Selecting the type of scales and determining the need for them. How to choose a kitchen scale

The pharmacist's tool has become the talk of the town; it consists of two bowls: for the load and for the ingredients. Today we recommend buying kitchen scales, not mechanical, as in the hands of Themis, but electronic, giving the cook acceptable accuracy when weighing products. If you are interested in which kitchen scales are best to buy, you will see that the difference is small and insignificant.

What are kitchen scales for?

It’s easy to understand if the store was deceived. There are known cases when there are not enough goods even in the original packaging. Just come home and weigh the purchased products. Find out where to buy goods is not worth it.

Note! Miniature kitchen scales fit in a bag or bag. Take it straight to the supermarket and check the goods.

An experienced housewife knows what to do and how to do it; there are cases when you want to pass on a recipe to inheritance. For your daughter-in-law, daughter, etc. Kitchen scales will help you determine the dosage of ingredients with an accuracy of up to a gram. The difficulty comes when learning new recipes. There is no need to do it by eye, just take a kitchen scale and weigh out exactly as indicated. If the methodology is foreign, especially for this case, the models contain the option of switching to another measure generally accepted in the world community. For example, pounds.

Finally, a kitchen scale can help you stick to your diet. Doctors (nutritionists) prescribe the daily amount of calories, which you control when cooking. And you eat as much as you need. Especially for those losing weight, selected kitchen scales are supplemented with a built-in information base; at the same time they indicate the weight energy value products.

Other models allow weighing and volume determination. The function is limited in capabilities. Polaris PKS 0521, designed as an electric kettle without a lid, has a button to switch between flour, milk, butter, and water. This is necessary to correctly determine the volume, although on the side wall there is also a scale with frequent marks. Let's add, vegetable oils endowed with individual specific density, we strongly doubt the accuracy of the measurements. However, this is enough for cooking.

Types of kitchen scales

A couple of nuances

When observing the Sinbo SKS 4513 kitchen scale, you will notice that the readings fluctuate. This semblance of real-time mode is not encouraging. For example, in the video, when a 50 g weight is placed on the platform, the number jumps. From our point of view, Maxwell models look much better, where measurements are taken for an acceptable time (a couple of seconds), then an indicator appears on the display showing that the mass of the load has been estimated. No further throwing. Although a bay leaf, for example, gives corrections. A breath of air due to the windage of the spice changes the reading by a fraction of a gram. Then the Maxwell kitchen scales will begin to work out variations in turbulence.

By the indication you can judge whether the measurements are completed.

Batteries for kitchen scales:

• AA batteries (finger-type).
• AAA batteries (pinky).
• “Tablets” at 1.5 V.

Price is important. In stores like FixPrice you can sometimes find batteries at an attractive price. It is better to evaluate the aspect in advance and choose kitchen scales according to the lowest expenses.

Finally, the price range on the counter is immense. It won’t be a mistake to buy an inexpensive kitchen scale. Firstly, manufacturers charge a lot for a big name, and secondly, kitchen scales are a product where quality plays a small role. Central electronic unit performs simple calculations, and the load cells are basically the same. Let’s say more – it’s not a shame to throw away an inexpensive kitchen scale if it breaks down.

If you buy a kitchen scale with a removable bowl, you will also get a good salad bowl. We remind you that plastic intended for contact with food products, marked with a fork and mug icon. Look for the pattern, or do not use the container for its intended purpose. Rare glass kitchen scale bowl. The material is heavy, relatively expensive, and there is no need for the product. Look for a compromise between price and quality.

We hope we helped you choose a kitchen scale. The main thing is to understand that the device is inexpensive, therefore, you shouldn’t pick too much on the properties.

Typical kitchen scale

Kitchen scales will allow home recipe measure accurately down to the gram, will help you study new and new dishes without fear. A typical device was priced at, for example, Maxwell for 800 rubles. The scale displays pounds, grams, kilograms or ounces, which allows you to flexibly handle ingredients when cooking.

Before purchasing an electronic kitchen scale, it is easier to look through the instructions. Most manufacturers post information online.

Having tried it once, few people refuse. Modern technologies will allow you to find out the weight with an accuracy of 1 gram, which makes it easy to measure and weigh 15 leaves bay leaf. Let's reveal the author's secret: when working with this kind of spices, place the ingredients in the bowl in the middle, wait patiently while the kitchen scale calculates. In Maxwell, the completion of the operation is signaled on the display by a triangle with bold dots at the vertices.

What is important for kitchen scales:

We recommend taking electronic scales, and you should not chase the price. It's easy to check the product. Go to a nearby supermarket, take a pack of 150 gram cookies and weigh them in the presence of a consultant. The difference in readings should not exceed a couple of grams.

If the difference is greater:

• Cheated in a supermarket with the weight of cookies.
• Libra lies shamelessly, you should choose scales from a different brand.

Should I take a kitchen scale that can count calories?

People often try to lose weight today. It is useful to choose the right products.

Kitchen scales with calorie calculations have a pre-built information base with tables of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and calories. For a number of models it is possible to enter your own numbers. Such models are used in conjunction with floor scales that can count body fat mass. As a result of weighing, in addition to the indications, a person is given recommendations on calorie consumption. Use the indicated number when cooking. The calorie content of the products has already been entered; all that remains is to add up the readings of the kitchen scale with a pencil. The prepared food is divided into portions, each person eats what is measured out.

It becomes easier to follow a diet; monitor the result with floor scales (often called “bio” for the ability to measure biometric parameters). We believe that action will contribute to the development of correct training program. There are nuances. For example, bodybuilders try to remove the skin when cooking chicken; the skin of the bird contains the lion's share of animal fats that are useless for pumping up. White meat from the breast is considered valuable. It is clear that the simplest kitchen scales with calorie counting will not reflect such subtleties. In this case, the option of entering user data into the database is useful. The calorie content of foods can be easily obtained from the Internet.

Kitchen scales that count calories are more expensive.

Which kitchen scales to choose?

You will have to choose from the criteria design features platforms and bowls when it comes to kitchen scale form factor. We choose the first one - it’s more convenient to store. A bowl is needed when the container is removable. Then the scales easily turn into a platform that is convenient to store.

There are spoon scales and scoops in which the collected product is immediately assessed for its heaviness. In practice, it has been shown that units of grams can be weighed. The authors have a hard time understanding the purpose of such equipment—it’s too small.

One day in the kitchen you find yourself in a situation where you need to measure some product accurately. Whether you make jam, bake an amazingly delicious cake, or just watch your figure and therefore strictly count grams. The measuring cup doesn't help. Definitely need a digital kitchen scale.

Yes, they cannot be called the number one purchase for the kitchen. First a refrigerator, a stove, a microwave oven, then a mixer and a multicooker, a food processor and a coffee maker. And only then comes the turn of the kitchen scale. And only after purchasing it you realize how useful this gadget turned out to be. How to choose a truly useful, accurate and high-quality assistant. We'll figure it out.

Mechanical or electronic scales. Which ones are better?

On the market kitchen appliances Kitchen scales are available in electronic and mechanical models.

Mechanical scales.

They can weigh more weight from 3 to 10 kg at a time.
Modern models mechanical scales can take into account the weight of the product container and weigh the pure product.
Have long term uninterrupted service and withstand damage.
If you really want to, you can fix them yourself.
Does not require batteries or mains power.
Very affordable.
The accuracy and measurement step are poor.
The lines on the scoreboard between the kilogram marks sometimes merge and it is difficult to calculate the weight. Those with poor eyesight especially suffer from this.
The container weight is not taken away, it must be remembered.
The principle of their operation is a spring, which over time can stretch or rust, and the measurements will no longer be correct.

Electronic scales.

• High accuracy from 1 gram.
• Some models can count calories in a product - this data is programmed into their memory.
• Easy to use.
• The weight is visible on the electronic display without any dashes or divisions.
• They do not operate on a spring, but on batteries or mains power.
• Additional functions: container accounting, memory, sequential weighing.
• High cost compared to mechanical copies.
• Less weight of the weighed product - usually no more than 3 kilograms, maximum 5 kg.
• Repairs can only be carried out in a workshop.

But these are minor things. Using electronic models is much more convenient. And batteries – you can always buy them. Therefore, let's look at these measuring instruments and decide which ones are better and what additional functions we may need.

Attention to detail

Electronic kitchen scales differ not only in design, price and manufacturer, but also in a number of other characteristics. And you should always pay attention to them when purchasing. The thing is not cheap, although everyone can afford it.

Minimum and maximum weight

The minimum weight starts from one gram. But the maximum...

How many people are there in the family? One or two - a kitchen scale that can weigh 2 kg at a time will be enough. If this is a young family, it will invariably increase in size and these scales will simply not be enough to weigh all the products for dinner, lunch or a holiday table. Then models that can lift both three and five kilograms are suitable. That is, if you cook a lot, then the scales should be more powerful. Why waste time weighing the same product several times, but in different portions. In addition, such scales are convenient for weighing fruits and berries when preparing jam and compotes, and vegetables when canning for the winter. There are models that can weigh 15 or 20 kilograms.

Weighing step and error

The step of almost all kitchen scales is 1 gram. More important parameter– error in measurement. It is considered normal if it is equal to 1 or 2 grams. Why do you need a gadget that will only show the approximate mass? You can determine this by eye or with spoons. So, when going to the store to buy scales, take some kind of standard with you: a kilogram bag of cereal or sugar. And don't forget to weigh it on a supermarket check scale.

Material of scales. Platform design

When purchasing kitchen scales, pay attention to the material from which the platform on which you will place the weighing bowl is made. It can be made of any material. Be made of steel, wood, durable glass or special plastic that is not susceptible to mechanical damage. The bowl can be just as different if it is provided in a particular model. Except that a plastic bowl may soon lose its visual appeal - under the influence of water, the plastic becomes dull and dull. Which ones to choose? Whatever you like, they all weigh food accurately. However, consider the style in which your kitchen is finished.

• Is the kitchen designed in Provence, country or rustic style? Choose models with a wooden or glass platform.
• The classic interior style also accepts wood.
• If for the kitchen you chose hi-tech, minimalism or any other modern styles– take a closer look at models whose platform is made of plastic, glass or with chrome-plated metal parts.

Don't discount platform design either. The colors can be plain or with a pattern, colors can range from completely transparent, when the battery compartment is visible through the platform and technical details, to matte black, red or blue.

The most popular scale is held by slim category scales - they are very thin and can easily fit in one of the kitchen drawers. At the same time, their functionality does not suffer; they, like scales with a bowl, weigh as much as is determined by their technical characteristics.

As for scales with a bowl, housewives have already appreciated the convenience of such models, especially those who often bake cakes and other confectionery products to order. In the bowl, you can weigh each ingredient separately, all together to calculate the total weight, or sequentially, adding a new component to the existing ones (the scale can reset the readings).

Tip: choose models that have a removable bowl or models without it at all. Otherwise, care will be difficult - you will be tortured to wash the bottom of the bowl and the junction of the bowl and the platform, and the convenience is questionable - you can pour it or pour it into the bowl. And in order to pour out or lay out the product, you have to turn the scale completely over.

The bowl is also convenient because it can be used not only for its intended purpose, that is, to weigh it. You can marinate meat in it, knead dough, serve salad; if the bowl is glass, you can heat the dish in the microwave; if it is metal, you can cook it in the oven.

Choose the bowl volume according to your preferences. Typically, the more weight the scale takes, the larger the bowl itself.

Kitchen scale control

You can control the kitchen scale using buttons or using the touch panel. However, push-button scales are gradually leaving the market, making way for models with touch controls and an LCD display.

When weighing various products, you are likely to spill something on the platform or table. Buttons can become clogged, stick, contacts can become wet and burn out. The touch display is reliably protected from such accidents: there are no grooves, no joints. This means that dust, moisture, and dirt do not accumulate in them. The only thing is that you shouldn’t rub the touch buttons with metal brushes, you can break them or erase the inscriptions - go figure out later which button to press.

For added reliability, the touchscreen model itself is protected by a protective film covering the entire panel and rubberized inserts above each button. Reliability and convenience are evident.

We advise you to pay attention to models with a color touch panel. There are three colors and each means something different. For example, the total weight, the weight of the container, that is, the bowl, the weight of the product in pure form, weighing solid or liquid products. By selecting one of the parameters, the liquid crystal display lights up in a color specific to it. Convenient, nothing to say.

Nuances worth paying attention to

Kitchen scales, if you have chosen models from trusted manufacturers, in theory, will suit you completely. But there are nuances that make their use even more convenient. About plastic film and rubberized buttons, we already said.

Look at the legs. They are often made of rubber. Now the scales will not slide on the tabletop and will literally stick to the table and will not slide off if you accidentally touch them.

Slim models of kitchen scales are very light. They can be stored in a drawer or on a rail, wall hook, or hung by a loop. And they are visible and do not disturb anyone.

Additional “chips” that can be found in scales

Many kitchen scale models have additional features. Of course, this affects their cost. Are they necessary? Which features can you do without, and which could be a very convenient addition? Study the instructions and make an informed decision.

• Container function. It is available in almost every model. We place a bowl and a jar on the platform and press the button to reset the weight. Now you can get the mass of the pure product or, as it is also called, the net mass. Some models simply remember the tare weight if the corresponding button is pressed and when the result is displayed, it is automatically subtracted.
• Automatic shutdown. To prevent the batteries from running out, the scales will turn off by themselves if you have not weighed for a while or are finished using them. And some can also turn on themselves, as soon as they feel the weight on the platform.
• Charging indicator - shows whether it is time to buy new batteries or whether the scales can still work on old ones.
• Units of measurement. Sometimes in foreign cookbooks and magazines they use not the usual grams and kilograms, but pounds, ounces and other units of mass. Select the desired parameter on the display and the scales show required weight and transfer them to a system more familiar to us.
• Sequential weighing. Are you kneading the dough? There is no need to remove one ingredient from the bowl and record its readings, and therefore weigh the next one. This function will weigh each subsequent component, and then sum the weights of all. However, they do not need to be removed from the container.
• Volume of liquid. Different liquids, due to different densities of the same mass, can have different volumes. The scales will calculate this too.
• Timer scales. There is no need to buy separate scales or a separate timer if it is fashionable to combine all this in one model.
• Scales that also have a clock or alarm function can also be purchased. But there are not many such models, because they are not incredibly popular.
• Weight indication. The scales show whether you have exceeded the load on the platform or not. If you put more weight on the scale than is allowed, the scale will begin to show an error.
• Counting calories. A convenient function for those who limit themselves in calories, who monitor their weight. In addition to the sequential weighing function, the scales will be able to summarize the calorie content of all products included in a particular dish. Product data in relation to their weight is programmed into the kitchen scale.
• Diet program. Some people adhere dietary nutrition not only because they monitor their weight, but also due to certain diseases they have: some diabetes mellitus, others have high cholesterol levels in the body, while others cannot tolerate proteins. The program, based on the stored data, will analyze the product and display the data on the LCD display: the amount of proteins, cholesterol, fats, calories and carbohydrates.

Determine for yourself and your family what additional features you are willing to pay for on your kitchen scale.

Review of some scale models

Let's take a quick look at the models.

• Saturn scale, model ST-KS7235_Red. Made in red. The glass platform is flat, there is no bowl. The maximum weighable weight is 5 kg. Has automatic shutdown, overload and charge level indicator functions. Resetting the container.
• Kenwood scales, model DS401. White color, flat glass platform. Maximum weighable weight 8 kg. Has the functions of resetting the container and automatic shutdown.
• Zelmer scales, model KS1600 White. Color white. There is a metal bowl. Maximum weighable weight 5 kg. Has the functions of tare zeroing, automatic shutdown, various systems measurements. Stands on rubberized legs.
• Beurer scales, model KS 42. Steel colour. The platform is flat stainless steel. Maximum weighable weight 5 kg. Has the functions of resetting containers and clock. Can be stored in a kitchen cabinet or hung on a hook using a loop.
• Scarlett scales, model ІС-1214. There is no platform, measurements are taken in a bowl, similar to a measuring cup, but with a handle and a display on the handle. The bowl is made of durable plastic. Maximum weighable weight 3 kg. It has the functions of resetting the container, automatic shutdown, battery charge level, and overload indication.
• Beurer scales, model KS 45. Light green color. The platform is round and flat. There is a bowl made of flexible silicone in a white-green color, thanks to which the scales do not take up much space in the closet - the bowl folds up and resembles a plate. Bowl volume 1.5 l. You can weigh both in the bowl and on the platform. Maximum weighable weight 5 kg. It has the functions of tare zeroing, automatic shutdown, overload indicator, and sequential weighing of products.

Functionality of commercial scales

Functionality means not only the ability of trade scales to solve assigned tasks, i.e. satisfy the requirements for them to a minimum extent, but also all sorts of useful things, which often become decisive when choosing a particular model.

Depending on the technologies used in the sales process, trade scales must provide hardware support, in particular, have the necessary data exchange interfaces. For example, it is now difficult to imagine scales with label printing without a TCP/IP (Ethernet) interface. In addition, with well-established technologies, the minimum required set of functions for commercial scales is known, without which the scales simply cannot be used for their intended purpose. In the most common technology today, the scale must be able to print an adhesive label and a barcode on it. But even these completely understandable tasks can be implemented in different ways. For example, label and barcode structures can have many fixed templates programmed “for all occasions”. At the same time, someday you will definitely encounter a situation in which the required format is not available. The use of a freely programmable structure provides much more opportunities for solving problems that are atypical for today, but possible in the future.

The display of trade scales, as a means of visualizing the displayed information, must satisfy a number of requirements:

High brightness and contrast;
- good viewing angles;
- matrix line for displaying text information;
- efficiency with battery power, etc.

There are three types of displays commonly used (LED, LCD and vacuum), each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Keyboards for commercial scales differ both in production technology (film or push-button) and in location (at the bottom or on the counter). In the US market, a lower keyboard arrangement is traditionally used, in Europe - on a rack at the top, while in our country the main foreign brands DIGI, CAS, Mettler Toledo offer scales with a lower keyboard arrangement. Recently, a number of manufacturers have been producing scales with a touch-screen display, where the functions of the keyboard and display are combined in one device. The convenience of this solution is known to everyone who has used payment terminals, but in scales you have to pay for this pleasure.

One of the main criteria for choosing commercial scales is the design, which includes not only the appearance of the scales, but also their ergonomics. This refers to the intuitive layout of controls, combination with the design of commonly used counters, mechanical stability of the installation, etc.

One should not neglect adaptation to “ Russian conditions exploitation." This means such a not very pleasant phenomenon as very poor quality of power supply and poor quality of local computer networks in the store. Libras vary in their resistance to these unfavorable factors and often this criterion becomes decisive when choosing them.

Reliability of electronic scales

Reliability is one of the most popular indicators of electronic scales. In addition to the very fact of trouble-free operation, it is very important to consider the availability of necessary equipment, especially those that can be considered consumables, such as printer parts for scales with label printing.

As with any technical complex equipment, it will not be possible to avoid breakdowns during operation. To minimize downtime, some retail chains have their own service department, others rely on external specialized service centers. In any case, they are subject to the requirements of “short response time”, which, taking into account modern transport problems, makes it extremely difficult to accurately diagnose faults (which requires maintenance experience and good documentation), as well as the availability of a “replacement stock of scales” and a sufficient range of spare parts in stock. This problem is most easily solved in the case of using domestically produced scales (Massa-K, Shtrikh-M, etc.), but taking into account very high reliability foreign-made electronic scales (CAS, DIGI, Mettler Toledo) the total operating costs when using foreign brands are quite competitive.

Metrology of store scales

One of the most important characteristics of store scales is weighing accuracy. Numerically, it is characterized by a limit of permissible error and for trade scales is regulated by the relevant legislation, according to which the use of scales of the third or medium accuracy class in trade is allowed. For modern electronic scales with digital display of weight, a particularly clear indicator is discreteness - this is the minimum possible change in weight that can still be observed on the display. Most often, this is 1, 2, or 5 g. If the discreteness is the same throughout the entire weighing range, then the number of discrete parts in the entire interval W is called the number of points N=W/d. There are class 3 scales with N values ​​from 1000 to 10000 and all of them can be used in trade. The most common are commercial scales with N=3000, for example, 15-kilogram scales with d=5g or scales with a maximum load W=6kg and a resolution of 2g.

An increase in the number of points, or what is the same - a decrease in discreteness, is always accompanied by a decrease in the permissible error limit. Manufacturers of load cells achieve this result by improving the technology of weight sensor production, and nowadays it is quite common to find scales with the number of points per interval equal to 6000. Moreover, strain gauges with 10,000 samples or more have been implemented. In addition to reducing discreteness, the possibility of creating multi-interval sensors is also used. If in a 15-kg scale the discreteness is d = 2 g in the range up to 6 kg and 5 g in the range from 6 to 15 kg, then the total number of points is N = 3000 + 1800. In terms of accuracy characteristics, such a two-interval sensor ranks intermediate position between single-interval ones with N=3000 and N=6000. In three-interval scales with a load capacity of 15 kg, the discreteness can take three values ​​1, 2, 5 g - and changes at weight values ​​of 3 and 6 kg. The total number of points in the weighing range is 3000+1500+1800=6300.

Since scales are a measuring instrument, they are subject to the relevant legislation, which prescribes the procedure for periodic verification of measuring instruments. For scales, this means checking that the measurement error is within acceptable limits, and such verification is carried out at least once a year, as well as on the eve of the first commissioning and after repairs. Do all commercial scales need to be verified? No, not all, but namely those who carry out the so-called “commercial weighing”, i.e. one based on the results of which a settlement is made between the supplier and the consumer. Trade scales, which are not used for shipping or receiving goods, are often called technological scales. The requirements for carrying out initial and periodic verification do not apply to them, although periodic control of accuracy (without documentation) can be extremely useful.

The main metrological parameters of commercial scales are given on a special nameplate placed on the body of the scales during their manufacture. The same information is also available in the “Description of the type of measuring instruments,” which is often called a certificate for scales. In fact, this is the main document guaranteeing the legality of the import and sale of commercial electronic scales on the territory of the Russian Federation. Before purchasing scales, it makes sense to make sure that they are certified, i.e. included in the State Register of Measuring Instruments.

One of important characteristics commercial scales - the lowest weighing limit. The need for its introduction is explained as follows. The legally established limit of permissible error of class 3 scales is constant in the load range up to 500 discrete. A decrease in the measured weight leads to an unlimited increase in the relative error in such a way that, starting from a certain value, weighing can no longer be called a weight measurement. That is why the legislator established 20 discrete as the minimum weighing limit. If we take the permissible weighing error equal to the discrete unit, the relative error in weight measurement will be within +-5%. This gives an answer to those who want to weigh small quantities of expensive goods on scales of average accuracy class: only when the measured weight is more than 20d can the obtained value be considered reliable. For example, when weighing black caviar worth 50,000 rubles/kg on a middle-class commercial scale (discreteness 2 g), the permissible absolute error in value terms is 100 rubles. The figure seems very large, but considering that the purchase amount exceeds 2,000 rubles, the relative error no longer evokes such strong emotions.

What kind of metrology should store scales have? The answer to this question will be different and depends on who it is addressed to. From the buyer’s point of view, the error, and therefore the discreteness, should be minimal, as a result of which deviations of the purchase price from the true value will be insignificant. However, in reality the buyer has no influence on the process of purchasing scales. Store owners usually proceed from other considerations and try to minimize the cost of purchasing equipment. Since multi-interval sensors and sensors with a large number discrete data on the measurement interval are quite expensive, and metrological legislation allows the use of scales with a number of discretes from 1000 or more; for installation in stores, the most common scales with a number of discrete quantities from 3000 to 6000 are used.

Maybe this is a mistake and the store will incur losses as a result of using not very accurate scales? Let's see. First of all, we will assume that the scales are calibrated and there is no systematic component in the weighing error. Let's assume that a 3000 discrete scale is used and average weight purchases about (a little more) 1 kg. With a discreteness of 2g and an acceptable weighing error limit of 4g, the relative error will be +-0.4%. The errors of individual measurements are independent and randomly distributed, so the resulting relative error will be +-0.01% after n=1600 weighings! If we use scales with better metrology (6000 discrete) and a single measurement error of +-0.2%, then the required value of +-0.01% will be achieved 4 times faster, i.e. after only 400 weighings. Thus, taking into account the fact that several thousand weighings are performed per working day, scales with any metrology (3000 or 6000) provide a negligible resulting error, at least in comparison with any sources of natural losses. This begs the question - why pay more? There is such an answer - there really is no point in metrology itself. But spending money on reliable scales, as well as with a sensor that is stable over time and temperature range, means saving resources on repairs and periodic verification.

Integration of scales into the trading system

In a modern fairly large store, they use large number electronic devices, combined into local network and working under the control of any software-implemented trading system. The share of scales in the cost of store equipment usually does not exceed a few percent, so the choice of a trading system has a clear priority.

Several powerful software products are now common in the domestic store building market, covering most accounting and management tasks in modern enterprise trade. A significant part of them are built on the basis of 1C. The choice, as a rule, begins with a trading system and only after that they select scales from the list integrated into this system, since the integration of new scales is usually expensive. Next (now we are talking about system scales), based on the characteristics of the store, they determine what types of weighing tasks will be used in sales technologies. The required width depends on this model range. So, for example, if a store has its own production, then packaging scales are needed, and for large production volumes, packaging machines are needed. When using self-service technologies, self-service scales are used along with conventional counter scales. It is advisable to obtain this entire range of weighing equipment from one supplier, since this significantly simplifies integration into the trading system, reduces the costs of service, personnel training, etc.

Criteria for choosing scales for a store

After determining the list of scales supported by the trading system, as well as the required completeness of the model range, the list of possible suppliers is usually reduced. Among further selection criteria, the reputation of the manufacturer usually plays a major role. Name of a brand present in the market with good results for many years, usually serves as the calling card of Libra. Questions related to comparing scales from different manufacturers, periodically arise among employees of IT departments and are voiced by them on various sites, including technical ones.

Often we see commitment retail chains, especially large ones, a certain brand of scales. This is understandable, because Changing a weight brand with almost identical functionality is usually fraught with many problems. They compare scales from different manufacturers extremely carefully and only in one or several stores in the network.

The price of the scales, of course, plays a very big role important role, But real value It is not so much the price itself, but the price/quality ratio.

In general, the quality of scales, other things being equal, is one of the most important criteria. It is difficult to formalize, but includes the reliability of scales, availability of service, spare parts, documentation, technical support, ease of setup and maintenance, intuitive interface, etc. To compare this parameter, the method of expert assessments is usually used.

Finally, an important factor when choosing scales is subjective preferences: some scales seem more convenient than others, although in fact, often unconsciously preference is given to scales with which practical experience work.

Discussion of the topic on the forum

Now we will move from general words to specific reviews on scales. In a special forum topic, colleagues in the “shop” share their impressions of using and servicing scales of different brands. In the topic you can not only read, but also ask accumulated questions. If interested, then click.

Accurate scales are needed in every kitchen. Novice cooks will not spoil food if they want to prepare new dishes. Experienced housewives who develop their own recipes will pass on reliable knowledge to acquaintances and friends. Electronic digital scales have the highest accuracy. Factories produce many models that differ in shape, size and capabilities. So how to choose the right kitchen scale?

Which kitchen scales to choose?

When choosing a home scale, there are two main things to consider: what you plan to weigh and how.

By method of weighing the product

According to the weighing method, a distinction is made between manual and table scales.

Hand scales are light and compact; they are easy to take to a store or market to check the honesty of the seller. On one side of the body there is a ring, you take it in your hands. On the other there is a hook for a bag with groceries, between them there is a spring. Under the influence of gravity, the spring stretches, and an arrow attached to it shows the weight of the product.

Manual spring scales are popularly called “steelyard”, but a real steelyard is a simple lever scale. When weighing, the steelyard should be kept strictly vertical and motionless; if tilted, it will show less weight.

Table scales are not intended to be carried outside the apartment; they weigh up to 1 kilogram and occupy several tens of square centimeters of the table. The product to be weighed is placed on a platform or bowl which is lowered by gravity and this shift is shown by an indicator.

If there is no space in a small kitchen, it is recommended to purchase a wall scale. Their operating principle is the same as that of desktop ones. The body, made in the shape of the letter L, is screwed to the wall with the vertical part. If the platform is not in use, it can be raised to make it even more compact.

Bread machine owners will appreciate the spoon scale. The fact is that for baking bread it is very important to maintain the proportions of salt, yeast and additives. If the recipe indicates the weight of the components in grams, then measuring the powders using a spoon scale will not be difficult.

According to the maximum weight of products

Choosing scales for household, decide what you will weigh. Each device has a product weight limit. For baking pies and pancakes, scales with a maximum weight of 5 kg are suitable. If you are making jam, it is better to take a device that can weigh up to 10 kg of sugar.

Electronic scales are equipped with an overweight indicator. A sound signal or indicator will indicate that the permissible threshold has been exceeded.

The weighing accuracy of digital devices is determined by one in the least significant digit of the indicator. For household purposes, an accuracy of 1 g is sufficient. There are also more accurate scales; they are used by professionals - pharmacists, jewelers, chemists and bankers.

This is interesting. To record securities forms, professionals use special high-precision scales. In them, the number of sheets is automatically determined as the total weight of the pack, divided by the weight of one sheet.

According to measurement principle

According to the principle of measurement, scales are divided into mechanical and electronic.

In all mechanical instruments, the needle is directly connected to the spring and moves with it. The measuring scale is pre-programmed in weight units. The heavier the object, the greater the deflection of the arrow. Advantages: the device does not need power supply, there is nothing to break in it. Disadvantages: measurement error (25 - 50 g), the spring changes shape over time, and the already low accuracy is further reduced.

IN electronic devices Instead of springs, strain gauges are used to convert the deformation of the material under load into an electrical signal. The microcontroller measures the current coming from the sensor and calculates the weight of the product. Disadvantage: do not work without batteries. Advantages: high weighing accuracy (up to 0.1 grams), clear digital indicator, simple zeroing of readings, additional useful functions are implemented.

Platform or bowl?

The simplest electronic scales are a round or rectangular movable platform for weighing an item.

To determine the weight, an apple or a bag of flour is placed directly on the platform. It’s better not to weigh sugar or cereal like this - it will crumble. Cleaning the table, washing the scales and the floor are guaranteed. For bulk products requires a separate plate or bowl.

For accurate measurements, the weight of the cookware must be compensated. Electronic scales have a special button that resets the indicator readings when the dishes are installed on the platform.

There are electronic scales on sale with their own bowl, which can be removable or non-removable. It is recommended to choose a device with a removable bowl - it can be easily removed and washed without risking damage to the device. This bowl is convenient to use as a utensil and mix products directly in it.

Thanks to the zeroing function, it is easy to mix on a scale with a bowl healthy salad. Place the bowl on the platform and then reset the weight to zero after adding the component. We repeat the cycle again.

Bowl material

Scale bowls are made of metal, plastic and glass.

Table: characteristics of materials for the scale pan

What and how do electronic scales show?

Obviously, the scale displays the weight of the product. Thanks to the built-in microcontroller, the device automatically recalculates and displays weight in kilograms, grams or pounds. There are models showing the volume of measured liquid in milliliters.

Determining the volume of a liquid by weight will be accurate if its density is close to the density of water. “Weighing” 1 liter of oil in this way, you will get 1086 milliliters of product in the bowl. Some scale models take this fact into account and offer to choose the type of liquid.

There are models of scales that display the temperature in the room and the current time. Individual designs They even include an alarm clock and timer.

Digital indicators of electronic scales vary in size - from ten-millimeter numbers to large signs several centimeters high. Some indicators are illuminated, but in this case the batteries are consumed faster; “long-lasting” lithium cells are not installed in such models.

Batteries

All kitchen scales consume little electricity, so batteries are used for power. If the indicator has a backlight, then elements of the AA or AAA form factor are used. If the scales have a simple liquid crystal indicator, then a CR2032 lithium battery is installed - you can simply forget about power supply, this element easily lasts for a year of operation.

All battery powered scales automatically turn off after measurement to save energy.

Appearance

Design is an important component for kitchen appliance. Housewives choose scales by color and shape to match curtains, furniture and tiles. Factories produce measuring instruments of many colors and shapes: strict high-tech steel cases, vintage wooden platforms, funny cartoon characters.

Photo gallery: scales made from a variety of materials

Cute drawings for young cooks Volumetric pictures for country house Wooden platform in country style Strict hi-tech style

Additional features

Calorie counting

For special therapeutic diets it is vital to comply proper nutrition. A number of scale models help you estimate the calorie content of foods.

For example, the Zelmer KS1700 dietary scale contains in memory a list of 999 products with characteristics: calorie content, protein and fat composition. To obtain information about a product at the time of weighing, the user determines the product code using a paper reference book, and then enters the code on the scale using touch buttons.

The directory in the physical memory of the scales is too small to cover all the food that exists in the world; it cannot be updated and supplemented. Redmond engineers have transferred the product catalog to the Internet. The Redmond SkyScale 741S scale connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and transmits the weight of the product to the Ready for Sky program. To determine the usefulness of food, the user finds the product in the program menu and receives all the required information. This “cloud” directory is not limited in the number of products, is regularly updated and always contains up-to-date data.

Video: innovative kitchen scales REDMOND SkyScales 741S

Other important criteria

When choosing scales, pay attention to the materials from which the body and bowl are made. These parts will come into contact with food, so they must be of high quality - your health depends on it. The steel should be stainless - shiny and bright, the plastic should not smell strongly of chemicals, it is important to choose glass without cracks or chips.

Since food is being prepared around the scale and the user's hands are not always clean, it is important to pay attention to the control buttons. Ideal option- touch panel, it is very easy to clean, such buttons will never stick.

The body of table scales must have rubber feet so that it does not slip on the working surface of the table.

Kitchen appliance manufacturers

Kitchen scales are produced by both small companies (under the brands Vitek, Scarlett, Rolsen, Supra) and large manufacturers- Tefal, Redmond, Zelmer. The cost of scales varies from hundreds of rubles to tens of thousands.

Table: models of electronic kitchen scales and their characteristics

4.5. Requirements for weighing equipment

Weighing instruments in trade are subject to metrological, trade and operational, aesthetic, economic and sanitary-hygienic requirements.

Main metrological requirements are constancy of indications, sensitivity, accuracy, stability.

Constancy of readings is the ability of scales to give the same readings under the same conditions when weighing the same load repeatedly. This depends mainly on how carefully and correctly the scales are assembled, what the amount of friction is between the prisms and pads, and what conditions the scales are in during storage and operation. In accordance with the requirements of the standard, support and load-receiving prisms must have sharp ribs, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the levers in which they are mounted. If these requirements are violated, the scales will not give consistent readings during repeated weighing.

The sensitivity of a balance is its ability to deviate noticeably with a slight change in load. Scales with high sensitivity are preferable for use. The degree of sensitivity of the scales, and therefore their suitability for operation, is determined according to the current GOST standards.

In order to objectively assess the degree of sensitivity of a weighing instrument, it is necessary to establish a standard that determines the sensitivity of the scales. This standard allows you to classify the scales as suitable or unsuitable for use. The sensitivity of the scales must be such that a change in the mass of the load being weighed by an amount equal to the permissible error causes the balance indicators to deviate from their position at equilibrium. This deviation, in order to recognize the scales as sufficiently sensitive, must be equal to at least 5 mm for weight, scale-weight and scale scales.

Weighing accuracy. Weighing accuracy refers to the property of scales to give accurate readings of mass measurements with a deviation from the true readings within the permissible standard of error. Weighing accuracy largely depends on the precise ratio of the lever arms. Scales with equal-armed levers must have arms that are absolutely equal in length, and in scales where unequal-armed levers are used, the ratio of the arms must be exactly maintained, i.e. one shoulder should be 10,100 times larger than the other, etc. Even a slight discrepancy between the arms can lead to a noticeable error in the accuracy of the weighing readings.

However, in practice, scales used in trade, due to their design features, in addition to other errors, cannot have an absolutely accurate shoulder ratio. In this regard, state standards for various scales establish error standards for weighing accuracy. For example, in accordance with GOST 13882, the permissible error of tabletop weight and dial scales released from production at the highest weighing limit (maximum load) of 2.10 and 20 kg is 0.05%. If during verification it turns out that the scales give readings outside the limits acceptable standards errors, they should be sent for repair.

Permissible errors during weighing are determined depending on the number P of divisions of the scale and dial of the scale (or additional scale of scale, weight scales) and the largest weighing limits Ртж, which should be expressed in prices d division of the scale of dial scales or additional scale of rocker scales, i.e. Fmax = nd.

For scales with overhead or built-in weights that do not have scales, the number of divisions is arbitrary and corresponds to the entire interval from the zero point to the maximum weighing limit. The variability of the zero point readings of dial and rocker scales (not loaded) should not be more than ±0.5

Stability of the scales- this is a property in which, if they are removed from a state of equilibrium, they must independently restore this balance.

If the RN scales are taken out of equilibrium and do not return to their original position on their own, then to do this it is necessary to place a tolerance weight equal to 0.5 of the scale division value on the corresponding cup. Such requirements apply to scales supplied to trade from production.

Trade and operational requirements the following: maximum weighing speed, clarity of weighing readings, compliance of the weighing device with the nature of the goods being weighed, strength of the scales.

Maximum weighing speed is achieved if the design of the scale allows weighing to be carried out in the shortest possible time. For this purpose, limiters (stops) are installed in the scales, which reduce the angle of inclination of the lever (rocker arm) during weighing and, therefore, contribute to a more rapid attenuation of the vibrations of the lever. Some scales (for example, dial, optical) are equipped with braking devices (dampers) that accelerate the damping of vibrations during weighing. The most preferable in terms of weighing speed are electronic scales, on which the weighing process is carried out at maximum speed, and when equipped with a receipt printing device, simultaneously with the completion of the weighing process, a receipt is printed indicating the mass, the price of one kilogram and the cost of the goods being weighed.

Visibility of weighing indications in weighing instruments can be achieved by installing pointing (counting) devices that make it easy to observe weighing readings and control the accuracy of individual plumb lines. In order to increase the visibility of weighing readings in rocker scales, for example, balance indicators (jibs) are painted a different color compared to other parts of the scales. On dial scales, the hands and dial are painted in contrasting colors. Dial scales are distinguished by greater clarity of readings, since the dial can immediately determine not only the completion of the weighing process, but also the weight of the goods. Unlike dial scales, on commodity scales, for example, it is necessary to make sure that the scales are in balance using the balance indicators (jibs), and then, summing up the scale readings and the mass values ​​of the weights located on the weight holder, determine the mass of the goods being weighed. Electronic scales, which provide digital indications of weighing results, have the greatest clarity of readings.

Compliance of the weighing device with the nature of the goods being weighed, those. The design of a weighing instrument should be as convenient as possible for weighing. Cups are convenient for weighing, for example, bulk goods. When weighing sausages, cheese, and some household goods, platforms are more convenient.

Scales are manufactured with different weighing limits to suit the most common maximum weights of goods.

Many trade and operational requirements are also provided for in the standards. For example, it is stipulated that, at the request of consumers, scales must be manufactured with removable cups, platforms, with one cup and one platform, with a removable bucket, tray, etc.

Strength of scales largely depends on the quality of the material from which they are made. Insufficient rigidity and strength of a rocker arm, for example, or other levers can cause deflection under load, which can lead to a change in the ratio of the lever arms and a loss of weighing accuracy on the scale, sensitivity, stability and consistency of readings. The wear and tear of individual parts of the scale and its durability depend on the quality of the material.

In accordance with the requirements of the standards, the full technical service life of lever scales must be at least 15 years, optical - 10, electronic - 6. The standard establishes a limit on the probability of failure-free operation of scales and overall reliability. The materials from which the parts of the scales are made, their quality indicators, processing requirements and the quality of the parts themselves are also provided.

Easy to maintain scales. In modern commercial scales, parts are mainly covered with a casing, and open components are coated with anti-corrosion protective material or paint, which protects the scales from dust, dirt and damage.

Aesthetic requirements characterized by the design shape and color scheme. The color of the scales can be red (for meat departments of stores), blue (for confectionery departments), green (for vegetable departments), etc.

Sanitary and hygienic requirements. The covering of the scale must be neutral in relation to the goods being weighed on the scale, i.e. must neither oxidize nor cause oxidation or chemical reactions of the weighed product. In tabletop dial, electronic and hanging tray scales, cups and platforms are made of food-neutral materials (aluminum alloy, stainless steel).