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In the kitchen, especially for baking, you’ll need to have a precision scale. We review two best digital scales from OXO Good Grips. The first is best for lighter loads, up to 5 pounds; The second scale handles up to 11 pounds. Both are accurate to 1/8 ounce (1 gram), so your recipes will always be right on.
The OXO Good Grips 5-Lb Food Scale with Pull-Out Display, about $30
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 11-Lb Food Scale with Pull-Out Display, about $50
One feature we really like about the OXO scales are the pull-out displays. These are great when you are using a bowl or tray to hold whatever you need to measure (like flour, sauces or loose fruits). On many scales, anything but the smallest bowl covers the read-out making it difficult to see the weight.
With the OXO, simply slide out the display before putting anything on the scale and no more problem with shadowing. Slide it back in when you’re done for easy storage.
Both versions of the scale have a “zero” or “tare” feature. Press the zero button to offset the weight of your empty container / bowl / dish so that you’ll only be weighing the added ingredients. No need to do the mental arithmetic to subtract the weight of the container from the displayed number.
Also, you can set the weight back to zero at any time, to weigh additional ingredients as you add them. For example, after you have your weight for flour, you can zero out to add the sugar. No need to take anything off the scale, or use separate containers.
The display can be toggled between US / Imperial (pounds & ounces) or Metric (kilos and grams). In the US mode, the weight changes by 1/8 ounces, e.g., 3 pounds, 7 ounces, 3/8. As you add more the 3/8 will change to 1/2 . Some users may find this to be a problem since you’ll need to keep in mind the relative fractions.
In the Metric setting, it simple changes by 1 gram at a time. If you are used to baking with Metric, then this is the simplest method.
For liquid measurements, you get the options of displaying in cups or mL.
We like that the 11-lb scale has an LCD back-light you can turn on for extra visibility, or leave off for extended battery life. This isn’t available on the 5-lb scale. On both, the LCD is actually a good brightness and the numbers are large enough to easily read. So this isn’t a deal breaker.
The 5-lb scale is available in either black or white; The 11-lb comes only as a black base with a stainless steel measuring surface. Regardless of which you select, the measuring platform is removable for hand washing (not safe for dishwashers).
In addition to being an “Amazon’s Choice” product, the OXO scales have also been recommended by Cook’s Illustrated cooking magazine.
Here are the sizes for the 5-lb and the 11-lb scales, so you can decide if it will fit in your storage area:
- Dimensions 8 x 8 x 1.0 inches
- Weight 1.25 pounds
- Dimensions 11.2 x 8.6 x 2.1 inches
- Weight 2.5 pounds
Included with each scale are the AAA batteries – 2 are needed for the 5-lb, and 4 for the 11-lb. You can expect these to last up to 2-years with typically usage. Both scales have a battery indicator level that is always displayed, so you’ll know when you are going to need replacements.
If you use the scale a lot, here is our helpful review on the Best AAA Batteries so you can buy more at a great price.
For more information, customer reviews or to order on Amazon, please use our links:
The OXO Good Grips 5-Lb Food Scale , about $30
The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 11-Lb Food Scale , about $50
Either of these is a great addition to your home kitchen, and sure to be enjoyed for years to come.
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