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Weighing machines are mainly classified into two types, i.e. analogue and digital.

• Analogue

Analogue weighing machines are the one that was primarily used in earlier times. They work on a spring mechanism as it has a mechanical string setup. When you step on it, the spring depresses and show the weight in dial mode readings. They are inexpensive, have excellent battery life and require low maintenance. On the downside, their accuracy in readings decreases due to overuse, and they are capable of displaying only your body mass.

• Digital

Digital weighing scales are the advanced versions of analogue weighing scales comprising of sensors and digital display. In contrast to the analogue machine, they have short battery life and display weight with accuracy.

However, the digital machine does more than measuring weight. It can exhibit multiple health factors, including BMI index, body fat, bone mass, body water levels. Moreover, they can store the figures and connect with smart devices via Bluetooth, apps, etc.

• Smart

A smart scale is a digital scale that connects to other devices. It communicates via an app with your smartphone, tablet or computer. It helps you to access and keep track of information on your smart device. 

Weight capacity is one of the major factors to consider while buying the weighing scale. The weighing machines are equipped for weighing different weights from micrograms to several metric tons. For this, you need to take into account the needs for which you are buying the machine. For example, if you need a weighing machine for the kitchen, the scale should be capable of measuring even micrograms. Similarly, for bodyweight, the weighing capacity of the device could be up to 200kg. For commercial purposes, you might need a machine that supports kilograms of more than 200.

Weighing scales are usually made up of plastic, tempered glass, wood, or metal, among which ABS plastic and tempered glass are the best ones. They have high durability as they resist crack and moisture, are shatterproof and have a low probability of breakage. Metal and wood are good, but they lack moisture resistance feature, making them unsuitable for humid areas like the bathroom.

Materials also depend on the industry for which you are buying the scale. For instance, pharmaceuticals and jewellery company needs a compact machine featuring a plastic body and glass finish. Grocery stores can buy a weighing scale with plastic or even a metal body as there is no issue with moisture. Suppose you need a weighing machine for measuring several hundred kilograms, like in steel trading shops. In that case, a complete metal body weighing platform fabricated with steel/iron plates and bottom will be ideal. In addition to this, every weighing scale should have an anti-skid base for grip and to offer stability during loading and unloading.

When we speak of size, it includes both the things-size of the whole machine and displays size. It's better to have a broader and larger display as that will give you freedom from too much bending or crouching. It should be large enough to provide clear visibility of numbers even in dim light. The size of the display is different for different brands.

Regarding dimensions of the weighing scale as a whole, there should be enough space on the platform to place your foot with convenience. However, the scale shouldn’t be small enough to be easily placed in a corner. All in all, a minimum 30cm platform is good.

Accuracy is another feature that matters the most. Of course, you don’t want to buy a machine which gives reading with a considerable variation. And for this very reason, the digital scale is preferred over analogue as that have the most minimal increments.

You can always cross-check this factor by placing a known weight on the platform.

Not all weighing machines display weight only in kilograms. Although kgs are the most suitable and preferred unit in the Netherlands, but there are machines in the market that show weight in pounds and stones. There is a ‘unit conversion button’ at the bottom of the machine to select your desired units.

Environment, location or area in which you will keep the machine or use the device also matters. Let’s say, for bathroom use, choose a device with waterproof and additional corrosion resistance features. Similarly, if you have children or elders at home, get a scale with shockproof and skid-proof features. If you have limited space, do consider the size of the scale.

Auto-calibration or auto-zero is the feature commonly found in the digital weighing scale. Machines with this feature don’t call for adjustment. When you turn on the weighing machine, it sets itself to zero. Once the weight is measured, the machine calibrates itself every time.

If you have read the above-given features, you must have realised that weighing machines are coming with several features and it is not necessary you may need all of them. So, instead of falling for the high-end weight machine offering numerous features, get the basic one fulfilling your needs. Also, ensure the machine is easy to use and free from complex functions.

Yes, brand matters in the case of a weighing machine as well. There are various brands in the Netherlands selling weighing machine. You may fall for newbies selling low-quality machines equipped with several features. And there is a massive probability that the scale may not survive even for a day. If you get a scale from a manufacturer that has been making the product for years, you will be sure and sorted. Besides assured quality, brands offer better warranty, features, workmanship, and reliability. So, it is worth spending time on the brand as well.

The display feature of the weighing scale shows the weight of the product or the human body. The display usually consists of a single or double side for reading values from either side. In the digital machine, it is available in either a seven-segment or multi-colour LED.

Brands do offer a warranty on their weighing scales and the period remains six months to 1 year. So, there are high chances that the model you have opted for has a warranty of a maximum of 12 months.

The weighing scale doesn’t cost much, but every penny counts, and therefore, warranty matters and should be considered.

Speaking of price, it increases with size, durability, quality, and the number of features available.

1. Functioning

Weighing scales that come with a manual switch on/off power button isn’t user-friendly. Therefore, most of the models now have sensors that automatically switch on/off the scale. They have ‘step-on technology, and as soon as you put your feet on the platform, it shows the weight, and when you get off, it switches off automatically.

2. Low Battery Indication

Digital weighing machines use the battery to run. Most of the machines come with replaceable battery options, and only a few have rechargeable battery. However, the battery life depends on usage. The low battery indicator ensures you use the machine without any interruption.

3. Backlit Display

If your weighing machine has a backlit display feature, then you will be able to read the numbers easily, even in dark conditions.

4. Multi-User Memory Capacity and Data Tracking

Some weighing scales are equipped with storing measured weight if they have internal memory or a cloud-based memory. In fact, if the machine has multi-user memory capacity, it can hold several readings of different individuals. Similarly, if your scale features data syncing ability, multi-user data tracking is possible too. The recorded data will then either be displayed in the machine or the smartphone connected with the machine via an app.

Usually, the fitness freak chooses this feature to compare and follow up their fitness stats.

5. Batteries

While buying digital machines, you need to consider this factor as they run on batteries. They either have the button cell lithium batteries. Such batteries do have a long battery life but little or no comfort in replacements. On the other hand, you have the AA or AAA batteries with short life and a simple replacing process.

6. Portability

It may look that a weighing machine is a small and lightweight device, and you need not consider its dimension and weight as such. However, that’s not correct. Portability is the most neglected feature when it comes to buying weighing scale. Owning a small and light weighing machine makes it easy for you to carry it anywhere.

7. Extra Measurement

The high-end weighing machine models let you measure more than just body weight. These features are necessary to have if you meticulously work out to remain fit. Such advanced features do increase the cost of the machine, and therefore, you should buy it only if required.

Muscle mass, BMI, BMR, body fat, visceral fat, water content are some of the extra measurements you can get from the weighing machine. They are detailed as follows:-

• Body fat analysis

Good health is not only about the right weight. A high-fat percentage increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The fat content in your body is estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and displayed in percentage (%) by the machine.

• Water content

The places occupied by water in the body means there is no fat at that place. So, a declining body of water can be an indication of fat gain. Moreover, being optimally hydrated is necessary for an effective workout and fitness level. A smart weighing machine displays the water content in your body and helps you make changes if required.

• Muscle mass

Higher muscle mass means your body burns more calories. So, if you want to strengthen your muscle and get your body into shape, analysing and working on your lean muscle mass is the key.

• Cardio content

By tracking cardio rate, you can record health reports and change the technique of your workout, if required.

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

Some weight scales measure BMI as well based on the height you enter and your weight.

You need to buy a particular scale with an electromagnetic force restoration model. It is sensitive to industrial environments and quite expensive.

In offices, a weighing machine is rarely used in isolation. It needs to be connected to computer systems, printers, and other devices for purposes like quality control, process tracking and documentation. Therefore, you need a scale that offers Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Cloud, USB, and analogue outputs like 4 – 20ma.

A weighing scale calibration should be done at least once a week. You can do so against known standard weights ranging from gm to kgs.

No. Readability is the smallest quantity displayed by scale. Accuracy means the maximum difference between the applied test weight and the displayed weight. No weighing scale is 100% accurate, and usually, the accuracy of standard weighing scales is approximate +/- (2 x division size) throughout the weighing range.

1. Measure your weight every morning after emptying your bladder, wearing as little clothing as possible.

2. Place your scale on a hard and even surface.

3. Stand still to distribute the weight evenly on both feet.

Yes. If you move the scale and do not calibrate it, you will see fluctuations in your weight. Moving any weighing device can potentially affect accuracy. Therefore, let the scale shut off before you stand on it for weight reading.

Absolutely. A low battery or unstable A/C power source are the most common reasons for digital scale reading fluctuations. The scale does seem sluggish or measures inaccurately during the low battery.

If you see even one amongst the following six signs in your scale, it means your machine is broken.

• Unclear scale’s display can never give you precise weight. The display can get damaged due to moisture. You can replace the battery, and still, if the display doesn’t work, it needs replacement.

• If your scale is showing different reading for exact weight, it is broken. You must test your scale by confirming that the indicator is at zero. And still, if readings are inappropriate, get your scale re-calibrated or replaced.

• If the readings are unstable, that is also a sign of a broken scale. Constantly changing reading means there is a problem with the electronics or mechanical components. Inconsistent scale readings can be a result of humidity or issues with springs.

• Static discharges can cause reading drift, and that means the scale is broken. Mechanical components can cause it; therefore, check for issues related to a digital display or mechanical indicator.

• Rust and corrosive damage is common in the case of mechanical components found within scales.

  Usually, moisture or exposure to certain chemicals degrades a scale’s components and results in inaccurate readings. Minor rust can be cleaned; otherwise, you will need new parts or a new scale.

• If your weighing machine won’t turn on, replacing the battery is the first thing you should do. If there is any reset button, press that and check the machine’s working. Check for the power button, if it is working properly. If the scale does not turn on despite the troubleshooting efforts, it’s time to replace the scale.

You should weigh yourself on an uneven surface. Also, always use the same set of scales on the same hard surface. By putting the weighing machine on the carpet, you could find yourself weighing less or more.

Electronic weighing scale can lose accuracy over time due to weak battery, circuitry malfunction, rusting and corrosion of mechanical components. 

If the original packaging is unavailable, get a sturdy box larger than the device so that the machine is securely held in place and cannot touch the sides. Use cushioning or shock-absorbing packaging material like bubble wrap for perfect packaging.

1. Remove all the batteries from the scale.

2. Leave the scale as it is for at least 10 minutes.

3. Clean the battery compartment and ensure that the contact terminals are free of debris or residue.

4. Batteries should have the correct polarity and reinsert them firmly in place. 

5. While measuring weight, place the scale on a flat and even surface.

6. If the scale doesn’t have an auto-calibrate feature, press the centre of the scale with one foot to wake it up. Once "0.0" appears on display, step on it.

7. Remain still on the machine until your weight appears.

• Place the centre of gravity of the object over the centre of the weighing surface on the scale, always.

• Don’t let the weighing scale come into contact with water or moisture, as its interior electric components can get badly affected.

• Weighing machines have sensitive measuring components, and any excessive trauma or careless behaviour can ruin them.

• A warm environment is suitable for weighing scale, and they work best at room temperature. If it is kept in an environment that is too cold or hot, you will get fluctuating readings.

• A large object should be kept on the machine such that it doesn’t hang over the sides and touch the surface below as that will result in incorrect weight measurement.

• Over-loading is the most common way to ruin a scale. Excessive weight damages the sensitive measuring components permanently. 

• Place the scale on a stable surface. Never measure your weight by placing the machine on uneven tiles, carpet, rubber flooring, wobbly tables etc.

• Renpho weighing scale is a smart scale.

• It is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 and above.

• You can also download the ‘Renpho’ app on Android or iOs smart device to keep track of your measurements.

• The ‘Renpho’ app syncs with Samsung Health, Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit.

• The weighing scale offers 13 body composition data detection. So, besides body weight, you can use it to check fat-free body weight, body fat, BMI, body water, muscle mass, bone mass, BMR, etc.

• The body fat scale is USB rechargeable. Its built-in lithium battery can be used for 2-3 months after fully charged.

• The four auto-calibrated, high-precision sensors provide extreme accuracy.

• The maximum measuring capacity is 180 kg, and the increment is 50 grams.

• The platform has four sensitive electrodes, and 6mm tempered glass.

• The machine doesn’t have its own memory. However, data of unlimited users can be saved in the app.

• Xiaomi 21907 is a smart weighing scale.

• It offers ten body composition data detection. So, besides body weight, you can use it to check muscle mass, body fat, BMI, body water, bone mass, etc.

• Thanks to the series of complex algorithms, stainless steel electrodes and advanced Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) used, you get accurate data.

• You can sync it to the Mi Fit app to access your data in one place. The app provides data in an easy-to-read graph. Eventually, making it easier to track your progress and take control of your activities.

• The machine is capable of recording 16 profiles.

• The weighing scale is fit for both children and adults.

• Due to the low-energy Bluetooth 4.0 technology, the weighing machine can operate for up to 8 months using just four standard AAA batteries.

• The scale has a sleek design and has been built keeping safety in mind. It has strong tempered glass with high light transmittance for the main panel. The polished glass features an anti-slip finish giving sturdy grip, even for wet feet. So, there is no slip and fall.

• Moreover, its white colour, refined texture and gleaming surface will complement any space.

• Fitbit Aria Air is the third smart scale on our list. You can sync the scale with the Fitbit app to access all the data.

• One of the reasons it secured third place is, it measures only BMI besides body weight.

• With the help of your smartphone’s Bluetooth wireless technology, sync your stats to your Fitbit account, where you will find the data compiled into simple charts and graphs that make things easier to analyse.

• The app will have your data only in one case. You must have your smartphone nearby while using the weighing scale.

• The machine cannot record data. However, all the users with the Fitbit app can have their data in their respectively using app. This way, the machine supports unlimited users.

• The weighing scale has a tempered glass platform and ABS bottom housing.

• It has a backlit LCD display.

• The wight displaying units are pounds, kilograms or stones.

• 4.5 kg -180 kg is the measurement range of Aria Air.

• Medisana BS 444 is another smart scale on our best weighing scale list.

• It can check much more than body weight and BMI, such as body fat, body water, muscle percentage and bone weight.

• Their pure white, high-gloss surface and high-quality stainless steel electrodes make the scale stylish and modern.

• Its large LCD display and backlit feature ensure you can see the numbers without bending.

• The step-on technology ensures that the machine turns on as soon as you step on it.

• The four high-precision strain gauge sensors give accurate results.

• The wight displaying units are pounds, kilograms or stones.

• The machine has got memories for eight users.

• The data can be analysed correctly in the VitaDock+ app (iOS and Android) and VitaDock Online.

• Beurer 73575 BF 400 White Signature Line Diagnostic scale is a black body fat scale with a modern Signature Line design and super-white safety glass.

• Besides body weight, you can check body fat, body water, muscle percentage, bone mass, BMI, and BMR/AMR.

• It has stainless steel electrodes for giving accurate results.

• The wight displaying units are pounds, kilograms or stones.

• The weighing scale not only calculates all-important measured values but also interprets them.

• The illuminated and XL display offers optimum readability.

• The machine has got up to 200 kg weight capacity.

• It has ten user memory space.

• The weighing machine is equipped with features like an automatic switch-off and an overload indicator.

• Tanita BC-587 is the only scale on our list which is suitable for both home and clinic.

• The machine’s eight weight capacity is 200kg.

• It is a body composition monitor that measures body fat, visceral fat, muscle mass, physique value, body water, calories basic metabolism besides body weight.

• The extra-large LCD display and bright blue backlight ensure readability.

• It has four user memory space.

• The extra-wide platform provides perfect stability when stepping on and off the scale.

• The weighing scale uses dual-frequency Biometric Impedance Analysis (BIA) for medical-grade accuracy.

• This is the only analogue weighing scale on our list.

• The weighing capacity is 130 kg, and the precision is 1 kg.

• The white colour scale is made of high-quality ABS plastic.

• It offers excellent stability due to its solid metal mechanism.

• The black numbers on a white background ensure complete readability without bending or using spectacles.

• It is a maintenance-free weighing scale.