The 5 best kitchen scales

Weighing ingredients up to 11 pounds (5 kilograms) within a tenth of an ounce (or one gram), the Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale also earns the "multifunction" part of its title from its alarm timer and temperature sensor.

One of the best features of this scale is the 2.1-liter dishwasher-safe bowl. It's detachable so you can choose to use the Etekcity as a traditional flat scale, too. To store the scale, just flip over the bowl and place it on top of the base.

The scale uses two AAA batteries, which come with the unit. The Etekcity scale is backed by a one-year warranty as well as lifetime support from the manufacturer. Another great feature with this scale is that it has actual buttons, as opposed to the flat "membrane" buttons commonly found on other models.

Another bonus: When you're baking, you can add ingredients to the bowl, zero-out the weight, and add more ingredients. It's a lot faster than measuring each item individually. The detachable, 2-liter bowl just gives you another vessel to measure and mix.

The Ozeri Pronto scale measures up to 11.24 pounds (5.1 kilograms) within .05 ounces (or 1 gram) of accuracy. It runs on two AAA batteries that come with the unit, and the scale saves on battery life by shutting down after two minutes of inactivity.

None of the scale's elements are dishwasher safe, but the chrome finish for the weight platform is easy to wipe down. The scale only weighs twelve ounces and is just 8.25 inches at its widest point.

Out of the entire list of the best kitchen scales, the Ozeri Pronto comes in the most colors, including black, blue, silver, red, and lime green. Like our top pick, you can put bowls or small plates on the scale and zero out the weight before you measure out portions. 

The AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale has a 7-inch diameter weighing platform that can measure items up to 11 pounds (5 kilograms) in weight.

Like the other units on this list, this scale measures ounces, pounds, grams, and kilograms. However, it also can measure liquid volume. The device runs on two AAA batteries, which are included.

The main benefits of the AmazonBasics kitchen scale are that it seamlessly switches between units of measurement, has a large weighing platform, and features a wide LCD screen. Simple yet effective, Amazon's kitchen scale offers multi-unit measurements, including liquids. 

The standard OXO Good Grips scale has a smaller weight capacity than others on our list of the best kitchen scales. We chose the 5-pound version because of the how easy it is to read and store. If you need a more substantial capacity, the OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Scale has a stainless steel base, but not backlight on the display.

This model has the ingenious feature of a pull-out display. If measuring with a larger bowl, you pull the weight display further away from the base so it's not blocked by the container. There is also the optional backlight, so you'll always have clear and readable measurements. 

Another benefit of the OXO scale is the removable platform that you can wash by hand. The Good Grips scale does require four AAA batteries, which is twice what all of the other models on this list need.

If you like to bake bread or anything that requires large quantities, the best kitchen scale for you is the MyWeigh KD8000 Bakers Math Kitchen Scale. It has a high weighing capacity of 17 pounds and 6 ounces, a big easy-to-read screen, and the ability to work with baker's percentages when you need to adjust your recipe. You can also make measurements in grams, which is what many recipes call for.

The scale is sturdy and versatile enough to handle all the ingredients you need for large batches of dough. You can disable the automatic-off setting for the scale too, so you may always see the measurement without worrying that it's going to flick off too fast.

The large, backlit screen is easy to read, and the controls are simple. You can also turn off the backlight if it is too bright for you.

The scale runs on three AA batteries, but you can also get an AC adapter to plug it into the wall. It's very easy to clean this scale, and there's a removable plastic cover that protects the screen from dripping ingredients or globs of dough. The scale comes with a 30-year warranty, so if something goes wrong, you will be able to receive a replacement.

Insider Reviews deputy editor Malarie Gokey has had this scale for more than a year and can confirm that it's an excellent scale for baking. Once you've graduated to grams and percentages in bread recipes, this is the scale you need. 

Accuracy: The best kitchen scales nail precision down to the gram, since exact quantities can make or break a recipe. Look for a scale with a tare function that allows you to zero out container weight for spot-on measurements. Always check the scale's accuracy range and whether it maintains consistency over time or offers a recalibration function.

Capacity: If you're mostly concerned with everyday cooking, a kitchen scale that can accommodate around 5 to 11 pounds is enough. However, if you usually cook in large batches, you want a scale that can handle as much. A scale with a larger capacity should still maintain its accuracy at lower weights, but it will likely take up more counter space.

Screen readability: Having a clear and easy-to-read screen is essential to the best kitchen scale. A backlit LCD screen and large numbers can make it easier to see weights mid-recipe or in darker kitchens. Some scales offer an angled or pull-out display, which can be beneficial if you're measuring in large bowls that might cover the screen.

Design: For a kitchen that's as stylish as it is functional, choose a kitchen scale that marries practicality with aesthetics. Opt for a slim, compact model that saves space and tucks away easily. Materials like stainless steel or tempered glass don't just offer durability and ease of cleaning; they also adapt seamlessly to various kitchen styles.