A bathroom scale is the best way to control your weight, both for people trying to keep fit and just generally looking after their health. So which bathroom scale should you choose? Read our article and find out about the most important information needed to choose the right scale for your needs.
A bathroom scale is the best way to control your weight, both for people trying to keep fit and just generally looking after their health. So which bathroom scale should you choose? Read our article and find out about the most important information needed to choose the right scale for your needs.
Which bathroom scale is best: mechanical or digital?
Let’s start off by taker a closer look at the two basic types of scales – mechanical and digital. Both types have their pros and cons, which it is good to be aware of.
Mechanical scales use special springs that deform under pressure. They set in motion a mechanism that then turns the dial showing your weight. When it stops, the indicated figure is the weight of the user. Mechanical bathroom scales have been used for many years, and although they are currently much less popular, there are still fans of using this type of scale, due to the fact that you will not need to change the batteries, and they are easier to use.
One disadvantage of mechanical scales is that they are often less accurate than digital models. The margin of error during use can be quite large, so you should not treat it as a precise indication of your body weight. Another disadvantage for some users is the lack of additional features. If you want to measure more than just your body weight, then perhaps this is not the best option for you. The last issue for many users is their old-fashioned design, which doesn’t always match modern bathrooms. Find out how to design a small bathroom so that everything matches.
Digital scales, on the other hand, are more modern and have is most cases replaced mechanical scales in bathrooms. They are usually equipped with precise sensors, and work with the use of a strain gauge load cell. A load cell is also known as a force transducer, and this solution is much more accurate than the mechanism used in the case of mechanical scales. The strain gauge converts the deformation to an electrical signal, which is then presented on an LCD display. The only disadvantage is the need to replace the batteries when they wear out or recharge models with built-in batteries.
Bathroom scale features
The differences between various models of bathroom scales is mainly their features. With this in mind, it will be easier to choose a bathroom scale depending on your needs.
Accuracy of bathroom scales
As we already mentioned, the accuracy of bathroom scales is important for precisely determining the user’s body weight. For mechanical scales, this value is usually shown as a general suggestion of your weight. Few models will have precise measurements on the scale. Digital scales, on the other hand, will usually show you a precise calculation of your weight.
Bathroom scale weight limits
Another very important aspect to pay attention to is the maximum applicable user weight of a given bathroom scale. This also applies to the minimum weight that the scale will recognise. Most models only switch on (or start weighing) when you place an item weighing more than 2lb (around 1kg), although some models are more sensitive. When it comes to the maximum weight, most often scales are limited to around 400 pounds (181 kg). Some scales can measure up to 700 pounds (318 kg), but they are not very common.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a scale?
In addition to the above-mentioned features, there are also things that are worth paying attention to when looking for the best bathroom scale for your needs.
These include the durability and design. Which material finish should you choose?
One aspect worth paying attention to is the material the scale is made of. The most common finish is plastic, which is cheap, lightweight, easy to clean and water resistant. However, it is also more prone to mechanical damage, which can render your scale useless.
Tempered glass is another popular option. It has a more elegant, minimalist look, and in combination with steel elements makes for a modern design. The glass is also easy to clean and generally very tough, although this does not mean it cannot be broken. The edges of the glass may chip over time, which although does not affect how the scale works, it does not look very nice.
Metal bathroom scales are usually made of aluminium. They are very light, so moving them around is not an issue. Such materials are also resistant to the conditions usually found in bathrooms. You can easily wipe off stains from their smooth surface.
Wood and bamboo models are becoming more and more popular, as they give the bathroom a natural feel, and are also light and solid. However, try to make sure they don’t get too wet, as this could lead to them becoming deformed.
The choice of material also influences how you should look after and clean the scale. If you want to find out more about keeping your home tidy, read our article our disinfecting your home.
Easy-to-read results are key. Choosing the type of display
The choice of display on your bathroom scale will influence how easy it will be to check your weight. When choosing a bathroom scale it is worth paying attention to the size of the display, so that you will easily be able to see presented result. In the case of digital scales, this is usually a LED or LCD display. The first types uses less energy and is more visible. Some models have both a LED/LCD display and a mechanical dial.
Bathroom scales with additional functions, such as body fat measurement
Modern bathroom scales have a number of additional features for you to choose from. They are usually chosen by people who want to closely monitor the results of a diet or workout regime. Some of the most common features include:
- Body fat percentage – this is a useful function if you want to lose weight. The scale checks your body fat content by sending out a gentle electrical impulse. It then calculates what proportion of your total body weight is made up of body fat based on the time the impulse passes through.
- Muscle percentage – a similar measurement to the above-mentioned one, except that this time it is the weight of the muscle tissue itself that is measured.
- Bone weight – this function lets you calculate the weight of your bones.
- BMI – body mass index. With the metric system, the formula for BMI is weight in kilogrammes divided by height in metres squared. You can also calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. To use this function you need to enter the previously mentioned data into the device memory. After each weighing, it will present an indicator informing whether you are overweight, underweight or in perfect shape.
- Water percentage – human beings consist of 60% water, so it constitutes a significant part of our body mass. This feature you will help you calculate exactly how much the water weighs.
The above features are intended for precise monitoring the individual components that make up your organism. They are useful for people who need to monitor their physical condition closely, such as athletes, but also users generally following a healthy lifestyle. If you are among this group, check which bathroom scale with body fat measurement to choose. In addition to the above features, below is a list of additional functions worth paying attention to:
- memory – the memory function in a bathroom scale lets you record your measurements and monitor the effects of a diet or workout regime. Some models also let you create several user profiles for this function,
- smart function – the possibility to connect various electronic devices to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is an increasingly popular function. The case is no different when it comes to bathroom scales. Thanks to this feature, each time you weigh yourself you can record the results on your phone for comparison or later reference. The results can also be sent by e-mail to your doctor or dietitian.
Which bathroom scale should you choose – summary
Which bathroom scale will be best for home use? It all depends on your personal needs, as well as expectations. It is definitely worth comparing the features of different models, including checking their accuracy level and measurement ranges. You should also pay attention to other aspects. Is the scale made of a durable material, and does it suit your bathroom design? Is the display clearly visible? Does the scale have additional functions that you are interested in? Answering the above question will help you choose the best scale to meet your needs.
If you are interested in more tips related to various types of equipment used around the house, then check out our other articles, including how to open a restaurant and how to equip a commercial kitchen.
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