America is heavily entrenched in “portion distortion.” Ever heard of it? The American Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says over the past 20 years, Americans’ sense of a “normal” portion has exploded. Twenty years ago, a cheeseburger was 333 calories, compared to 590 calories today. A plate of spaghetti and meatballs was about 500 calories, while today’s average is 1,025. Right now, your plate might have enough food for two or three people on it.
Enter the food scale. Much loved by bakers, bodybuilders, meal-preppers, and coffee masters, food scales are pretty freakin’ cool. Not only do they have compact counter-top appeal, they take away the need for multiple measuring cups and can keep your slim suits looking, well, slim. Apart from vanity, being mindful of your portions and servings helps you eat healthily and allows you to savor the food on your plate. Yes, there’s room for lasagna and fried chicken, but the key is to always control the portion.
Related Guides
Greater Goods Nourish Digital Food Scale
An ace for accuracy, this digital food scale has four precision weighing sensors. But the coolest part? Nutrition facts for 2,000 foods are stored in the scale’s built-in database, with 99 more custom entries at your disposal depending on your favorite obscure or exotic ingredients. You can measure individual ingredients, track full meals, and calculate daily totals (even track macros!). The tempered glass supports up to 11 pounds and allows you to measure ingredients in a bowl so things don’t get too messy. It takes three AAA batteries. Also, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the Nourish scale are given to the Global Orphan Project, so it’s a double win.
Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale
A highly-rated food scale, the Hario V60 is modern. It has digital screens and measures 0.1-gram increments. It’s great for food, but this scale was made specifically for measuring coffee so you can brew up the perfect cup of Joe. Yep, the best coffee comes from the perfect grounds-to-water ratio, and every java master knows you need a scale to find that holy equation.
Etekcity Digital Food Scale with Removable Bowl
Compact, space-saving, and well-designed (plus this scale costs less than our weekly coffee budget), the Etekcity includes a 10-inch diameter bowl that can hold a top weight of 11 pounds. The bowl is also super practical, allowing you to detach it from the scale, mix ingredients, and even be stored away for less counter clutter after use. Plus, you can measure liquid volumes, which is not so easily done on a flat scale. If you’re unsure about whether you’ll really use a food scale or want to enter the experiment with caution, this is your go-to beginner’s option that still does the job.
Ozeri Touch 2
Featuring Microban antimicrobial protection that never washes off or wears away, the Ozeri Touch 2 is a touch-sensitive scale that can measure up to 18 pounds. With four high-precision sensors, you’ll get readings quickly and efficiently (thanks, too, to a lightning-quick tare button). The Ozeri Touch 2 also has the ability to convert between pounds and ounces, fluid ounces, grams, and milliliters at the touch of a button (all easily seen on the high-contrast LCD screen).
Eat Smart Precision Pro
Not to be confused with their bathroom scale, the Eat Smart Precision Pro Kitchen Scale is the perfect scale for those needing a compact option. Measuring just over 8 inches by 5 inches, it fits perfectly in even the smallest of kitchens. An easily readable scale converts between grams and kilograms as well as ounces and pounds, and the device can measure up to 5 kilograms, or 11 pounds. Simple and to the point, it also comes with a calorie-counting guide for those looking to work on dieting.
Taylor Precision Stainless Steel Analog Kitchen Scale
Featuring a classic and hip design, the Taylor Stainless Steel Analog Kitchen Scale is perfect from portioning foods to weighing market purchases. It also features an extra-large dial that makes it easy to be seen from a distance. Weighing 11 pounds in a full stainless steel bowl, this countertop scale will surely be an eye-catching masterpiece in your kitchen.
Accuweight Digital Kitchen Food Scale
Providing all the basic functions for multiple kitchen tasks, the Accuweight Digital Kitchen Food Scale is a must-have to any household. It offers precise measurements in multiple units and its tare function allows you to weigh smaller ingredients and liquids. The sleek, lightweight, tempered glass platform of this digital food scale makes this easy to clean while matching the interior of your home.