I’ve been really happy with the 5kg Oxo scale. I was afraid the backlight would make it eat batteries, but I use it several times a week and am still using the original pair more than a year later.
this post was submitted on 07 Feb 2025
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It would be nice to get rid of the batteries, but there seem to be downsides to each of the alternatives currently.
Solar scales like the one from MUJI seem to update measurements slowly. I haven't seen one that looks like it is responsive and likely to work for a lot of weighing tasks. Seems like this may be the best option for a manufacturer to innovate - bigger solar array, and a super capacitor to hold a good charge.
Mechanical are pretty classic and durable, but you choose either capacity or precision. I haven't seen even a 2kg model that has 1g precision. More like 20g. So not very useful for home baking. Perhaps fine for general portion control. If you go this route you will probably need one small precision scale for fine resolution and a larger one that can accommodate 5kg.
Kinetic scales from CASO seem like a good option. The main criticism seems to be a short usable time after charging. It would stink to be 5 ingredients into a baking recipe and lose power midway through the next ingredient. It would also be annoying to keep stopping to charg it. They also seem to have slow updates when the weight changes like solar models. This is probably to reduce power usage. I think these are fine for occasional use, but not if you're using a scale 3-5 times per week.
My personal solution has been to use a commercial scale that has a rechargeable battery built in, as well as a power adapter. I keep it plugged in, on our kitchen counter, and I use it nearly every day. After 10 years now the battery doesn't hold a charge, but it works fine while plugged in. I could replace the battery, but don't need it.
If you really want BIFL then it's probably best to check out restaurant supply stores to see what they're selling. At least in the US the scales from Edlund are well built and reliable, and for digital you can get a good one priced under $100. Taylor are lower quality and not as reliable, at least for the affordable models.
For mechanical i would expect to pay $100+ for a good small one with 10g precision. To get more precision the dials need to be pretty large, so this would be a trade-off.
No recommendation or experience, but rather thank you for introducing me to kitchen scales with kinetic energy! This is such a great invention, I didn't know exists.
I looked into the first brand I found for this, called CASO. Based on Amazon reviews and pictures, I would get the Kitchen EcoMaster for myself. But as said no recommendation or experience!
Watch out for the small flat ones, many containers are wide enough to cover the display
I have also never heard of this before, but these look really interesting! The battery usage is fine in its own right, but my scale always seems to run out of power at the worst moment. I usually cook without measuring, so when I take it out it's because its services are needed, and I guess the battery tends to slowly drain in the cupboard.
I'll keep this in mind for if/when my scale breaks - or if I need a Christmas gift idea some year! :)
This is digital not mechanical, but this OXO scale has done me well both in accuracy and longevity
https://www.oxo.com/11-lb-stainless-steel-scale-w-pull-out-display.html
I have the My Weigh scale and haven't had to change the battery yet, couple of years in. Love it. I think if you want an unpowered scale a balancing scale and weights are the lowest tech and accurate.
Might be worth crossposting on !AskUSA@discuss.online or !yurop@lemm.ee depending on where you live
ooh, nice idea, on it. thanks!