10 Best Digital Food & Kitchen Scales

Kitchen scales are a staple of kitchens around the world.  From 5-star restaurants to home kitchens, food scales help cooks of all experience. If you are looking to find yourself a new scale for your kitchen and cooking, we are here to help.  We’ve narrowed down the plethora of scales out there to the 10 best digital food and kitchen scales.

In order to find the right scale for you, you must know what to look for in a good scale.  Obviously, the ability to weigh is important… but there are other factors that you need to consider.  How many units does the scale weigh in?  What is the maximum capacity and graduation of the scale?  How is the weight displayed and what are the impacts to the battery life?  

We could go on, but instead we’ve listed out what we think is the most important criteria to consider when looking at a kitchen or food scale.

Kitchen and Food Scale Review Criteria

These are the criteria we used to judge and rank the scales on our list of 10 best digital food and kitchen scales.  

Usability

Usability is the most important criteria when comparing kitchen products in our opinion. Some scales have a lot of extra features, including some pretty cool ones, but if the scale isn’t very usable none of the bells and whistles really matter. Usability represents how easy the scale is to use and the learning required to unlock all of the scale’s features.  Usability secures 2 points out of a total of 10 points of our review criteria.

Design

The design of a food scale matters a lot.  Some scales come with a fixed weight tray, while others come with removable bowls.  Some have displays that are easy to read and others have displays that include a ton of information. There are scales with digital meters and scales with analog meters. The shape and dimensions of the food scale, the size of the display meter, and other physical features (protective covers, etc.) all constitute its design. Design also covers 2 points out of total 10 points.

Measurement Units

The next criteria gets to be a little bit more specific when discussing scales. Scales have to have a default unit to measure in, but if they include more than one measurement unit we give them additional credit. It can be a nice bonus to not have to convert when using a recipe that calls for a different unit of measurement than you’re used to using.  Most of the food scales have at least 4 units available. This criteria also secures 2 points.

Graduation

No, scales do not have to graduate from an academy for this next criteria.  Graduation of a scale refers to the increments in which the scales weighs items placed on it.  So if a scale’s graduation is .1 gram then it can weigh to a minimum of .1 gram as new weight is placed on it.  In this example, the scale would not be able to show you a weight less than .1 gram (e.g. .05 grams).  The lower the graduation, the more precise the scale.  This criterion secures 1 point in our point system.

Maximum Weight

Alright, so let us assume that you have the ideal digital scale with the most precise graduation, an awesome design that’s super easy to use.  Would you call it a great scale if it can’t handle the amount of weight you put on it? Especially if that weight isn’t particularly high, like 2kg? The answer is no, of course. The maximum amount of weight that a kitchen scale can measure can make or break the scale’s value. This is why this criteria also secures 2 points in our scoring.

Weight of the Scale

Many scales get moved around.  Maybe just from one place in the kitchen to another or maybe they are transported on vacation or to other places.  The lighter the scale, the easier it is to move around.  This is not important for everyone using a food scale so this might be the least important criterion, and we only allocated 1 point to it.

List of 10 Best Digital Kitchen Scales

With all of these criteria considered, here is how our list 10 best digital kitchen scales comes out for 2023:

1. Ozeri ZK 14-S Pronto Digital Food Scale

First up:

The Ozeri ZK 14-S Pronto Digital Food Scale came out at the top of our list for kitchen food scales. This is the editor’s choice so let us explain how we ended up with this scale as our top option.

As stated above, this scale has 6 measuring units which is a big deal since many other good scales only have 4-5 measuring units. The units are grams, lbs, lbs:oz, oz, ml, kg. This means that you don’t have to do any converting on your own as you simply change the scale mode to learn the new unit weight.

Overall, this scale sets itself apart by both its impressive features and the price.  No other scale at a similar price point offers the quality and number of features of the Ozeri Pronto.  The reviews for this scale also speak to its strengths: accurate measurements, variety of measuring units, easy to use and a small/sleek design.

For the price and size of this scale, it can weight up to 5000g or 11 lbs which puts it on the same level as many higher level scales (aka more expensive).  

A feature that we personally love is the buttons include an audible click as confirmation they have been pressed.  The buttons are easy to push and the display is easy to read and simple.  The scale also includes the tare function that allows you to weigh food without the weight of the container.

This means that this kitchen and food scale can literally measure the weight of anything that you might need in your daily kitchen life. What’s more? The instant unit converter on this scale can immediately convert one measurement unit into another. So if you see the weight in Lbs and you want to see it in ounces, simply push unit button and convert one unit into another.

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2. Greater Goods Nourish Food Scale with Nutritional Facts Display

The Greater Goods Nourish food scale has some unique features that set it apart. First, this scale is the thinnest, most sleek scale on our list of 10 best food scales.  Additionally, it has a feature that provides additional nutrient information based on the ‘food code’ you can put into the scale while weighing.  As an example, if you are weighing avocados you would put in the avocado food code into the scale and not only does the scale give you the weight, but it also provides additional nutritional information such as calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs and protein.

With a super sleek body and weighing under 2 lbs, this is one of the more lightweight food scales that you can find. Its glass surface and imbedded touch buttons make this scale easy to keep clean.  There are a number of buttons on this scale and they are touch sensitive so you do not need to worry about how long they will remain functional.

The extra wide and smooth platform makes weighing your food super easy and convenient.  This scale is also very easy to store and move around.

In terms of minimum and maximum capacity too, this scale is sufficient for most home cooks and uses.  It measures in 1oz graduation and has 176oz (11 lbs) maximum capacity.  It does not weigh to the specificity of other scales on this list.

Includes the handy ‘tare’ or ‘zero’ function.  You just put your container on the scale, press the button and the scale will zero out again.  This will allow you to fill your container with whatever food you’d like and only returns the weight of the food, not the container.

Some customers were not able to find the values for seemingly simple food items due to the way the foods are categorized.  Additionally, this is not the easiest scale to read.  The digits are small and not backlit making them difficult to see from any sort of distance.

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3. Nicewell – Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale

Easy to use and lightweight to transport; Nicewell MQD-C018 has one of the best finishes for digital kitchen scales on this list. With a variety of weighing units and a flat top for easy cleaning/wiping, this scale has positive attributes but also some flaws.

With 5 measuring units to toggle between (g, kg, lb:oz, fl oz, and mL), this scale provides relief when using multiple recipes with multiple measuring units.  The addition of mL is also great to help measure liquids.  It’s never ideal to have to stop down in the middle of cooking to try to convert a recipe from metric to imperial or vice versa.

This scale takes 2 AAA-rated batteries to power it and it includes a backlit display.  To help conserve power, it also has the auto-off feature that turns the scale off after about 2 minutes. This feature does sacrifice some convenience as few meal recipes are completed in 2 minutes so the auto-off feature can be a nuisance as well as a help for maintaining battery life.

The large flat surface of this scale makes weighing a variety of different food types and sizes easy.  There is also plenty of room so the display does not get blocked and you’ll be able to read the measurements.  The stainless steel and tempered glass make this scale tough to scratch and durable.  It’s also very easy to wipe down.  The primary concern with the physical design is the the fact the display and weighing surface use the same ‘plate’.  That means when buttons are pressed it will often impact the measurement of the weight.  After pressing a button, you should expect to wait a few seconds to get an accurate reading again.

The Nicewell scale has an impressive maximum weight of 22 lbs (10k grams).  That puts this little guy at the top of our list for maximum weight capacity.

The graduation of this scale is 1 gram which is in line with most other scales on this list and will work for the vast majority of kitchen scale needs.  It does have a slower than desired response to changes in weight.  

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4. Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale 

Etekcity’s digital kitchen scale is well reviewed and popular on sites like Amazon.  In our opinion the best thing about this Etekcity scale is its overall design.  The scale is rectangular with curved corners and there is an easy-to-read display to show the measured weight. This scale offers 5 measurement units which are ounces, pounds, milliliters, fluid ounces, and grams.

We always give extra points for a good ‘Tare’ or ‘Zero’ function.  Those who use digital weighing scales frequently know how it can be a headache to reset the meter to zero. The Tare function allows you to reset the digital meter in a simple touch.

The Etekcity scale also comes with the auto-off function after a couple of minutes.  This saves the AAA batteries that you have to use with this scale. However, the requirement of AAA batteries can be considered a downside of the scale. A USB charging option would be nice to avoid having to constantly buy batteries to replace.  In general, the battery life of this scale is not terrible but also not great.  Some buyers also think the scale automatically turns off too quickly although we did not experience that ourselves.

Another positive point of Etekcity is how its lightweight. This food weight scale weighs only 7.2 ounces and it still does the job of most other scales. With graduation units of 1 gram and total weighing capacity of 5 Kg (11 pounds), this digital scale can meet the needs of almost all home cooks and other uses of home kitchen scales.

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5. My Weigh KD8000 Scale

This is not the only positive point of this scale, it actually has many of them. This is probably the first commercially-viable scale on our list. The percentage system on the MyWeigh scale is the other function that really sets this scale apart.  When recipes (especially many baking recipes) call for a percent of an ingredient, e.g. 6% sale to flour, this scale has a function that can do that for you!

This scale also has a protective cover over the display.  This seems like a great design concept, but for us it also proved to be somewhat of nuisance to keep opening and closing the cover.  It’s also easy to break off unfortunately so we can’t give it extra points for the protective cover.

A few other drawbacks to this scale besides the protective cover issues. First of all, it lets you charge it with an AC adapter, but it does not come with one. How awkward is that? The other major flaw of this scale is how difficult the display is to read.  Unless you are directly over the scale, you will have trouble reading the display which can be a real pain point.  This scale scored 7.25 on our points table, which makes it better than above average scales.

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6. Etekcity Digital Food Scale with removable Bowl 

This Etekcity food scale is very similar to the previous Etekcity scale as far as scale functions go. It allows a maximum capacity of 5000g (11 pounds) just like others and the graduation unit is also 1 gram just like most of the other scales in this review.

While this scale improves on some usability features, it does have some drawbacks that dropped it down our list.  First, is the delayed response time we experienced along with other buyers of the scale.

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7. AccuWeight digital kitchen scale

This scale has a great black tempered glass weighing platform and delivers good features all around.  There isn’t really a feature that sets this scale apart from others on the list but it performs well in all the categories.  The tempered glass is 3 times stronger than normal glass and the scale includes 4 sensors that help it weigh not only accurately, but also quickly.

The red backlit display on the black scale is a unique look that makes reading the scale easy.  The display is also very simple and contains only the minimum of information needed: weight and unit of measure.  It includes 4 units of measure: ounces, pounds, grams and milliliters. 

A minor feature this scale includes that we find to be very helpful is the low battery indicator.  Instead of just randomly shutting off at the most inopportune time, this scale lets you know that battery is low.  We think this is a feature more scales should come with!

One other minor feature of this scale, it has an auto-shut off after 3 minutes of inactivity or after 1 minute if there is no change in weight.  Many scales with auto-shut off turn off after 2 minutes of activity so the extra minute this scale provides is also nice.

This scale requires 2 AAA batteries to run.

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8. SIMPLETASTE Digital Kitchen Scale

You can easily shift from one measurement unit to another between the 4 units: ounces, pounds, grams and milliliters.  Also includes the tare or zero function to make weighing easier for a variety of kitchen/food measuring activities.

The SimpleTaste Digital Kitchen Scale actually has pretty good battery life in our testing.  It includes an auto-shut off feature after 2 minutes of inactivity which is pretty standard in most kitchen scales.

In our testing, this scale does perform markedly better when the food is placed in the middle of the weighing platform.  If you are in a hurry and don’t get the food in the middle you will likely see some inconsistent measurements in weight.  These inconsistencies aren’t significant but if you need precision in your weighing, it’s something to be aware of.

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9. KitchenAid KQ909 Dual Platform

KitchenAid is a known brand in kitchens around the world.  They are known for their high quality mixers and baking equipment.  But they also have a scale that includes a very unique feature that no other scale on our list can claim.

This scale has large digits with an option of backlight, making the display easy to read and providing some battery power relief.  The button interface is very simple and intuitive.  Some buyers have stated the display does not hold up to water or acidic foods (e.g. lemons) very well.

This scale offers a graduation of 0.1 oz (2.8g) on its larger weighing surface and a graduation of .001 oz (.03g) on its smaller weighing surface.  Some buyers have reported slight discrepancies in the measured weight and that the larger weighing surface is not very responsive to smaller weights.  It is worth noting this scale does not weight liquids.

It comes with a cord-free design like the rest of the kitchen scales on our list, but 3 AAA batteries can be a nuisance, especially consider all but one of the scales on our list only require 2 batteries. That means having to find one additional battery when the scale runs out, which we know from experience that can be quite an effort.

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10. Weighmax Kitchen Scale with Glass Bowl

First, let’s review the pros of this food scale. The best thing about this food scale is the removable bowl that is used as the weighing platform. The bowl makes it easy for you to stack items one on another and get accurate measurements. Also food items like grains and other similar items can easily be weighed in a bowl as compared to a tray.

The graduation unit of this scale is 0.1 ounce, which is not super precise but will work for the vast majority of home cooks.

The mode key on the scale is actually on the bottom of the scale which might seem small but is quite annoying in practicality.  It also only offers grams and ounces as weighing measurements.

An interesting note about this scale – many users apparently use it to weigh their guinea pigs.  We did not know that was a thing, but it was clear in the reviews of this scale that it works for weighing guinea pigs if that is important to you!

At only a 4.4 lbs (2000g) maximum capacity, this scale has the lowest weight capacity of any scale on the list.

Although the product description for this scale states it takes 2 AA batteries, it actually take 4 AA batteries to operate.

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Kitchen Scales Buyer’s Guide

We’ve lined up the best kitchen scales that you can find online, but some of you might want to dig in a little bit more before making your purchasing decision.

For those that want to know all the considerations when buying a food scale, check out our buying guide here.  We’ll dive into each of the food scale features in more detail.

1. Minimum Weighing Capacity

Let’s face it – a food scale is not your run-of-the-mill digital scale. You can’t rely on it solely for measurements in kilograms and pounds when you’re dealing with finer food ingredients like herbs, seeds or supplements. This is where the minimum weight capacity becomes a vital factor. How else would you accurately measure out just one ounce of ground black pepper?

Trust us, your typical household digital scale (the one you use to weigh yourself) won’t cut it. Even most mechanical or analog scales fall short. What you actually need is a dedicated food scale with precise graduation units. The smaller the graduation unit on a scale, the more precise it will be for your culinary needs. This is especially crucial if you’re a chef or pastry chef, where the accuracy of your measurements can make or break your culinary creations.

Take the Ozeri ZK 14-S, for instance. This exceptional scale boasts a graduation unit set at a mere 0.005 ounces. When you consider that most scales offer a minimum weighing capacity of 0.1 ounces or more, it becomes evident that the Ozeri ZK 14-S is a better choice for those who demand the precision in their measurements. Your culinary endeavors deserve nothing less!

2. Backlit Display

While it may not be a top priority for everyone, some buyers express their frustration through negative Amazon reviews simply because their scales lacked a backlit display or the existing light was inadequate.  If you can’t read what a scale is measuring, what’s the point of measuring in the first place?

Consider restaurants and cafes, where dim lighting is part of the ambiance, even in the kitchen. For chefs working in such conditions, a backlit display on their kitchen scale is not just a convenience; it’s essential. Without it, reading measurements can become a near-impossible task.

But it’s not just commercial kitchens that benefit from this feature. Many households have kitchens aren’t always well-lit, either due to maintenance issues or style choices. 

To ensure you stay on the safe side, we recommend choosing a digital scale with a well-lit display. Take AccuWeight’s scale, for instance. It not only features a backlit digital display but also boasts large, easy-to-read digits. This small yet impactful feature can make a world of difference in your culinary endeavors, whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook.

3. Balanced Measuring

If you’ve scoured Amazon for digital food scales and perused the customer reviews, you might have noticed a common issue plaguing many digital scales: weight measurements can vary depending on where you place the item for measurement, even if the quantity remains unchanged. It’s an issue that has been reported with scales like AccuWeight and Etekcity.

This problem can be a significant one, as consistency in measurements is crucial, especially in the culinary world where maintaining the same taste is important.

One solution is to consider analog scales, which, although not as precise (measuring to 0.01 ounces), offer consistent measurements you can rely on. 

However, analog scales have limitations, especially in modern cooking scenarios where precise measurements in minimal quantities are often required. Imagine a pastry chef trying to measure out just 1 ounce of vanilla extract – an analog scale might not be up to the task.

In most cases, digital scales are the way to go. Choosing a digital scale with a solid reputation for measurement consistency is key. Among the options we’ve reviewed, Etekcity digital scale stands out, praised for its consistent measurement readings. Another solid choice is the Greater Goods Nourish scale, although it’s worth noting that some users find its display a bit challenging to read. Nevertheless, its measurements tend to be accurate most of the time, making it a trustworthy option for your culinary needs.

4. Size of the Weighing Plate

In our quest to explore both digital and analog scales on Amazon, we came across a common concern regarding the size of the weighing plate. This is an important consideration for anyone looking at purchasing a new food scale.

Several companies now offer weighing scales with either detachable or non-detachable bowls. While a bowl does provide ample space for measuring the weight of many common items used at home or in restaurants, it’s not always the ideal choice. Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with bowls, citing varying weight measurements depending on how items are placed inside. Additionally, they may not offer the same level of flexibility as a wide plate.

Now, let’s talk about the importance of the size of the weighing plate itself. A larger-sized plate has multiple advantages. Not only is it suitable for items that a bowl cannot contain, but it also offers the space to accommodate a container, facilitating easy measurement and mixing—a functionality highly valued by pastry chefs and anyone who needs to blend ingredients seamlessly.

Therefore, when selecting a scale, keep in mind that the size of the weighing plate can significantly impact its usability and versatility. Whether you opt for a bowl or a plate, ensure it aligns with your specific needs, so you can measure and mix ingredients with ease, just the way you want.

5. Power Options

As we’ve delved into numerous weighing scales throughout this post, you may have noticed a common choice users face regarding power options—double or triple A batteries, or power adapters. Both of these options come with their own unique advantages, making it a bit challenging to determine which one is the absolute best. Let’s explore the perks of each:

Batteries (AA or AAA in most cases): AA batteries are often preferred over AAA batteries because they offer cost efficiency. You’ll spend less on keeping your digital food scale up and running but you will have to make sure you have batteries in stock for when your scale inevitably needs a new set. Batteries, in general, provide mobility, allowing you to take your scale anywhere within your home or restaurant’s kitchen without being tethered to a power socket. The freedom to move is undoubtedly a plus.

Power Adapters: On the other hand, a power adapter provides a sense of security. With this option, you won’t need to worry about keeping extra batteries on hand. Additionally, it’s worth noting that food scales with power adapters tend to have a better backlit display compared to those using AA or AAA batteries. However, there are some downsides. For instance, compatibility can be an issue. A scale made in one part of the world might not have a plug that fits sockets in another region, leading to a frustrating delay. Moreover, using a power adapter means sacrificing mobility, as you’re limited by the length of the cord.

Both options have their caveats. With batteries, you run the risk of forgetting to stock up on extras and facing a dead scale mid-cooking. Meanwhile, power adapters may limit your ability to freely move the scale around. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the specific needs of your kitchen.

6. Measuring Liquids

In some ways, the role of a chef is similar to that of a witch or sorcerer — they both require a combination of dry and liquid ingredients to concoct magical creations that delight their customers.

Now, when it comes to measuring liquids, especially if it’s a frequent task for you as a chef or at home, the trusty analog scale is your ally. Why, you ask? Well, analog scales are mechanical, which means they can withstand liquid spills and outpours without suffering any substantial damage. They’re naturally built to be more resilient.  Check out our list of the best analog scales.

However, as we’ve already covered, the overall benefits of a digital scale outweigh those of an analog scale. Ensure that the digital scale you choose has a waterproof design. For instance, consider the Ozeri’s ZK21-B scale. While it may not have made it onto my list of top-performing scales, it’s certainly worth your attention if you’re in the market for a waterproof scale. This feature will provide peace of mind, allowing you to measure liquids without fear of damaging your beloved digital tool. 

7. Solid Material

Finally, a crucial point that should not be overlooked when selecting a scale is the material from which it is made. Whether it’s industrial-grade plastic, sturdy aluminum, or another durable material, this aspect is of paramount importance.

We understand that most people searching for digital scales are primarily focused on achieving precise weight measurements. However, real-world usage often involves weighing items in kilograms and pounds. This is where the choice of material becomes critical.

Many customers have experienced unfortunate issues with cheap plastic bowls or plates that come with their scales, resulting in breakage or an overall unsatisfactory experience. Beyond that, the sensation of a squeaky and flimsy scale can be quite frustrating.

Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your chosen scale is constructed from solid and reliable materials. Don’t underestimate the significance of this aspect, as it can significantly impact your overall satisfaction with the scale. Invest in quality, and you’ll have a scale that not only provides precise measurements but also feels robust and dependable every time you use it.

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Our Verdict

The Ozeri food scale is the winner of this review of the top ten kitchen scales. It scored 9.25 points mainly because of high usability score, high design score and comparatively high weighing capacity.

The runner up is the Greater Goods Nourish scale with 9 points. It earned these points with ridiculously light weight, innovative ideas behind it and good usability and design.

And let’s not forget about the Nicewell scale as the third best scale as per our review. It scored 8 because of really convenient design and high weighing capacity.

Any of these three scales would be a great addition to a home or commercial kitchen.  Many of the other scales on the list can also work for specific situations and needs.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where to buy a food scale?

One can buy a food scale or kitchen scale from different kind of places like, a store near your house, a house of kitchen items, and they are also available at the Amazon.

Amazon has many varieties of food scales available by different companies. Food scale walmart collection is also a considerable option for those who are looking for alternatives to amazon food scale.

Some of them are digital and the other ones are digital. There are many reputed companies that make some good quality food scales, i.e. Etekcity weight scale, Ozeri ZK 14-SO, Food Scale Target, Weight Watchers Food Scale and Good Nourish scales etc.

Best of them, based on reviews, is the Ozeri.

How to use a food scale?

How to read a food scale?

Whenever you put the item to be measured on the scale, In case of digital scale, a reading will appear on the screen. It will be in Kilograms (Kg) or in the Pounds (lb). Several food measuring scales have the ability to do the units conversion i.e. milligrams to kilograms or kilograms to milligrams.

If you are using an analogue scale, the pin will directly point to the reading and you have to note that. In the case, you should carefully read the reading to avoid any misunderstanding.

How to use a food scale for weight loss?

Using a food scale, while you are on dieting, helps you in having a check on the amount of food. When you are going to take some food and you think its 400 ounces. But upon measuring on diet scale, that food can be of 800 ounces.

This thing really helps in keeping an eye on the measurements of food. Experts says that people who take right amount of food for their meals have a good progress towards weight loss as compared to the people who eats an estimated amount of food.

How to weigh food without a scale?

What does tare mean on a kitchen scale?

Tare is a feature on the weight scale that allows you to have a net value excluded of the weight of bowl which you are using to measure food.

If you set the tare to the bowl placed on the food scale it means food scale will show zero net reading. But when you put some food in the bowl, it will show only the reading of food, not of the bowl. This helps in having the exact measurement of food without any inconvenience of manual editing.

The zero, without tare, means there is nothing placed on the food scale therefore it is zero, but zero with tare means we are excluding the weight of thing placed on the food scale.

What is a food/Kitchen scale?

Food scale is a measuring device which is used in the kitchen to measure the amount of food or materials used in making food. It really helps in having an exact amount of the food for a recipe or a diet plan. Because in cooking, even an extra pinch of salt can ruin the dish. So, it is a very essential part of kitchen.

Which one is the best digital kitchen scale?

There are many companies that make very good quality food scales. They differ in their quality, portability or capacity of measurement. But, based on experts' and amazon reviews,
Ozeri Pronto is the best kitchen scale.
After that, comes the Greater Good Nourish scale.
The third one is Etekcity, without removable bowl.