Personal scales | The best of 2022
With the introduction of digital scales, moreover, the basic price of these products has been drastically downsized. As we will see later, with a negligible expense you will be able to get scales rich in numerous functions and options and, if you are particularly demanding, follow a meticulous diet or have a large budget, you can also opt for a smart or impedance model. And all this without underestimating the usefulness of the old analog scales.
Given the wide range of models on sale, choosing the right scale can be challenging. Around the web you will find numerous options that vary in technology, functions and design. And, since scales are very personal devices, the best reviewed or most expensive model may not necessarily be the right one for you.
To help you choose the product that best suits your needs, we have compiled a guide to the best scales around. The selection has been divided by types, functions and uses, and presents the best quality-price scales currently available on the market.
The best scales
Medisana PSD Renpho Impedance meter Rowenta YD3091 Tanita BC-545-N Amazon EonoMedisana PSD | Best analog scale
The Medisana PSD analog scale is a perfect example of how it is not necessary to resort to digital technology to get an excellent scale. Completely mechanical, this scale not only stands out for its retro design, but also for its solidity: the glass and stainless steel that make up the PSD structure are designed to last over time. The footplate is non-slip and supports up to 150kg. Finally, the dial is very large, with clear digits and notches that facilitate weight reading. The price is close to that of many mid-range smart and digital models, but it is abundantly justified by the elimination of maintenance costs, as well as by the quality of the product.View on Amazon View on eBay
Renpho Impedance | Best quality-price balance
High precision and accuracy, 13 types of measurements and an unbeatable price make the Renpho impedance balance the best product you will find in the category for value for money. The Renpho app to monitor your measurements is compatible with all major smartphone operating systems, and also works with the Apple Watch. The app also allows you to create an unlimited number of accounts: each family member will be able to follow their progress, download measurement charts and, if desired, share the results with others. The tempered glass platform with a sober and elegant design is also embellished with a large and clear LCD display and a very precise automatic on / off system, which will guarantee you a longer battery life.View on Amazon
Rowenta YD3091 | Best smart scale
In addition to being smart and feature rich, a smart scale should also be easy to use. With the Rowenta YD3091 scale you will go for sure. It has numerous options, including body composition analysis, segmental measurement and automatic recognition, all managed by fluid and intuitive software. The integrated app includes a sports coaching program (with 48 exercises, various complete training programs and planning by objectives) and a nutritional one (to integrate physical exercise with the right diet). You can monitor up to 8 profiles at the same time, syncing them with the other Google and Apple health apps you already have on your phone.View on Amazon View on eBay
Tanita BC- 545-N | Best digital sports scale
Tanita doesn't need much introduction: it is a leading brand in the distribution of health and wellness devices. And its BC-545-N smart scale with segmental weight detection is, quite simply, one of the best products you will find around, especially if you play competitive sports. Among the ten available body composition measurements, you will find BMI, fat mass, muscle mass, metabolic age and bone mass, as well as the possibility of obtaining separate values for arms, legs and trunk. The double detection BIA technology guarantees the maximum accuracy of the weighing, both total and segmental. It is also equipped with 4 memories with automatic recognition and a "guest" mode, with which you can let other people use the scale without the risk of losing or altering your personal data.View on Amazon
Amazon Eono | Best economic scale
The Amazon Eono digital glass scale is the best option on the market for those who absolutely need a scale and want to spend little. In fact, with just over € 20 you can secure a scale with a maximum capacity of 180 kg, equipped with automatic switching on and off, bright LED display and ultra-thin transparent tempered glass base. The edges of the platform are rounded and smoothed, making this scale a product that is as practical as it is safe. The bargain price and the many options available make the Amazon Eono an extremely functional scale, as well as advantageous.View on Amazon
How to choose
Each of us should have a balance at home, and this for several reasons. You could use the scale daily, even several times a day, or only on a few sporadic occasions. If you are a perfectionist sportsman, you need to monitor the results of your diet or you simply want to have a general idea of your weight, you cannot do without a scale. Furthermore, you may prefer an old-fashioned scale, that is analog, or digital, equipped with many extra and cutting-edge functions.When choosing a scale, it is essential to take into account the functions you need, but also of your physicality. There is no point in choosing a scale with a maximum weight capacity of 300kg if you weigh less than 100kg. Conversely, if you have to weigh your children, pets or suitcase before going on vacation, an adult scale won't help you much. This is why, to avoid spending money unnecessarily, it is good to gather some information first.
Type of technology
The first useful information to consider when choosing your next scale is technology of measurement, which is divided into two major variants: analog scales and digital scales.Analog scales, also called mechanical, are easily recognizable by their vintage design, the dial divided into notches and the proverbial needle. They are simple and effective and do not require batteries or a power outlet. They are called mechanical precisely because they lack any electronic component. Cheap but sometimes less precise, these models require to be calibrated manually, usually using the wheel installed at the base of the plate.
Digital scales, on the other hand, stand out for their usually light and space-saving structure and the now classic display electronic. Most of the models are cordless and, to get them to work, all you have to do is remember to change the batteries from time to time. As the name suggests, the needle dial is here replaced by a screen that facilitates the exact measurement of the weight, including decimal digits. The smart digital variants come with apps that allow you to synchronize the scale to your smartphone (so you can monitor your progress in the short and long term), as well as dedicated measurement options.
Although less common than the previous ones, it can It may be useful to know that there are two other variants on the market, column scales and solar scales. The former are mostly intended for professional use: you will surely have seen one in a pharmacy or doctor's office. They have a very large plate, the display positioned on a vertical rod and are made of aluminum. These are advanced models, which guarantee extremely precise weighing and, for this reason, are much more expensive than the other options. The high price and their bulky dimensions make them obsolete for home use. The solar scales, on the other hand, represent the green choice of the category. From an energy point of view, they appear to be a hybrid between analog and digital scales. They do not require batteries, but to charge them you will need to expose them to sunlight, keeping them in a balcony or near a window. Even though they are ecological, they are not the best in practicality or functionality.
Digital or analogue?
One of the most frequent doubts when buying a scale is: should it be analog or digital? According to a widespread misconception, digital technology is considerably better than analog. Not only because, unlike analogue scales, digital scales have automatic calibration, but above all for the precision and ease with which they record the weight. Instead of calculating the distance of the needle from the individual notches, with a digital scale all you have to do is read the figure that appears on the screen. However, this is not always the case. In fact, if you opt for an inexpensive digital model, know that factors such as humidity or excessive temperature changes could significantly alter the accuracy of the device. Another advantage of analog scales is that, as much as it requires your intervention, calibration is quick and easy: if the needle moves from zero, just put your hand on the wheel under the platform and you're done.Once again, the success or failure of your purchase will not be the characteristics of the model you choose, but the ability of the latter to meet your specific needs. If you are looking for a scale to keep at home for the whole family, you weigh yourself sporadically and do not want to spend too much, analog technology is up to the task. You could opt for a small disc analog scale for example, which has a lower resolution (usually kilo to kilo, no decimals) but costs very little. Alternatively, there are the more expensive but accurate large disc models, which add even half a kilo variations to the weighing resolution. Also consider that the maintenance of an analog scale is completely free, as the spring does not require any type of power supply. All you have to do is remember to recalibrate it every now and then.
For the same price, the main strength of digital scales is that they are light, easy to move (you can even store them in a cabinet or in the closet afterwards use) and boast a more sophisticated design. If the bathroom or the room where you place the scale has modern furnishings, the analogue models could be out of tune, while if you have a small house you might struggle to find the right location.
The situation changes for those who follow a precise diet, practice competitive sports or, simply, are looking for a multifunctional scale. Some digital scales are equipped with impedance detection, essential for calculating the difference between fat mass (FM) and lean mass (FFM) and, in the higher-end variants, with software for calculating body parameters such as hydration level, cell mass and bone mass.
Relevant features and other features
Accuracy is everything when buying a scale. It is measured through the difference between the detected weight and the actual weight and, obviously, the smaller the difference, the more accurate the scale will be. Unless you get an expensive column scale, know that it will be difficult to get a measurement calculated by the gram. Nevertheless, the market offers more reliable models of scales than others. In general, the cost of the model says a lot about its accuracy: an inexpensive scale will risk running out of phase more often than an expensive one and, as we said, some variables such as humidity or temperature changes could affect the performance of your measurements. .The other main feature of a scale is its resolution, that is the ability of the device to detect even minimal weight variations. If you play competitive sports and have to fall into specific weight categories, a variation of even a few grams could make a difference. Generally speaking, the decimal resolution of digital scales is quite reliable. However, perfectionists will necessarily have to opt for the smart variants, specially designed to take detailed measurements. On the other hand, those who are satisfied with an indicative weighing (for example the approximation in kilos) will also be happy with the analogue entry-level models.
In addition to being accurate and with good resolution, the scale must also be convenient to use. This additional aspect usually depends on the characteristics of the plate, which should be large enough to allow you to assume a position as natural as possible. The width of the plate also affects the accuracy of the scale. A large platter usually has a greater number of sensors and will allow you to better distribute the weight on the surface. In any case, we suggest you to choose a scale with a non-slip platform, a useful feature not only for your safety, but also to avoid mismatches due to movement and therefore errors in weight detection.
Finally, you may be interested to a scale with an automation function, which consists of the ability of the device to switch on, detect the weight and switch off automatically. Analog scales have this function by necessity: having no power supply, the needle is activated as soon as you put your feet on the springs and returns to place immediately after you get off the platform. Some digital scales have borrowed this feature from their predecessors, with the display turning on automatically as you step onto the pan. The simpler or older digital scales may take a few seconds to communicate the result of the weighing, while the recent models almost all have instant detection. You can also find the same function for switching off, with the device that switches off by itself if it feels weightless (also in this case, depending on the model, it may take minutes or seconds).
