We recommend kitchen scales with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80%.

The overall score is made up of performance (40%) and ease of use (60%).

We use calibrated weights to test accuracy in 1g and 10g increments, and at maximum capacity, which makes up 75% of the performance score. Tare performance (reset to zero) makes up the remainder.

Ease of use consists of ease of reading the measurement on the display (including when the bowl is in position), ease of using the controls (tare, standby and memory) and ease of cleaning.

We use calibrated weights to see how well the scales measure 10g increments. A low score here means the scales were very poor at accuracy under 10g.

We use calibrated weights to see how well the scales measure 1kg. A low score here means the scales were very poor at accuracy under 1kg.

We load the scales to their maximum capacity to see how well they measure up.

How well the tare function works (an option which resets the scale to zero).

'Tested model' refers to kitchen scales that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to kitchen scales that are no longer available in shops, but may be available second-hand.

The recommended retail price or typical price as of September 2021.

How large the weighing platform is.

The maximum weight that can be placed on the scale.

Whether the scales allow for both solids (g) and liquid measurements (mL).

The smallest increment that can be measured (in grams).

A longer turn-off time for the display (3 minutes plus) is ideal if you need to leave your scales and come back to them.

If supplied, this is the material of the weighing bowl.

The type of batteries required.

Continuous weighing is handy if you need to keep adding ingredients to a bowl. The tare function lets you weigh a new item without removing the old one by resetting the scales as you weigh.

Whether the scales can handle both metric and imperial measurements, which is handy for old or US recipes.

Whether the screen display turns off to save battery.

If you leave your scales for a while and the screen goes off, the memory recall function will remember the last weight.

Over time and with frequent use you may need to recalibrate the scale to ensure ongoing accuracy.