A digital kitchen scale is more accurate than mechanical or spring scales and can measure in both avoirdupois and metric units. It also has a tare function and is easy to clean, but some models have a quick automatic shut-off.
A digital kitchen scale measures the weight of foods and ingredients. It can be used to ensure the precise measurement of items in a recipe or to weigh foods in the interest of portion control. It can also be used to weigh letters and parcels to calculate shipping requirements.
There are advantages of a digital kitchen scale over the other two types of scales. A scale is the type of scale used in most hospitals and doctors’ offices for weighing people. It uses a metal mass on a beam that is slid horizontally until equilibrium is reached and the weight of the object or substance is revealed. While fairly accurate at weighing heavy items, its accuracy is compromised with lighter items that need to be measured in ounces or grams.
The other type of ladder commonly found in kitchens is a mechanical or spring ladder. This style normally has a flat metal piece on a platform base. The spring inside the base calculates the weight of anything placed on the flat shelf. Just like the weighing scale, this type doesn’t accurately calculate the weight of small objects or amounts of food.
Because a digital kitchen scale works by using an electric cell that is hypersensitive to the slightest resistance it encounters, its accuracy is superior to its two competitors. The component, called a strain gauge, is installed during the manufacturing process. It works like a mini-computer and gives an LED readout of the object’s weight.
In addition to its high accuracy and LED display, a digital kitchen scale has other interesting and unique features. Most models offer readouts in both avoirdupois (US) and metric units that can be switched back and forth with the touch of a finger. This is useful since recipes often differ in how the quantities and weights of ingredients are presented.
Another useful function is called tare. This allows the cook to accurately deduce the weight of the container placed on the scale and accurately calculate the addition of different ingredients. For example, after placing the measuring cup on the scale, the tare button is pressed and the scale returns to zero. After the first ingredient has been added to the cup in the correct amount, the button is pressed again and the next item is accurately weighed, starting at zero on the scale.
Another feature generally preferred by consumers is the lack of seams on the digital kitchen scale. Its flat base and platform typically have no nooks or crannies to catch food particles or spills, allowing for easy cleaning. Many models have an automatic shut-off feature that avoids wasting battery power. While this feature is preferred by most consumers, some brands with this feature turn off too quickly, requiring constant resetting.
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