EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale

Very affordable at $25. If you are not expecting much for the price, you will be pleasantly surprised by the EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale.

It takes up to 11 lb or 5 kg in 0.05 oz and 1 gram increments. It also measures tiny amounts accurately, which when baking, is crucial.

Changes are reflected quickly, and even when the plate is off-center on the platform, it reads well.

You can select ounces, pounds, grams or kg. The button which changes the settings is on top of the scale, not underneath as in some scales, so is easily accessible. It also remembers your last setting, which means you don't have to scroll through the options each time you weigh.

You can either place food directly on the scale platform, or in a dish, and use the tare function which zeros out the weight of the dish.

The platform is stable, and although not large, is big enough to take a 10" bowl comfortably.

There have been occasional reports that the white plastic casing has a hint of pink in it, more noticeable when next to white appliances, but that isn't the norm.

At 8 x 1.8 x 6 inches, the EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale is compact and takes up little space on your counter. It is also small and light enough to put away on a shelf or in a drawer.

Weighing 13 oz it gives the impression of being flimsy, but does its job well.

The high resolution screen, the angle and big numbers mean they are easy to read. Large dishes can over-shadow the display so use a transparent plate or elevate your dish.

Five rubber feet cleverly prevent the light plastic scale from sliding on your worktop and spilling the contents.

The weights register in decimals which most people prefer to work with, so you would see 2.6 oz instead of 2 5/8 oz. The pounds setting is also decimalized, simplifying calculations. If you were to buy a pound of mince, split it into 3 servings of 0.33.

Keeping the scale in a plastic bag ensures no food spills between the two buttons. Even without going to such lengths, the EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale is easy to wipe clean. Being able to remove the platform would result in a more thorough cleaning, but may be a bit much to expect for the price.

The 3 minute sleep function gives you ample time to prepare ingredients for weighing, and at the same time saves battery life. You may also switch off manually if you wish.

It takes 2 standard AAA batteries which typically last about a year.

Unlike a more complex nutritional scale, this is easy to use. Two buttons, which when clicked, provide all the functionality.

EatSmart are renowned for their excellent customer service and provide a two year guarantee for this scale. You receive 2 AAA batteries with your purchase of the EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale so you can use it immediately.

You also receive the useful EatSmart Calorie Factor which lists calorie factors of various non-packaged foods. By multiplying the weight of your food by the calorie factor listed in the book, you work out the calories for that portion. Great if you're watching your weight.