Types of Scales |

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Most people don’t give a lot of thought to scales, unless you use a certain type of scale in your everyday life. Here at bestfoodscale.com, if we’re being honest, we probably think about scales too much. There are a variety of scales built and designed for different purposes and we’ve listed the different types of scales below. There are types of scales not even captured on this list. But maybe there is a scale that can help you in a part of your life you never expected. Maybe you are using the wrong kind of scale for a regular activity that you do. Maybe you just need to scale up your general use of measuring mass.

Table of Contents

Types of Scales

Food Scales or Kitchen Scales

A food scale is a kitchen tool used for accurately measuring the weight or mass of ingredients, food items, or portions. It typically contains a digital or analog display, and a platform or tray on which you place the food to be measured. Food scales are designed to provide precise measurements, usually in grams, ounces, pounds, or other units of weight. This allows cooks and bakers to follow recipes more accurately and home cooks to control portion sizes effectively.

Key features of a food scale may include:

Tare Function: This feature allows you to reset the scale to zero after placing a container or bowl on it. It ensures that only the weight of the food being measured is weighed.
Units of Measurement: Food scales can often switch between different units of weight, preventing people from having to convert between different units.
Accuracy: Food scales are designed to provide precise measurements, which is essential for baking and cooking where ingredient ratios are critical.
Digital Display: Many modern food scales have digital displays that show the weight readings clearly. Many often include backlit displays so they can be read even in poor lighting.
Capacity: Food scales come in various capacities, from small pocket-sized scales to larger ones suitable for bulk ingredients in industrial kitchens.

Food scales are widely used by home cooks, professional chefs, and bakers to ensure that recipes are prepared consistently and with the correct proportions of ingredients. They are especially valuable when working with recipes that specify ingredient measurements by weight, as opposed to volume, as weight measurements are more precise and consistent. Food scales are also helpful for portion control and dietary management for those looking to monitor their calorie intake or follow specific nutrition plans.

Check out our review of the best food scales in 2023 here.

Check out our review of the best body building scales here.

And check out our review of the best nutrition scales here.

Coffee or Espresso Scales

A coffee scale is a specialized kitchen tool designed for coffee enthusiasts, baristas, and homebrewers to accurately measure the weight of coffee beans, water, and other ingredients used in the coffee-making process. It plays a crucial role in achieving consistency and precision in brewing coffee. Here’s a description of a typical coffee scale:

Design:

Compact and Flat: Coffee scales are typically compact and flat, with a low-profile design to easily fit under coffee equipment such as espresso machines or pour-over setups.

Key Features:

High Precision: Coffee scales are designed for precise weight measurements, often capable of measuring in increments as small as 0.1 grams or even less. This precision is crucial for ensuring the ideal coffee-to-water ratios.
Tare Function: Like general-purpose kitchen scales, coffee scales have a tare function that allows you to zero out the weight of a container, ensuring that only the coffee/espresso grounds or liquids are measured.
Units of Measurement: Coffee scales commonly display weight in grams, but they may also provide options for ounces or other units to accommodate different brewing methods and preferences.
Timer: Many coffee scales come equipped with a built-in timer. This timer is essential for tracking the brewing time, which is important in methods like pour-over coffee or espresso extraction.
Auto-Off Function: To conserve battery life, coffee scales often have an auto-off feature that turns the scale off after a period of inactivity.
Water-Resistant or Splash-Proof: Some coffee scales are designed to be water-resistant or splash-proof to protect against accidental spills during the brewing process.
Stable Base: A stable and non-slip base ensures that the scale remains steady, even when placed on uneven surfaces.
Display: The digital display is typically clear and easy to read, often with a backlight for visibility in low-light conditions.

Use Cases:

Measuring Coffee Beans: Coffee scales are used to weigh the precise amount of coffee beans needed for brewing.
Water Measurement: They help in measuring the exact amount of water to ensure consistent coffee-to-water ratios.
Timing Brews: The built-in timer assists in controlling brew times during methods like pour-over or espresso extraction.
Monitoring Extraction: Baristas use coffee scales to monitor the extraction process, ensuring optimal flavors and consistency in the final cup.

In summary, a coffee scale is a specialized kitchen scale designed for coffee preparation. It offers precision, convenience, and functionality to ensure that coffee enthusiasts can brew the perfect cup of coffee, consistently replicating their favorite flavors and brew methods.

Check out our coffee scale reviews here for more information.

General Home Weighing Scales

General countertop or pocket scales are versatile weighing instruments commonly found in homes or with people. These scales are used for various household tasks that require precise measurements of ingredients, supplements, items or any number of other things. Here’s a description of a typical general countertop scale:

Design:

Compact and Functional: General countertop scales are designed to be compact and fit conveniently on kitchen countertops or other flat surfaces. They are typically lightweight and easy to move around. Pocket scales are designed to be carried around and come in compact sizes usually with some sort of cover or protective lid.

Key Features:

Digital Display: Most modern general countertop or pocket scales are equipped with a digital display that provides clear and easy-to-read weight readings.
High Precision: These scales offer a good level of precision, often capable of measuring weights in increments as small as 1 gram or 0.1 ounce.
Tare Function: Like other scales, general countertop and pocket scales have a tare function that allows users to zero out the weight of a container or bowl, ensuring that only the weight of the ingredients is considered.
Units of Measurement: They can typically display weights in various units, including grams, ounces, pounds, milliliters, or fluid ounces, depending on the scale’s design and user preferences.
Auto-Off Feature: Many general countertop or pocket scales have an auto-off feature to conserve battery life, turning off the scale after a period of inactivity.
Capacity: These scales come in different capacities, ranging from a few pounds or kilograms to higher capacities, suitable for a wide range of kitchen tasks.
Platform Size: The size of the weighing platform varies depending on the use of the scale.

General countertop and pocket scales are versatile tools in the household and the world, helping users achieve accuracy in any number of weighing weighing tasks. They are essential for anyone who values precise measurements and consistency in their activities.

We’ve reviewed the best weed scales here.

Reloading Scales

A reloading scale, also known as a powder scale or powder balance, is a specialized tool used in the field of firearms and ammunition reloading. Its primary purpose is to measure and ensure the precise weight of gunpowder or other reloading components, such as bullets and brass casings, during the process of creating custom ammunition. Here’s a description of a typical reloading scale:

Design:

Compact and Stable: Reloading scales are usually compact in design to fit on a reloading bench or workspace. They are designed to be stable and resistant to vibrations to ensure accuracy in weight measurements.

Key Features:

High Precision: Reloading scales are known for their exceptional precision, often capable of measuring powder charges in small increments, typically down to 0.1 grains (a grain is a unit of weight commonly used in reloading).
Digital or Manual: Reloading scales come in both digital and manual (balance beam) versions. Digital scales are more common due to their ease of use and quicker readings.
Tare Function: Similar to other scales, reloading scales have a tare function that allows you to zero out the weight of the container or pan, ensuring that only the weight of the powder or components is measured.
Units of Measurement: They typically display weight in grains, but some models may offer options for other units like grams or ounces for versatility.
Calibration: Many reloading scales allow for calibration to ensure accuracy over time. Calibrating the scale with a known weight standard is a routine maintenance task.
Stable Platform: Reloading scales often include a stable platform or pan where the powder or components are placed for weighing.

Use Cases:

Powder Measurement: The primary purpose of a reloading scale is to measure the precise weight of gunpowder charges for ammunition reloading. This is crucial for achieving consistent ballistic performance and safety.
Bullet and Casing Sorting: Some reloaders use scales to sort bullets and brass casings by weight, ensuring uniformity in their loads.
Primer Weight: In some reloading processes, the weight of primers may also be measured for consistency.

Reloading scales are essential tools for reloaders who want to tailor their ammunition to specific firearms and shooting preferences. Accurate powder measurements are critical for achieving desired velocities, trajectories, and overall performance in firearms, making the reloading scale a key component in the ammunition reloading process.

Here is our review of the best reloading scales.

Bathroom/Gym Scales

A body weight scale, commonly referred to as a bathroom scale or weighing scale, is a device used to measure an individual’s body weight. These scales are typically found in bathrooms, fitness centers, and healthcare facilities, and they are widely used for tracking personal health and fitness progress. Here’s a description of a typical body weight scale:

Design:

Flat, Low-Profile Design: Body weight scales are generally designed to be flat and low-profile, allowing for easy placement on a bathroom floor or other flat surfaces.

Key Features:

Digital Display: Most modern body weight scales are equipped with a digital display, which provides a clear and easy-to-read readout of the user’s weight.
High Capacity: These scales are designed to handle a range of body weights, often with a capacity of up to several hundred pounds or kilograms.
Precision: Body weight scales are typically precise, with the ability to measure weight in increments as small as 0.1 pound (0.05 kilograms) for accurate readings.
Auto-On: Many digital scales have an auto-on feature, which means they activate automatically when you step onto them, saving time and ensuring consistent measurements.
Tare Function: Some scales have a tare function, allowing users to subtract the weight of clothing or objects they are holding while weighing themselves, providing a more accurate measurement of their actual body weight.
Units of Measurement: These scales often allow users to switch between units of measurement, such as pounds (lbs) and kilograms (kg), to accommodate user preferences.
Memory and Data Tracking: More advanced scales may offer memory functions that store previous weight measurements, enabling users to track changes over time. Some scales can even connect to smartphones or computers to sync and analyze data.

Use Cases:

Personal Health Monitoring: The primary use of body weight scales is for individuals to monitor their body weight as part of their overall health and fitness goals.
Weight Management: These scales help people track changes in their weight, whether they are trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or maintain a stable weight.
Fitness Tracking: Body weight scales are often used in conjunction with other health and fitness measurements to monitor progress, such as tracking changes in body mass index (BMI).

Overall, a body weight scale is a valuable tool for individuals who want to keep tabs on their weight as part of a healthy lifestyle, weight management, or fitness journey. They provide a convenient and accessible way to measure and monitor body weight regularly.

Counting Scales

A counting scale is a specialized weighing instrument used for accurately counting a large number of identical items or parts based on their weight. These scales are commonly used in manufacturing, inventory management, and other industries where counting a high volume of items efficiently and accurately is essential. Here’s a description of a typical counting scale:

Design:

Compact and Sturdy: Counting scales are designed to be compact and durable, making them suitable for use in industrial environments. They often feature a flat weighing platform or pan for placing items to be counted.

Key Features:

High Precision: Counting scales are known for their high level of precision, typically capable of measuring weights in small increments, such as grams or milligrams, depending on the scale’s capacity.
Tare Function: Like other scales, counting scales have a tare function that allows you to zero out the weight of the container or packaging material, ensuring that only the weight of the items being counted is considered.
Piece Weight Entry: To use a counting scale effectively, you need to know the weight of one item of the product being counted. This piece weight is entered into the scale to calculate the total count.
Units of Measurement: Counting scales can often display counts in various units, such as pieces, kilograms, pounds, or other weight-based units.
Memory and Accumulation: Some advanced counting scales offer memory functions to store piece weights or accumulated counts, making it easier to count large quantities of items.
Large Display: The digital display on counting scales is typically large and easy to read, even from a distance.

Use Cases:

Inventory Management: Counting scales are commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers to accurately count and track inventory levels of products and components.
Parts Counting: They are used in manufacturing processes to count and verify the quantity of small parts or components used in assembly.
Retail: In retail, counting scales can be used for accurately counting coins, banknotes, or small items like jewelry.
Pharmaceuticals: Counting scales are utilized to count pills and tablets for pharmaceutical packaging and quality control.
Agriculture: In agriculture, counting scales can help count seeds, livestock feed, or other agricultural products.
Hardware and Fasteners: Counting scales are used to count screws, bolts, nuts, and other hardware items in the construction and manufacturing industries.

Counting scales are valuable tools for businesses and industries that rely on precise inventory management and efficient counting processes. They help reduce errors, save time, and improve accuracy when counting large quantities of items or parts.

Postage Scales

A postage scale, also known as a postal scale or shipping scale, is a specialized weighing instrument designed for accurately measuring the weight of packages, letters, and parcels. These scales are commonly used in offices, shipping centers, post offices, and businesses to determine the weight of mail and packages for postage calculation and shipping purposes. Here’s a description of a typical postage scale:

Design:

Compact and Portable: Postage scales are typically designed to be compact and lightweight, allowing for easy portability and placement on a desk, countertop, or workspace.

Key Features:

High Precision: Postage scales are known for their precision, capable of measuring weights in small increments, often in grams or ounces, to ensure accurate postage calculations.
Tare Function: Similar to other scales, postage scales have a tare function that allows you to zero out the weight of packaging materials or containers, ensuring that only the weight of the item being shipped is considered.
Units of Measurement: These scales can typically display weights in various units, such as grams, ounces, pounds, or other units commonly used in shipping and mailing.
Digital Display: Most modern postage scales come equipped with a digital display that provides a clear and easy-to-read readout of the weight measurement.
Capacity: Postage scales come in a range of capacities, from small scales suitable for letters to larger ones capable of weighing packages of various sizes.
Auto-Off Feature: Many postage scales have an auto-off feature to conserve battery life, turning off the scale after a period of inactivity.
Connectivity: Some advanced postage scales offer connectivity options, allowing users to link the scale to a computer or postage software for seamless postage label printing and record-keeping.

Use Cases:

Postage Calculation: The primary use of postage scales is to accurately measure the weight of mail and packages to determine the correct postage costs.
Shipping and Parcel Services: Postage scales are used by businesses that ship products to calculate shipping charges accurately and ensure compliance with postal regulations.
Mailroom Operations: In office environments, postage scales are used in mailrooms to weigh and process outgoing mail and packages efficiently.
E-commerce and Online Retail: Online sellers use postage scales to weigh and calculate shipping costs for products sold through e-commerce platforms.
Shipping and Logistics Centers: Large shipping and logistics companies rely on postage scales for sorting and labeling packages accurately.

Postage scales are essential tools for businesses and individuals who regularly send mail and packages. They help ensure that the correct postage is applied, which can lead to cost savings and efficient shipping processes.

Freight Scales

A freight scale, also known as a shipping scale or industrial scale, is a heavy-duty weighing device designed to measure the weight of large and heavy objects, such as pallets, cargo, and freight shipments. These scales are commonly used in warehouses, shipping and logistics centers, manufacturing facilities, and transportation hubs to accurately determine the weight of goods for various purposes, including shipping, inventory management, and compliance with weight regulations. Here’s a description of a typical freight scale:

Design:

Robust and Heavy-Duty: Freight scales are engineered to be robust and durable, capable of withstanding the weight and size of heavy loads. They feature a large, sturdy platform to accommodate oversized items.

Key Features:

High Weight Capacity: Freight scales are designed to handle exceptionally heavy loads, often with weight capacities ranging from several hundred pounds to several tons.
Precision: Despite their high weight capacity, freight scales are precise and accurate, often capable of measuring weights in increments as small as 0.1 pounds or even smaller.
Platform Size: The platform of a freight scale is typically spacious to accommodate a wide variety of cargo sizes and shapes, including pallets and irregularly shaped items.
Digital Display: Most modern freight scales are equipped with a digital display that provides clear and easy-to-read weight measurements.
Units of Measurement: Freight scales can display weights in various units, such as pounds, kilograms, or other weight-based units, depending on the user’s needs and preferences.
Tare Function: Like other scales, freight scales have a tare function that allows you to zero out the weight of packaging materials or containers, ensuring that only the weight of the cargo is considered.
Ramps and Access: Many freight scales include ramps or access points to facilitate the loading and unloading of heavy items.
Built-In Memory: Advanced freight scales may offer built-in memory functions to store and recall weight measurements for record-keeping and tracking purposes.

Use Cases:

Shipping and Logistics: Freight scales are commonly used in shipping and logistics operations to accurately measure and label packages and pallets for transport.
Manufacturing: In manufacturing facilities, freight scales are employed to weigh raw materials, components, and finished products.
Warehousing: Warehouses use freight scales for inventory management, ensuring the accurate tracking and storage of goods.
Transportation: Freight scales play a crucial role in compliance with weight regulations for commercial vehicles, helping to prevent overloading and ensuring road safety.
Freight Forwarding: Freight forwarding companies and freight brokers rely on accurate weight measurements to determine shipping costs and make transportation arrangements.

Freight scales are indispensable tools in industries that handle heavy cargo and shipments. They help ensure the efficient and safe handling, transportation, and distribution of goods while complying with weight-related regulations and standards.

If you’re looking for more information on freight and pallet scales, check out Arlyn Scales for more information.

Jewelry and Gemstones

A jewelry scale, also known as a gem scale or carat scale, is a highly precise weighing instrument designed specifically for measuring the weight of precious gemstones, jewelry pieces, and other small and valuable items. These scales are used in various settings, including jewelry stores, gemstone appraisal, manufacturing, and by individual jewelers and gem enthusiasts. Here’s a description of a typical jewelry scale:

Design:

Compact and Portable: Jewelry scales are typically small and portable, making them easy to transport and suitable for use in various locations.

Key Features:

High Precision: Jewelry scales are known for their exceptional precision, capable of measuring weights in very small increments, often down to 0.01 or 0.001 grams.
Digital Display: Most modern jewelry scales are equipped with a digital display that provides clear and accurate weight readings.
Units of Measurement: Jewelry scales can display weights in various units, including grams, carats, ounces, troy ounces, pennyweights, and other units commonly used in the jewelry and gem industries.
Tare Function: Like other scales, jewelry scales have a tare function that allows users to zero out the weight of a container or tray, ensuring that only the weight of the jewelry or gem is measured.
Piece Counting: Some jewelry scales come with a piece counting function, allowing users to count multiple small items of the same weight.
Stability Indicator: Many jewelry scales have a stability indicator that shows when the scale has stabilized and is ready for an accurate measurement.
Calibration: Jewelry scales may require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Calibration weights are often used for this purpose.
Protective Covers: To protect the scale’s delicate components and ensure accuracy, jewelry scales often come with dust covers or protective cases.

Use Cases:

Jewelry Appraisal: Jewelry scales are used by gemologists and appraisers to determine the weight of gemstones and precious metals in jewelry pieces for valuation purposes.
Gemstone Grading: In the gemstone industry, these scales are used for grading and categorizing gemstones based on their carat weight.
Jewelry Manufacturing: Jewelry scales are employed in the creation of jewelry pieces to measure the precise amount of gemstones, diamonds, or precious metals required.
Precious Metal Purchasing: Precious metal dealers use jewelry scales to weigh gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals to determine their value during transactions.
Gem Collecting and Trading: Individual gem enthusiasts and collectors use jewelry scales to verify the weight and authenticity of gemstones.

Jewelry scales are essential tools for professionals and hobbyists in the jewelry and gem industries who require precise and accurate measurements of gemstones, jewelry components, and precious metals. Their high level of accuracy ensures the value and quality of jewelry and gemstone products.

Laboratory Scales

A laboratory scale, often referred to as a scientific or analytical balance, is a precision weighing instrument used in scientific research, laboratories, and various analytical applications. These scales are designed to provide highly accurate measurements of the mass of substances, chemicals, and samples used in experiments and research. Here’s a description of a typical laboratory scale:

Design:

Precision and Stability: Laboratory scales are meticulously designed for exceptional precision and stability in weight measurements. They are often placed inside a glass enclosure to protect against air currents, dust, and external factors that could affect measurements.

Key Features:

High Precision: Laboratory scales are renowned for their exceptional precision, capable of measuring weights in very small increments, often down to micrograms (µg) or milligrams (mg), depending on the scale’s capacity.
Digital Display: Most modern laboratory scales are equipped with a digital display that provides clear, accurate, and easily readable weight readings.
Units of Measurement: Laboratory scales can display weights in various units, including grams, milligrams, micrograms, ounces, carats, troy ounces, and more, depending on the specific application and requirements.
Tare Function: Like other scales, laboratory scales have a tare function that allows users to zero out the weight of a container or sample holder, ensuring that only the weight of the substance being measured is considered.
Calibration: Regular calibration is essential to maintain the accuracy of laboratory scales. Precision weights are often used for calibration to ensure traceability to international standards.
Data Connectivity: Advanced laboratory scales may offer connectivity options such as USB, Ethernet, or RS-232 ports for data transfer and integration with laboratory information systems (LIMS).
Built-In or External Calibration Weights: Some laboratory scales come with built-in calibration weights or include external calibration weights to ensure accuracy.
Touchless Operation: Some modern laboratory scales feature touchless sensors to reduce the risk of contamination when handling samples.
Damping Control: Laboratory scales often have damping control settings to allow users to adjust the scale’s sensitivity and response time for specific applications.

Use Cases:

Chemical Analysis: Laboratory scales are used to measure precise amounts of chemicals, reagents, and substances for chemical experiments and analyses.
Pharmaceutical Research: In pharmaceutical laboratories, these scales are employed for measuring and dispensing pharmaceutical ingredients with extreme accuracy.
Material Testing: Material scientists use laboratory scales to measure and analyze the properties of materials, including density, hardness, and tensile strength.
Microbiology and Biotechnology: Laboratory scales are crucial in microbiological and biotechnological research for weighing samples, culture media, and cells.
Quality Control: Various industries, including food and beverage, use laboratory scales for quality control, ensuring consistent product formulations.
Environmental and Analytical Chemistry: Laboratory scales are used in environmental studies and analytical chemistry to measure pollutants, contaminants, and trace elements.

Laboratory scales are essential tools in scientific research and quality control processes, providing highly accurate measurements critical for achieving reliable and repeatable experimental results. Their precision and sensitivity make them indispensable instruments in a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Laboratory scales are a little out of our expertise here at bestfoodscale.com. Arlyn Scales has a great article about different types of laboratory scales if you want to learn more.

Categories of Scales

Digital Scales

Digital scales are powered devices that provide precise weight measurements. They typically run off batteries or an AC cord plugged into an outlet. With a digital display, tare function, unit conversion, and various types (kitchen, bathroom, pocket, industrial, laboratory), they offer:

Accuracy: Measure with precision.
Convenience: Easy-to-read digital display.
Versatility: Suit different applications.
Modern Design: Sleek and compact.
Multi-Unit: Switch between units.

Digital scales provide precise and convenient weighing in various settings.

Analog Scales

Analog scales are traditional weighing devices with a simple, mechanical design. They offer:

Durability: Built to last with minimal maintenance.
Easy-to-Read Dial: A clear, classic dial for weight display.
Dependable: No need for batteries or electrical power.
Timeless Aesthetic: A vintage touch to any setting.
Affordable: Cost-effective weighing solution.

Choose analog scales for reliable and straightforward weight measurements, perfect for those who appreciate a classic approach to weighing.

Spring Scales

Spring scales are mechanical weighing instruments that utilize a coiled spring to measure weight. They offer:

Mechanical Simplicity: A coiled spring provides accurate weight readings.
Durability: Robust construction for long-lasting performance.
Versatility: Suitable for a range of applications.
No Batteries Needed: Operate without electrical power.
Cost-Effective: Affordable and dependable weighing solution.

Choose spring scales for a dependable, straightforward, and cost-effective way to measure weight in various settings. Their mechanical design ensures accurate results without the need for batteries or electrical power.

Balance Scales

Balance scales, also known as beam or equal-arm scales, are classic weighing instruments that employ a balanced beam and pans. They offer:

Exceptional Accuracy: Precise weight measurements using a balanced system.
Durability: Sturdy construction for longevity.
Classic Design: A traditional aesthetic that stands the test of time.
No Power Required: Operate without electricity or batteries.
Scientific Versatility: Widely used in laboratories and educational settings.

Balance scales are used for their basic design. These reliable instruments are ideal for applications where accuracy is paramount and there might not be an electric or digital option.

Scales for You

We’ve done extensive testing, reviewing and consolidating information from across the Internet to inform our scale recommendations and reviews. Take a look at any of the categories below to get started on finding your next scale: