Tool Reviews

Mechanical culinary scales are far from a luxury, but a necessary element of a modern kitchen. The device perfectly copes with its direct purpose, determining the mass of products, and is a household helper in the house.

When choosing an economical, functional mechanical product, some rules should be followed in order to determine the most suitable device.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Accurate weighing of the ingredients of the dish will ensure the quality of the preparation of a culinary masterpiece. The device is useful for a novice cook who is uncertain about cooking. And an experienced culinary specialist will help to realize chef’s fantasies. Because exotic recipes require a clear dosage of ingredients.
• Preparation of blanks for the winter is not complete without determining the mass of products.
• To follow a healthy diet, it is recommended to consume the exact amount of food, which is determined by weighing on a scale.
• When making crafts from beads or yarn.
• Checking the weight of purchased goods.
• Determination of the mass of medicines and jewelry.
• Scales simplify and facilitate cooking. Since the search for containers to convert the product into mass takes extra time.
• Some models make it possible to take into account the severity of the container using the adjustment screw.

Advantages:

• no need for electricity;
• ease of use understandable to a person, regardless of age and education;
• inexpensive cost;
• equipped with a proven measurement design (springs).

Disadvantages:

• dependence of the accuracy of the result on the correct installation of the case itself;
• springs lose their elasticity over time, which affects the quality of application;
• weighing error;
• Weight readings are not saved automatically, so you need to keep a record yourself.

The device of mechanical kitchen scales

The position of the spring changes, the arrow shows the value of the mass. The heavier the food, the farther the dial hand goes.

The standard device is based on the load counterweight index, which determines the weight. The location of the quadrant itself (the index element) varies. If the measurement is made with a quadrant body, the spring is deformed under the action of the weight of the load. The indication of the mass is indicated by a moving arrow located on a fixed marking.

The reverse principle of operation is based on the movement of the graduated scale, and the label does not move. With the help of the regulator located on the body, the initial value is set to zero or another if necessary (when cooking in a bowl). This principle of the device guarantees a technology proven over the centuries.

Types of mechanical kitchen scales

There are two types of mechanical kitchen scales by structure:

Classic scales
This type is not common for home use, but it is quite acceptable. The device does not have the usual measurement scale. The device consists of a rocker arm, the product is placed in one container, weights are placed on the other. To calculate the mass of the bowl are equalized. By the principle of counterweight, that is, the weights themselves show the weight of the product.

In the kitchen, this type is used in the presence of weights with different mass values. That is, in the presence of small weights, meaning grams. Then the error is minimal.

Modern scales
They are a device that is quite attractive and has a lot of advantages. The dial and arrow show the measurement result. Some models with or without a bowl can withstand up to 20 kg. Almost impossible to damage the mechanism. All paragraphs below are devoted to the description of this type.

According to the location of the scales are divided:

• Desktop. They are mounted on a table or other even, flat surface.
• Suspended. Hang vertically on the wall.

Functions

Weighing weight
The permissible weight, which is measured by mechanical scales, is the main characteristic. This value determines how many products are weighed at once. In mechanical, this indicator is marked on the dial. Above this value, the balance does not measure.

The maximum indicator determines the weighing limit, is indicated by a scale, for various models it is from 2 to 5 kg. The markings show the load by a minimum division of 1 or 10 grams.

If the device is often used for preparing blanks for the winter, it is preferable to choose a model with a maximum weighing weight. Products with a value of up to 3 kg will be enough for other needs.

The minimum weight limit also turns out to be an important characteristic when purchasing, the smallest indicator is 1 gram.

Measurement accuracy
This characteristic is represented by an error from 0.1 grams to 5 grams. But an error of 1 gram will not have a strong impact on the final result. During the procedure, it is required to follow the rules of use, ensure a flat surface, check that the arrow points to the beginning of the scale when using the bowl, set to zero.

Weighing time is 2 – 5 seconds.
The regulator function allows you to reset the scale to zero, so it is convenient to add ingredients according to the recipe.

Characteristics of mechanical kitchen scales

Weighing method
There are two ways to determine the weight: a bowl or a flat surface.

level platform
With a flat surface, the procedure is performed in the dish where the food is lying or the cooking process is already in progress.

To weigh a whole fish or watermelon, the flat top is perfect. The platform accommodates large or long objects.

Scales with bowl
Such models perfectly weigh sugar, flour, salt, liquids. The bowl can be used for cooking, food is added directly to the container, and the amount of added ingredients is measured at the same time. It’s practical and fast. If the bowl is removable, access to a flat surface is opened.

The device with a bowl is suitable for free-flowing ingredients. The removable bowl has the advantage of choosing whether to use the bowl or not. Instead, other dishes are installed. When preparing several ingredients, each being in a separate plate, it is hung out separately, only the plate itself is taken into account.

Other features
Particular attention must be paid to the legs. To avoid slipping, rubberized elements are preferred.

Some models are equipped with a special hole for wall mounting, which saves storage space.

The numbers located on the scale can be of various sizes and even convex, which guarantees ease of use for people with poor eyesight. For this, a backlight is provided, which guarantees trouble-free weighing even in a poorly lit kitchen area.

Sometimes handles and spouts are equipped for ease of use when pouring liquids, lifting containers, moving. What is important, since the surface, especially glass, glides on contact with wet hands. As is the case with food preparation.

How to use the scales

• Before use, make sure that all elements are in good condition.
• The device is installed on a flat surface, this ensures the correct measurements.
• The outer surface of the scale is cleaned with a damp cloth and then wiped with a dry towel. Do not use solvent or chemicals.
• Regularly clean the inside of the bowl with a damp sponge, if necessary, use a detergent.
• Do not overload the balance to avoid damage.
• Protect the appliance from moisture and water, do not wash under running water, the detachable bowl can be washed in a dishwasher.
• Avoid storage at sudden temperature changes, near heat sources (battery, stove, heater).
• Do not place items during storage.
• The case with a removable bowl can be stored in it or put on to protect the mechanism.

Production material

For the body, plastic, wood, steel are used. Metal ones are more durable. But they do not have a significant effect on the procedure.

Bowls are made of metal, plastic and glass. Glass models are unpretentious and practical options.

Plastic bowls have high strength due to modern materials, and the cost is much lower than others. However, it is preferable to choose matte plastic. Because transparent with frequent use, contact with hot water fades. What ruins the look.

Stainless material guarantees a presentable appearance for a long time of storage and operation.

Design

An important criterion when choosing an assistant in the kitchen is the design, mechanical appliances meet this condition, modern culinary scales are distinguished by their excellent appearance. The design is performed in a classic style, hi-tech, retro.

The scale is placed on the rulers, body, under glass flasks. The arrow is optional. The shape of the arrow is a classic straight line, in the form of a curlicue, curly. Models are rich in variety and originality. Decorated inserts made of cast iron, copper, exclusive drawings are added.

Colour
This criterion is extremely diverse. Classic options – black, white. Red, blue, green, pink, yellow colors are available for everyone. All kinds of shades (golden, silver, cream, turquoise) make the product fashionable and original. Of course, the color matches the style of manufacture.

Mechanical scales are a real accessory of modern kitchen.

Precautionary measures

• Children are not allowed to play with scales. Therefore, keep the product out of the reach of children. The scales themselves do not pose a danger to the child; rather, he will damage the mechanism of the product. But packaging materials (film, polystyrene) pose a threat to children, lead to suffocation.
• Handle weights with care and respect.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Do not store foreign objects between the hull and the platform.
• Do not place the product on wet, slippery or hot surfaces.
• The balance should be placed away from the edge of the desktop.
• Do not weigh hot foods or liquids.
• Avoid contact with acidic, flavored, coloring products (beets, carrots, citrus fruits), as this will affect the appearance of the product.
• Do not subject to mechanical damage.
• It is recommended to store the product in a cool place in an upright position.

Helpful Tips

• The metal composition of the scale body is more stable than other materials, it is not subject to cracking when struck or dropped.
• The simple design ensures high reliability of the product.
• The glazed scale eliminates the risk of erasing or damaging marks.
• An ideal model, in the thicket of which the body of the product fits during storage.

Faults

If the bowl is damaged, replace it with a suitable container.

Capricious pastries, desserts, exotic sauces, signature dishes require the exact dosage of ingredients. This is achieved with a mechanical kitchen scale that is economical, reliable and easy to use.

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