We compared two 5kg digital kitchen scales at different prices: the Salter 1036 disc scale and the Amazon Basics stainless steel scale.
What we looked at
Capacity and minimum weight, platform, Add and Weigh, tare, units, and price.
The verdict
If you bake and want a disc platform that holds mixing bowls, an Add and Weigh function, liquid measuring and a slim design that is easy to store, the Salter is the more feature-rich pick, at £12. If you just want a straightforward 5kg scale with a tare button, a stated 2 g minimum weight and batteries included for around £6.59, the Amazon Basics is the budget choice.
A slim 5kg scale with a bowl-friendly disc platform, Add and Weigh and liquid measuring, but it costs almost twice as much.
A basic 5kg scale with tare, a stated 2 g minimum weight and batteries included at about half the price, but no add-and-weigh listed.
Salter 1036 BKSSDR Digital Kitchen Scale, 5kg, Stainless Steel Platform (Black) — Best for Baking
Intended for: Marketed as a slim digital kitchen scale with a 5kg capacity, a stainless steel disc platform that holds most mixing bowls, an Add and Weigh function, a tare function and liquid measuring, in metric or imperial.
What we liked
- High-precision sensor for food preparation up to a maximum of 5 kg
- Stainless steel disc platform that holds most mixing bowls while keeping the display visible
- Add and Weigh function to measure several ingredients into the same bowl
- Title lists a tare function, a large LCD and liquid measuring
- Metric or imperial measures, in a slim, compact design that is easy to store
Worth knowing
- Costs almost twice as much as the Amazon Basics on these listings
Best for
- Bakers who want a platform that fits mixing bowls and a visible display
- Anyone who wants Add and Weigh and liquid measuring
- Buyers who want a slim scale that stores easily
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants the lower price
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scales with LCD Display (Batteries Included), Black and Stainless Steel — Best Budget Pick
Intended for: Marketed as digital stainless steel kitchen scales with a large LCD, weighing up to 11 lbs (about 5000 grams) with a 2 g minimum weight, showing ounces, grams and pounds, with a tare button.
What we liked
- About half the price of the Salter on these listings
- Weighs up to 11 lbs (approx 5000 grams), with a stated minimum weight of 2 g
- Large LCD with results in ounces, grams and pounds
- Tare button subtracts the packaging weight
- Batteries included, per the title
Worth knowing
- The listing does not mention an add-and-weigh function
- The listing does not mention liquid measuring
Best for
- Budget-conscious cooks who want a basic 5kg scale
- Anyone who wants a stated 2 g minimum weight
- A second scale for a spare kitchen or a gift
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants an add-and-weigh function
- Bakers who specifically want a disc platform for bowls
