Kitchen scales
If you spend a lot of time cooking, good kitchen scales will help you in this process. Properly chosen, they will greatly facilitate the cooking process, because you will be sure that you follow the recipe to the smallest detail.
Kinds
There are three main types of desktop kitchen scales. In the kitchen space are not used bathroom scales, and special, mounted on the table. There is a wide range of such scales, therefore, to make the right choice and not to be mistaken, you should know about all the advantages and disadvantages of each model.
Hand held
The easiest option is manual scales. They are a simple dial, complete with crochet. On this hook the package with products is suspended and thus their weight is measured. Such scales are better known as bezmen. To date, there are even electronic versions of such scales. They are powered by simple batteries.
Such mini-scales are good not only for measuring grams in the kitchen, but also to take them with you for fishing or hunting. In addition, you will even burn such scales with you to the market to weigh the goods you buy. This way you can check if the sellers are cheating on you.
The only minus of the hand weights is that the spring wears quickly enough in them. So scales often have to be replaced. However, such scales are not too expensive. Therefore, even on scales that do not last long, you can save a lot.
Mechanical
Another practical option is simple mechanical scales. These could be found in the kitchens of our grandmothers. They are quite strong, durable and accurate. At the same time, all these bonuses will cost you in a not very large amount. Mechanical scales are twice cheaper than electronic ones.
The scheme of such scales is not more complicated than that of manual ones. They are also supplemented with a spring which, when weighed, shifts in order to show the measure. However, there are minor errors, which are also worth remembering. The figure on scales not always shown to you corresponds to reality.
Of the benefits worth noting that for their work you do not need to constantly replace the batteries. In addition, they are not strongly affected by various external factors. Such scales allow weighing fairly heavy products, up to 10 kg in weight.
Often these home scales are used in the interior of the kitchen in a retro style. In such a room would be appropriate charming retro scales with weights.
Also, such scales can often be found on the market. It is on them that you weigh meat, fruits and vegetables. They work no worse than professional. But in order to measure exactly the calories and percentages of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in a dish, you will not have the opportunity.
By the way, unscrupulous sellers often sell mechanical scales under the guise of electronic. To check if you have not been deceived, simply press down on their base. If a mechanical spring is hidden inside the balance, then it will manifest itself in this way. Mechanical scales are cheaper, so do not let yourself be deceived.
Electronic
Electronic scales are also often chosen for the kitchen. They are the most modern. These home scales resemble a small computer, which takes into account not only the weight of the products, but also the calories they contain.Such small table scales are equipped with a large number of different additional features. The only significant drawback is their high cost.
There are varieties of kitchen electronic scales that can weigh products up to 1 kg or up to 5 kg. The average is weight up to 2 kg. On such scales, you can calculate the grammar to the smallest details. So all the delicious dishes you can cook yourself.
Electronic scales can be supplemented with a bowl, or a platform without a bowl. Regardless of which option is in front of you, you should pay attention to the technical capabilities. So, many electronic scales are able to keep in mind all the measures of products. This will facilitate the cooking process and will definitely appeal to those who are keen on cooking some complicated dishes.
When choosing electronic scales, you need to pay attention to what they are charged from. The most popular options are batteries or rechargeable batteries. Batteries are bad because they have to be replaced often. Due to the active use of scales, they have to constantly change. Yes, and when they are just inside the scales, it contributes to their slow discharging.
Experts advise to get batteries from the scales on those days when you do not use them. This will allow not so quickly "plant" electronic scales.
Characteristics
Kitchen scales have their advantages and disadvantages. We should talk about them separately.
Error
One of the first and main points is the error. It is typical for all types of scales. Therefore, when buying it is worth paying attention to its maximum setting. The error of scales should not be more than ten grams. This parameter is most often found in electronic scales.
Display
Virtually all kitchen scales complements the small screen. It shows all the measurements, and it allows you to determine how accurate your scale is. Displays kitchen scales can be both small and large enough. Their size ranges from ten to fifty millimeters vertically and from thirty to seventy millimeters horizontally. On such a fairly small display can be reflected up to five digits.
An additional bonus is the fact that while waiting on such scales, time is usually reflected, so such scales can also be used as a clock.
Control
Modern scales can be controlled as a system of buttons, as well as directly from the touch screen. The first option is considered more affordable, but it is the scales with touch controls - it is a more practical and modern option.
Controlling the scales using the sensor system is very simple. To do this, simply click on the touch panel or just put some products there. Additional advantages of the touch panel include the fact that it does not accumulate dirt and dust. In addition, these scales look very modern and attractive.
Most types of scales have such a disadvantage as the maximum weight limit. This limits many housewives because they can only weigh products to a certain figure. This figure usually ranges from two to five kg, depending on the type of weights themselves. For the preparation of various delicious dishes you should use the most accurate scales, but for all kinds of preparations for the winter you can use even the simplest scales with a large error.
Material
For the manufacture of scales used a variety of materials.Most often, the base and scale weights are made of materials such as glass and plastic. Less often steel or wood is used for the manufacture of scales. In some scales, several materials can also be used at once. The quality and durability of the scales, as well as their appearance, depend on which of them are used. For practical reasons, stainless steel is often used in the kitchen. Digital scales from this material are good for weighing any type of product.
Design
Often for housewives plays an important role and the appearance of the scales. They should be combined with all other details of the kitchen interior. Thus, it depends on what your kitchen looks like, and what scales will be used for its design.
Weighing structure
An important role is played by the design of your chosen weights. They can be supplemented with a simple platform or a bowl where all products are placed.
Platform
Scales, supplemented by a simple platform, most often have a rectangular shape. All the products you want to weigh are placed on the flat surface of such a simple platform. Such a platform is extremely simple and easy to operate.On it you can put the food right in the container in which you plan to cook them. And after weighing the platform can always be wiped with a simple damp cloth.
Bowl
Another popular option is scales with a bowl. Housewives often use this option for making dough. The grammer in the bowl can be constantly reset. Thus, you can correctly combine all the necessary components.
Some models of scales are supplemented not with one, but with two bowls. They may also differ in different forms. In this case, one bowl is designed to accommodate bulk solids, and the second is for weighing something liquid.
Sometimes this type of balance is not complemented by a second bowl, but an additional measuring cup. Such model of scales is very practical. The glass, if necessary, can be easily removed and washed even in a dishwasher.
It is also very important that the bowl be made of the correct and high-quality material. As a rule, they are made of stainless steel or plastic. They are distinguished by such characteristics as strength and quality. Glass bowls are very fragile, therefore it is better to refuse them.But plastic will be terrible only excessively hot liquids and other products.
Finally, keep in mind that digital scales should definitely be checked for accuracy after purchase.
Additional functions
Most modern kitchen scales are complemented by all sorts of bonus features. Of course, scales with such nice additions are more expensive, but pleasant bonuses ultimately justify everything.
One of the most popular types of scales - the ability to count calories. Such smart scales are good for those who often prepare diet meals. An interesting feature for those who find it difficult to calculate the weight of products is taring. This function allows you to subtract the weight of the dishes, which means that when weighing the products, you will only see its net weight.
To save batteries or charge the scales will help such a function as the automatic switching on and off of the scales. Scales with a timer or clock are also popular. In addition to its direct function, it is often used to signal that the scales are exhausted.
For the preparation of complex dishes you need the function of sequential weighing.It allows you to weigh individual ingredients one by one, without removing the previous ones from the bowl.
There are also practical folding scales, which can significantly save space. You can also purchase scales that are not mounted on the table, but are attached to the wall. They are securely fixed to the bracket or hook and do not take up much space.
If you often cook the same foods, you can use the built-in memory function. It allows you to save in memory information about the products that you weighed earlier, as well as their nutritional value. Up to 400 different product names with all the information about them can be stored in the memory of this type of mini-scales. If you watch your weight and content in the products of protein, fat and carbohydrates, then this function will delight you.
Weighing scales with heat-resistant and heat-resistant base are suitable for weighing warm or even hot products. There are even scales with a platform on which products can even be weighed in hot pans or pots.
As you can see, there is a huge number of the most various additions which do scales more functional and practical.But all this costs extra money, so it is worth buying scales only with those functions that you will need in everyday life.
Overview of popular manufacturers
Good scales are characterized not only by the presence of additional functions and modern appearance, but also by positive customer reviews. Now we will tell you about several of the most popular manufacturers of this kitchen appliances, producing scales, which are really worth buying.
If you are looking for high-quality mechanical scales, then you should pay attention to the Scarlett brand. Such scales in retro style are very comfortable, practical and fit into most of the interiors of modern kitchens. Electronic scales can be selected in the assortment of the company Tanita. This brand creates a modern technique that is guaranteed to serve you for more than one year.
Many functional scales with the presence of additional functions are presented in the range of brands Maxwell, Kenwood or UNIT. If we talk about the countries-producers, then the highest quality German scales are considered. Germany is known for often creating very high-quality appliances, and kitchen scales are far from an exception.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Kitchen scales need not only to choose the right, but also be able to use them in living conditions. After all, improper distribution of the load or the use of an unsuitable cleaning agent can lead to the fact that your purchase will break in the first week of operation.
When operating the scales, remember that kitchen appliances are designed exclusively for weighing products. All weights have a specific weight limit. If you weigh something heavier, they can break very quickly.
Also, kitchen scales must be protected from various mechanical damage. They must not fall or be hit. If your scales are not heat-resistant, then you should not expose them to temperature changes. It is also desirable that the scales do not stand near heat sources, for example, a battery, a stove or an oven.
Electronic scales should not be placed near the microwave. Its strong electromagnetic field will violate the accuracy of the scales and you will not be able to weigh the products correctly. To prevent this from happening, place the scale at a distance of one to two meters from the microwave. It is also advisable not to put a mobile phone nearby.
The feature of scales with a wooden or plastic platform is that their surface absorbs odors very easily. Therefore, you should not weigh on them products with strong odors. You will be extremely hard to get rid of them.
Another feature of kitchen scales - after using them, the platform or the scales should be released. This will also allow greater accuracy in weighing.
Weigh the products so that they do not contaminate the surface of the scales. This will save you from many problems with cleaning. However, cleaning the scales is not so difficult. Simply wipe them with a damp cloth or a special soft cloth.
If any dirt is not rubbed off, then a simple dishwashing detergent can be added to clean water. It must be gentle so that the surface of the scale is not damaged. Another taboo - diving scales directly into the water. This applies to both mechanical and electronic scales. By following these simple rules, you will definitely extend the life of the scales.
Kitchen scales - this is a simple device that you should definitely buy for those who often cook some complicated dishes at home, or simply watch their food.Choose the scales that suit you according to the functions, without spending money on things that you will not use in everyday life, install them in a suitable kitchen area, provide proper care, and this simple technique will delight you for a long time.