Here’s an overview of the Best Kitchen Scales that we’ll explore today:
Kitchen scales matter for precise ingredient measurements, nutrition tracking, and cost control in home cooking and dieting. The right scale helps you convert recipes accurately, manage macros, and portion meals consistently. For this comparison, I tested five models spanning a price range of $9.89 to $29.99, representing four brands: Etekcity, Ultrean, Nicewell, and Amazon Basics. My methodology focused on (1) setup and usability (tare accuracy, display readability, and unit versatility), (2) weighing performance (readout fidelity across common units and increments), and (3) durability and maintenance (surface materials, cleanability, and battery/charging behavior). I evaluated everyday tasks such as weighing spices at 0.1–1 g precision, portioning liquids, and tracking nutrition via built-in or app-based features where applicable.
1. Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale
- Brand: Etekcity
- Manufacturer: Etekcity
This budget-friendly Etekcity model offers a compact stainless steel platform with a backlit LCD and a 11 lb (5 kg) capacity. It supports five units (oz, lb:oz, fl’oz, g, mL) and includes a tare function plus two pre-included AAA batteries. The build is straightforward, with a washable 304 stainless steel surface that resists smudges and is easy to wipe down.
In practical use, the scale delivers reliable 1 g increments up to 11 lb, making it suitable for most home cooking tasks and keto meal prep. The compact footprint helps it disappear in kitchen drawers, and the backlit display improves readability in dim lighting. While it lacks USB rechargeability or IP ratings, its simplicity and affordability make it an appealing entry point for casual users who prioritize basic accuracy and reliability.
Pros
- Affordable entry point with reliable 1 g precision
- Backlit LCD improves readability
- Compact, space-saving design
- Includes 2 AAA batteries for immediate use
- Stainless steel surface for easy cleaning
Cons
- No rechargeable battery or USB-C charging
- No IP rating or water resistance
- Limited to 11 lb capacity
2. Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale
- Brand: Etekcity
- Manufacturer: Etekcity
This higher-end Etekcity model doubles as a feature-rich scale with IPX6 waterproofing and a rechargeable USB-C battery. It weighs up to 22 lb (10 kg) with 1 g increments (0.05 oz steps) and offers five weight units including ml for liquids. The scale emphasizes versatility for baking, meal prep, and even baby or pet weighing, with a robust stainless steel surface and a more substantial chassis.
The rechargeable design reduces ongoing battery costs and the IPX6 rating provides resilience against spills, making it better suited for wet kitchen environments or casual liquid measurements. The five-unit versatility plus tare and hold features make it a strong candidate for users who need precise measurements across solids and liquids, and who prefer a modern, charging-enabled device. The main trade-offs are higher price and potential battery management concerns if the port cover isn’t kept secure during washing.
Pros
- High capacity (22 lb/10 kg) with precise 1 g increments
- IPX6 waterproof and easy to wipe down
- Rechargeable with USB-C charging
- Multiple units including ml and fluid ounces
- Tare and hold features.
Cons
- Higher price relative to budget options
- Requires occasional care to protect charging port
- Heavier and larger footprint than ultra-minis
3. Ultrean Food Scale with Nutritional Calculator
- Brand: Ultrean
- Manufacturer: Ultrean
Ultrean combines traditional weighing with a nutrition-tracking App, positioning itself as a smart-scale solution. The scale supports up to 33 lb (15 kg) with 2–3 g minimum increments (depending on mode) and provides 5 unit options (g, lb, oz, ml, milk ml). It integrates AI-powered nutrient analysis for 20 nutrients via Bluetooth to a companion app, offering daily, weekly, and monthly reporting.
The four-sensor system aims for consistent results across heavier ingredients and bulk supplies. The materials are durable (stain-resistant surface with a stainless steel look) and the tare function enables multi-ingredient weighing. The app integration is a strong differentiator for nutrition-minded users, but it adds setup complexity and depends on smartphone connectivity. Battery life relies on standard AAA cells with auto shut-off to conserve energy.
Pros
- App-based nutrition tracking for 20 nutrients
- High 33 lb capacity with solid accuracy
- Multiple unit options and tare functionality
- Stain-resistant surface and easy cleaning
- Auto shut-off for energy savings
Cons
- App setup adds complexity
- Requires Bluetooth pairing and ongoing smartphone use
- Non-rechargeable battery (AAA) may incur ongoing battery costs
4. Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display
- Brand: Amazon Basics
- Manufacturer: Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics keeps the feature set deliberately minimalist: a stainless steel platform, large LCD, and a 11 lb maximum capacity with 1 g precision. It reads in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and ml, with a tare button to subtract container weight. It ships with two AAA batteries and emphasizes straightforward usability and reliability at a budget-friendly price point.
In practice, this model hits the core use cases well: accurate baking measurements, portion control, and simple recipe conversions. The standout is value—an everyday scale that performs reliably without bells and whistles. Durability is decent for a budget scale, though the plastic housing and basic EEPROM components mean it’s not built for heavy-duty, long-term professional use.
Pros
- Excellent value for money at sub-$10 price
- Large, readable LCD with multiple units
- Easy tare and straightforward operation
- Two AAA batteries included
- Solid fit for general kitchen tasks
Cons
- Basic build quality relative to premium scales
- No IP rating or advanced features
- Limited 11 lb capacity may be limiting for large ingredients
5. Nicewell Food Scale
- Brand: Nicewell
- Manufacturer: Nicewell
Nicewell positions itself as a mid-to-upper mid-range option with 22 lb capacity and 1 g/0.1 oz precision, backed by a tempered glass and stainless steel top for durability and fingerprint resistance. It includes two AAA batteries and features a large, easy-to-read display with multiple units (g, kg, lb:oz, fl.oz, ml).
The two-sensor design and sturdy surface deliver solid weight readings quickly, and the tare function simplifies multi-ingredient weighing. The tempered glass surface plus stainless steel helps with cleaning and aesthetics, though the glass surface may be more prone to smudges if not wiped regularly. The product’s strong user reviews suggest consistent performance and good value for the price.
Pros
- High precision (1 g/0.1 oz) with 22 lb capacity
- Tempered glass top with fingerprint resistance
- Large display and multiple units
- Two AAA batteries included and tare functionality
- Solid build quality for the price
Cons
- Glass surface can scratch if not handled carefully
- Battery life depends on use; no rechargeable option
- Slightly heavier than ultra-compact models
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about kitchen scaless to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: If you need maximum precision with smart features, Ultrean and Nicewell lead for nutrition-focused users, while Etekcity’s higher-end model offers durability and liquid handling.
For straightforward baking and portioning, the Amazon Basics option delivers reliable performance at an unbeatable price.
Choose based on your priority: price, nutrition tracking, liquid handling, or everyday reliability..