Does This Budget Scale Measure Up?
For less than the price of a fancy coffee, this simple scale delivers the precision needed to elevate everything from your morning pour-over to your weekend baking.
The Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale isn’t trying to be the smartest device in your kitchen, and that’s its greatest strength. It’s a straightforward, reliable tool for anyone who needs to accurately measure ingredients without a steep learning curve or a hefty price tag. Whether you’re a baker, a coffee enthusiast, or just trying to manage portion sizes, this scale is built to handle the daily grind.
- Instant Tare is a Game-Changer The tare button works instantly, letting you zero out the weight of a bowl or measure multiple ingredients in the same container without any math.
- Simple, Not Fussy With only two buttons (one for power/tare, one for units), it’s incredibly easy to use right out of the box. No complicated menus or Bluetooth pairing.
- Handles More Than You'd Think Its 11-pound (5000g) capacity is surprisingly robust, easily handling heavy mixing bowls or large batches of dough.
- Liquid Measurements are a Bonus The ability to switch to fluid ounces and milliliters is a convenient feature for measuring liquids by weight, which is often more accurate than using measuring cups.
Easily measure ingredients for any recipe with its handy tare function and multiple unit conversions. The wide LCD screen ensures you always see a clear, accurate reading up to 11 pounds.
| Maximum Weight | 11 lbs / 5000g |
| Minimum Weight | 2g |
| Measurement Units | g, oz, lb, fl oz, ml |
| Platform Material | Stainless Steel |
| Body Material | BPA-free Plastic |
| Power Source | 2x AAA Batteries (Included) |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 7 x 1.3 inches |
| Key Feature | Tare Function |
- The wide LCD screen is bright and easy to read from various angles.
- Switches between units (grams, ounces, ml) quickly with a single button press.
- Compact, slim profile makes it easy to store in a drawer or on a shelf.
- Stainless steel surface is simple to wipe clean after messy baking projects.
- Includes batteries, so it’s ready to use immediately upon unboxing.
- The 2-gram minimum weight is not precise enough for measuring very small quantities like yeast or specialty spices.
- Auto-off feature can be too quick, sometimes shutting down mid-measurement if you pause too long to grab an ingredient.
- The plastic body feels lightweight and may not withstand heavy drops.
Choosing the right kitchen scales
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Capacity & PrecisionHighConsider the maximum weight the scale can handle and its increment of measurement. Most home cooks need a capacity of at least 11 lbs (5kg) and precision to the gram.Look forA capacity of 5kg or more, with 1g increments. A low minimum weight (1g or less) is a bonus for small measurements.AvoidScales with low maximum weights (under 5 lbs) or large increments (5g or more) which limit their usefulness.
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Ease of Use and ReadabilityHighA scale should simplify your workflow, not complicate it. Look for intuitive controls and a clear display.Look forLarge, backlit LCD screens. Simple, responsive buttons for power, tare, and unit conversion.AvoidCluttered interfaces, tiny non-backlit screens, and buttons that require a hard press.
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Tare FunctionHighThis is a non-negotiable feature that allows you to zero out the weight of a container, so you only measure the ingredients you're adding.Look forA dedicated, responsive 'Tare' or 'Zero' button.AvoidAny scale that lacks this essential function.
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Platform Size and MaterialMediumThe platform needs to be large enough for your typical bowls or plates without obscuring the display, and easy to clean.Look forA stainless steel platform for durability and easy cleaning. A platform size that accommodates mixing bowls.AvoidSmall platforms that make the display hard to see, and materials that stain easily.
Common questions
How do I use the tare function?
Simply place your empty bowl or container on the scale, then press the power/tare button once. The display will reset to zero, ignoring the container’s weight. Now you can add your ingredients and get an accurate measurement of the contents alone.
Is the stainless steel platform removable for cleaning?
No, the stainless steel platform is integrated into the scale’s body and is not removable. However, its smooth surface is very easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. Just be careful not to submerge the entire unit in water.
What happens if I try to weigh something heavier than 11 pounds?
If you place an item heavier than the 11-pound (or 5000-gram) capacity on the scale, the LCD screen will typically display an error message like ‘EEEE’ or ‘Err’. This indicates the scale is overloaded, and you should remove the item to prevent damage to the sensor.
Does it measure in fractions of a gram?
This scale measures in whole gram increments. While it’s very accurate for most cooking and baking, it does not display fractions of a gram. Its minimum registered weight is 2 grams, so it’s not ideal for items requiring sub-gram precision.
This scale over-delivers for its price, offering reliable accuracy and the essential features most home cooks need. While the 2g minimum and quick auto-off can be minor annoyances, its ease of use and consistent performance make it a fantastic value.
- Features a simple two-button interface for power, tare, and unit conversion.
- Measures up to 11 pounds (5000g) in five different units, including ml for liquids.
- Slim, compact design with a wipe-clean stainless steel surface is easy to use and store.
The Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale is the perfect choice for home cooks, bakers, and anyone starting with portion control. It forgoes fancy features for rock-solid fundamentals, providing accuracy and simplicity where it counts. For the price, you simply won’t find a more practical and reliable tool.
