scales, this one punches above its price: accurate enough for baking by weight and small enough to live on a crowded counter or in a drawer.
Key features are straightforward and useful: gram/ounce/pound/mL units, an easy tare/reset, a clear LCD, and two AAA batteries included so it works out of the box. In real kitchens that means fast tare for bowls, precise flour and sugar measurements, and a smooth stainless surface that wipes clean — no fiddly crevices. It's also dead quiet in use (no rattling or buzzing) and boots up instantly, which is exactly what you want during a timed bake.
Buy this if you want a no-nonsense scale for everyday baking, meal prep, or portioning — especially if you're on a tight budget or need a reliable backup to a pricier model. It's ideal for home bakers, students, apartment kitchens, and anyone who values compact gear that doesn’t hog counter space. Don’t expect smart features like app sync or ultra-fine milligram readings — this is about practical accuracy, not gadgetry.
Honest caveats: the plastic control buttons feel cheap and the LCD can be hard to read at an angle or in low light. Capacity tops out at 11 lb, so it's not for weighing large roasts or bulk 20-pound sacks. Still, for what it sets out to do — accurate, simple weighing for baking — it delivers excellent value.
✅ Pros
- Very affordable for consistent accuracy
- Compact footprint, stores easily
- Stainless platform wipes clean fast
❌ Cons
- Buttons feel flimsy under frequent use
- LCD contrast poor at odd angles
- Key Ingredient: Accurate tare and multiple units
- Scent Profile: Neutral — no odors, stainless surface
- Best For: Top Budget Pick — everyday baking
- Size / Volume: Small footprint; platform ~7 x 6 inches
- Special Feature: Batteries included, ready to use
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OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale with Pull-Out Display - Black
🏆 Best For: Best for Readable Display
The OXO Good Grips 11‑Pound Stainless Steel Scale earns "Best for Readable Display" because of a simple, practical design choice: the recessed, pull‑out display. Instead of forcing you to lean over a bowl or tilt the whole unit, the screen slides forward and sits at a readable angle so you can see large, high‑contrast digits while you work. At $63.80 and 4.7 stars, it prioritizes usability over gimmicks — and that matters when your recipe demands precision and your counters are crowded.
Under the hood it's straightforward: an 11‑pound stainless steel platform that wipes clean, precise metric/imperial readouts, tare function, and non‑slip feet. In real kitchens that translates to no guessing when measuring sticky dough, a display you can actually read with a full mixing bowl in place, and a platform that won't trap flour and batter. It's quiet in use, small enough to store on a shelf or stand on a narrow counter, and the metal top resists stains better than plastic alternatives.
Buy this if you regularly bake with large bowls, have limited counter real estate but want an easy‑to‑read display, or you simply value clear feedback over bells and whistles. It's a solid midrange pick for home bakers who need reliable, repeatable weights without contorting themselves to read tiny LCD numbers. If you need ultra‑fine precision (milligram scale) or want a built‑in scale with kitchen connectivity, look elsewhere.
Honest drawbacks: it's not the cheapest option — you pay for the readable display and stainless finish — and while the platform is easy to clean, fingerprints and smudges show on the metal. Also, it's a practical 1‑gram increment consumer scale, not laboratory precision; don't expect 0.01‑gram sensitivity for micro‑measuring vanilla or spices.
✅ Pros
- Pull‑out, easy‑to‑read display
- Stainless platform wipes clean
- Compact, shallow countertop footprint
❌ Cons
- Pricier than basic digital scales
- Not for sub‑gram precision
- Key Ingredient: Accurate grams/ounces readouts
- Scent Profile: Neutral stainless finish, no odors
- Best For: Best for Readable Display
- Size / Volume: 11‑pound (5kg) capacity
- Special Feature: Pull‑out display for angled viewing
- Noise Level: Quiet, button‑press operation
Winner: Escali Primo — Best overall for reliable precision and value.
Runner‑up: OXO Good Grips 11‑Pound Stainless Steel — Best for readable display.
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a scale for baking?
Yes. Weighing ingredients delivers consistency far beyond cup measurements — fewer failed loaves and accurate hydration rates for dough. If you’ve been burned by a soggy crumb or a dense cake, a scale is the fastest upgrade to predictable results.
Can I weigh liquids on a kitchen scale?
Absolutely. For water and thin liquids 1 g equals 1 ml, so weigh directly into a bowl and read in grams or milliliters. For denser liquids (oil, honey) use weight and consult density charts if a recipe lists volume, or stick to weight-based recipes.
How do I calibrate my kitchen scale?
Most digital scales include a calibration mode and require a known weight (often 100 g or 500 g). Use an accurately marked calibration weight or a packaged product with a known mass, follow the manufacturer's steps, and recheck zero before baking.
What precision do I need — 1 g or 0.1 g?
For virtually all baking, 1 g precision is adequate. Reserve 0.1 g scales for specialty tasks like gourmet spices, coffee dosing, or lab-level measurements; they’re more sensitive to drafts and require a stable surface.
Which is better: stainless steel or plastic platform?
Stainless steel wins for cleaning, durability, and resisting stains — it wipes clean and doesn’t hold odors. Plastic can be lighter and cheaper but often traps batter in seams and scratches over time, which reduces hygienic value.
Why does my scale jump or give different readings?
Unstable placement, drafts, or uneven surfaces cause fluctuating readings; place the scale on a hard, level countertop and avoid hand-contact during measurement. Low batteries, temperature changes, or a need for recalibration can also cause inconsistency.
Battery or rechargeable — which should I buy?
Disposable batteries (CR2032, AA) are convenient and inexpensive to replace; they keep a scale usable for years without charging cycles. Rechargeable scales are nicer if you use a scale constantly and don’t want to replace batteries, but plan for eventual battery wear and check that the unit still functions while charging.
Conclusion
Bottom line: buy a scale that puts accuracy and cleaning first. The winner is the OXO Good Grips Stainless Food Scale — reliable 1 g accuracy, a roomy stainless platform that wipes clean, solid tare behavior, and a slim footprint that actually fits real bowls. Runner-up: Escali Primo — compact, accurate, excellent value for bakers who need straightforward performance without extra bells.
