The amazing evolution that personal scales have undergone in recent years shows how even a simple, traditional, and commonly used object can undergo significant changes due to the advancing technology.
The purpose of this guide is precisely to inform the buyer about the various functions available (including some new ones that are generally completely unknown) to make a comparison and understand which bathroom scale to choose.
Here we had selected some of the best models of bathroom scales that are listed below.
Buying Guide to Select the Best Bathroom Scales
After having seen which are the best bathroom scales currently on the market, let’s now see what factors are decisive in choosing the right balance.
The first elements to be evaluated are the type of scale and its functions. It is also important to check what the maximum supported weight is and what measured values.
Secondary elements, but still to be taken into consideration, are the design and the materials. Finally, we must evaluate the value for money. Let’s see everything in detail.
Types
Before buying a scale, you must first choose the type that best suits your needs. The main types of scales on the market are:
- Digital, equipped with an electronic display that indicates the weight. The operation is based on load cells, which measure the change in the passage of current and determine the mass of the person or object to be weighed. Scales of this type are the most modern and efficient, offer precise measurements, and usually have a nice design. They are currently the most popular on the market;
- Analog, the classic scale with a needle that indicates the weight on a scale. The operation is mechanical; that is, it uses an internal gear. The Calibration must be done manually, and the measurement is not always accurate;
- Column, often used in pharmacies and medical offices, also allows us to measure the height of the person. It is a professional scale, not suitable for home use because it is expensive and bulky.
Functions
The second factor to consider when choosing the scale is the number and type of functions it performs, in addition to measuring weight. Only electronic scales are capable of performing multiple functions so that we will refer to this type.
The most useful extra features are:
- Automatic Calibration, which guarantees much more precise measurements than those of scales with manual Calibration;
- Automatic Switch-On, which makes the measurement quick and easy, because just step on the scale to switch it on and weigh yourself;
- Automatic Switch-Off, which automatically switches off the scale after a few minutes of inactivity, to avoid consuming the batteries;
- Selection of The Unit of Measurement, which allows you to choose whether to indicate the weight in kilograms, pounds or stone;
- Tare Function, useful in scales for weighing babies, because it allows you to measure the weight correctly even with a blanket resting on the device.
Measurement and Maximum Weight
Regarding the measurement, the first element to consider is the weighing platform. The wider it is, the greater the stability once you get on the scale and the more accurate the measurement.
In addition to the size, also evaluate well the material with which the platform is made, which must be non-slip, to ensure safety even when measuring with wet feet. At the base of the platform, moreover, there must be stable and non-slip feet.
Another important aspect is the maximum weight supported by the balance. Most models hold a maximum weight of 100 kg, so if you need to measure a greater weight, always check that the scale reaches 150 kg. Higher values are usually measurable only with professional scales.
Some scales are equipped with automatic measurement, i.e., they are immediately ready for use and indicate the weight on display as soon as you step onto the platform. Others, more uncomfortable to use, must first be switched on and are ready to weigh only after a few seconds.
As far as measurement accuracy is concerned, electronic scales are certainly the most precise, although not all of them boast an accuracy equal to that of professional models. To determine whether a balance is accurate or not, the measurement constancy must be assessed.
To do this, you have to weigh yourself and then repeat the measurement after a few seconds. If the value does not change, the measurement is constant, and therefore the balance is accurate.
Finally, do not forget to evaluate the readability of the display, which must be large and clear, especially if, in addition to the weight, it must also show other values, such as fat and muscle mass. The best displays are the backlit ones.
Materials and Design
Needless to deny it: the eye also wants its part, especially if the scale is to be placed in a visible place, for example, in the bathroom. Most electronic scales, fortunately, have a modern and minimal design, easy to combine with any environment.
Pay attention, however, also to the materials, which must be strong and durable. The best are hard plastic and metal, but also glass, as long as it has non-slip supports on the platform and is not resistant to knocks and falls.
Check the Calibration
It will be obvious to say it, but a scale must be well calibrated to know exactly the weight of the body. The suggestion that we can give, in this case, is to put on the scale an object of which the exact weight is known and check if the reported data are consistent.
Another system, but certainly less precise, is to perform three consecutive weight measurements and see if there are discrepancies between one and the other.
This system will tell us if the scale does not move during weighing, but it is not suitable for telling us, however, if the device has a margin of error, for example, of a kilo.
Calibrate the Electric Scale
Electric scales must be calibrated. It is a very simple operation, but let’s see what the steps to take for correct Calibration are. The first thing to do is to turn the scale upside down for about 30 seconds.
This gesture will cause the reading to zero. At that point, you go to the button for recalibration. The button must be kept pressed until zero appears on display first and then the wording “Cal.”
At this point, an operation is made, which we have already described above; that is, an object is placed whose weight is known. The object should be left for a few seconds. If everything is smooth, the word End appears, and if the weight matches, the scale must be switched off and on again.
