The high-capacity platform measures in as little as 1g increments to a maximum of 10kg, while the second smaller precision platform has 0.1g increments up to 200g, making weighing fine and lightweight ingredients like fresh yeast an absolute cinch. Use knowledge of place value and addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers to derive sums and differences of decimals Lucy loves cooking and baking at home with her family, so has personal experience of putting a variety of kitchen utensils through their paces.

These scales can usually take a heavy load and don’t need batteries, but the spring may experience some wear and tear over time which could affect accuracy. Mechanical/analog scales are generally less suited to measuring really small amounts. Digital scales Slim enough to stash in a drawer or small kitchen cupboard, the Salter Disc Electronic Scale has a large stainless steel platform that can accommodate a wide range of bowl sizes without restricting your view of the generous LCD display. It’s also incredibly easy to wipe down after use - handy for cleaning up the flour explosions and cake mix spatters created by overenthusiastic kids in the kitchen.While the scale can only be cleaned with a damp cloth, we love the stainless steel bowl, which can be popped in the dishwasher for freshening up after use. Type: Digital | Dimensions: ‎24.13 x 18.1 x 3.18cm‎ | Weight of unit: 816g | Weight capacity: 5kg What we like There’s often an ‘add and weigh’ (also called ‘tare’) function which resets your scales to zero when you need to add more ingredients – and with many of them, you can use your own bowl or jug. For the multi-tasking queens or kings out there, the Salter Chopping Board Digital Scale doubles up as a handy kitchen accessory, letting you chop and measure on the same surface. It's not the most accurate scale on our list and has a low maximum weight capacity, so you may want to avoid this model if precision is key. It’s also quite heavy and takes up quite a bit of worktop space. However, it is a really striking centrepiece for your kitchen.

While it has a fairly simplistic design, this practical tempered glass scale has a generous 15kg capacity, making it an ideal choice for those starting to take their baking more seriously - and, speaking of which, our guides to the best baking trays and top cake tins can help you out there. Each kitchen scale featured is made with top-quality materials and makes a great addition to your kitchen. We also considered factors such as ease of storage, maximum weight capacity and, of course, the accuracy of weighing results.Ease of storage - How big is it? Does the kitchen scale need to stay on display on your kitchen countertops or is it compact enough to pop in a drawer or cupboard when not in use? For those who are really limited on storage space or have a smaller kitchen, slimline models or those that fold or flatten away may be the most suitable choice. Type: Digital | Dimensions: ‎19 x 22.5cm | Weight of unit: 400g | Weight capacity: 15kg What we like Type: Digital | Dimensions: ‎14.57 x 11.02 x 1.57 ‎cm | Weight of unit: 1.7kg | Weight capacity: 15kg What we like Type: Digital | Dimensions: ‎21.34 x 21.34 x 12.19cm‎ | Weight of unit: 150g | Weight capacity: 5kg What we like

If you prefer the look and feel of a traditional kitchen scale over a digital option, then the retro-style KitchenCraft Living Nostalgia Mechanical Kitchen Scale may just be what you’re looking for. Not only is it precise and functional, but it also looks particularly attractive on any kitchen countertop with a choice of colours including Antique Cream, French Grey and Vintage Blue. With an extra-large glass platform to accommodate even the largest mixing bowls, you can weigh up to 15kg directly on the platform or in a bowl. Slim and compact, you can then neatly store the unit as you would a chopping board and simply wipe it clean after use. Unlike some traditional kitchen scales, the Salter Disc comes with an aquatronic option, too - allowing you to measure liquids without needing to use a measuring jug. It is worth noting, however, that the accuracy is higher on dry ingredients. Accuracy of results - How accurate are the scales? What is the lowest weight they can register and in what increments? For measuring finer, lighter ingredients such as yeast or salt, you may want to consider scales with precision accuracy, that offer the ability to register small increments in weight.

Use the change in your purse. Set the scale to zero and weigh a coin or two. A 1p=3.56g, 2p=7.12g, 5p=3.25g and 10p=6.5g. Don’t worry if your coins are not fresh from the mint, but don’t use any that look old and worn. If a coin or two weighs the correct amount, you can stop there.