The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Scales

dablues's picture
dablues

Scales

I have two digital scales, a my weigh KD 8000 and a Escali Model Pana V63.  My hubby asked me to weigh some linguine.  He likes to divide it since we are the only two in the household.  I weighed the amount on the Escali, and then on the KD 8000.  There was a difference in the ounces.  One weighed at 8.1 ounces, and then the other scale weighed 8.5 ounces.  I was surprised.  I do use the batteries instead of the adapter.  Has anyone heard of such a discrepancy between 2 scales?  This is the first time I ever weighed anything using two different scales. 

Doc.Dough's picture
Doc.Dough

I have a 100g calibration weight which I use to check my scales occasionally, and I have never had a disagreement as large as you note. Occasionally my mg scale will weigh the cal wt at 99.998 gm. You should check to see if it is a bias or a scale factor error. It might be as simple as you zeroed one of the scales with something on it just before weighing you linguini.

gerhard's picture
gerhard

Is it possible to remove the scale's weighing platform, sometimes you get stuff under there and it will affect performance.

Gerhard

dablues's picture
dablues

Thanks to all who replied.

I never heard of a calibration weight.  I'll have to try and find out where I can purchase one.  I can't remember now if I tared or if I juist removed the inguine.  I'll have to be more careful.

Yes, I can remove the weighing platforms.  I'll check and make sure there is nothing under the scales. 

jcking's picture
jcking

If calibration is an option; In the USA a stick of butter is 4oz or 113g ( + 1g for the wrapper). This weight is government regulated and accurate. If calibration is not applicable weigh multiple sticks and use as a reference.

Jim

Doc.Dough's picture
Doc.Dough

I weighed 44 (post 1982) US pennies and they came in at 3.955 oz which corresponds to the stated weight of 2.5g each + an average of 53mg of accumulated crud and corrosion.

 

dablues's picture
dablues

Thanks for all the tips!  Will definitely keep this post handy.  You guys are the best!!

MichaelH's picture
MichaelH

For those of you wanting accurate scales, I own 2 that I can recommend. The first is a Salter 6055 that I have had for about 15 years. It is accurate to 1 gram (per my testing) and has a capacity of 5000 grams. This model is still sold and is about $36 on Amazon with free shipping. It is easy to clean and the weigh plate is at least 50% larger than similiarly priced scales, making it easy to use.

The second is a Fast Weigh MS-500 I bought this year whose capacity is .1g to 500g. It is accurate (per my testing) to .1 g. It is listed on Amazon for $6.99 with free shipping.