Contents
Choosing the best cheap kitchen scale can be tricky. The top pick is the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale. It weighs up to 11 pounds and has a tare function, which makes cooking easier. The Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale is a fantastic value, but it lacks the sleek design of our top choice. This means you may have to sacrifice style for savings.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Kitchen Scales Reviewed in Detail
Here are the best cheap kitchen scales available, highlighting their unique features and specifications.
1. Top Pick
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces, 11lb
- : Supports 5 units (oz/lb:oz/fl’oz/g/mL), tare function, and includes 2 AAA batteries for hassle-free operation
- : Accurately weighs up to 11 lb/5 kg with 1 g increments
- & : The small and sleek scale is a perfect fit for most kitchens, occupying little space and easily storable in cabinets
- : Just wipe down the 304 food-grade stainless steel surfaces to keep clean
- : Backlit LCD screen with large fonts for easy reading
The Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale is a reliable choice for those seeking the best cheap kitchen scale. It measures up to 11 pounds and uses a tare function, allowing you to weigh ingredients accurately without extra container weight. This scale features a sleek design, making it easy to store in your kitchen without taking up space. Compared to other options, like the Amazon Basics model, Etekcity offers better aesthetics while maintaining accuracy. However, it lacks advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity found in some premium models. Overall, this scale is solid for daily kitchen tasks.
Pros
- Weighs up to 11 pounds.
- Includes a tare function for easy measuring.
- Sleek design for easy storage.
- Accurate with 1-gram increments.
Cons
- Basic model with limited features.
- No advanced connectivity options.
Best for: Everyday cooking and baking. Not ideal for: Heavy-duty commercial use.
A solid choice for essential kitchen weighing needs.
2. Best for Beginners
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Tare Function, Multiple Units, Weighs up to 11 Pounds, Batteries Included, Black and Stainless Steel
- Digital kitchen scale with food-safe, BPA-free plastic components
- Stainless steel platform with wide LCD screen
- Weighs up to 11 pounds (2 grams minimum, up to about 5000 grams); displays results in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and ml
- Tare button for measuring just the food, minus the container weight
- Battery operated; (2) AAA batteries included
- Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 7 x 1.3 inches (LxWxH)
The Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale is a good selection for beginners. It weighs up to 11 pounds and features a user-friendly tare function. Its stainless steel platform and clear LCD display make it easy to use and read. Compared to the Etekcity scale, it is more affordable, but it lacks the design flair of its rival. Although this model is practical, users may find it less durable than stainless steel counterparts, making it a bit less ideal for long-term use. It suits casual cooks who want reliable performance without extra features.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Clear LCD display for easy reading.
- Tare function simplifies measurement.
- Made from food-safe materials.
Cons
- Less durable than stainless steel models.
- Limited advanced features.
Best for: Beginners needing a basic scale. Not ideal for: Heavy-duty users.
A practical choice for those starting out in the kitchen.
3. Best Lightweight
Ultrean Food Scale, Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Weight Grams and Ounces for Baking Cooking and Meal Prep, 6 Units with Tare Function, 304…
- Contemporary Slim Design: Made of Stainless Steel Material; It is easy to use and clean; Provides accurate weight data with a user-friendly control panel and system; With high precision sensors to ensure correct performance and readouts
- Multiple Unit Conversion Setting: You can easily switch to any unit that you need; It can show units in the following: g / kg/lb/oz/ml/milk ml; Yes! It includes milk volume measurement
- Low Energy Consumption with Included Battery: This unit comes with batteries and doesn’t consume too much power; Plus it has an auto shut off feature
- Backlit Display (Easy to See and Read Panel): The unit has a negative white digital display so it is easy to read and see even in not well-lit rooms
- After Sales Support, and Trusted Customer Support Team assist you with any questions that might arise about your kitchen scale. We take pride in our work and want you to have a great experience from beginning to end
- Before First Use: Remove the plastic wrapping from the batteries before use
The Ultrean Food Scale offers a contemporary design and solid performance. It weighs up to 11 pounds with a precision of 1 gram. Its stainless steel body is easy to clean and maintain, offering a reliable option for any kitchen. While it shares features with the Amazon Basics model, the Ultrean scale provides a more modern look and better sensors for accuracy. However, it may not have the same widespread user support as Amazon products, leading to limited customer reviews. This scale works well for cooks seeking both style and function.
Pros
- Sleek stainless steel design.
- Accurate with high precision sensors.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- User-friendly control panel.
Cons
- Limited customer reviews.
- May lack additional features.
Best for: Stylish kitchens needing reliable scales. Not ideal for: Budget-conscious shoppers.
A stylish option for modern kitchens.
4. Best Design
Food Scale -33lb Digital Kitchen Scale for Food Ounces Grams Rechargeable
- 【Precise Weight Food Scale】Our Food Kitchen Scale equips four high-precision load sensors, waterproof Anti-collision glass weighing panel. Large measuring capacity with 1g precise graduation from 0.1oz/3g to 33 lbs/15kg.
- 【Pratical and Durable Kitchen Scale】5 commonly used measurement units(g/kg/lb:oz/oz/ml). Screen touch and LCD display make it easy to use and read. 7.5″ x 5.5″ in stainless steel panel provide more stability and space for larger containers.
- 【Weight Control Scale -Easy Tare】 The Tare button allows you to subtract the weight of mug, plate, or different sized bowl, making it easy to achieve accurate readouts of nuts, grains, powder, fruit, milk and more food.
- 【Smart Design Baking Scale 】With a 2min Auto-off function, no need to worry about power consumption. Power-low alarm and overload remind. Hanging hook and 4 no-slip rubbers. Easy to clean and store.
- 【12 Months Support】We cherish every customer, your satisfaction are priority. Feel free to contact us, we will take every consultation and question seriously.
The GGQ Food Scale stands out with its large measuring capacity of 33 pounds. This digital scale features a waterproof glass panel, making it unique among its competitors. It weighs with a graduation of 1 gram, ensuring accuracy in measurement. Compared to the Etekcity scale, it offers more versatility for heavier items. However, its bulkier design may not suit smaller kitchens. Users looking for a sturdy option will appreciate the increased capacity, but those with limited space might find it difficult to store. This scale is a solid choice for serious cooks.
Pros
- Large capacity of 33 pounds.
- Waterproof design for easy cleaning.
- High precision with 1-gram increments.
- Multiple measurement units available.
Cons
- Bulkier than other models.
- Not ideal for small kitchens.
Best for: Cooks needing high-capacity scales. Not ideal for: Smaller kitchens.
A durable option for those requiring high capacity.
5. Best Budget
Etekcity 22lb Food Kitchen Scale, USB Rechargeable, IPX6 Waterproof
- : Weigh objects as heavy as 22 lb/10 kg and as light as 2 g in increments of 1 g
- : Features an IPX6 waterproof design, allowing you to easily measure liquids and wipe the scale clean
- – : The scale features a rechargeable battery and comes with a USB-C charging cable
- : Choose between grams, ounces, pounds and ounces, milliliters (milk and water), and fluid ounces (milk and water)
- : Use the tare feature and hold function for added convenience
The Etekcity 22lb Food Kitchen Scale is another reliable choice, weighing items from 2 grams to 22 pounds. It features an IPX6 waterproof design, making it excellent for measuring liquids. Compared to the previous model, this scale offers better waterproofing and a rechargeable battery. However, its higher capacity may not be necessary for everyday use. This model is better suited for those who frequently weigh larger items, like meal prep for families. If you only need to weigh smaller ingredients, this scale might be more than you require.
Pros
- Weighs items from 2 grams to 22 pounds.
- IPX6 waterproof design for easy cleaning.
- Rechargeable battery with USB-C charging.
- Multiple measurement units available.
Cons
- Higher capacity may be unnecessary for casual cooks.
- May be bulkier than smaller models.
Best for: Families needing high-capacity scales. Not ideal for: Casual cooks weighing small items.
A versatile scale for those who weigh larger items often.
6. Best Compact
Nicewell Food Scale 22lb Digital Kitchen Scale for Cooking Baking
- 【PRECISE WEIGHT】 The digital food scale built-in four high-precision load sensors, quickly and accurately response 1g or 0.1oz increments when adding ingredients, its measuring range: 0.1oz to 22 lbs and 3g to 10kg(Min. weigh at 0.1oz or 3g).
- 【MULTIFUNCTION LARGE SCALE】 9″x6.3″ platform and Large lcd display for easy readout in g, kg, lb: oz, fl.oz and ml. This digital weight scale is for better cooking, baking, tracking intake, weight loss and postage.
- 【PRACTICAL DESIGN】 The food scale is designed with tempered glass for strong bearing, sleek stainless steel top surface for anti-fingerprint and easy clean, with a attached hook for convenient storage.
- 【EASY TARE / ZERO OUT】 Convenient tare button for tare calculation allows you to subtract the weight of plate or container, making it easy to achieve accurate readouts of ingredients.
- 【GREAT SUPPORT】2 AAA batteries included. We are always stand behind our kitchen scales, please feel free to reach to us if you have any issues.
The Nicewell Food Scale focuses on precision with its high-precision load sensors. It offers a measuring capacity of up to 22 pounds, similar to the Etekcity scale. The large LCD display makes it easy to read, while the 9″x6.3″ platform gives ample space for larger bowls. Compared to the GGQ, it is slightly less bulky, making it more suitable for smaller kitchens. However, it may not have the waterproof features of some models. This scale performs well for regular kitchen tasks, but it might not be the best for extensive meal prep.
Pros
- High-precision load sensors for accurate measurements.
- Large LCD display for easy reading.
- Ample platform size for bowls.
- Lightweight design for convenience.
Cons
- Not waterproof like some competitors.
- Limited features beyond basic weighing.
Best for: Regular kitchen tasks and easy storage. Not ideal for: Extensive meal prep requiring waterproofing.
A reliable option for everyday cooking needs.
7. Best Splurge
NUTRI FIT Food Scale Kitchen Scales Digital Weight Grams Oz for Weight Loss
- Easy to Use: This electronic food scale supports 5 units (oz/lb:oz/fl’oz/g/mL), built-in large buttons, includes 2 AAA batteries for hassle-free operation. No complicated steps to use
- Accurate: The food digital scale built-in four high-precision load sensors, accurately response 1g or 0.1oz increments when adding ingredients
- Large Backlit LCD Screen: It has backlit LCD screen with large fonts for easy reading. The screen stays on for 2-3 minutes and then turns off automatically
- Maximum Capicity is 11lb/5kg: Perfect for weighing food, cooking ,baking, meal prep, portioning, coffee making, postage and so on
- Easy Add & Weigh ‘Zero’ (Tare) Function: Allows for measurement of multiple ingredients in the same container without moving
- Stainless Steel Panel: Just wipe down the high grade stainless steel surfaces to easily keep clean
- Auto-Off Function: Automatically powers off after 2 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life and ensure energy efficiency
The NUTRI FIT Food Scale is designed for ease of use. It supports multiple units and includes large buttons for simple operation. It weighs up to 11 pounds, similar to the Amazon Basics scale, but may be more user-friendly. However, it lacks the sleek design of stainless steel models, making it less appealing for some users. It’s a good choice for those who prioritize usability over aesthetics, especially if you’re new to using kitchen scales. This scale offers basic functionality for casual cooks.
Pros
- Easy operation with large buttons.
- Supports multiple units for convenience.
- Accurate to 1 gram increments.
- Compact size for easy storage.
Cons
- Less visually appealing than stainless steel models.
- Limited advanced features.
Best for: Users seeking simplicity and ease of use. Not ideal for: Those wanting a stylish design.
A user-friendly choice for those new to cooking.
8. Best Premium
33lb Food Scale, Digital Kitchen Scale for Cooking Baking
- 【Two Power Source】：USB charging or 2 AAA batteries power supply, you can use it more reliably.
- 【Precise Weight】: Accurate, elegant, easy-to-use digital kitchen food scale for your largest and smallest cooking projects . Measuring range: 0.1oz to 33 lbs (3g to 15kg).
- 【Multifunction Scale】： Automatic Unit Button instantly converts between 5 units of measurements (kg g lb:oz fl.oz ml) and displays results on an easy-to-read Lcd screen.
- 【Practical Design】 The food scale is designed with tempered glass for strong bearing, sleek stainless steel top surface for anti-fingerprint and easy clean, with a attached hook for convenient storage.
- 【Zero/Tare Function】: Convenient tare button for tare calculation allows you to subtract the weight of plate or container, making it easy to achieve accurate readouts of ingredients.
The lapuciao 33lb Food Scale offers impressive capacity and features. It supports USB charging and uses batteries, making it versatile. The scale can weigh up to 33 pounds, which is perfect for larger items. Compared to the more compact Etekcity models, this scale is bulkier and might take up more counter space. However, its ability to handle larger weights makes it a good fit for serious cooks. If you often measure big ingredients, this scale will serve you well, but users with limited space may find it cumbersome.
Pros
- Supports weights up to 33 pounds.
- Versatile power options (USB or batteries).
- Clear display for easy reading.
- Multiple unit options available.
Cons
- Bulky design may not fit all kitchens.
- Not as compact as smaller models.
Best for: Cooks who need to weigh large items. Not ideal for: Smaller spaces and casual cooking.
A capable scale for serious cooks needing high capacity.
Kitchen Scales Compared Side by Side
The table below compares key features of each scale. You can see weight limits, units, and special functions. This will help you decide which is the best cheap kitchen scale for your needs.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale | Top Pick | Etekcity | $13.99 | Check |
| 2 | Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display | Best for Beginners | Amazon | $9.89 | Check |
| 3 | Ultrean Food Scale | Best Lightweight | Ultrean | $6.99 | Check |
| 4 | Food Scale -33lb Digital Kitchen Scale for Food Ounces… | Best Design | GGQ | $15.28 | Check |
| 5 | Etekcity 22lb Food Kitchen Scale | Best Budget | Etekcity | $29.99 | Check |
| 6 | Nicewell Food Scale 22lb Digital Kitchen Scale for… | Best Compact | Nicewell | $25.99 | Check |
| 7 | NUTRI FIT Food Scale Kitchen Scales Digital Weight Grams… | Best Splurge | NUTRI FIT | $5.99 | Check |
| 8 | 33lb Food Scale | Best Premium | lapuciao | $26.98 | Check |
| 9 | Food Scale | — | SOYOK | $6.98 | Check |
| 10 | Escali Primo Digital Food Scale Multi-Functional Kitchen… | — | Escali | $25 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How to Choose Kitchen Scales
Weight Capacity
Look for a kitchen scale that can weigh the amount you typically use. Most food scales can handle up to 11 pounds, which is enough for everyday cooking. If you need a higher capacity for larger items, consider scales that can weigh 22 pounds or more.
Tare Function
A tare function is essential. This feature allows you to subtract the weight of containers, giving you the net weight of the ingredients. If you frequently use bowls or plates, make sure your scale has this option.
Display Size
Choose a scale with a clear display. LCD screens are common and easy to read. The size of the numbers is important, especially if you have poor eyesight. Look for scales with wide screens for better visibility.
Material Durability
Stainless steel scales are more durable and easier to clean than plastic ones. If you want longevity and a sleek look, opt for stainless steel. Plastic models can be lighter but may wear out faster.
Unit Conversion Options
Most scales offer multiple unit options like ounces, grams, and milliliters. If you cook using different measurement systems, find a scale that easily switches between units. This flexibility makes cooking more convenient.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered information from manufacturer websites, customer reviews, and kitchen appliance resources. Over 20 kitchen scales were analyzed.
How we built this shortlist
We focused on scales under $50 with good customer ratings. Products with less than a 4-star average rating were removed from consideration.
What we ruled out and why
Scales lacking basic features like the tare function or clear displays were excluded. Any scale without a minimum weight capacity of 2 grams was also dropped.
What we did not do
No hands-on testing or lab measurements were conducted. All data was compiled from user experiences and expert reviews.
How often this page is updated
This page will be updated quarterly. Any significant product changes will prompt an immediate review.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cheap kitchen scale?
The best cheap kitchen scale is the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale. It is reliable, easy to use, and has a tare function.
What features should I look for in a kitchen scale?
Look for weight capacity, tare function, display size, and material durability. These features will make cooking easier.
Can I weigh liquids on a kitchen scale?
Yes, many kitchen scales can weigh liquids. Make sure to use the tare function to measure just the liquid.
How accurate are kitchen scales?
Most kitchen scales are very accurate, with increments of 1 gram or 0.1 ounces. This precision helps in baking and cooking.
Are digital or mechanical scales better?
Digital scales are usually more accurate and easier to read. They often have more features than mechanical scales.
What to look for
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a kitchen scale is essential. Most scales handle up to 11 pounds, suitable for average cooking tasks. If you cook larger meals or bulk items, consider a scale that can weigh more.
Accuracy
Accuracy is important in a kitchen scale. A good scale should measure with increments of 1 gram or 0.1 ounces. This precision ensures your recipes turn out as intended.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for scales that are easy to clean. Stainless steel options are usually more hygienic than plastic. A removable platform can also make cleaning simpler.
Unit Options
Having multiple unit options like grams, ounces, and milliliters is useful. This flexibility makes it easier to follow different recipes without confusion.
Design and Size
A compact kitchen scale can save space. If you have a small kitchen, look for models that are slim and easy to store. A good design should also be user-friendly.
Shopping around? We have 15 more kitchen scale guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- MedlinePlus health information MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- NIDDK health information NIDDK (NIH)
About the author
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