How to choose a home scales? Electronic or mechanical?

Today, to understand the variety of models of floor scales for the home is not easy. Entering the store, you will find that on the shelves are mainly electronic scales. However, in some places one can still find mechanical models. A natural question arises - is it necessary to immediately abandon mechanical scales and whether their purchase will be a waste of money? To answer it, let's compare "electronics" with "mechanics".

Mechanical or electronic?

Mechanical floor scales are noticeably inferior in price to their electronic counterparts. But they can be taken to the beach and weighed by placing directly on the sand. Electronic models, as a rule, are capricious and show the exact result only on a solid surface.

Mechanical scales	Electronic balance
Main measuring unit and principle of operation	A mechanical spring, which, under the influence of gravity, stretches in proportion to weight and rejects the arrow attached to it along the dial (sometimes the scale itself is movable). instagram viewer	In the simplest designs - a mechanical spring. Weight is displayed on an electronic screen. In more complex models, weight measurement is based on the dependence of the electrical properties of electronic components on the pressure exerted on them, or a special pressure sensor is used - a strain gauge.
How to set the "zero"	Manually using the adjusting wheel in the mechanism case.	Generally not required. Some models have a dedicated button.
Scale Calibration and Weighing Accuracy	The scale division price is 0.5-1 kg, which approximately corresponds to the error of these scales.	The scale step is from 0.1 to 0.5 kg. Accuracy 0.1-0.3 kg.
Service	No battery replacement required.	Work from batteries 1,5-9 V; more expensive models have solar panels or pressure to electricity converters.
Weight Limit	Usually 120-130 kg.	It can vary in the range from 130 to 230 kg and more.
Additional functions	Are absent	Depending on the complexity of the model, electronic scales may have some additional functions. The main ones are: - automatic on and off; - memorizing weight changes for a certain period of time; - Calculation of your optimal weight based on body mass index based on the recommendations of doctors (BMI or, in English, BMI); - maintaining a weighing history for one or more people; - selection of individual recommendations for diet and training.

What to consider when choosing electronic floor scales?

Choosing scales, decide whether you are ready to overpay for "lotions" that may be unnecessary for you.

1. One of the most significant advantages of electronic scales in comparison with mechanical ones is the presence of internal memory. This allows you to keep a history of weighings, both for one and for several people.

Different models may have memory for 1-2 owners or for a whole family or group of up to 10 or more people. In addition to this, an indicator can be used that notifies when the weight deviates significantly from the set value. In addition, the newest models of electronic scales have the ability to broadcast readings via the Internet to a smartphone or your fitness instructor.

2. Accessibility options are designed for those who monitor not only weight but also other health indicators.

• Calculation of BMI - body mass index (in the English version of BMI). You gain your weight and height on the weight display, after which the balance calculates your score based on gender and age.
• Determination of muscle-fat balance in the body. To do this, a weak current is passed through the body (as in electrophoresis). True, the data obtained at home can differ significantly from the readings of special devices used by dieticians.

Additional nuances

• note that the display of some models of electronic scales may be wireless. This is done for the convenience of a person who finds it difficult to constantly bend down to see the readings of the device. In addition, there are so-called diagnostic scales, in which the control is placed in a separate unit. This allows you to enter and read data remotely, send them to the printout.
• Also, manufacturers are trying to give their models individual style. To this end, they use different materials for the manufacture of the body of the balance, including tempered glass. However, it is believed that the most durable scales in a metal case. Plastic may become deformed over time.
• To prevent the platform from sliding it is covered with rubberized pads under the feet - they make an anatomical relief.
• For use in rooms with high humidity (bathrooms, saunas, baths), you need to choose scales in a moisture proof housing.
• An important detail - in what units the scale shows the result. Most often this is, of course, kilograms and grams. However, some manufacturers use the American measurement system (weight is measured in pounds). In this case, you need to make sure that the balance has the function of switching from the American system to the international one.
• Before the purchase will be out of place check the operation of the balance and its accuracy. To do this, ask the seller to help you compare the readings of different weights. You can weigh yourself or use an item with a known weight. Keep in mind that the weighing limit on the scales you buy should be about 1.5 times your weight. This will protect the device from overload.
• Make sure the accuracy of the mechanical balance will help simple test. Press firmly on the platform and release sharply. If the arrow quickly returns to zero, the device can be bought.
• Measurement error depends on which surface you are weighing. If the floor is uneven, pick up a scale with legs of adjustable height. Sometimes it’s enough to rearrange them, because there may be imperceptible microroughnesses on the floor.
• The accuracy of the electronic balance can be affected by powerful electrical appliances located nearby. Think about it when you check the scales in the store or when you bring home. If a failure occurs, turn off the power to the balance for 15-30 seconds, and then turn it on again.
• Floor scales vary compactness. Manufacturers offer both miniature and light (from half a kilogram), and massive (up to 20 kg and more).

Video Tips

Which scales are better:

Tips for choosing from doctors:

Bestsellers: an overview of promising models of floor scales

BOSCH PPW 3300

This is the case when the buyer does not want to acquire “extra” functions and it is enough for him to see the dynamics of his weight. When approaching high rates, the balance will inform you about it. For equipment manufactured in China, the BOSCH PPW 3300 is quite good, and most importantly, reliable. At a step of 100 g, the model allows you to measure weight up to 180 kg.

BEURER BF 100

These floor scales from Germany can rightfully be called the standard. With its own memory for 10 cells, BEURER BF 100 can be connected to a computer via USB-port. However, they themselves can do a lot: evaluate the composition of the tissues of the upper and lower body and display this information in a graph; calculate your need for calories, decipher the testimony. The model is equipped with a removable screen that can be mounted on the wall, the housing is protected from moisture, which allows the use of scales in the bathroom.

TEFAL PP 6000

If for you the accuracy of the scales is more important than their design, then pay attention to this model. Perhaps they will not seem stylish enough. However, the TEFAL PP 6000 demonstrates some pretty good features. The measurement accuracy is 100g. The tempered glass of the case will support a weight of up to 160 kg. The scales are suitable for a small family (up to 4 people) and allow you to compare personal results of the last seven weighings.

VITEK VT-1977

These are floor scales that are not full of functions, but they will faithfully serve you for many years. Their design creates a feeling of lightness and youth. Scales withstand loads up to 160 kg, are made in the case of glued glass, do not require turning on and off. All you need to do is find a suitable place for them in your home.

SALTER 9056

This British model combines the advantages of mechanical and electronic floor scales. In a stylish case is placed "filling", which allows you to control the weight in several ways. The current weight is displayed on a round screen, but you can also see the gained or dropped kilograms. In this case, an electronic scoreboard and a mechanical dial are used. The plastic platform is covered with rubberized inserts for the feet, which makes weighing on these scales as convenient as possible. According to manufacturers, the scales are highly accurate (up to 100 g) and allow you to recognize the weight of up to 180 kg.