Why I Finally Got a Kitchen Scale
For years, I measured ingredients with cups and tablespoons like a normal person. Then I started baking more seriously and realized why every recipe blog tells you to weigh your flour. My cookies went from inconsistent to actually turning out the same way every time.
I picked up the Etekcity scale because it was cheap and had good reviews. Here’s my take after using it for several months.
Quick Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 11 lbs / 5 kg |
| Units | g, oz, lb, ml |
| Precision | 1g / 0.1 oz |
| Display | LCD |
| Power | 2 AAA batteries |
| Platform | Stainless steel |
Accuracy - Does It Actually Work?
Short answer: yes, it works well for home cooking.
I tested it against a postal scale I have and the readings matched up. For baking, meal prep, and portion control, the 1-gram precision is more than enough. I’ve used it for everything from measuring coffee beans to portioning chicken breasts for meal prep.
The tare function is clutch - you can put your bowl on the scale, zero it out, and just add ingredients directly. Makes cooking way less messy.
One thing to note: if you’re placing items very slowly or lightly, sometimes the reading takes a second to stabilize. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning.
Build and Design
The stainless steel platform looks nice and cleans up easily. I’ve spilled flour, oil, and sauce on it and it wipes right off. The overall footprint is pretty compact - fits in my drawer without issue.
The LCD display is easy to read, though it doesn’t have a backlight on my model (some versions might). Not a problem unless you’re cooking in dim lighting for some reason.
The buttons are basic plastic and feel a little cheap, but they work fine. The unit/tare buttons are responsive enough.
Day-to-Day Use
I use this thing multiple times a week now. The process is simple: turn it on, put your container on, hit tare, add ingredients. Switching between grams and ounces takes one button press.
It runs on 2 AAA batteries and has an auto-off feature to save power. I’ve had mine for about six months and haven’t replaced the batteries yet. The low battery indicator gives you warning before it dies.
One annoyance: the platform isn’t huge, so large mixing bowls can make it hard to see the display. I usually work around this by using smaller containers or angling things carefully.
What Works Well
- Accurate enough for home baking and cooking
- Tare function makes measuring ingredients easy
- Multiple unit options (grams, ounces, pounds, ml)
- Compact size fits in a drawer
- Stainless steel cleans up well
- Battery lasts a long time
- Price is very reasonable
Where It Falls Short
- Platform could be bigger for large bowls
- Buttons feel a bit plasticky
- No backlight (on base model)
- Batteries not included in the box
- Air currents can affect very light measurements
Is It Worth It?
If you’re serious about baking or tracking what you eat, a kitchen scale makes a huge difference. And honestly, the Etekcity does everything most home cooks need without spending a ton.
Would I buy something fancier? Maybe if I were a professional pastry chef. But for my weekly bread baking and meal prep, this scale has been reliable and I have no complaints.
Compared to Other Options
| Feature | Etekcity | OXO Good Grips | Escali Primo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 11 lbs | 11 lbs | 11 lbs |
| Precision | 1g | 1g | 1g |
| Units | g, oz, lb, ml | g, oz, lb | g, oz, lb |
| Display | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Price | Low | Moderate | Higher |
| Tare Function | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Take
The Etekcity Kitchen Scale is a solid, no-frills tool that does exactly what it should. It’s accurate, easy to use, and costs less than a few bags of groceries. If you’ve been eyeing a kitchen scale but didn’t want to spend a lot, this is a safe bet.
I wish I’d gotten one years ago.
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