Meta Description: Choosing a digital kitchen scale? We compare the AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Scale and the Etekcity Food Scale on price, accuracy, and features to help you decide which is the best fit for your kitchen.
If you’re serious about baking, meal prepping, or just making better coffee, a digital kitchen scale is a non-negotiable tool. Measuring by weight is far more accurate than using cups and spoons, leading to consistent, repeatable results.
Two of the most popular and highly-rated options on Amazon are the AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale and the Etekcity Food Scale with Bowl. They both promise precision, but they approach it in different ways.
In this head-to-head review, we’ll break down their design, features, and performance to see which one truly delivers the best value for your money.
At a Glance: Our Top Contenders
- The AmazonBasics Scale: A sleek, minimalist scale with a stainless steel platform. It’s all about a compact footprint and straightforward functionality.
- The Etekcity Scale with Bowl: A versatile kit that includes a removable stainless steel bowl, making it ideal for weighing multiple ingredients directly in the same container.
Head-to-Head Review
1. AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale
This scale embodies the AmazonBasics philosophy: reliable, no-frills, and affordable. It’s a workhorse designed to do one job and do it well.
What We Loved:
- Sleek and Easy to Clean: The flat, stainless steel platform is incredibly easy to wipe clean. Its low-profile design looks great on any countertop and is a breeze to store.
- Simple Operation: With just two buttons (On/Off and Unit), it’s foolproof to use. The large, clear digital display is easy to read.
- Tare Function: The tare (zero) function works perfectly, allowing you to subtract the weight of a bowl or container to measure multiple ingredients in succession.
- Compact and Portable: Its small size makes it perfect for kitchens with limited counter space, and it’s easy to tuck away in a drawer.
What Could Be Better:
- No Included Bowl: Unlike the Etekcity, you’ll need to use your own bowls or plates, which can be less convenient for liquids or powdery ingredients.
- Basic Features: It lacks some of the bonus features found on other models, like a built-in timer or a backlit display.
- Digital kitchen scale with food-safe, BPA-free plastic components
- Stainless steel platform with wide LCD screen
- Weighs up to 11 pounds (2 grams minimum, up to about 5000 grams); displays results in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounce…
2. Etekcity Food Scale with Removable Bowl
The Etekcity scale is a fantastic all-in-one solution, especially for bakers who frequently weigh several ingredients for a single recipe.
What We Loved:
- The Included Bowl is a Game-Changer: The removable stainless steel bowl is the star feature. It makes weighing liquids, flour, and other ingredients incredibly clean and convenient. You can easily tare it out for each new ingredient.
- Versatile Functionality: This scale isn’t just for food! It features multiple units (g, oz, lb:oz, ml) which are great for weighing letters for postage or small parcels.
- Useful Bonus Features: Many Etekcity models include a built-in timer, which is incredibly handy for recipes that require precise mixing or resting times. The auto-off feature helps conserve battery life.
- Excellent Value Bundle: You get the scale, a useful bowl, and even two AAA batteries in the box, making it ready to use right away.
What Could Be Better:
- Slightly Bulkier Design: The scale itself is a bit larger to accommodate the bowl, requiring more storage space.
- More Parts to Clean: While the bowl is dishwasher safe, it’s still an extra item to wash compared to the simple wipe-down of the AmazonBasics scale.
- 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Supports 5 units (oz/lb:oz/fl’oz/g/mL), tare function, and includes 2 AAA batteries for hassle-free…
- 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: Accurately weighs up to 11 lb/5 kg with 1 g increments
- 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: The small and sleek scale is a perfect fit for most kitchens, occupying little space and easily storab…
The Final Showdown: Comparison Table
| Feature | AmazonBasics Scale | Etekcity Scale with Bowl |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Flat Stainless Steel | Flat Base + Removable Bowl |
| Capacity & Precision | 11 lbs / 5 kg, 1g precision | 11 lbs / 5 kg, 1g precision |
| Units | g, oz, lb:oz, ml | g, oz, lb:oz, ml (varies by model) |
| Special Features | Tare Function, Auto-Off | Tare Function, Auto-Off, Built-in Timer |
| Best For | Minimalists, Small Kitchens, Basic Weighing | Bakers, All-in-One Convenience, Versatility |
| Included Accessories | None | Stainless Steel Bowl, Batteries |
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Your choice between these two excellent scales ultimately comes down to your cooking style and kitchen needs.
Choose the AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Scale if:
You want a simple, compact, and ultra-easy-to-clean scale for basic weighing tasks. If you primarily weigh items in a single container you already own and value a minimalist design that stores effortlessly, this is the perfect, no-fuss choice.
Choose the Etekcity Food Scale with Bowl if:
You are a serious baker or cook who values convenience and versatility. The included bowl is a massive advantage for recipes with multiple ingredients, and the bonus timer adds real utility. If you want a complete kit that offers the best all-around functionality, the Etekcity is the clear winner.
Final Thoughts
Both scales are accurate, reliable, and offer incredible value. For its sheer practicality and added features, the Etekcity Scale with Bowl takes our top pick for most home cooks. However, the AmazonBasics Scale remains a superb and highly recommended option for anyone seeking pure simplicity at a fantastic price.