Kilogram / Pound Scale

There are two types of scales needed for most modernist cooking. The Kilogram/Pound Scale is used to weight the heavier ingredients in a modernist recipe. These are also called a "kitchen scale" or "food scale." They usually have a maximum weight handling capability in the range of 2.2 kg to 4.5 kg (5-10 pounds). They typically have 1 gram and/or 1/8 ounce increments.

It is also important the scale has a "zero" or "tare" function. This allows the scale to be reset to zero when making measurements. Then you can continue to add ingredients to the same bowl.

Where To Buy a Kilogram / Pound Scale

Most kitchen supply stores carry a variety of kitchen scales. Prior to my interest in modernist cooking I purchased an OXO Good Grips 5-lb Food Scale with Pull-Out Display which has served me well.

In general I'm a fan of OXO products and this is no exception. It has a 2.3 kilogram (5 pound) capacity which has always been enough for my use. You can select between imperial (ounces) and metric (grams) units. It has a "zero" function to allow zeroing of the scale.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the scale is the Pull-Out Display that makes it possible to separate the display from the scale when weighting large objects. When I purchased this scale I doubted that I would take advantage of the feature. But I have learned it actually comes in handy quite often, especially when weighting boxes to be mailed.

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This article is by me, Jason Logsdon. I'm an adventurous home cook and professional blogger who loves to try new things, especially when it comes to cooking. I've explored everything from sous vide and whipping siphons to pressure cookers and blow torches; created foams, gels and spheres; made barrel aged cocktails and brewed beer. I have also written 10 cookbooks on modernist cooking and sous vide and I run the AmazingFoodMadeEasy.com website.

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