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One of the biggest myths in the culinary world is that scales are only for bakers. While they are non-negotiable for pastry, limiting them to that role is a huge missed opportunity for any professional kitchen. A scale is a powerful tool for speed, consistency, and cost control across your entire menu. It’s faster than using measuring cups, guarantees every dish meets your standards, and helps train new staff effectively. A dependable restaurant kitchen scale can transform your prep line and protect your profits. In this article, we’ll debunk this myth and others, showing you how this simple tool can become one of the most valuable assets in your kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Match the scale to the kitchen task: Use a high-precision digital scale for jobs like baking that demand exact measurements, and rely on a durable mechanical or portion control scale for the fast pace of a service line.
• Prioritize features that support your workflow: Look for key functions like the tare button to streamline prep, durable materials like stainless steel to ensure longevity, and pinpoint accuracy to maintain recipe consistency.
• Treat your scale as a smart investment: A professional-grade scale is more cost-effective in the long run than cheaper alternatives. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and calibration, protects this investment and supports your food costs for years.

Digital vs. Mechanical: What Are the Main Types of Restaurant Scales?

Choosing the right scale comes down to your kitchen’s daily tasks. The two main players are digital and mechanical, but you’ll also find specialized scales designed for portioning or weighing bulk deliveries. Let’s break down the main types to help you find the perfect match for your workflow.

Digital Scales: Precision and Modern Features

Digital scales are the go-to for tasks demanding high precision, like baking or crafting delicate sauces. Many models are accurate to a fraction of a gram and have bright, easy-to-read displays that your staff will appreciate during a busy service. They come packed with helpful features like the tare function, which zeros out a container’s weight, and unit conversion for quickly switching between ounces and grams. Professional digital scale indicators are often built with durable stainless steel, making them tough enough for a commercial kitchen and simple to wipe clean after use. They bring modern convenience and pinpoint accuracy to any prep station.

Mechanical Scales: Durability and Simplicity

Mechanical scales, often called dial scales, are celebrated for their incredible durability and straightforward simplicity. These workhorses don’t need batteries or an outlet, making them completely reliable in any setting, from a bustling kitchen to an outdoor food stall. They are designed to be easy to use, consistently accurate, and built to last for years with minimal maintenance. For weighing heavier items or for general prep where absolute precision isn’t the top priority, a mechanical scale is an excellent, long-lasting choice. Our line of is designed to withstand the daily demands of a commercial restaurant, offering dependable performance day in and day out.

Portion Control Scales: For Perfect Consistency

Consistency is key in a successful restaurant, and that’s where portion control scales truly shine. They help you serve the exact same amount of ingredients every time, which keeps your customers happy and your food costs in check. Instead of juggling different measuring cups, your team can place a bowl on the scale, add an ingredient, and press the tare button to reset to zero before adding the next. This simple process streamlines prep and ensures every dish meets your high standards. Using dedicated for portioning is one of the easiest ways to manage your inventory and maintain quality across the board.

Heavy-Duty Scales: Built for High Volume

For the big jobs, you need a scale that can handle the volume. Heavy-duty scales are built for tasks like weighing incoming produce deliveries, portioning large batches of dough, or measuring bulk ingredients from the storeroom. These scales have a much higher capacity than standard models and are constructed from robust materials to withstand a busy receiving area or prep station. Choosing the right heavy-duty model, like a durable , saves valuable time and contributes to a safer, more efficient kitchen. They are an essential tool for any operation that moves a lot of product and needs reliable measurements for large quantities.

What Key Features Should a Restaurant Scale Have?

When you’re ready to choose a scale, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. But focusing on a few key features will help you find the perfect match for your kitchen’s needs. Think about how you’ll use the scale day-to-day. Will you be weighing heavy bags of flour or small amounts of delicate spices? Will it be used in a wet prep area or a dry bakery corner? Answering these questions will point you toward a scale that not only performs well but also lasts for years. Let’s walk through the most important features to look for in a reliable restaurant scale.

Capacity and Accuracy

First, consider the scale’s capacity, which is the maximum weight it can handle. You need a scale that can manage your heaviest ingredients without being overloaded. At the same time, accuracy is non-negotiable. A good provides precise measurements, which eliminates guesswork and ensures your recipes are consistent every single time. Look for a scale that measures in small increments (like grams or fractions of an ounce) to give you the control you need for perfect portioning and recipe execution. This balance between high capacity and fine accuracy is the foundation of a great kitchen scale.

The Tare Function and Unit Conversion

The tare function is a game-changer in a busy kitchen. This feature lets you reset the scale to zero after placing a container on it. Instead of using and washing multiple measuring cups, you can add all your ingredients to the same bowl, zeroing out the weight after each one. It’s a huge time-saver. Another essential feature is unit conversion. The ability to switch between grams, ounces, and pounds with the push of a button makes it easy to follow any recipe without doing mental math. These two functions streamline your workflow and reduce the chance of errors.

A Clear, Easy-to-Read Display

In the fast-paced environment of a commercial kitchen, you need to be able to read measurements at a glance. Look for a scale with a large, clear display, often a backlit LCD screen. This ensures you can see the numbers easily from different angles and in various lighting conditions, from a brightly lit prep station to a dimmer storage area. Some scales even have detached displays, like digital scale indicators, which can be mounted on a wall or shelf for even better visibility when weighing bulky items that might otherwise block the screen.

Durability and Water Resistance

A restaurant kitchen is a demanding environment, so your scale needs to be tough. High-quality construction ensures your scale can withstand the bumps, spills, and constant use of a busy service. Look for models made from durable materials like stainless steel, which resists rust and corrosion. Water resistance is another key feature, as it protects the internal components from splashes and makes cleanup safer and easier. Investing in a durable, well-built scale from a trusted brand like means you won’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.

Power Source Options

Think about where you’ll be using your scale. Will it always be near an outlet, or do you need the flexibility to move it around the kitchen? Many digital scales run on an AC adapter, providing consistent power without the need to worry about batteries. Others are battery-operated, offering portability for tasks like tableside service or weighing items far from an outlet. The best option for many kitchens is a scale that offers both, giving you the reliability of plugged-in power with the convenience of a battery backup if you need it.

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance

Food safety is paramount, and your scale is part of that equation. A scale that is easy to clean helps prevent cross-contamination and keeps your kitchen hygienic. Look for designs with smooth surfaces and removable stainless steel platforms that can be washed easily. It’s best to avoid scales that have too many cracks and crevices where food particles can get trapped. A simple, streamlined design not only looks professional but also makes daily cleaning and maintenance a quick and straightforward task for your team.

A Look at Top Restaurant Scale Brands

When you start shopping for a restaurant scale, you’ll notice a few brand names pop up again and again. Getting familiar with the top players can make your decision much easier, as each one has its own strengths. Some brands are known for their classic, indestructible designs, while others lead the way with advanced digital features. As a master distributor for several top brands, we carry a wide selection to fit any kitchen’s needs. Let’s look at a few of the most trusted names in the industry.

Penn Scale: American-Made Quality Since 1923

With a century of experience, Penn Scale has built a reputation for creating exceptionally durable and accurate scales. We specialize in high-quality that are designed to be straightforward, precise, and incredibly long-lasting. Our professional “Bakers Scales,” for example, are a favorite in bakeries and delis because they provide reliable measurements without needing batteries or a power outlet. As a family-owned company, we combine time-tested manufacturing methods with modern standards to produce scales you can depend on for years. When you choose a Penn Scale product, you’re investing in American-made quality that has stood the test of time.

Ohaus: Advanced Digital Technology

Ohaus is a go-to brand for kitchens that prioritize digital precision and modern features. Known for their reliability and accuracy, Ohaus scales are a popular choice in busy commercial settings where exact measurements are critical. They offer a variety of digital models designed for heavy-duty use, from compact portioning scales to larger for bigger tasks. If your kitchen relies on precise recipe costing, consistent portioning, or advanced functions like dynamic weighing, Ohaus provides the technology to get the job done right. Their scales are built to handle the demands of a professional environment while delivering consistent, trustworthy results.

CAS & A&D Weighing: Reliable Professional Options

CAS and A&D Weighing are two other names you’ll frequently see in professional kitchens, and for good reason. Both brands are recognized for producing durable, precise, and versatile that cater to a wide range of commercial needs. Think of them as the reliable workhorses of the kitchen. They offer a great balance of performance and value, with features designed to streamline daily tasks and ensure consistency. Whether you need a simple scale for weighing ingredients or a more complex system for pricing, CAS and A&D Weighing provide dependable options that help keep your operations running smoothly.

How to Match the Right Scale to the Kitchen Task

Not all kitchen scales are created equal, and the one you use for delicate pastry work might not be the best fit for portioning burgers on a busy line. Using the right scale for the right job is one of the easiest ways to improve consistency, manage food costs, and make your kitchen run more smoothly. Think of it like your knife set; you have different blades for different cuts. The same logic applies to your weighing equipment. Matching the scale to the specific application ensures you get the accuracy and durability you need without overspending on features you won’t use. From baking precise cakes to prepping ingredients for the dinner rush, let’s break down which scale works best for common kitchen tasks.

For Baking and Pastry Work

In baking, precision is everything. Unlike savory cooking, where you can often get away with a little extra of this or that, baking is a science. As many professional cooks will tell you, they rely on a scale for accuracy, speed, and consistency, often measuring in grams. A cup of flour can vary in weight depending on how it’s packed, but 120 grams is always 120 grams. This is why a high-precision digital scale is non-negotiable for any serious baking or pastry station. Look for a model that measures in small increments (at least to the gram) and has a responsive sensor. This ensures your recipes turn out perfectly every single time, from breads to delicate macarons.

For Portion Control and Managing Food Costs

Consistent portioning is the secret to happy customers and a healthy bottom line. A reliable provides accurate measurements, which completely eliminates the guesswork when plating meals or prepping ingredients. When every burger patty, side of fries, or scoop of coleslaw is the same size, you create a predictable experience for your guests and gain tight control over your food costs. For this task, you’ll want a durable, easy-to-clean portion control scale. It should be tough enough to handle the fast pace of a service line and simple for any staff member to use quickly and efficiently.

For Daily Prep and Measuring Ingredients

For general prep work, a scale is almost as important as a chef’s knife. A versatile bench scale can dramatically speed up your workflow. Instead of dirtying dozens of measuring cups and bowls, your team can add ingredients directly into the same mixing bowl on a scale, simply zeroing out the weight after each item. This “tare” function is a massive time-saver and significantly cuts down on cleanup. For daily prep, look for a sturdy with a large, stable platform and a clear display. It needs to be robust enough to handle heavy containers and frequent use day in and day out.

For Scaling Recipes Up or Down

Whether you’re preparing for a big catering event or adjusting a recipe for a slow Tuesday, scaling recipes accurately is crucial for maintaining quality. Trying to double or halve a recipe using volume measurements can easily throw off the ingredient ratios, but when you work with weights, the math is simple and exact. Investing in the right size scales supports smooth operations and prevents costly mistakes. Your kitchen might benefit from having a couple of options: a small, precise scale for spices and leavening agents, and a larger capacity scale for bulk items like flour, sugar, or proteins. Having a ensures you can handle any batch size with confidence.

How Do You Choose Between a Digital and Mechanical Scale?

Deciding between a digital and a mechanical scale isn’t about which one is universally better, but which one is better for your kitchen. Both have a solid place in a professional setting, and the right choice comes down to your specific needs, your menu, and even your team’s workflow. Are you crafting delicate pastries that demand absolute precision, or are you portioning out fries where rugged durability is the top priority? Let’s break down the strengths of each type to help you find the perfect fit for your daily tasks.

When to Go with a Digital Scale

If your recipes require pinpoint accuracy, a digital scale is your best friend. These scales are incredibly precise, often measuring down to a tenth of a gram. This level of detail is essential for baking, pastry work, and any culinary creation where exact ingredient ratios make or break the final product. Digital scales also come with handy features that streamline kitchen prep. The most popular is the tare function, which lets you zero out the weight of a container. This means you can measure multiple ingredients in the same bowl, saving time and reducing cleanup. For versatility and modern convenience, a digital model is hard to beat.

Why Some Kitchens Stick with Mechanical Scales

Despite the high-tech features of digital models, many chefs swear by the simplicity and toughness of . These scales are true workhorses. They don’t need batteries or an outlet, so you can count on them to work anytime, anywhere in your kitchen. Their straightforward design makes them incredibly durable and easy to use, which is a huge plus in a fast-paced environment. Some chefs also prefer the tactile experience of a mechanical scale, allowing them to quickly gauge weight without needing to read a digital display. If you need a reliable, long-lasting tool that can handle the daily grind, a mechanical scale is an excellent choice.

Understanding the Differences in Accuracy

When it comes to accuracy, it’s important to know how these two types of scales work. Mechanical scales typically use a system of springs and weights, which can result in less precise readings. For many tasks, like portioning proteins or vegetables, this is perfectly fine. Digital scales, on the other hand, use electronic sensors to provide a more exact measurement. This makes them the clear winner for any recipe that depends on specific chemical reactions, like baking bread or making complex sauces. Understanding this difference helps you match the right tool to the right job, ensuring all your serve their purpose effectively.

What Are the Biggest Myths About Kitchen Scales?

Kitchen scales are one of the most misunderstood tools in a professional kitchen. While many chefs swear by them, others are held back by a few common misconceptions. Let’s clear the air and separate the facts from the fiction when it comes to using scales in a restaurant setting. Getting the right tool for the job starts with understanding what it can truly do for your workflow, consistency, and bottom line. From speeding up prep to guaranteeing perfect portions every time, a reliable scale is an investment that pays for itself.

Myth: Scales Are Only for Baking

While it’s true that baking requires scientific precision, limiting scales to just pastry work is a huge missed opportunity. Professional cooks across all specialties rely on scales for accuracy and consistency. Weighing ingredients is faster than using measuring cups and ensures every dish comes out exactly as intended, from sauces and soups to portioning expensive proteins. Using a quality helps you control food costs and replicate recipes perfectly, which is the foundation of a successful kitchen. It’s about creating a dependable experience for your customers, no matter who is on the line.

Myth: All Scales Are Equally Accurate

This is one of the most dangerous myths for a professional kitchen. A cheap, flimsy scale from a big-box store simply won’t deliver the precision or durability needed for commercial use. The accuracy of a scale depends on its construction, technology, and calibration. An old spring-loaded model might give you a general idea of weight, but it can’t compare to the precision of a high-quality digital or mechanical scale. For tasks that demand exact measurements, you need reliable equipment. Investing in a trusted brand like ensures you get the accuracy your recipes and budget depend on.

Myth: Using a Scale Slows Down Your Kitchen

It might seem like an extra step, but using a scale actually makes kitchen prep much faster. Think about the time spent finding, using, and washing multiple measuring cups and spoons for a single recipe. With a scale, you can place one bowl on it and use the tare function to zero out the weight after adding each ingredient. This “taring” method means less mess, less cleanup, and a more streamlined workflow. Efficient can become the central hub of your prep station, keeping everything moving smoothly and quickly, especially during a busy service.

Myth: Experienced Chefs Don’t Need to Measure

Even the most intuitive and experienced chefs benefit from using a scale. While a seasoned pro can often eyeball measurements with impressive accuracy, consistency is what separates a good dish from a great restaurant. A scale eliminates guesswork, ensuring that every plate that leaves the kitchen meets the same high standard. This is crucial for managing customer expectations, controlling food costs, and training new staff. It’s not about a lack of skill; it’s about a commitment to professional precision. You can that provides the reliability your kitchen needs to produce consistent results day in and day out.

How Much Should You Budget for a Restaurant Scale?

Figuring out your budget for a new kitchen scale is a lot like planning a menu. You need to balance cost with quality and consider what will best serve your kitchen’s daily demands. You can find a scale at almost any price point, but the real question is what you get for your money. A cheaper scale might seem like a win upfront, but if it can’t handle the heat (literally and figuratively) of a commercial kitchen, you’ll be shopping for a replacement sooner than you think.

Investing in the right equipment is one of the smartest moves a restaurant owner can make. A reliable scale impacts everything from food cost management to recipe consistency. Think about your kitchen’s volume and specific needs. Are you a high-volume bakery that needs a heavy-duty workhorse, or a small cafe that requires precise portioning for expensive ingredients? Your answers will guide you to the right price range. Let’s break down the typical budget tiers so you can find a scale that fits your needs and your wallet.

Entry-Level Options (Under $100)

You can easily find a kitchen scale for under $100 on large retail sites, and there are thousands of options to choose from. These scales are often digital, compact, and work well for home kitchens or very light commercial use. However, they typically aren’t built to withstand the constant use, spills, and high temperatures of a professional restaurant environment. While the low price is tempting, these models often lack the durability and long-term accuracy needed for consistent portion control and recipe execution. If your budget is tight, an entry-level scale can be a starting point, but be prepared for it to have a much shorter lifespan than a professional-grade model.

Professional-Grade Scales ($100-$500)

This price range is the sweet spot for most restaurants, delis, and bakeries. In the $100 to $500 range, you’ll find durable, precise, and reliable designed for commercial use. These models are built with higher-quality materials like stainless steel, offer better water resistance, and provide consistent accuracy day after day. Investing in a professional-grade scale means you’re paying for longevity and performance. It reduces the likelihood of needing frequent replacements and ensures your portioning stays on point, which is crucial for managing food costs and delivering a consistent product to your customers. This is an investment that truly supports a smooth and efficient kitchen operation.

High-End Commercial Models ($500+)

For kitchens with demanding, high-volume, or specialized needs, a high-end commercial scale is the way to go. These models, which can cost $500 or more, are the toughest and most precise on the market. Think heavy-duty baker’s dough scales or large receiving scales. Many of these top-tier are made in the USA with robust construction designed to last for decades. They offer higher weight capacities and specialized features that streamline workflow in the busiest environments. While the initial cost is higher, these scales are built for performance under pressure and are often the most cost-effective choice in the long run for serious commercial operations.

Balancing Cost with Essential Features

Ultimately, the best scale isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about value. A scale that costs a bit more but offers essential features like the tare function, easy unit conversion, and a waterproof design will save you time and prevent frustration in the kitchen. High precision, often down to a fraction of a gram on digital models, can make a huge difference in the quality of your final product, especially in baking. When you , think about which features will have the biggest impact on your daily workflow. Choosing a scale with the right combination of durability, accuracy, and user-friendly features is a smart business decision that supports a safer, more efficient kitchen.

What Do Chefs and Owners Say About Their Scales?

When you’re choosing a tool for your kitchen, it pays to listen to the people who use it every single day. Chefs, bakers, and restaurant owners have strong opinions about their equipment because the right tools directly impact their consistency, speed, and bottom line. They know what features are just nice to have and which ones are absolute game-changers. By understanding what professionals praise and what they complain about, you can make a much smarter decision for your own kitchen and avoid common frustrations.

The Most-Praised Features

Across the board, professional cooks value accuracy and consistency above all else. Many prefer to measure ingredients in grams because it removes the guesswork that comes with using measuring cups. A precise scale ensures that a recipe tastes the same on Tuesday as it does on Saturday, which is the foundation of a great reputation. This level of precision allows for perfect portion control, helping to manage food costs effectively. Speed is another celebrated feature; a responsive scale with a clear display allows chefs to work quickly and efficiently during a busy service without sacrificing accuracy.

Common Complaints to Watch Out For

One of the most frequent, and preventable, mistakes is forgetting to tare the scale. This simple act of zeroing out the weight of a container is crucial for accurate measurements, and forgetting it can throw off an entire recipe. Another major complaint is using a scale that isn’t precise enough for professional needs. Some low-quality scales can only give a general weight range, which is useless for delicate pastry work or strict portioning. Investing in quality from the start helps you avoid the frustration of inconsistent and unreliable readings.

What Makes a Scale Truly Reliable

For a chef, a reliable scale is one they can trust without a second thought. It provides accurate measurements every time, eliminating the need to guess or double-check. This reliability comes from quality construction and the ability to maintain its precision over time. For scales that get heavy daily use, regular calibration is key to ensuring they remain accurate. A truly dependable scale is also built to withstand the kitchen environment, meaning it’s durable and easy to clean. This combination of consistent performance and sturdy design is what makes certain a fixture in professional kitchens for years.

How Can You Make Your Restaurant Scale Last?

A high-quality restaurant scale is an investment in your kitchen’s consistency and efficiency. Just like you’d maintain your knives or your mixer, your scale needs a little attention to keep it performing accurately for years to come. The kitchen can be a demanding environment with heat, moisture, and constant activity, all of which can take a toll on sensitive measuring equipment. But with a few simple habits, you can protect your scale and ensure it remains a reliable tool for portion control, recipe development, and managing food costs.

Think of scale maintenance as having three key parts: daily cleaning, regular accuracy checks, and proper handling. Building these practices into your team’s routine is the best way to get the most out of your equipment. A well-cared-for scale not only lasts longer but also gives you the peace of mind that your measurements are always spot-on. This protects your recipes, keeps customers happy, and helps your bottom line. Taking these small steps will prevent frustrating inaccuracies and the unexpected cost of replacing a scale that could have lasted much longer.

Daily Cleaning and Care Tips

In a professional kitchen, cleanliness is everything, and your scale is no exception. Food particles and liquids can build up over time, affecting the scale’s function and creating a food safety hazard. The best approach is to choose a scale with a smooth surface and fewer crevices where debris can get trapped. After each shift, make it a habit to wipe the scale down with a damp cloth and a mild, food-safe detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that could damage the surface or the display. Unless your scale is specifically rated as waterproof, never submerge it in water. A quick daily wipe-down prevents buildup and keeps your in top condition.

How to Calibrate for Accuracy

Over time and with heavy use, even the best scales can drift slightly from their original settings. That’s where calibration comes in. Calibrating your scale means checking its accuracy against a known weight and adjusting it to ensure it’s correct. This step is critical for maintaining consistent recipe outcomes and precise portion control. For a busy commercial kitchen, it’s a good idea to calibrate your scale regularly, perhaps weekly or monthly, depending on how much you use it. The process is usually straightforward; you’ll need a calibration weight and can follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Consistent calibration ensures your digital scale indicators provide trustworthy readings every time.

Proper Storage and Handling

How you store and handle your scale has a huge impact on its lifespan. Kitchens are busy places, so it’s important to give your scale a safe home. Always store it on a flat, stable surface away from vibrations, extreme heat from ovens, or excessive moisture from sinks. Train your staff to avoid dropping items onto the scale or placing heavy pots and pans on it when it’s not in use, as this can damage the sensitive internal load cells. If your scale is portable, designate a specific spot for it on a shelf where it won’t get knocked over. Treating your scale with care, much like any other precision tool, will help it withstand the daily demands of a professional kitchen. Many sturdy are designed for stability in these environments.

Related Articles

• Mechanical Kitchen Scales – Shop Now | Penn Scale
• Restaurant Scales Archives – Penn Scale
• Portion Control Scales – Shop Online | Penn Scale
• Bakers Balance Beam Scale – 16 lb Commercial Use | Penn Scale

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a digital scale, or is a mechanical one good enough? It really comes down to the task at hand. If you’re baking or working with recipes that require absolute precision, a digital scale is the right choice. For general portioning, weighing produce, or tasks where rugged durability is more important than pinpoint accuracy, a mechanical scale is a fantastic, reliable workhorse that never needs batteries. Many professional kitchens find it useful to have both types.

Why is the tare function considered a must-have feature? The tare function is a massive time-saver and a key to an efficient workflow. It allows you to place a container on the scale, reset the weight to zero, and then add your ingredients. You can even add multiple ingredients to the same bowl, hitting tare after each one. This simple feature means you use fewer dishes, which speeds up both prep and cleanup.

Is it worth spending more on a professional-grade scale? Yes, it’s an investment that pays off. A cheaper scale designed for home use simply isn’t built to handle the constant use, spills, and temperature changes of a commercial kitchen. Professional-grade scales are made with more durable materials like stainless steel, offer better water resistance, and maintain their accuracy for much longer. Spending a bit more upfront saves you the cost and frustration of having to replace a less reliable model down the road.

How often should I calibrate my kitchen scale? The best schedule depends on how much you use the scale. For a scale that’s in constant use on a busy prep line, checking its calibration weekly is a great habit to get into. For equipment that sees lighter use, a monthly check is probably fine. Regular calibration is the only way to ensure your measurements remain accurate, which protects your recipe consistency and food costs.

Can I use the same scale for both baking and general prep? While you could, it’s often not the most practical solution. Baking demands a scale with high precision that can measure in very small increments, often down to a single gram. General prep, on the other hand, usually involves heavier items and requires a scale with a much higher weight capacity. Most kitchens operate best with at least two scales: a small, precise digital model for pastry and a larger, sturdier bench scale for everything else.