The best kitchen scales of 2024, tried and tested at home – but is digital better than mechanical?

We tested the best kitchen scales of 2024 for accuracy, looks and ease of use

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:
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.
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I baked the same cupcake recipe and scone recipe with all the sets of scales and also used a 3kg dumbbell on each one to check for accuracy. It quickly became clear that I’d been lifting more weights than expected, as the majority of the scales weighed the 3kg dumbbell at 3.23kg – I deemed any scales measuring differently to be slightly less accurate. I also weighed the same 7g sachet of dried yeast on the dual platform scales that had a smaller measuring option – and impressively found each recorded it at the exact 7g.Whilst the key factor I looked for was accuracy, I also compared the kitchen scales’ maximum weight, and dimensions to see how they would fit in a kitchen and considered extra functionality like liquid measurements and tare.
Another factor I considered when weighing up the kitchen scales was whether they were easy to wipe down after use (I did note that some, with protruding buttons, caught flour and other ingredients in their crevices). I also noted how easy it was to read the measurement on display, and overall ease of use. I didn’t want to have to sit down with a weighty instruction manual just to learn how to measure my ingredients.
 
£45, John Lewis
Best overall, 10/10
We like: dual platform with two scales for measuring different volumes
We don’t like: raised weighing plates can be prone to sticking
These scales feel like a luxury product, with a pleasing set of two brushed metal weighing platforms and a clear, corner display for both platforms, plus three buttons to tare each one and change the unit of measurement.
Whilst the extra options mean there’s a lot to consider when you first take it out of the box, this set of kitchen scales from chef Heston Blumenthal are very clear and well-labelled. You can see a lot of thought went into them. I really liked having the same surface to measure heavier and lighter ingredients simultaneously. The small platform weighs up to 200g in 0.1g increments and was very useful for adding spices to a cake in exact, tiny quantities.
The scales were very accurate, with the larger one weighing the dumbbell at 3.23kg and very quick to respond and sensitive too – especially to the ‘tare’ option. This scale uses three AAA batteries, which it arrived already loaded up with, saving time and meaning you can use it immediately. 
Like the Salter scales listed below, this set from the same manufacturer comes with a pleasing 15-year guarantee. Straightforward to use, with a very large range from 0.1g to 10kg but a slimline design which can pack away in a cupboard very easily, this set of kitchen scales are a winner.
£29.99, Lakeland
Best value, 8/10
We like: packs away small, two scale platforms for detailed micro-measuring
We don’t like: batteries not included
Lakeland – which also makes some of our favourite bread makers always puts thought into its own-brand kitchen gadgets and that’s certainly the case with its Dual Layer scales. I liked the way the two types of scales – one for small items weighing up to 1kg, the other going up to 15kg but in larger increments – lie on top of each other, so it’s a really space-spacing option. 
At 23cm by 4cm surface area, this will slide away into even the smallest kitchen drawer. The negative is that you can’t weigh two sets of ingredients simultaneously, as you can with the Heston Blumenthal scale, for example.
My dumbbell weighed a spot-on 3.23kg with Lakeland’s scale, which had a really easy ‘tare’ option and offers a wide range of measurements. The display is very clear and easy to read and the micro-measuring scales were useful for weighing out 7g of dry yeast for a bread recipe. The scale reading did take very slightly longer than some other scales to flash up – but we’re talking milliseconds.
No batteries were included (three AAAs are required) – but apart from that, this is a good all-rounder.
£129, Appliance Centre
Best looking scale, 8/10
We like: stylish scales that look super-modern on the kitchen counter
We don’t like: expensive
Can kitchen scales be beautiful? This set from SMEG – a premium brand which also makes some of our favourite blenders – certainly seems to be. It comes in three colours, emerald green, matt white and black and looks like a giant egg cup, with a large weighing bowl that also functions as a mixing bowl.
The useful ‘tare’ function meant I was able to use the weighing bowl to make an entire set of cookies without needing to do any extra washing up until the baking stage. I found SMEG scales to be fast charging via a USB cable and appreciated the fact that the scales worked even whilst charging up.
Some elements might put off the serious baker: the maximum capacity is just 5kg, which may not be enough for a seriously fruity Christmas cake, for example, and the minimum increment is 1g, unlike, for example, Lakeland’s dual scale which gets down to 0.05g. The dumbbell weighed at 3.21kg on these scales, so not as sharply accurate as others such as Zwilling’s kitchen scales. But for anyone looking for some well-built scales to keep out, looking stunning on a kitchen island, you’ll be enjoying SMEG for years to come.
£79.99, Fenwick
Best multi-function scale, 8/10
We like: sleek design, innovative charging idea
We don’t like: it is costly
Despite having two bookshelves’ worth of recipe books, it’s my phone that I’m oh-so-often reaching for when it comes to thinking up ideas for dinner. And yes, I’m the kind of person whose phone is very often on red levels of juice. So the Zwilling scale, which charges wireless devices like smartphones directly without the need for any cables, really appeals.
You have to charge the scales itself (using a USB-C charger, included) after unpacking the box, then there’s a useful indicator showing remaining battery life – which I found to be very good, although obviously using the internal block charger to boost your phone’s battery life means more recharging of the scales.
There’s a single, buttonless press to switch the scales on, which was usefully sensitive and then it’s intuitive to work out how to change measurements or tare. The design is slim and flat – it easily packs away in a drawer if not in use. My dumbbell came in bang-on at 3.23kg. This is a robust set of kitchen scales with a very useful charging function too.
£34.99, Lakeland
Best easy-to-use scale, 8/10
We like: simple scales, small kitchen footprint
We don’t like: requires four AAA batteries
Oxo has made a sleek, black simple-to-use scales, with two buttons: one which turns on and tares the machine, the other to change measurement. I liked the way the scales go into ‘standby’ mode after five minutes of inactivity, but still remember the last weight – it saves the battery during a busy cooking session. After a longer period of inactivity, the machine shuts itself off. 
These are the favoured scales of Lee Bull, culinary director of SUSHISAMBA restaurant group: “I use OXO Good Grip at home because they are rechargeable which comes in handy, also nice and small to store away,” he explains.
The numbers are easy to read and the scales are very accurate, bringing up the same 3.23kg weight for my dumbbell – although at 5kg, the maximum capacity may be too low for heavy batch-making cooks. The glass material is very easy to wipe down and keep clean and whilst some may prefer a rechargeable scales rather than one requiring four AAA batteries, as this does, it was helpful to find that the required batteries are included in the box.
£29.99, Salter
Best connected scale, 8/10
We like: Bluetooth connection to a bank of recipes
We don’t like: takes a few moments to switch on
What makes this kitchen scales stand out is its Bluetooth capability and linked app. For unconfident cooks, it’s a helpful way to get started with baking. Salter’s cooking app shows you ingredients and links to these scales so you can see the weighed measurement on the app as well as the scale’s clear display.
The Salter scales are compact – just 17cm squared – which is great when it comes to putting them away, although can be problematic if a large mixing bowl blocks the measurement screen. The app, however, means that if you are struggling to see the numbers, it’s available on your phone too. 
This is another set of scales with AAA batteries required, also included in the box. I found the glass platform to be really easy to clean and the lack of buttons on the top surface meant no sugar or flour getting caught in the crevices. Even if you bought this scale and never touched its Bluetooth additions, you’d be happy with an easy-to-use, compact and accurate scales (the dumbbells measured 3.23kg again). The extra tech makes it even more useful.
£50, Ooni
Best digital scale, 8/10
We like: niche design; smaller scale’s cover doubles up as a tiny measuring bowl
We don’t like: slightly harder to clean, due to non-flush design
Ooni is famous for its pizza ovens but the Scottish company has expanded into peripheral areas too, which is how it came up with its dual platform digital scales. They were initially built to help home pizza dough-makers measure out ingredients to a tenth of a gram – ideal for those minuscule amounts of salt and yeast in dough – on the smaller, oval one of its two brushed stainless steel platforms.
But I found these scales worked well whatever I was cooking and I also appreciated the design, which stands out compared to other kitchen scales.
I only had one gripe with the Ooni scales: the protruding nature of the weighing platforms made it slightly harder to keep them clean. I did, however, find the scales very accurate, checking with both a 7g pouch of yeast and the dumbbells, which were recorded at 3.23kg. The sales themselves are larger than others, with a 31cm width, but slim-lined enough to stack away well in a cupboard or drawer.
£30.95, Bodum
Best liquids scale, 7/10
We like: brightly coloured, integrated stopwatch
We don’t like: longer than average lag time after pressing a button, only g/ml
This scale relies on touch sensors rather than buttons; I found that made it easier to wipe down any spillages and keep it clean, but I did find a slight lag effect kicked in when trying to change a measurement or tare.
Bodum’s Barista scale has a simple design and an easy-to-read screen and impressive accuracy: the dumbbells were exactly 3.23kg, the 7g yeast equally bang-on. Clearly Bodum, a brand known for its coffee and featured in our best guide to best coffee grinders, had coffee in mind when making these scales. I did find it particularly smooth when adding water to the measuring – particularly useful for working with filter coffee machines.
It’s notable, though, that there are only metric measurements in this scale, which requires three AAA batteries. I also found the timer a useful addition to my kitchen arsenal. Even if you’re making something other than coffee, it was convenient to have a timer option to hand.
£79.99, Lakeland
Best traditional scale, 7/10
We like: stand-out traditional looks, no need to worry about batteries/charging
We don’t like: large, weights need to be bought separately
This traditional set of cast iron scales from KitchenCraft certainly differs from all the others on test here and the lack of power requirements made set-up very easy. Never having used balance scales before, it took me a while to get a grip on it, but the instruction manual was helpful. I liked the wooden base, designed to stop any worktop scratches and the large stainless steel bowl had a really great ‘pouring’ tip that made moving ingredients around spill-free. It’s dishwasher safe, too.
These are talking point scales: you’ll probably want to keep them out on your kitchen counter, since they’re an awkward shape to move around or put away and heavy too, at almost 5kg. The accompanying weights are another £45. You can choose metric or imperial, although Lakeland only sells the metric option. This is certainly an investment set of scales, but you can be sure to know it will last and never become obsolete or need a battery change.
£54.99, Tower Housewares
Best voice-operated scale, 7/10
We like: the voice-activated feature works well
We don’t like: less attractive design
This set of kitchen scales comes with something really unusual: built-in voice command. Powered by AI, you can announce ‘turn on’ or ‘turn off’, reset the scales to zero, change units and lock or unlock weight, without actually touching the scales at all. This voice control would be helpful for visually impaired users. 
I was quite surprised at how useful I found it whilst cooking. It sped up my baking as I could call out ‘reset to zero’ while grabbing the next ingredient. Happily, the process was quite simple and the scales ‘understood’ me well, which I don’t find to be the case with every smart kitchen device.
Elsewhere, the scales measured small items accurately, although the dumbbell came in at a not-quite-bang-on 3.22kg. These Good Food scales are priced at the higher end of the market, but do have an extra function that many will appreciate. Charging via a USB cable, they took two hours to charge up fully, giving eight hours’ use, which is probably several months’ use for the most home cooks as the average recipe requires perhaps 10 minutes’ weighing time at most.
 
“I have never used mechanical scales,” says Lee at SushiSamba, “and I have been cooking since the mid-90s so I would have to say digital. But my local greengrocer has the old-fashioned mechanical scales and they look fantastic!” In general digital scales allow for greater accuracy.
“The tare function is a great asset in a kitchen scale, especially when you need to add multiple ingredients to a recipe that are combined at the same time,” Callum adds. “After adding each item, you simply press the tare button and it resets the scale to zero, allowing you to add the next ingredient.”
“For home cooking, a scale with a capacity of 5-10 kg is ideal,” Callum explains. “This range is perfect when you consider the weight of the mixing bowl or any bowl you’re using to weigh ingredients. A higher capacity ensures you can measure larger quantities without maxing out the scale, making it more versatile for all types of recipes.”
Callum answers: “Your scale should come with instructions that explain how to calibrate it, as the process can vary from model to model. A good tip to check if it’s calibrated is to use a 250g block of butter as a reference weight—place it on the scale and if it reads 250g, the scale is calibrated. If it shows a wildly different weight, you’ll know there’s an issue.”