Electronic scales are highly accurate. It is much higher than their mechanical predecessors. Models produced by manufacturers differ in price, shape, design and measurement methods.
Electronic scales weigh ingredients to the nearest gram. This allows cooks to follow all recipe bookmarks of dishes.
Small size and stylish design help the scale fit into any kitchen interior. The inexpensive cost of scales makes them accessible to people with different income levels who monitor their diet and carefully count calories when preparing food. It is necessary to make such calculations when monitoring weight and cholesterol.
Design and principle of operation
Electronic scales can be powered by an electrical network, a solar battery or a battery. Products produced by manufacturers for home use have two versions: floor-mounted and table-top. The first version of the scale is used for weighing large weights.
The main design elements of the scales are:
sensors;- indicators;
- keyboard.
Electronic products differ from mechanical scales by the presence of a digital screen. It displays weighing results with an accuracy of +0.1 g.
The principle of weighing simple electronic models is to measure vibrations of a measuring spring with sensors, which begins to deform under the pressure of raw materials placed in a bowl or on a platform.
More expensive models have a more complex weighing mechanism. The principle of their operation is based on measuring changes in the distance between the two disks with which the devices are equipped. When the item to be weighed is placed on one of them, it begins to fall, approaching the second. The change in the distance between the disks is recorded by an electronic sensor, which converts this indicator into a measure of weight and displays it on the screen.
Some models use voltage sensors. They stretch under the influence of weight. This causes a change in their resistance, which is recorded and converted into a measure of weight. All devices have additional functions.
The most popular functions:
- built-in timer for automatically turning off the scales;
- overload indicator;
- choice of weight measure (kilograms, grams, ounces);
- automatic memory.
Manufacturers equip expensive models with a “diet computer” function. It allows you to count calories in weighed foods.
What to do if the scales fail
The main problem with the breakdown of electronic devices is related to the malfunction of strain gauges. If the maximum weight is exceeded, the structural elements, namely the frame, simply bend. To restore functionality, simply straighten them.
If it is impossible to determine whether the device is faulty from the outside, you will have to check it with a tester.
To do this, each sensor must be disconnected from the board, and then measure the resistance of all three wires. If in some corner the resistance differs from the norm, then the cause of the malfunction has been found. After this, disconnect the plate secured with glue. We do this very carefully, since any mechanical damage will negate all efforts and cause complete breakdown of the unit.
Inside we see a copper plate with three wires. It happens that one wire comes off. In this case, restoring the fastening will restore the functionality of the entire device. What happens is that the sensor simply died. Then you need to buy a new one. As a rule, this is not a problem - there are a huge number of different strain gauge models on the market that can be used for any type of scale. The only nuance that may arise later is the need to do calibration. If you do not select and adjust the sensor to the required parameters, the device will not work.
Kinds
The main type of classification of kitchen electronic scales is their division into products:
- platform;
- with a bowl.
What scales do you use?
PlatformWith bowl
Weighing products on platform kitchen electronic scales is carried out together with the container in which they are located. This refers to the disadvantages of devices. To determine the net weight of products, you have to separately weigh the container and subtract its mass from the total result.
The advantage of the scales is the simplicity of the surface of the platform. It is much easier to weigh products, especially bulk products, on scales with a bowl. Glass, plastic, and stainless steel are used to make it.
Calibration
The load cell is unique in its structure, and even if you compare products from the same batch and from the same manufacturer, you can see differences; the bridge connections will still have some kind of error. With the help of calibration, such an error is eliminated.
Considering the fact that the total weight is calculated by summing the readings, it is possible to completely exclude one sensor from the process if it is faulty. This is done either by releasing it from the load, or by simulating the desired values using simple resistors. The first option is suitable for cases where the sensor measures incorrectly or is incorrectly calibrated. The second involves disconnecting the faulty unit, after which its measurement will be perceived by the device as a zero value.
Almost anyone can repair electronic scales, since their structure is nothing more than a combination of resistors and a board.
The best platform models for the kitchen
Beurer KS 48
Country of origin: Germany. The model is equipped with a platform with a glass surface. A designer drawing is applied to it. The device body is made of high-strength white plastic. The Beurer KS48 has a large touch display that can show the weight of products in grams and ounces.
The model has the “Tare Compensation” function, which ensures that when weighing, the total result of the tare mass is automatically subtracted. The results of weighing products on the platform can be stored in memory. The measurement error does not exceed 1 g.
Characteristics:
- maximum weighing limit – 5 kg;
- Dimensions – 180x170x240 mm.
The manufacturer's warranty period is 36 months.
Advantages:
- light weight;
- Beautiful design;
- high weighing accuracy;
- convenient touch settings.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Review:
Valentina F. The scales have very accurate weighing. The readings never change when re-measuring weight. Rubber feet prevent the platform from sliding on the table surface.
REDMOND RS-724-E
Russian brand, produced in China. The model is equipped with touch control with a tempered glass panel. Measurement accuracy up to 1 g. Measurements can be made in pounds and ounces.
There is an automatic shutdown function and an overload indicator. The body is made of durable plastic.
Characteristics:
- maximum weighing limit – 8 kg;
- Dimensions – 200x183x17 mm.
The manufacturer's warranty period is 24 months.
Advantages:
- presence of container function;
- immunity to blows;
- indexation of a stable position;
- light weight.
Main disadvantage:
- panel buttons sticking when touched with wet fingers.
Review:
Maria D. I like the model for its design. It has an intuitive menu and high measurement accuracy.
Caso L 15
Country of origin: China. The case of the model is made of stainless steel. Caso L 15 has a tare compensation function. The device is equipped with an overload indicator.
The display, located at an angle to the platform, shows the weighing results in bright, large numbers. The measurement results are saved in the device memory.
Characteristics:
- maximum weighing limit – 15 kg;
- Dimensions – 310x265x25 mm.
Manufacturer's warranty period – 24 months
Advantages:
- availability of a wide platform;
- compactness;
- high weighing accuracy.
Main disadvantage:
- Handprints are imprinted on the metal surface of the platform.
Review:
Olga I. I bought scales for my dacha. I like the stainless steel platform and convenient display. The numbers on it are clearly visible even in poor lighting.
Prices
Experts note the presence of several pricing factors. Basically, the price of the product is determined by the design, the degree of “sophistication”: the presence of a built-in printer, its features, a large amount of memory, a network card that determines the mode of operation with external devices, in particular with a computer, a weight sensor. Origin also plays an important role in determining the price.
The entire set of presented scales can be divided into two segments.
Lower price segment . Conventional scales with a small set of functions, no means of receipt printing or automation, the maximum is a connection to a cash register. The cost of such scales varies from 600 UAH. (products of domestic or Russian production) up to 1500 UAH. (products of Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, etc.), and at this price the kit may include batteries, an additional indicator, and other accessories. Products of this group are used, as a rule, in small shops, cafes, outdoor sales, etc.
The upper price segment consists of scales with receipt printing, they contain automation tools (there is the ability to connect a computer). Scales in this segment are used to support the operation of large retail and wholesale stores. Experts divide this category into three classes: economy, optimum, elite.
Economy class . The simplest models cost from 3500 UAH. up to 6000 UAH The set of functions is minimal, the label printer is the simplest, the memory capacity is small. Scales for a minimarket. 3500 UAH – Ukrainian and Russian products, 4-5 thousand – from South Korea, Japanese: 6 thousand UAH. – Massa-K, CAS and DIGI, as well as some European manufacturers.
Optimum class . The cost of products is from 7000 to 12 thousand UAH. The range of functions has been significantly expanded compared to the previous class; they are characterized by higher values of reliability and durability. Scales can work successfully in both minimarkets and supermarkets. Manufacturers - CAS and DIGI, some European manufacturers (Mettler Toledo, Bezerba)
Premium class . Cost from 12-13 to 20-25 thousand UAH. The most sophisticated models, including the ability to play multimedia files on the display.
The best options with a bowl
Bugatti UMA 56
Country of origin: China. The model has a very stylish look. The device's memory functionality allows you to weigh products one by one without removing them from the bowl. The memory system stores the results of each individual weighing.
The display is equipped with backlight. You can determine the weight of products not only in grams, but also in pounds. While cooking, the Bugatti UMA 56 can be used as a timer. Weighing accuracy up to 1 g.
Characteristics:
- maximum weighing limit – 3 kg;
- Dimensions – 240x220x220 mm.
Manufacturer's warranty period – 12 months
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- convenient backlit display;
- low cost.
Main disadvantage:
- the need to frequently change AA batteries.
Review:
Natalya Zh. I bought the scales because of the design. I use them to weigh grains. Very comfortably.
Gemlux GL-KS5SB
Russian brand, produced in China. The model has a stylish modern design. Weight measurement accuracy up to 1 g. Material: stainless steel. The bowl is removable and can be easily washed in the dishwasher.
The display has a pleasant blue backlight. There is a battery charging indicator. The weight of products can be measured in grams, pounds, ounces. Measurement of the volume of liquids in milliliters is available.
Characteristics:
- maximum weighing limit – 3 kg;
- Dimensions – 178x195x120 mm.
The manufacturer's warranty period is 12 months.
Advantages:
- automatic shutdown;
- the presence of rubberized feet that prevent the device from sliding on the table surface;
- light weight;
- low cost.
Flaws:
- weak batteries;
- Automatic shutdown cannot be reset to a different waiting period.
Review:
Maxim L. Not bad scales. Sometimes I use the bowl for fruit. The model has a nice design. There are all the necessary options.
ProfiCook PC-KW 1040
Country of origin: China. The model can measure not only weight, but also the volume of liquids. It has convenient button controls. The metal body is painted in a pleasant silver color. Weighing accuracy up to 1 g. The bowl is removable.
When idle, Profi Cook PC-KW 1040 automatically switches off. The LCD display has a bright backlight. There are overload and battery charging indicators. Weighing can be done in grams and ounces.
Characteristics:
- maximum weighing limit – 5 kg;
- Dimensions – 205x210x130 mm.
The manufacturer's warranty period is 24 months.
Advantages:
- durable metal construction;
- presence of display backlight;
- automatic shutdown;
- strong design;
- light weight and compactness.
Flaws:
- very narrow battery compartment;
- low battery charge.
Review:
Evgeny V. The model has a stylish design, but weak batteries. Enough for only 19-20 weighings.
Housing material
Most often the case is made of plastic or glass. Glass appliances are certainly more reliable and more attractive on the outside, however, they must be cared for very carefully. It is enough to drop a cup on them, and the devices will fail forever. If all operating rules are followed, glass products will serve you for many years. There are also scales made of wood; they have a very pleasant tactile sensation, but the price of such a device is not affordable for everyone. The same can be said about “stone” products, heavy and extremely expensive, although impressive in appearance.
Multifunctional devices
The most expensive models are equipped with a calorie counter. Such household devices are in high demand among people who carefully monitor their diet. Manufacturers produce many models of this type, differing in measurement limit, control method and other characteristics.
In addition to counting calories of weighed products, they can total and display bread units. This calculation is important for people suffering from diabetes. The scale's memory contains information about the calorie content of several hundred foods. Almost all models have a tare subtraction function.
Functions of electronic bathroom scales
In addition to the main purpose - measuring human body weight, additional options are provided:
- Remember the dynamics of values for a period specified by the user.
- Calculate optimal weight using the body mass index, which takes into account a person’s height, gender, age and constitution. The calculation is based on the formula: BMI = weight, kg / height, m * height, m.
- Determine the ratio of fat and muscle present in the human body. This function works on the principle of differences in the electrical resistance of muscle, fat and bone tissue when passing a weak discharge through electrodes installed on the platform. It should be taken into account that tissue ratio analysis has a fairly high error.
- Store data on the dynamics of indicators for several users at once.
- Display dietary and exercise recommendations when weighing.
- By regularly measuring body weight, a specific user is automatically identified.
- Significant excess of the norm in body weight is accompanied by an audible signal.
- Some models are equipped with a monitor. Duplicating measurement readings on the monitor allows people with back pain to avoid bending over to read information on the display located on the platform.
- Automatic on/off.
What to look for when purchasing
The main indicators that you should pay attention to when purchasing devices are: maximum and minimum weighing limits, reading error. The normal error rate for household models is 5 g. The standard maximum weighing limit for kitchen scales is 3-5 kg.
The more options a product has, the more expensive it is. You should not buy multifunctional scales if a significant part of their options will not be in demand. You can get by with a simple and inexpensive model. When purchasing products, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty period and user reviews.
Terms of use
- The scales must be installed on a flat, non-slip surface. Uneven flooring may cause incorrect results. In addition, a person standing on a swinging scale may fall and be injured.
- How to set up the scales is described in detail in the user manual. You need to insert the batteries and turn on the device, and if the display shows zeros, then it is ready for use.
- You need to stand on the platform so that your legs are parallel to each other, in this case the weight will be distributed evenly.
- No foreign objects should be placed on the platform. The accuracy of the readings can be checked by making five weighings in a row - the difference between them should not exceed 0.3-0.4 kg. If the difference is greater, you can reset the settings and run the test again. If this does not help, then you should contact a specialist or exchange the scales at the store where they were purchased.
