Best Weighing Machine in India - Reviews and Comparison 2022

Weighing machines are mainly classified into two types, i.e. analogue and digital.

• Analogue

Analogue weighing machines are the one that was mostly used in earlier times. They work on a spring mechanism as it has mechanical string setup. When you step on it, the spring depresses and show the weight in dial mode readings. They are inexpensive, have excellent battery life and require low maintenance. On the downside, their accuracy in readings decreases due to overuse, and they are capable of displaying only your body mass.

• Digital

Digital weighing scales are the advanced versions of analogue weighing scales comprising of sensors and digital display. In contrast to the analogue machine, they have short battery life and display weight with accuracy.

However, the digital machine does more than measuring weight. It can exhibit multiple health factors, including BMI index, body fat, bone mass, body water levels. Moreover, they are capable of storing the figures, connect with smart devices via Bluetooth, apps, etc.

Weight capacity is one of the crucial factors to consider while buying the weighing scale. The weighing machines are equipped for weighing different weights from micrograms to several metric tons. For this, you need to take into account the needs for which you are buying the machine. For example, if you need a weighing machine for the kitchen, the scale should be capable of measuring even micrograms. Similarly, for bodyweight, the weighing capacity of the device could be up to 200kg. For commercial purposes, you might need a machine that supports kilograms of more than 200.

Weighing scales are usually made up of plastic, tempered glass, wood, or metal, among which ABS plastic and tempered glass are the best ones. They have high durability as they resist crack and moisture, are shatterproof and have a low probability of breakage. Metal and wood are good, but they lack moisture resistance which makes them unsuitable for humid areas like bathroom.

Materials also depend on the industry for which you are buying the scale. For instance, pharmaceuticals and jewellery company needs a compact machine featuring a plastic body and glass finish. Grocery stores can buy a weighing scale with plastic or even a metal body as there is no issue of moisture. If you need a weighing machine for measuring several hundred kilograms, like in steel trading shops, then a full metal body weighing platform fabricated with steel/iron plates and bottom will be ideal. In addition to this, every weighing scale should have an anti-skid base for grip and to offer stability during loading and unloading.

When we speak of size, it includes both the things-size of the whole machine and displays size. It's better to have a broader and larger display as that will give you freedom from too much bending or crouching. It should be large enough to give clear visibility of numbers even in dim light. The size of the display is different for different brands.

Regarding dimensions of weighing scale as a whole, there should be enough space on the platform to place your foot with convenience. However, the scale shouldn’t be small enough to be easily placed in a corner. All-in-all, minimum 30cm platform is good.

Accuracy is another feature which matters the most. Of course, you don’t want to buy a machine which gives reading with a considerable variation. And for this very reason, the digital scale is preferred over analogue as that have the most minimal increments.

You can always cross-check this factor by placing a known weight on the platform.

Not all weighing machines display weight only in kilograms. Although kgs are the most suitable and preferred unit in India, but there are machines in the market which display weight in pounds and stones. There is a ‘unit conversion button’ at the bottom of the machine using which you can select your desired units.

Environment, location or area in which you will keep the machine or use the device also matters. Let’s say, for bathroom use, choose a device with waterproof and additional corrosion resistance features. Similarly, if you have children or elders at home, get a scale with shockproof and skid-proof features. If you have limited space, do consider the size of the scale.

Auto-calibration or auto-zero is the feature commonly found in the digital weighing scale. Machines with this feature don’t call for adjustment. When you turn on the weighing machine, it sets itself to zero. Once the weight is measured, the machine calibrates itself every time.

If you have read the above-given features, you must have realised that weighing machines are coming with several features and it is not necessary you may need all of them. So, instead of falling for the high-end weight machine offering numerous features, get the basic one fulfilling your needs. Also, ensure the machine is easy to use and free from complex functions.

Yes, brand matters in the case of a weighing machine as well. There are various brands in India selling weighing machine. You may fall for newbies selling low-quality machines equipped with several features. And there is a massive probability that the machine may not survive even for a day. If you get a scale from a manufacturer that has been making the product for years, you will be sure and sorted. Besides assured quality, brands offer better warranty, features, workmanship, and reliability. So, it is worth spending time on the brand as well.

The display feature of the weighing scale shows the weight of the product or the human body. The display usually consists of a single or double side for reading values from either side. In the digital machine, it is available in either seven-segment or multi-colour LED.

Brands do offer a warranty on their weighing scales and the period remains six months to 1 year. So, there are high chances that the model you have opted for has a warranty of a maximum of 12 months.

The weighing scale doesn’t cost much, but every penny counts, and therefore, warranty matters and should be considered.

Speaking of price, it increases with size, durability, quality, and the number of features available.

1. Functioning

Weighing scales that come with manual switch on/off power button isn’t user-friendly. Therefore, most of the models now have sensors that automatically switch on/off the scale. They have ‘step-on’ technology, and as soon as you put feet on the platform, it shows the weight, and when you get off, it switches off automatically.

2. Low Battery Indication

Digital weighing machines use the battery to run. Most of the machines come with replaceable battery options, and only a few have a rechargeable battery. However, the battery life depends on usage. The low battery indicator ensures you use the machine without any interruption.

3. Backlit Display

If your weighing machine has backlit display feature, then you will be able to read the numbers easily even in dark conditions.

4. Multi-User Memory Capacity and Data Tracking

Some weighing scales are equipped with storing measured weight if they have internal memory or a cloud-based memory. In fact, if the machine has multi-user memory capacity, it can hold several readings of different individuals. Similarly, if your scale features data syncing ability, multi-user data tracking is possible too. The recorded data will then either be displayed in the machine or the smartphone connected with the machine via an app.

Usually, the fitness freak chooses this feature to compare and follow up their fitness stats.

5. Batteries

While buying digital machines, you need to consider this factor as they run on batteries. They either have the button cell lithium batteries. Such batteries do have a long battery life but little or no comfort in replacements. On the other hand, you have the AA or AAA batteries with short life and simple replacing process.

6. Portability

It may look that weighing machine is a small and lightweight device, and you need not consider its dimension and weight as such. However, that’s not correct. Portability is the most neglected feature when it comes to buying weighing scale. Owning a small and light weighing machine makes it easy for you to carry it anywhere.

7. Extra Measurement

The high-end weighing machine models let you measure more than just bodyweight. These features are necessary to have if you meticulously workout to remain fit. Such advanced features do increase the cost of the machine, and therefore, you should buy it only if required.

Muscle mass, BMI, BMR, body fat, visceral fat, water content are some of the extra measurements you can get from weighing machine. They are detailed as follows:-

• Body fat analysis

The fat content in your body is estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and displayed in percentage (%) by the machine.

• Water content

Being optimally hydrated is necessary for effective workout and fitness level. A smart weighing machine displays the water content in your body and helps you make changes if required.

• Lean muscle mass

If you want to strengthen your muscle and get your body into shape, analysing and working on your lean muscle mass is the key.

• Cardio content

By tracking cardio rate, you can record for health reports and change the technique of your workout, if required.

If the original packaging is unavailable, get a sturdy box that is larger than the device so that machine is securely held in place and cannot touch the sides. Use cushioning or shock-absorbing packaging material like bubble-wrap for perfect packaging.

1. Remove all the batteries from the scale.

2. Leave the scale as it is for at least 10 minutes.

3. Clean the battery compartment and ensure that the contact terminals are free of debris or residue.

4. Batteries should have the correct polarity and reinsert them firmly in place. 

5. While measuring weight, place the scale on a flat and even surface.

6. If the scale doesn’t have auto-calibrate feature, press the centre of the scale with one foot to wake it up. Once "0.0" appears on display, step on it.

7. Remain still on the machine until your weight appears.

• Place the centre of gravity of the object over the centre of the weighing surface on the scale, always.

• Don’t let the device come into contact with water or moisture as its interior electric components can get badly affected.

• Weighing machines have sensitive measuring components, and any excessive trauma or careless behaviour can ruin them.

• A warm environment is suitable for weighing scale, and they work best at room temperature. If it is kept in an environment which is too cold or hot, you will get fluctuating readings.

• A large object should be kept on the machine such that it doesn’t hang over the sides and touch the surface below as that will result in incorrect weight measurement.

• Over-loading is the most common way to ruin a scale. Excessive weight damages the sensitive measuring components permanently. 

• Place the scale on a stable surface. Never measure your weight by placing the machine on uneven tiles, carpet, rubber flooring, wobbly tables etc.