The Best Bathroom Scale

Most of us have a love/hate relationship with the bathroom scale. You may realize that at least occasionally checking your weight is key to staying healthy, so a reliable scale is a must. At some point, someone in your household will inevitably tackle a weight loss journey, at which point a scale will be especially important.

The top quality you’ll probably look for in a scale is accuracy. Durability and appearance mean nothing if the numbers you see when you step on it aren’t correct. Digital scales use sensors and a strain gauge to measure and convert the weight of an object placed on them. Today’s top scales also feature the ability to calibrate automatically. This feature allows reliable readings every time you step on the scale, even if you’ve moved it since the last time you weighed.

Before you buy a scale, you should first take a look around the room you’ll be putting it in. Most often this is a bathroom, but you may plan to slide it into a closet when it’s not in use. If that’s the case, you’ll probably want to pay close attention to the width and length of the scale you choose since smaller scales will squeeze into tighter spaces. Otherwise, visualize the way the scale will look when mixed with your existing décor.

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the durability of the scale that you’re buying. Most of today’s scales are built to last for many years, but some are stronger than others. While many scales will promise a durable frame, you should also pay attention to the glass. Scales made from glass have been known to shatter in the past. It may be worth it to consider one with tempered glass that promises many years of reliable use.

• The main thing you need out of any scale is accuracy. You need to know that the weight you’re seeing when you step on is correct. Both the Innotech and Etekcity digital scales use precision sensors built on German technology to ensure accurate results.
• Scales now go beyond simply telling you your weight. The GreaterGoods Bluetooth smart scale connects to a smartphone app that helps you track your progress. This, in effect, gives you a full picture of your health. Best of all, you can sync the data to third-party apps where you track your calories, steps and other health data.
• As you stumble to the scale first thing in the morning, bleary-eyed and barely awake, a clear display can make all the difference. The EatSmart digital scale has an extra-large lighted LCD display that you will find easy to read even in a pitch-dark bathroom, thanks to a backlight. The Etekcity scale also has an easy-to-read backlit display.
• Unless you plan to hide your scale in a closet, it will immediately become part of your bathroom décor. That makes it important to consider how it looks. The GreaterGoods, Innotech and Etekcity scales are all solid black, while the EatSmart scale features clear glass. While all of the scales are attractive, the EatSmart likely will blend the best, while the GreaterGoods scale has the appearance of a high-end scale.
• If you do plan to hide your scale in a closet, though, you’ll want to take size into account. The Innotech scale will take up the least amount of space, at 11.7 X 11.7, with both the EatSmart and Etekcity scales measuring around 12 X 12. The GreaterGoods scale is by far the widest and longest of all the scales, measuring 15 X 15.
• You’ll likely want a scale that will last for many years. The GreaterGoods scale features a sturdy frame that supports up to 400 pounds. The Innotech scale is made from sturdy tempered glass, making it also very durable.
• If you have a budget in mind as you start shopping, your decision won’t be too tough. The EatSmart, Innotech and Etekcity scales are all around the $20 mark. The GreaterGoods scale is more than double that price. However, if full health tracking is important to you, the app connectivity feature may make it well worth it.