What kind of scale do you all use? I have a cheap-o kitchen scale (under $10 probably) that I use now when I'm not too concerned about preciseness, but I'd like to get a more upscale scale for baking. Actually, I want to add it to my Christmas list, but I don't even know where to start. I'm looking on Amazon and there are hundreds anywhere from $7 to hundreds of bucks! My mom is shopaholic and will visit some kitchen stores I'm sure so I'd like to have some ideas to give her.

Kelly

This might sound dumb, but here goes...what do you use a scale for?

Now all I really use it for is hamburger. I buy it in bulk at Sam's Club and divide into pounds and freeze it. Or, if I'm selling stuff on Ebay, I'll weigh it there before I send it. (I use Priority Mail usually so it's rounded up to the next pound.)

I've seen a lot of recipes that call for weights rather than volume in the measurements. I've also seen a lot of comments on here about weighing powdered suger or stuff like that to be more precise. Since I buy the powdered suger at Sam's too, I'd love to just weigh out a pound or two than to have to measure 4 or 8 cups! I don't know how many times I've lost count of cups! (Luckily it's usually on the buttercream icing and I know the consistency it should be.)

Kelly

I saw a nice digital kitchen scale that I am gonna get from Wal-mart. I Cant recall the brand but it was about $60. I really Want to start being consistant with my ingredients and i will also help me figure out my cost per weight.

With the digital read out there is no guess work as to where the needle is pointing.


Princess

Thanks for answering.

Try e-bay...was thinking about buying one because I sell on e-bay also.

What is your selling name?

Ummn, as far as I know a kitchen scale is not considered accurate enough. From what I have learned, you need an actual baker's scale to be exact enough when using it to measure ingredients for baking.
Hugs Squirrelly

I have a digital scale. I wouldn't be with out it! I bought it from a chef pro supply several years ago (cost just under $100 then). Having lived in many parts of the world other than the US, many recipes are by weight and not volume. This scale has been invaluable. I've learned that the best "baking" recipes are by weight measurements for the ingredients, this way it is always exactly the same with exactly the same results. Think back to chemistry class... everything dry was measured by weight and not by volume (wet stuff was volume), cooking is chemistry, so you want your reactions to be chemically perfect every time! Spend the money on a good digital scale that weighs in both oz and grams, make sure you can put a bowl on the scale and "zero" the scale out and that with the bowl on the scale you can read the read-out and see the buttons.

I bought mine from bed, bath and beyond for about 60 bucks
The brand is SALTER and i love it
I buy chocolate in bulk from central market and use it for that

AShiana

unless you're doing large quanity bread dough production, you don't need a "baker's scale" (which is big and clunky and requires the use of balancing weights). go for digital, with a big enough weighing surface to handle both your baking (you can weigh mere grams of salt onto wax paper) and your weighing of larger items to determine shipping costs. a digital scale also allows you to TARE, which means you can weigh out all your dry ingredients together one after the other into the same bowl on the scale, by telling the scale to "start over" (return to 0) at each addition (consult the instructions that come with the scale).

I was getting worried about baker's scales when I was looking online. I really don't have $400 to fork over into a real baker's scale. I'll just look for a good digital one. I use my Discover card for everything and I get Bed, Bath & Beyond gift cards with my cashback bonuses so I can go there after Christmas if I don't get one. Silly me didn't even think at looking there!

Same as here, kellyh57. I don't have anything to sell now. I usually just use it to get rid of my Tupperware and now that I've deactivated as a consultant, I've got more to go!

Kelly

I use a regular digital postage scale...I think it cost about $40 US. It weighs in oz. and grams ...wouldn't bake anything without that thing!!

Hi, my husband bought me a digital scale for my ANNIVERSARY 2 years ago.....when he gave it to me I just looked at him as if he had just come from another planet..lol. Well, 2 years later I've come to realise it was one of the best gifts he could have given me. I can't do without it.....esp now that I bake so much. Measuring stuff has nver been easier.

Regards
Shamani

I have a Salter Scale as well. Love it It only has a 5 lb max, so the maximum weight measurement might be a factor in your decision as well. If you do a lot of baking, maybe you'll need a scale with a higher weight limit?

HTH!

Mirjana