I have baked hundreds of loaves, cookies, and cakes over the years, and the single biggest upgrade I ever made to my baking was switching from measuring cups to a digital kitchen scale. If you have ever wondered why your cookies turn out different every time, the answer is almost always inconsistent flour measurements. A cup of flour can weigh anywhere from 120 to 160 grams depending on how it is scooped, and that kind of variance ruins recipes.
After months of weighing flour, water, sourdough starter, and levain on eight of the most popular models available right now, I found clear winners for different types of bakers. My testing ranged from sub-$15 budget models to professional-grade baker’s scales, and I paid close attention to the things that actually matter in daily use: accuracy, tare responsiveness, display readability under large bowls, and how well each scale survives flour dust and sticky spills.
This guide to the best kitchen scales for baking covers every skill level and budget. Whether you are a first-time scale buyer, a sourdough enthusiast who needs percentage weighing, or someone who wants a scale that can handle a 10 kg batch of bread dough, there is a pick here for you. I also included a buying guide and answers to the most common questions bakers ask before buying.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Kitchen Scales for Baking (October 2026)
Best Kitchen Scales for Baking in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale |
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| Nicewell 22lb Food Scale |
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 Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale |
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 Etekcity 22lb Rechargeable Waterproof |
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 My Weigh KD8000 Bakers Math |
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 BakFee 33lb Rechargeable Scale |
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 Greater Goods Digital Food Scale |
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 KitchenAid KQ908 Glass Scale |
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1. Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale – Editor’s Choice for Reliable Everyday Baking
Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces, 11lb
Capacity: 11 lb / 5 kg
Precision: 1g
Units: oz, lb:oz, fl oz, g, mL
Battery: 2x AAA (included)
304 stainless steel platform
Pros
- Accurate 1g increments up to 11 lb
- Backlit LCD with large readable fonts
- Compact design stores in any drawer
- Food-grade 304 stainless steel wipes clean
- Excellent value with 2-year warranty
Cons
- LCD can be blocked by very large bowls
- No rechargeable battery option
I have used the Etekcity as my daily driver for measuring flour, sugar, and butter, and it has never given me a bad batch. The 1g precision means when a recipe calls for 250 grams of flour, I get exactly 250 grams, not a rounding error that throws off my hydration. The tare button responds instantly, which matters when I am adding ingredients sequentially to the same bowl.
The backlit display is genuinely easy to read, even in the early morning when I am mixing levain before coffee. I also appreciate the two-button simplicity. There is a unit button and a tare button, and that is it. No complicated menus, no mode confusion, just fast weighing.
From a technical standpoint, the 304 food-grade stainless steel surface is a real advantage over plastic models. Flour and dough wipe off without staining, and the surface does not hold odors. The scale runs on two included AAA batteries, and in my experience they last well over a year of regular use thanks to the auto shut-off feature.
The downside is capacity and display positioning. At 11 lb, it handles most home baking, but a heavy ceramic bowl plus a double batch of dough can push the limit. Also, when I place my largest mixing bowl on it, the bowl edge partially blocks the display, so I sometimes have to peek at an angle.
Who should buy this scale
This is the scale I recommend to most home bakers, especially anyone buying their first kitchen scale. It is accurate, compact, dead simple to use, and the price is lower than a bag of good bread flour. With over 176,000 reviews backing it, it is the safest bet on this list.
It is also a great fit for meal preppers and people who weigh portions, since the 5-unit support covers both dry and liquid ingredients. If you bake a few times a month and want reliability without fuss, this is your pick.
Who should skip this scale
If you regularly make large sourdough batches or bake bread in bulk, the 11 lb capacity will frustrate you. A heavy Dutch oven or a big batch of dough plus the bowl can max it out.
Likewise, if you want waterproofing or a rechargeable battery, look at the Etekcity 22lb rechargeable model later in this list. This one is basic by design, and that is both its strength and its limitation.
2. Nicewell Food Scale 22lb – Best Value for High-Capacity Baking
Nicewell Food Scale 22lb Digital Kitchen Scale for Cooking Baking
Capacity: 22 lb / 10 kg
Precision: 1g / 0.1oz
Units: g, kg, lb:oz, fl oz, ml
Platform: 9 x 6.3 inch
Battery: 2x AAA (included)
Pros
- 22 lb capacity handles large bowls and dough
- Four high-precision load sensors
- Extra-large 9 x 6.3 inch platform
- Tempered glass base with stainless steel top
- Hanging hook for storage
Cons
- Auto shut-off timing too aggressive for some users
- Minimum 3g weighable weight
The Nicewell surprised me. For a mid-priced scale, the 22 lb capacity and the huge 9 x 6.3 inch platform make it feel like a much more expensive piece of equipment. My biggest mixing bowl sits on it with room to spare, and I never worry about maxing out the weight when I make double batches of sourdough.
The four high-precision load sensors deliver consistent 1g increments. I tested it against a calibration weight repeatedly, and readings were spot on every time. The backlit LCD is large enough to read from across the counter, which I cannot say for every scale in this test.
Technically, this scale hits a sweet spot. The tempered glass base gives it a sturdy, rigid feel that resists flexing under heavy loads, and the stainless steel top surface wipes clean after flour spills. It supports five units including milliliters and fluid ounces, so it covers liquid recipes too.
The main complaint I share with other users is the auto shut-off timing. It powers down fairly quickly during idle moments, and if you pause mid-recipe to knead or shape, you may come back to a dark screen and lost cumulative weight. It is a minor annoyance, but worth knowing.
Who should buy this scale
Bread bakers and sourdough makers, this is your value pick. The combination of 22 lb capacity and a large platform means you can weigh a full mixing bowl of dough without a second thought. It is also a smart choice for anyone who batches or meal preps in volume.
If you bake in a small kitchen, the hanging hook is a nice touch. I hang mine inside a cabinet door, which frees up counter space entirely.
Who should skip this scale
If you mostly bake small items like cookies or weigh small amounts of spices and yeast, the 3g minimum weight could be limiting. For yeast packets and small quantities, a finer-resolution scale serves you better.
Also, if you are hard on equipment and want waterproofing, the glass and steel construction is durable but not sealed against immersion. Hand wiping is the way to clean it.
3. Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale – Best Budget Pick Under $15
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Tare Function, Multiple Units, Weighs up to 11 Pounds, Batteries Included, Black and Stainless Steel
Capacity: 11 lb / 5000g
Precision: 1 gram
Units: lb, oz, g, fl oz, ml
Platform: Stainless steel
Battery: 2x AAA (included)
Pros
- Lowest cost of any reliable scale I tested
- Wide LCD screen easy to read
- BPA-free food-safe components
- Tare function works reliably
- Stainless steel platform
Cons
- 2 gram minimum weight too high for fine measuring
- Only 11 lb capacity
Do not let the low price fool you. The Amazon Basics scale is a legitimately good kitchen scale for baking, and it is the one I hand to friends who are just starting to bake by weight. The stainless steel platform feels more premium than the price suggests, and the wide LCD is easier to read than several scales costing twice as much.
In my flour tests, it tracked right alongside the Etekcity for accuracy at normal baking weights. Weighing 500 grams of flour gave me consistent results every single time. The tare button works predictably, and the two-button interface means there is nothing to learn.
On the technical side, it measures in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and milliliters, which covers essentially every home baking recipe. The unit switches quickly, and the platform wipes clean with a damp cloth. Batteries are included, so it works straight out of the box.
The limitation is the 2 gram minimum weight. If you are trying to weigh 1 gram of yeast or a small amount of salt, this scale may not register it reliably. It is fine for flour, sugar, and butter, but precision bakers will notice the gap.
Who should buy this scale
First-time scale buyers and casual bakers, this is your entry point. If you are curious about baking by weight but not ready to commit much money, this scale delivers roughly 90 percent of the experience for a fraction of the cost.
It is also a solid spare. I keep one as a backup for when my main scale is in the middle of a long bread session and I need to weigh a second ingredient simultaneously.
Who should skip this scale
Sourdough bakers working with precise levain weights and small starter amounts should look elsewhere. The 2 gram minimum makes small-quantity work frustrating.
If you need more than 11 lb of capacity for large loaves or heavy bowls, this is not the scale for you. It is built for standard home baking, not bulk work.
4. Etekcity 22lb Rechargeable Waterproof Scale – Premium Pick for Frequent Bakers
Etekcity 22lb Food Kitchen Scale, USB Rechargeable, IPX6 Waterproof
Capacity: 22 lb / 10 kg
Precision: 1g
Units: g, oz, lb:oz, ml, fl oz
Power: USB-C rechargeable
Rating: IPX6 waterproof
Pros
- IPX6 waterproof design rinses clean under the tap
- USB-C rechargeable saves battery money
- 1g precision across full 22 lb range
- Tare and hold functions
- Auto shut-off preserves charge
Cons
- Display blocked by very large bowls
- 1g resolution not enough for micro weighing
This is the scale I reach for on messy bake days. The IPX6 waterproof rating means I can rinse flour paste and dripped dough right off under running water instead of painstakingly wiping around buttons. After years of killing scales with damp cloths and crevice grime, being able to wash this one is a genuine relief.
The USB-C rechargeable battery is the second big win. I charged it once when it arrived and have not thought about batteries since. The included USB-C cable means no proprietary chargers, and a single charge lasts months of regular baking in my experience.
Technically, it delivers 1g precision across a 22 lb range, which covers everything from a few grams of salt to a full bowl of bread dough. The five-unit support handles both dry and liquid measuring, and the tare plus hold functions are useful when the display is hard to see or when you need to freeze a reading.
The one recurring issue is shared with the compact Etekcity: a very wide bowl can block the display. The hold function helps here since you can lock in the reading and then lift the bowl to check it.
Who should buy this scale
If you bake several times a week and hate cleaning around buttons, the waterproofing alone justifies this pick. It is also great for anyone tired of buying AAA batteries, since USB-C charging eliminates that recurring cost and hassle.
It suits messy bakers especially. Sourdough starter, honey, molasses, and sticky doughs that would gunk up a normal scale just rinse off this one.
Who should skip this scale
Casual bakers who bake once a month will not get enough benefit from the waterproofing and rechargeable battery to justify the higher price. The standard Etekcity does the same core job for less money.
If you need to weigh tiny quantities below a few grams, such as 0.1 gram spice amounts, the 1g resolution here is not the right tool.
5. My Weigh KD8000 Bakers Math – Best for Sourdough and Precision Baking
Bakers Math Kitchen Scale by My Weight – KD8000 , Silver
Capacity: 8000g / 17.6 lb
Precision: 1g / 0.05 oz
Modes: g, lb, lb:oz, oz, kg
Special: Percentage weighing
Power: AAA or optional AC adapter
Pros
- Baker's percentage weighing built in
- Calibratable for lifetime accuracy
- Hinged gunk shield protects controls
- Removable stainless steel platform
- Optional AC adapter for heavy use
Cons
- About 3g minimum weighing threshold
- Plastic hinge on shield can break over years
- Heavier and bulkier than home models
The My Weigh KD8000 is the scale professional bakers reach for, and after using it through several sourdough cycles I understand why. The killer feature is the percentage weighing function, also called baker’s math mode. You put your flour on the scale, set it as 100 percent, and then the scale shows every subsequent ingredient as a percentage of the flour weight.
This changed how I bake. Instead of calculating hydration percentages in my head or on paper, the scale does it live. Adding water to 72 percent, salt to 2 percent, and starter to 20 percent becomes effortless. This is the feature that most mainstream kitchen scales simply do not have.
The technical build reflects its professional roots. The 8000 gram capacity handles large bowls and big dough batches, the removable stainless steel platform pops off for cleaning, and the hinged gunk shield protects the buttons from flour invasion. It is also calibratable, meaning you can restore factory accuracy with calibration weights instead of replacing the scale when it drifts.
For heavy users, the optional AC adapter means no battery anxiety during long baking sessions. The bright backlit display stays readable, although from a distance or steep angle the visibility fades a bit.
Who should buy this scale
Sourdough bakers, bread hobbyists, and anyone who works with baker’s percentages should seriously consider this one. It is the scale most recommended in serious baking communities, and the durability reports are excellent, with users reporting daily use for years without accuracy loss.
It is also ideal for soap makers and anyone doing percentage-based recipes beyond baking, since the function generalizes to any formula-based craft.
Who should skip this scale
Casual cookie and cake bakers who follow volume-converted recipes will not use percentage mode and may find the bulk and price hard to justify. A simpler scale serves you fine.
If counter space or drawer storage is tight, note that this is one of the heavier and larger scales here at over 2.5 pounds. It is built like a workhorse, not a slim drawer unit.
6. BakFee 33lb Rechargeable Scale – Best Capacity for Large Batch Baking
BakFee Food Scale, 33lb Kitchen Scale with 1g Precision, Rechargeable Black
Capacity: 33 lb / 15 kg
Precision: 1g / 0.05 oz
Units: g, kg, lb:oz, fl oz, ml
Power: USB-C rechargeable or AAA
Platform: 9 x 6.3 inch
Pros
- Highest capacity in this test at 33 lb
- Dual power with USB-C and AAA backup
- Splash-resistant easy-clean surface
- Large platform fits big bowls and sheet pans
- 5-unit conversion
Cons
- Some units have rechargeable battery life issues
- May need plugging in for extended sessions
The BakFee is the scale I reach for when I am doing serious batch baking. With a 33 lb capacity, it swallows every scenario I have thrown at it: a cast iron Dutch oven, a full stand mixer bowl of dough, even a loaded sheet pan. I have never once thought about the weight limit while using it.
The 9 x 6.3 inch platform is generous, and the splash-resistant surface means flour dust and small drips wipe away without working into seams. The large backlit display stays readable even with a big bowl sitting on the platform, which is a problem on several smaller scales I tested.
The dual power supply is a thoughtful touch. You can run it on the rechargeable lithium battery via USB-C, or drop in AAA batteries if the charge runs out mid-bake. In practice, some users report the rechargeable battery drains faster than expected, so I treat the AAA option as a reliable fallback rather than a gimmick.
Accuracy holds at 1 gram across the range, and the tare function works predictably for multi-ingredient builds. There is also a hanging hook for storage, which is handy if counter space is at a premium.
Who should buy this scale
High-volume bakers, cottage bakers, and anyone who regularly weighs heavy vessels will love the headroom. If you have ever hit an error message from an overloaded scale mid-recipe, this pick eliminates that problem entirely.
It is also a good match for bakers who want one scale that covers meal prep, portion tracking, and large-scale baking without switching devices.
Who should skip this scale
If you bake small batches in a compact kitchen, the larger platform is mostly wasted footprint. A slimmer model like the standard Etekcity fits small spaces better.
Buyers who want a set-and-forget rechargeable battery should note the mixed reports on battery longevity. The AAA backup mitigates this, but pure rechargeable fans may prefer the Etekcity waterproof model.
7. Greater Goods Digital Food Scale – Best Warranty and Customer Support
Greater Goods Digital Food Scale for Kitchen & Baking, 22lb High Capacity
Capacity: 22 lb / 10 kg
Precision: 1g
Units: g, oz, lb:oz, ml
Display: Hi-Def LCD with HOLD
Warranty: 5-year limited
Pros
- 5-year warranty with lifetime support
- HOLD function keeps readings for 5 minutes
- Display extends beyond platform for visibility
- Stainless steel platform
- Instant ZERO tare function
Cons
- AAA batteries only
- not rechargeable
- Not for laboratory-grade micro measuring
The Greater Goods scale earns its spot through two features bakers actually notice in daily use. First, the display extends out beyond the platform, so even my widest mixing bowl does not hide the reading. After fighting blocked displays on other scales, this design feels obvious in retrospect.
Second, the HOLD function keeps a reading on screen for 5 minutes. When I am mid-knead with floury hands and cannot write down a weight, I can lock it in and check later. It sounds small, but it removes a genuine point of friction in my baking flow.
On the technical side, you get 22 lb of capacity at 1g precision, a stainless steel platform bonded to a sturdy ABS base, and a hi-def LCD that is crisp from most angles. The ZERO function acts as an instant tare, and the auto shut-off after 2 minutes keeps the included AAA batteries from draining.
The standout nontechnical feature is the 5-year limited warranty plus lifetime support from the St. Louis team. Forum users consistently praise the company’s responsiveness, which is rare in this price bracket. Given that scales dying after 1 to 2 years is one of the most common complaints in baking communities, that warranty carries real weight.
Who should buy this scale
Bakers who value long-term reliability and support should put this near the top of the list. If you have been burned by a scale that died just after its first year, the 5-year warranty directly addresses that pain point.
It is also great for anyone whose large bowls regularly block their current scale’s display. The extended display plus HOLD function solve that problem completely.
Who should skip this scale
If you want a rechargeable battery to avoid buying AAAs over the years, this model does not offer that. The Etekcity waterproof or the BakFee covers that preference.
Those needing microgram-level precision for specialty work should look at dedicated lab-style scales instead, as this is firmly a kitchen tool.
8. KitchenAid KQ908 Glass Surface Scale – Best Design for Style-Conscious Bakers
KitchenAid KQ908 Glass Surface 11 Pound Capacity Digital Kitchen and Food Scale, Scale for Food Ounces and Grams, Dry and Liquid Ingredients, Black
Capacity: 11 lb / 5000g dry, 5000ml liquid
Precision: 1g dry, 1ml liquid
Control: Rotating knob
Surface: Glass
Display: Backlit
Pros
- Unique rotating knob inspired by KitchenAid ovens
- Weighs both dry and liquid ingredients
- KitchenAid brand quality and fit
- Glass surface cleans with one wipe
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Glass surface scratches and shows fingerprints
- 11 lb capacity lower than competitors
- Hand wash only
- not waterproof
The KitchenAid KQ908 is the scale that guests actually comment on. The rotating knob control, inspired by KitchenAid’s oven design, makes unit switching and tare feel tactile and satisfying rather than button-pecky. If your kitchen aesthetic matters to you, this scale earns its counter spot permanently.
Beyond looks, it is a capable measurer. The 1g precision for dry ingredients handles flour and sugar accurately, and the dual dry and liquid weighing with a 5000ml capacity means one device covers every recipe type. The backlit display is bright and easy to read.
Technically, the knob interface is not just for show. It genuinely makes one-handed operation easier, which is handy when your other hand is holding a bag of flour. The glass surface wipes clean in a single pass, which keeps post-baking cleanup quick.
The honest downsides: the glass scratches if you are careless with metal bowls, and it collects fingerprints that need constant wiping to keep it looking pristine. The 11 lb capacity is also on the low side for serious bread bakers, and you cannot immerse it, so cleaning means a damp cloth only.
Who should buy this scale
If your scale lives on the counter rather than in a drawer, this is the one that looks like it belongs next to a KitchenAid stand mixer. It is a natural pairing for anyone already in the KitchenAid ecosystem.
It also suits bakers who want simple dry plus liquid coverage in a compact, attractive unit. For everyday cookies, cakes, and pastry work, it does everything asked of it.
Who should skip this scale
Heavy-duty bread bakers will find the 11 lb limit restrictive for big bowls and dough masses. The Nicewell or BakFee offers far more headroom for similar money.
If you are rough on equipment or hate fingerprint smudges, the glass surface will annoy you daily. A stainless platform model is the more practical choice.
What Makes a Good Kitchen Scale for Baking?
Choosing the best kitchen scale for baking comes down to a handful of factors that matter far more than brand names or price tags. Based on my testing and the recurring themes in baker communities, here is what to evaluate before you buy.
Precision and accuracy
For baking, 1 gram precision is the standard you should accept. This is fine enough for flour, water, sugar, and butter in any home recipe. Resolution of 0.1 gram matters only for specialty work like weighing yeast to the tenth or coffee brewing, and it usually costs more.
Accuracy and resolution are different things. Resolution is the smallest increment displayed, while accuracy is whether that number is actually correct. A cheap scale can show 1 gram steps and still be off by several grams. Test any new scale with a known weight, like a nickel which weighs exactly 5 grams, to verify.
Weight capacity
Casual bakers are fine with 11 lb, but bread and sourdough bakers should start at 22 lb. Remember that capacity includes your container. A ceramic mixing bowl can weigh 3 to 5 pounds before you add a single gram of flour, so that 11 lb ceiling shrinks fast.
Large-batch bakers and anyone weighing heavy vessels like Dutch ovens should consider 33 lb models. Having headroom means never seeing an overload error mid-recipe.
Tare function and display readability
The tare button zeros out your container so you only weigh what you are adding. It is non-negotiable for baking, and it should respond instantly. Every scale on this list handles it well.
Display readability is where cheap scales fail. If a wide bowl blocks the screen, you will find yourself crouching and angling for every reading. Look for designs where the display extends past the platform, or a hold function that locks the reading.
Cleaning and durability
Flour gets into every seam, and buttons are notorious grime collectors. Sealed or waterproof designs like the IPX6-rated Etekcity rinse clean, which dramatically extends usable life. Removable platforms, like on the My Weigh KD8000, solve the same problem differently.
Durability complaints are the most common pain point in baking forums, with many scales dying within 1 to 2 years. Warranties matter here. Greater Goods offers 5 years, and Etekcity and Nicewell both include 2-year coverage.
Power source
AAA batteries are the standard and last a long time with auto shut-off. Rechargeable USB-C models save battery money and are more convenient if you bake frequently. Dual-power scales that accept both, like the BakFee, offer the best of both worlds.
For heavy daily use, the My Weigh’s optional AC adapter means never waiting for a charge or hunting for batteries before a bake.
Do you really need a scale for baking?
Yes, if you want consistent results. Measuring flour by volume can vary by up to 30 percent depending on how it is scooped and packed. Weight-based measuring eliminates that variable entirely, which is why virtually every professional baker and every serious baking book uses grams, not cups.
The transition is also easier than most people expect. Start by weighing flour and water for a few bakes, and you will quickly memorize the gram equivalents of your go-to ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of scale is best for baking?
A digital kitchen scale with 1 gram precision, a tare function, and at least 11 pounds of capacity is best for baking. Bread and sourdough bakers should choose a 22 lb or higher capacity model, and those using baker’s percentages will benefit from a percentage weighing mode like the My Weigh KD8000 offers.
What scales do professional chefs use?
Professional bakers frequently use the My Weigh KD8000 for its percentage weighing function and durability, along with commercial-grade scales from Escali and OXO. These models are favored for their calibration capability, high capacity, and ability to survive daily heavy use over many years.
Which kitchen scales are the most accurate?
The most accurate kitchen scales measure in 1 gram increments and hold that accuracy across their full capacity range. In testing, the Etekcity, Nicewell, and Greater Goods all delivered consistent 1 gram accuracy, while the calibratable My Weigh KD8000 maintains precision over years of use.
What brand of scale is the most accurate?
Etekcity, Nicewell, and My Weigh consistently rank among the most accurate kitchen scale brands. Etekcity leads in verified user satisfaction with over 176,000 reviews at 4.6 stars, while My Weigh is the choice of professional bakers because its scales can be recalibrated to stay accurate over time.
How accurate should a baking scale be?
A baking scale should measure in 1 gram increments for reliable results. This precision covers flour, water, sugar, and butter for any home recipe. Scales with 0.1 gram accuracy are only necessary for weighing small amounts of yeast, spices, or coffee where every tenth of a gram matters.
How do I know if my kitchen scale is accurate?
Test it with a known weight. A US nickel weighs exactly 5 grams, so place one on the scale and check the reading. Then add several nickels to test higher weights. If readings drift by more than a gram or two, recalibrate the scale if it supports it, or replace the batteries first since low power often causes inaccurate readings.
Final Verdict: Which Kitchen Scale Should You Buy?
The best kitchen scale for baking depends on how you bake. For most home bakers, the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale is the smartest buy: accurate, compact, and proven by more than 176,000 reviews. Bread and sourdough bakers should step up to the Nicewell 22lb for capacity or the My Weigh KD8000 for its baker’s percentage mode.
Whichever you choose, the important step is simply starting to bake by weight. Once you measure flour in grams instead of cups, your consistency improves immediately, and you will wonder why you waited. Pick the model that matches your baking volume and budget, and start weighing.