Tool Reviews

For dietetics and cooking, an important indicator is the observance of the exact amount of ingredients in the cooking process. A kitchen scale, a household appliance related to measuring technology, can help in solving this problem. They determine the weight of the ingredient – both liquids and bulk products.

Consider what are the advantages of glass kitchen scales and what points to pay attention to when buying.

How they work

Glass kitchen scales are a weighing platform made of high-quality safety glass (with or without a bowl), under the platform there is a plastic case on stands. Measurement indicators are displayed on a liquid crystal display, with control buttons located next to it.

They work from a battery, less often from an electrical network.

The principle of operation for all models is identical:

• turn on so that the display shows the numbers “0.0”;
• place the load for weighing, the display will show the exact weight of the load;
• when weighing cargo in a container, weigh the container first, then the container with the cargo;
• switch off.

When buying, you need to pay close attention to:

• on the brand of the manufacturer;
• on the measurement accuracy;
• for the maximum weighing weight;
• on functions;
• on the menu;
• to the instruction manual;
• for design;
• on stands (legs).

Characteristics of glass kitchen scales

The choice of the manufacturer is of paramount importance, because the trademarks of brands that produce household appliances and utensils, or companies that have made a name for themselves in the production of measuring equipment, guarantee:

• measurement accuracy;
• the fact that the device shows a value with a minimum error;
• the quality of the materials from which they are made;
• customer service support and long service life.

Measurement accuracy
A kitchen scale has a step of 1 gram. There is another important parameter – the measurement error. The minimum measurement error is 0.1 grams. In general, an error of 1 – 2 grams is considered the norm.

Weighing weight
This is an important feature. It means what is the maximum weight of products allowed to be weighed at one time. Usually this figure is 2 – 5 kilograms.
You need to proceed from what will be the volume of food cooked, the number of people in the family.

Functions of glass kitchen scales

Some models have additional features. But they also cost more. It all depends on the purpose of the acquisition. Before you buy, you must carefully study the instructions, with the functions indicated in it, and decide which model is needed.

Additional features are:

• Tare function. Available in almost all models. If you need to use it, then you need to put a weighing container on the platform, when you press the button, the weight indicator will be reset to zero. Then pour or pour the ingredient into this container, and they will show how much the product weighs without the container. Some models, if you press the button, will remember how much the container weighed and automatically subtract this figure from the total value.
• Automatic shutdown. The device automatically turns off when it is at rest. This feature is required to conserve battery power. Some scales turn on automatically when they sense that a load has been placed on them.
• Charging indicator – battery charge indicator.
• units of measurement. It is needed when it is necessary to convert one unit of measure to another.
• Sequential weighing – you can weigh all the ingredients by adding them one by one to the platform. The instrument sums up the readings.
• Liquid volume. Allows you to change the units of measure from grams/kilograms to milliliters. So, when weighing a liquid, the display will show its volume in milliliters.
• Timer. If necessary, you can record the time.
• Clock, alarm. Not a popular feature. But it is found in some models.
• Weight display. An indication of whether the maximum allowable weight threshold has been exceeded.
• calorie counting. It will help those who are on a diet. The device will calculate the calorie content of the ingredients on the platform.
• Program “Diet”. For those who follow the composition of products, including displaying indicators for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, cholesterol and calories.

Control
There are two types of menu control on the balance:

• With the help of buttons – there is a danger that some product will wake up or spill on the buttons. In the future, they may stop responding to pressing. Or through them, the liquid will get inside the mechanism, and the scales will fail.
• Using the touch panel – the display is protected from the ingress of loose and liquid substances, since there are no grooves and joints on the panel. Thus, dust, moisture, dirt will not get inside. However, you need to be careful when caring for the touch panel – you should carefully wipe the touch buttons, as it may fail, or the inscriptions will be erased and the control of the scales will become inconvenient. The touch model is covered with a special film, and additionally protected by inserts above the buttons.

Design

When buying, you need to pay attention to the platform – what material it is made of. Possible options are glass, wood, plastic, metal. Whatever the material, it does not affect the work in any way.

A product with a glass platform will suit any interior: high-tech kitchen, classic style, and Provence style.

Platform design – the platform can be with or without a pattern, it can be glossy, matte, and even transparent. It is worth noting that on platforms with a pattern, scratches that may appear over time are less visible.

The most popular are the scales of the slim category (super thin) – they are thin (up to 1 centimeter) and easily fit in kitchen drawers. In terms of functionality, they are in no way inferior to conventional scales.
There are models of scales with a bowl. This is convenient, but does not affect functionality in any way. You can do without a special bowl, using a suitable container in the kitchen for weighing.

It is advisable to choose a product in which the bowl is removable or without a bowl at all, since if the bowl cannot be removed, it may be difficult to operate – in order to pour or pour the ingredient out of it, you will have to turn it over. In addition, it is more difficult to take care of such a design (particles of the weighed products can get into the joints between the bowl and the scales).

Stands (legs)
It is desirable that the legs of the product are rubber – then it will not slip on the surface of the table.
Some models have a special loop to hang on the wall.

Exploitation

• It is not advisable to expose the product to high and low temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight;
• you can not drop, and knock;
• it is forbidden to place on heavy objects that exceed the maximum allowable weight limit;
• do not use abrasive cleaners and solvents for maintenance;
• it is forbidden to self-repair;
• do not allow liquid to enter the housing;
• must be kept out of the reach of children.

Exploitation
Availability is a must. The following must be stated in plain language:

• how to use;
• safety measures at work;
• ways of care;
• manufacturer’s warranty period.

Pros and cons of glass kitchen scales

For the manufacture of glass kitchen scales, only safety glass is used – a material with characteristics – additional strength and resistance to mechanical stress on it, and in addition, in the event of safety glass breaking, a person will not get hurt.

Pros with a glass platform:

• the glass platform is practical;
• easy to care for (wipe with a damp sponge);
• does not absorb odors;
• resistant to acids and alkalis;
• environmentally friendly.

Minuses:

• over time, scratches on the surface may occur.

Kitchen scales are divided into two categories – electronic and mechanical.
In mechanical ones, a spring is installed, which, under the influence of gravity, shifts the arrow along the measuring scale.

Mechanical advantages:

• weigh a large mass;
• do not depend on batteries;
• the cost is less than that of electronic ones.

Cons of mechanical:

• measurement error is high;
• except for weighing, there are no other functions;
• the spring stretches over time, the readings become inaccurate.

The measurement result is shown on the display.

Advantages of electronic:

• multifunctionality;
• measurement accuracy.

Cons of electronic:

• are more expensive than mechanical ones;
• dependent on power sources.

Problems

However, it is possible to highlight the problems that arise during the operation of this device, and options for solving them at home:

• the device does not show numbers – perhaps this is due to power.
  Solution: Carefully remove the battery. Replace the battery with a new one and see how the device reacts. If there is no result, and the device still does not work, it needs to be repaired.
• the scales show incorrect readings – you can calibrate, thus adjust the product.

Solution: Press the button (see which one in the instructions) and hold it for 30 seconds. CAL will appear on the display, then the weight value will be displayed in digits. Next, select a load with a known weight value and put it on the scales. The word PASS will appear indicating calibration is complete. You need to erase the inscription, turn off the scales.

• the board, the device and the display are connected by a cable. It happens that it does not adhere tightly to the details, and then malfunctions occur.

Solution: Carefully lift the board and press it firmly against the display, for example, with a wooden block. Install a bar between the bottom of the case and the board.

• the device shows an error – the contact ends may have become thinner.

Solution: It is necessary that they fit snugly against the legs of the scale. To do this, replace the contacts with a relay of a suitable size. Connect the contacts to the wires, then solder.

• stop working due to the ingress of particles of food or water.

Solution: Clean inside.

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