When it comes to measuring ingredients with accuracy, precision scales are essential for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Two popular options on the market are the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale and the American Weigh Scales AWS-100. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, design, and performance of both products to help you decide which one is best suited for your kitchen needs.
Design and Build
The Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale boasts a sleek and compact design, making it perfect for small kitchens or countertops with limited space. The scale's stainless steel platform and ABS plastic body provide durability and ease of cleaning. It also features a large LCD display that shows measurements in pounds, ounces, grams, and milliliters.
In contrast, the American Weigh Scales AWS-100 has a more rugged and industrial design, making it suitable for heavy-duty use. Its stainless steel platform is larger than the Etekcity's, allowing for easier measurement of bulk ingredients. The AWS-100 also features a backlit LCD display that provides clear readings in low-light environments.
Accuracy and Precision
As precision scales, both products aim to provide accurate measurements. However, the American Weigh Scales AWS-100 stands out with its high-precision sensor that offers an accuracy of ±0.1 oz (±1g). This level of precision is particularly important for recipes that require exact ingredient ratios.
The Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale also provides accurate measurements, but with a slightly lower level of precision at ±0.2 oz (±2g). While this may not be a significant difference for casual cooking, it could be noticeable in professional or high-stakes baking applications.
Features and Functions
Both scales offer a range of features that make them convenient to use. The Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale includes:
- Unit conversion between pounds, ounces, grams, and milliliters
- Tare function to zero out container weights
- Auto-shutoff to conserve battery life
The American Weigh Scales AWS-100 also offers these features, plus:
- Calibration option for adjusting the scale's accuracy
- Peak hold function to capture the maximum weight of an ingredient
- Battery-saving auto-shutoff with adjustable timeout
Price and Value
In terms of price, the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale is generally more affordable than the American Weigh Scales AWS-100. This makes it an excellent choice for home cooks or those on a budget.
However, considering its high level of precision and durable construction, the American Weigh Scales AWS-100 offers great value for professional chefs, bakers, or serious cooking enthusiasts who require accurate measurements.
Conclusion
Both the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale and the American Weigh Scales AWS-100 are reliable precision scales that can elevate your cooking game. While the Etekcity scale is a great option for casual cooks or those with limited space, the American Weigh Scales AWS-100 is ideal for professionals or serious enthusiasts who demand high accuracy and durability.
Ultimately, the choice between these two products depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you're looking for a compact, easy-to-use scale for everyday cooking, the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale may be the better choice. However, if you require precision scales with exceptional accuracy and features like calibration and peak hold, the American Weigh Scales AWS-100 is worth the investment.