The Best Kitchen Scale for Sourdough Baking – I Tested 20!

I’ll admit it – I used to be a “cups and tablespoons” baker who rolled my eyes at gram measurements. “Just give me 2 cups of flour, not 240g!”

But once I switched to weighing ingredients, I could never go back. My sourdough became consistent, and my cleanup got easier.

The problem? After years with my beloved (but expensive and hard-to-clean) OXO scale, I started wondering: what if there’s something even better out there?

So I bought 20 kitchen scales ranging from $8.99 to $60, tested them with precision weights, and analyzed them to death to find the absolute best options for sourdough bakers.

The winner might surprise you.

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The Best Kitchen Scales

Best Overall: Atogou, $19.99

It’s exceptionally accurate, reads lightning fast, works with nearly any-sized bowl or bin, has a high 33 lb weight capacity, a 10-minute auto-shut off feature, is easy to store, and boasts a great price. Some may find the two pieces cumbersome to store, and the brand name is not widely known. But overall, Atogou checks all the boxes for me.

Best on a Budget: Vitafit, $9.99

At a $10 price point, this scale functions really well with speedy readings and an exceptional 33 lb weight limit. It’s small and easy to store, but it doesn’t start measuring until 2g and shuts off automatically after just 2 minutes.

Runner-Up: OXO 11-lb, $42.67

The OXO has a special place in my heart, and I still think it’s one of the best. It boasts lightning-fast readings, a super long auto shut-off, pull-out display to accommodate big bowls, and a decent weight limit of 11 lb. The higher price tag and hard-to-clean areas are definite downsides, but it remains one of my favorite scales, and it’s built better than the Atogou (as it should be, for the price!). If you can get past the hard-to-clean issue and price is no object, this would be my top pick.

Rechargeable Option (No Batteries): Zwilling, $39.99

For those who prefer zero batteries, the Zwilling scale is one of the only options. It does have some benefits, like it’s one of the easiest to clean, the 22 lb weight limit is impressive, and it feels high-end thanks to its glass surface and lack of plastic. The downsides are that the readings are fairly slow, it’s not as accurate as other options, and it’s on the pricey side. Definitely not my top choice, but many followers told me batteries were a dealbreaker, so this one had to make the list.

Scale Comparison Chart

Why Kitchen Scales Matter for Sourdough

Most Americans measure in cups instead of grams, and I used to be one of them! I personally grumbled when recipes called for grams instead of cups. But now that I own a scale, my opinion has completely switched.

Here’s why scales are so great for sourdough baking:

Precision is everything in sourdough. You can scoop 1 cup of flour five different times and get a different weight each time. Are you spooning flour into the measuring cup or dipping the cup directly into the bag? Packing it down or leaving it loose? Leveling with a knife or eyeballing it? Too many variables! Grams eliminate all that guesswork, and when sourdough can already be tricky, let’s remove as many unknowns as possible.

No extra dishes to wash. This might sound minor, but it’s honestly one of my favorite benefits. You can measure everything directly into your mixing bowl – no measuring cups covered in sticky honey or peanut butter to scrub later.

Small changes can make big differences. Just a 10-20g difference in water can change your crumb structure! A scale lets you make precise tweaks to see how they impact your final loaf. Without accurate measurements, troubleshooting becomes nearly impossible since you never know if it’s your technique or inconsistent ingredients causing issues.

I now prefer scales so much that I regularly convert cup-based recipes to grams. Once you make the switch, you’ll wonder how you ever baked without one!

Testing Process

I asked my Instagram followers what matters most when choosing a kitchen scale.

Here were the top priorities that guided my testing:

• Accuracy – Does it measure precisely?
• Small measurements – Can it read starting at 1g?
• Display visibility – Can you read it with large bowls on top?
• Weight capacity – How much can it handle? (Crucial for micro-bakeries)
• Price – What’s the cost?
• Reading speed – Instant results or frustrating delays?
• Auto shut-off – Does it turn off too quickly and lose your measurements?
• Ease of cleaning – Are there nooks and crannies that are hard to clean?

Checking Accuracy

I purchased M1 Class calibration weights to test two key accuracy questions:

1. Can each scale measure something as light as 1g?
2. Do they accurately read larger weights?

Accuracy Starting at 1g

“I need a scale that measures small amounts, like 5 grams.” – Julie C.

Only 3 of the 20 scales could read the 1g weight: Atogou (my winner), KitchenAid KQ909, and Ooni.

The KitchenAid and Ooni both have dual scales – one large, one tiny.

While their small scales could read 1g, their large scales couldn’t. The KitchenAid’s main scale was consistently 1-2g off on other weights, making the accurate tiny scale less helpful.

The Ooni’s small scale maxes out when you place even a cereal bowl on top, defeating its purpose entirely for me.

The Atogou impressed me most – it could accurately measure 1g without needing a separate tiny platform.

Accuracy for Larger Weights

Most scales handled the 5g, 20g, 50g, and 100g weights accurately.

The problem scales (consistently 1g+ off) were Zwilling, KitchenAid KQ909, Escali Arti, and Brod & Taylor.

The Ultrean couldn’t accurately read anything 5g or under.

Handling Big Bowls & Dough Bins

“I need one that allows me to see the numbers better when my bowl is on it!” – Kari O.

All scales except one (the Ultrean) accommodated my largest bowls, but some required off-center placement, which can affect accuracy.

Scales truly designed for large bowls:

• Both OXO scales (pull-out display)
• Rujixu and My Weigh (commercial-style builds)
• Nutrimill (large platform)
• Atogou (separate display works with any bowl size that fits the platform)

Weight Capacity

The OXO 5-lb scale was most disappointing here. Despite having all the features I love from the larger OXO, its 5-pound limit meant I hit the maximum just making a double batch of bread dough. Not practical!

For micro-bakery owners or high-volume bakers, the top contenders were:

• Rujixu: 66 lb
• Nutrimill, Vitafit, Brod & Taylor, Atogou: 33 lb each

The Atogou continued to impress – accurate at 1g and capable of handling up to 33 pounds.

Price

Price sparked this entire comparison. I love my OXO scale, but at ~$50, I wanted to find budget-friendly alternatives that didn’t sacrifice quality.

I tested scales ranging from $8.99 to $60, deliberately ignoring prices during testing to avoid bias.

Surprisingly, my frontrunner (Atogou) landed on the budget end! Higher price definitely doesn’t guarantee a better scale.

Speed of Measurement Readings

Speed can make or break a scale. Slow displays cause consistent over-measuring as you wait for readings to catch up.

“Super pet peeve of mine is when I’m measuring ingredients and the number sticks and then all of a sudden you go over” – Michelle B.

Worst performers: Etekcity and Nutrimill had painfully slow updates that made accurate measuring nearly impossible without constantly pausing.

Just to showcase the difference, here is Atogou vs Nutrimill:

Best performers: Atogou and OXO showed instant, real-time measurements with zero delay.

Honorable mentions: Nicewell, Vitafit, Taylor, Homebuds, and My Weigh. These weren’t lightning fast, but definitely better than the rest.

Auto Shut-Off Times

While marketed as a battery-saving feature, quick shut-offs frustrate bakers.

Picture this: you empty a flour bag, walk to the pantry for a new one, and return to find your scale off with all measurements lost.

“I need one that doesn’t time out when I take too long to heat up my water.” – Breanne S.

Best auto shut-off times:

• OXO scales: Never fully shut off (power-saving mode after 5 minutes keeps display active)
• My Weigh: The auto-shut off can be fully turned off
• Atogou: Adjustable from 2-10 minutes (just press and hold the T button)
• Escali scales: 4-5 minutes
• Brod & Taylor: 4 minutes

Worst offenders: KitchenAid KQ909, Nutrimill, and Taylor shut off after just 1 minute – practically guaranteed to lose your measurements mid-recipe.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning flour and dried starter out of a scale’s nooks and crannies can be a huge pain – one of my biggest complaints about my beloved OXO scale.

“Accuracy and ease of cleaning are key features. Speed of reading is probably third for me. Ease of cleaning is huge.” – The Sourdough Journey

Easiest to Clean: The Zwilling and Nutrimill scales topped this category with their completely flat glass surfaces and zero physical buttons. Many other scales also performed well here, featuring sleek, flat surfaces with minimal areas for ingredients to get trapped.

Hardest to Clean: The OXO scales present a cleaning challenge – while their pull-out displays are fantastic for big bowl visibility, they create crevices where flour inevitably gets stuck. I always find flour trapped in that area!

Other scales with hard-to-clean areas include the Taylor, Rujixu, Ooni, and KitchenAid KQ909, all featuring button recesses or design elements that trap ingredients.

For sourdough bakers who frequently work with starter and dusty flour, prioritizing a smooth, seamless surface can save significant cleanup time in the long run.

Misc. Details: mL, Touch vs Tactile, Power Source

A few additional features came up in user feedback, though they weren’t top priorities for most bakers:

Liquid Measurements: Some scales offer mL conversions, which can be helpful for recipes calling for liquid measurements by volume rather than weight.

Button Type: Users had varying preferences between touch-responsive screens and physical tactile buttons. Touch screens offer a sleeker look, but they can be finicky, while tactile buttons provide better feedback and work even with wet or floury fingers.

Power Source: Most scales run on batteries, but a couple offer plug-in functionality. This can be valuable for high-volume bakers who want to avoid battery replacement costs.

While these features didn’t make or break any scale in my testing, they’re worth considering based on your specific baking habits and kitchen setup.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Scale	Price*	mL measurements?	Touchscreen or Tactile Buttons?	Power Source
Ooni	$60	✔	Tactile	3 AAA
My Weigh	$46.99	X	Tactile	3 AA + DC 5V power cord option
OXO 11-lb	$42.67	X	Tactile	4 AAA
Zwilling	$39.99	X	Touchscreen	Rechargable (USB-C)
Etekcity (Smart)	$35.99	✔	Touchscreen	3 AAA
KitchenAid KQ909	$33.78	X	Tactile	3 AAA
Rujixu	$29.59	X	Tactile	2 AA
Escali Arti	$27.99	✔	Touchscreen (it’s finicky)	2 CR2032 batteries
OXO 5-lb	$27.99	X	Tactile	4 AAA
Escali Primo	$26.95	✔	Tactile	2 AA
Brod & Taylor	$24.95	✔	Touchscreen	2 AAA
Nutrimill	$24.95	X	Touchscreen	2 AAA
Atogou	$19.99	✔	Tactile	4 AAA
Nicewell	$19.77	✔	Touchscreen	2 AAA
KitchenAid KQ913	$17.41	✔	Touchscreen	3 AAA + screwed-in battery compartment (the only scale requiring a screwdriver)
Taylor	$16.49	✔	Tactile	2 AAA
Amazon Basics	$10.49	✔	Tactile	2 AAA
Vitafit	$9.99	✔	Tactile	3 AAA
Ultrean	$9.99	✔	Tactile	1 CR2032 battery
Homebuds	$8.99	X	Touchscreen (it’s finicky)	3 AAA

In-Depth Scale Reviews: The Best Scales

Atogou Scale Review

“I bought the two piece, Atogou wireless for $17. I absolutely love it! 💯! It’s def a winner for me.” – Robin B.

At $19.99, the Atogou scale shouldn’t be this good… but it is. This two-piece wireless design checks every box that matters while delivering features I’d expect from scales costing twice as much.

What Makes It Special: The separate wireless display is genius for large bowls and bins. You can place any size container on the scale platform while keeping the display completely visible. It’s the only budget scale that accurately measures down to 1g on its main platform, making it perfect for salt and small ingredient measurements. The 33-lb capacity rivals commercial scales, and the adjustable auto shut-off (2, 4, 6, or 10 minutes) means you can customize it to your baking style.

Minor Drawbacks: The two-piece design requires storage space for both components, though the magnetic backing helps. The brand name isn’t widely recognized, which might concern some buyers. I also have gotten one message from a baker who bought it and said it was inaccurate and returned it – it makes me question if there are consistency issues with their product.

Why It Wins: Exceptional accuracy, lightning-fast readings, accommodates any bowl size, impressive weight capacity, and an unbeatable price. This scale delivers everything sourdough bakers need without much compromise.

OXO 11-lb Stainless Steel Scale Review

“You’d have to rip my OXO scales out of my cold dead hands!!” – Melissa W.

“The stainless OXO is worth every penny!!” – Julie Frazier D.

“I had the [OXO] and bought a new one (different brand) and gave this one away. I hate the new one and want the old one back!” – Pamala R.

The OXO 11-lb scale earned its runner-up status for good reason. At $42.67 (sometimes it’s closer to $50), it’s pricey, but it delivers on nearly every front that matters to sourdough bakers.

What Makes It Great: Lightning-fast readings mean you’ll never overpour ingredients waiting for the display to catch up. The pull-out display is genuinely brilliant for accommodating large bowls – you can use practically any size container and still see your measurements clearly. The auto shut-off is the most generous of any scale tested; it never fully turns off, just dims the backlight after 5 minutes while keeping your measurements visible. It’s also very well-built and should stand the test of time, perhaps better than the Atogou.

The Reality Check: Those nooks and crannies around the pull-out display are flour magnets. I consistently find starter and flour trapped in that mechanism, making cleanup more tedious than it should be. The 11-lb capacity is adequate for most home bakers but can feel limiting when making multiple loaves.

Bottom Line: If you don’t mind paying more and can live with the cleaning challenges, this scale delivers professional-level performance that will last for years. The user loyalty speaks volumes – people genuinely love this scale (including me) despite its minor flaws.

Vitafit Scale Review

At $9.99, the Vitafit scale delivers impressive performance for budget-conscious bakers. It’s my “Best on a Budget” pick for good reason.

What Makes It Great: Fast readings rival scales costing 4x more. The 33-lb capacity is exceptional at this price point – perfect for large batches or commercial use. Compact design stores easily in small kitchens.

The Trade-offs: Cannot measure below 2g, and the 2-minute auto shut-off is short.

Bottom Line: If you need basic weighing functionality without breaking the bank, this scale punches well above its weight class.

Zwilling Scale Review

The Zwilling at $39.99 targets bakers who want to eliminate battery hassles entirely.

Please note that I don’t generally recommend this scale as others perform much better at a lower price point. However, it’s the only scale I tested that is rechargeable and uses no batteries.

Unique Benefits: Rechargeable via USB-C means never buying batteries again. The flat glass surface is the easiest to clean. Premium feel with its glass construction and 22-lb capacity.

Significant Drawbacks: Slow readings make precision measuring frustrating. Accuracy issues (consistently 1g+ off) undermine confidence in measurements. The off-center display with large bowls isn’t ideal.

In-Depth Scale Reviews: Good (Not Great) Scales

Amazon Basics Scale Review

“I have the Amazon inexpensive one. It works great! Had it for a year so far.” – Darla J.

“I have this one and have had it for YEARS! 🙌🏻” – The Sourdough Mama

“I have had the Amazon Basics one for many years and have yet to even need a battery!” – Christy Hanley D.

For $10.49, the Amazon Basics scale represents solid value for basic sourdough baking needs. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done reliably.

What Works: Decent accuracy for larger measurements, great battery life, and Amazon’s reliable customer service if issues arise. The price point makes it accessible for beginners or as a backup scale. Many users report years of reliable service.

Limitations: Cannot measure below 2g, the measurement readings lag a little bit, and the 2-minute auto shut-off is frustrating for complex recipes. Display visibility isn’t ideal with larger bowls since you can’t center them properly.

My Weigh Scale Review

At $46.99, the My Weigh scale targets serious bakers with its commercial styling and features. This is the scale Parker from Basil & Bloom uses for his microbakery, and I’ve gotten a lot of messages from those who use it and adore it.

Strengths: Fast, accurate readings with a solid 17-lb capacity. The option to plug in via DC power cord eliminates battery concerns during long baking sessions. Durable construction feels built to last. The 2.5-minute auto shut-off can be turned off completely.

Limitations: Cannot measure below 2g. But honestly, the real issue for me is how large this scale is. It’s less than ideal for home bakers with minimal storage space. But for microbakers or those who have the space, this scale is definitely a good one.

Brod & Taylor Scale Review

“I have a Brod and Taylor scale… It has a bit of a 2 to 3 second lag, but it’s 10 times better than the Amazon scale.” – Gloria T.

The Brod & Taylor at $24.95 looks promising, and while nothing is horribly wrong with it, it falls in the middle of the pack for me. I’d consider it a solid middle-ground performance that gets the job done without excelling in any particular area.

What Works: Amazing 33-lb weight capacity for larger batches. The 4-minute auto shut-off is great for most baking workflows. The touchscreen interface feels modern, and the glass surface is super easy to clean.

The Limitations: The tare function is occasionally slow, which means pausing between ingredient additions. The slight reading lag can lead to overmeasuring if you’re not patient. Cannot measure below 2g.

Scales I Don’t Recommend (+ Why)

Nutrimill Scale Review

“I have the NutriMill, but it changes by 2 grams and I’m not trusting it.” – Laura R.

At $24.95, the extra-large Nutrimill scale promises 33-lb capacity but delivers one of the worst user experiences.

The Good: Large platform, impressive weight capacity, easy to clean flat surface.

The Deal-Breakers: Painfully slow readings that make accurate measuring nearly impossible. Every time I used this scale, I overmeasured and had to spoon ingredients out of the bowl. The 1-minute auto shut-off is tied for the shortest tested. Cannot measure below 2g.

Etekcity Smart Scale Review

The Etekcity Smart, which was a viral TikTok sensation for a while, costs $35.99 and promises modern features. But I found all it delivered was frustration.

Smart Features: App connectivity and nutritional tracking sound appealing for health-conscious bakers.

Critical Flaws: Painfully slow readings make it one of the worst performers for actual baking. Cannot measure below 2g. The off-center display with large bowls is problematic.

Ultrean Scale Review

The Ultrean at $9.99 represents the bottom of the barrel in performance.

Critical Failures: Cannot accurately read anything 5g or under (the worst of the bunch). The display becomes invisible with larger bowls. Slow readings compound the accuracy problems.

The Only Positive: Cheap price, but even that can’t justify the poor performance. The best on a budget scale (Vitafit) is the same price and excels where this one fails.

Nicewell Scale Review

“I have the Nicewell. It seems to be quick, but then 1-2 second after you are done it changes by a gram or two. Drives me nuts.” – Hope B.

The Nicewell at $19.77 offers mid-range performance with some quirks.

What Works: Fast readings and good 22-lb capacity. The touchscreen interface feels modern. Reasonable price point for the features offered.

The Problem: Reading drift after measuring creates uncertainty about final weights, which is particularly frustrating for precision baking. Ultimately, we can do much better for the price.

Homebuds Scale Review

At $8.99, the Homebuds scale is the cheapest option tested, with performance that reflects the price.

Positives: Impressive 22-lb capacity for the price. Fast readings when it works properly. Very budget-friendly entry point.

Significant Issues: Finicky touchscreen that doesn’t always respond reliably. Build quality feels cheap. The 2-minute auto shut-off is limiting.

KitchenAid Scales Review

KQ909 ($33.78): Dual-scale design similar to Ooni but with worse accuracy issues. The main scale was consistently 1-2g off, making the accurate small scale pointless. The 1-minute auto shut-off is the shortest tested.

KQ913 ($17.41): The only scale requiring a screwdriver for battery changes – seriously annoying. Slow readings and basic functionality don’t justify the hassle.

Rujixu Scale Review

At $29.59, the Rujixu offers an impressive 66-lb capacity but little else.

The Appeal: Highest weight capacity tested – great for commercial operations or massive batch baking.

The Problems: Slow readings, can’t measure below 2g, and it’s super flimsy. When you lift the plate off the top, the mechanical components are fully exposed. Alongside the My Weigh scale, it’s the largest one tested, so it’s not great for storage in a home kitchen.

Escali Scales Review

“[I]t’s slow to react and the thing that bugs me the most is the lip or edge isn’t flat and makes bigger bowls wobbly.” – Tisha H.

“I have the Escali and it’s great. Had the OXO and it was a pain to keep clean” – Cheryl B.

The Escali scales (both Arti at $27.99 and Primo at $26.95) generate mixed reactions from users, and my testing revealed why.

The Problems: The Arti model suffers from accuracy issues, consistently reading 1g+ off on multiple weights. Its touchscreen is also quite finicky. The Primo has a really bad lag that makes it frustrating to use.

What Some Users Like: The Arti scale is very easy to clean, and some appreciate the mL measurement option on both.

Ooni Scale Review

At $60, the Ooni scale is the most expensive tested, but it doesn’t deliver proportional value, in my opinion.

The Concept: Dual scales (large and small) attempt to provide both capacity and precision in one unit.

Why It Fails: The small scale becomes useless with even a cereal bowl on top, defeating its precision purpose. The large scale can’t measure below 2g. Slow readings add to the frustration.

The Verdict: Interesting concept, but for the price point, I would expect more from this scale.

OXO 5-lb Scale Review

At $27.99, this smaller OXO has all the features of its bigger sibling but with a fatal flaw.

What’s Good: Lightning-fast readings, pull-out display, never shuts off, excellent build quality.

The Problem: 5-lb capacity is simply too limiting. I hit the maximum making a double batch of bread dough with my mixing bowl.

Taylor Scale Review

“I have a Taylor one and it turns off very quickly! So annoying!” – Monique S.

“I know you didn’t like the Taylor, but it’s my favorite. Very basic.” – Robyn P.

The Taylor scale at $16.49 offers fast readings but falls short on usability.

The Deal-Breaker: The 1-minute auto shut-off is way too short. You’ll lose measurements constantly during normal baking workflows. This single flaw overshadows its otherwise decent performance.

What Works: Fast readings and tactile buttons that work reliably. The price point is reasonable for the accuracy you get.

Conclusion

After testing 20 kitchen scales and analyzing hundreds of reader comments, the choice is clear: the Atogou scale at $19.99 delivers everything sourdough bakers need without breaking the bank.

For those on an even tighter budget, the Vitafit at $9.99 proves you don’t need to spend big for reliable weighing.

And if you’re ready to invest in premium features, the OXO 11-lb scale remains a beloved choice despite its higher price and cleaning drawbacks.

As I continue testing my favorites (and maybe even buying more scales to test), I’ll continue to keep this review updated. Longevity is important, so if I run into any durability issues, I’ll add those updates ASAP.

Let me know in the comments: what’s your favorite (or least favorite) scale?

Other product reviews:

• Thermapen One Review: Why I Don’t Regret the Investment
• Krustic Bread Dome Review: Worth It for Sourdough Bakers?