Scale: 1 g vs 0.1 g: which is better for you?

Scale: 1 g vs 0.1 g: which is better for you?

Most people make a mistake when buying scales for one reason: they buy "too much" (unnecessarily) or "too little" (and then get frustrated). The rule is simple: what matters is the minimum amount you usually weigh .

NIST recommends measuring by mass (weight) as a good practice to improve recipe accuracy, rather than using only volume (cups/spoons).

When 1 g is perfect (90% of cases)

Choose 1 g if you do:

  • Daily cuisine (meat, vegetables, rice, pasta)

  • Pastries made with flour and sugar in normal quantities.

  • preparing family-sized meals and portions

Advantages

  • cheaper and simpler

  • Fast, good capacity (many can hold up to 5 kg)

  • Ideal for "weigh and add" with tare.

When does 0.1 g really make a difference?

Choose 0.1 g if you make:

  • coffee (more consistent dose and extraction)

  • spices/fine salt in small quantities

  • yeast, gelatin, additives in small amounts.

Advantages

  • more precision in small doses

  • It's very helpful when 1g "isn't enough" and the recipe becomes unstable.

What to look for beyond precision?

  • Tara/Zero (required) – makes it easier to add ingredients sequentially.

  • Capacity (e.g., 5 kg is ideal for large bowls)

  • Large platform + visible screen (bowls do not cover the display)

  • Non-slip base (for more stable readings)

FAQ

Is a 0.1g scale suitable for everything?
It works, but it's not always worth it in terms of price and convenience. For everyday cooking, 1 g is enough; 0.1 g shines in small doses (coffee/spices).

Why is weighing better than measuring by cups?
Because measuring by mass is a good practice for increasing the accuracy of recipes.