Bathroom scales are staples of every home. It helps you keep up with your weight, especially during the holiday season. For those who prefer traditional scales, mechanical types are their go-to options. Although various technologies have revolutionized weighing scales, there are still many people who prefer the mechanical version.
But how do mechanical scales work? It uses springs to gauge the weight of the load, which will also move the hands of the scale. Unlike digital scales, mechanical ones do not require any source of power. It will work properly as long as the springs are well-calibrated.
Quick comparison
Last update on 2023-03-25 at 07:08 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Some mechanical scales use force-balance components, which can be a pneumatic or hydraulic type. Both work efficiently, depending on the quality of construction.
Take note that the weight limit of the mechanical scale depends on its built and components. Overall, using mechanical scales is easier for some people since it’s effortless to read the numbers, and there’s no switch to turn on. You just step on it, and the scale will show your weight instantly. Also, calibrating a mechanical weighing scale is easier than digital types.
Below, we reviewed five of the most accurate scale to weigh yourself on. Check which one suits your needs and your bathroom:
1. Ozeri Mechanical 400-Lb. Mechanical Bathroom Scale
The Ozeri Mechanical Bathroom Scale is a combo of analog and digital features. There are a traditional dial and an LCD display that are synchronized to provide accurate readings. This way, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
The Ozeri bathroom scale is very easy to use since it comes with a 5.5-inch dial and an equally large digital display. It also sports the classic retro look of traditional scales.
What we really love about this scale is its professional quality. It’s impact-resistant, thanks to the additional layer of tempered glass. Aside from that, it’s equipped with an alarm that allows you to set a certain time of the day when you should weigh yourself.
This weighing scale has the StepOn technology that provides accurate measurements upon contact. Also, it has a 50-gram sensor technology that can weigh up to 400 pounds.
Another great thing about the Ozeri weighing scale is that it’s auto-calibrated. Three AAA batteries power the LCD display. Overall, this is a simple and straightforward weighing scale that will come handy in your bathroom.
Pros
- Combination of LCD and dial
- Impact-resistant
- Auto-calibrated
Cons
- Consumes a lot of battery power
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2. Thinner Scales Analog Bathroom Scale
If you prefer a mechanical scale alone, you should consider the Thinner Scales Extra Large Analog Scale. It’s a product of Conair, one of the leading brands for beauty and grooming items.
This weighing scale has a 6.5-inch rotating dial diameter. It also has an extra-large platform of 12 inches x 11.5 inches. Overall, this mechanical scale can weigh up to 330 pounds of weight on its textured black platform.
We also like that it comes with a comfort grip layer on the platform. It also has rubber feet to keep it still while you’re stepping into the scale.
The best thing about this scale is it comes with a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer. It’s made to last daily use and heavy loads.
Overall, this is a sturdy weighing scale with an old school look. For those with poor vision, the large dial is a big plus. Also, its large base adds stability to the user, especially those who have mobility issues. Resetting the scale is also very easy so that you can get accurate readings.
Pros
- Extra-large platform
- 10-year warranty
- Large display
Cons
- Requires regular calibration
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3. Terraillon 350-Lb. Mechanical Bathroom Scale
If you want a chic weighing scale that works well, consider the Terraillon 350-lb. mechanical bathroom scale. It sports an all-black design with a sturdy and contoured platform. It also has a metal frame to ensure that the scale will last for years.
We also like that it has an anti-slip coating that holds your soles well. It stays grippy even if you’re stepping with wet feet. This has a large dial for easy reading of the results.
Overall, this weighing scale can weigh up to 330 pounds, though the dial is in kilograms. Aside from that, this weighing scale is protected by a 5-year warranty.
This is a high-quality weighing scale that will last for years. Although it’s on the higher price range, this is guaranteed to endure daily use.
Pros
- Metal frame for durability
- Anti-slip coating even for wet feet
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- None so far
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4. Salter Speedo Mechanical Scale
Salter is one of the leading brands in housewares since 1760. Their mechanical weighing scale can weigh up to 277 pounds. It comes with a traditional dial with a rotating pointer that lets you read the weight in fractions.
This is a sturdy weighing scale built with a large display and platform. Its base is solid, too, which lets you weigh yourself with peace of mind. It’s spacious enough to fit large feet.
There are no batteries or buttons on this weighing scale. You just step into the platform, and the dial will show readings. It’s a no-hassle tool that you can easily access in your bathroom.
For the best results, always set the weighing scale to zero first using the serrated wheel. Also, you should stand still to allow the dial to focus on the accurate weight readings.
Overall, this is both a functional and stylish weighing scale that comes with a specked graphite vinyl cover. Aside from that, it boasts a 10-year warranty to protect your purchase. We also like that the dial projects the weight in both pounds and kilograms.
Pros
- 10-year warranty
- No-batteries, instant operation
- The spacious platform, perfect for large feet
Cons
- The weight in pounds is a bit difficult to read
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5. Health-o-Meter Mechanical Floor Scale
Last but not the least, we recommend the Health-o-Meter Floor Scale. It can weigh up to 330 pounds of user weight or up to 150 kilograms. Its dial is easy to read, not to mention that there are figures for both pound and kilogram measurements.
The Health-o-Meter has a non-slip mat that grips your soles well. It’s large enough to fit wide feet, not to mention that the numbers are easy to read.
Overall, this weighing scale is durable and not as cumbersome as other options. It gives accurate weigh-ins on every step. It’s also easy to zero in before you take a weigh-in.
Since this is fully mechanical, you can use the weighing scale anytime. The results don’t fluctuate as long as you calibrate it from time to time.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, this is a good choice. However, it may seem too big for small bathrooms.
Pros
- Kilogram and pound numbers
- Ideal for wide feet
- Non-slip mats for added safety
Cons
- Can be a little big for small bathrooms
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What is a good bathroom scale?
If you’re looking for a bathroom scale, you should look for the following features and considerations:
Check the weight limit
The first thing you have to check is the capacity of the mechanical weighing scale. Most mechanical scales can accommodate around 300 to 400 pounds. The thing with mechanical scales is it doesn’t have an overload indicator than modern scales.
So if you’re on the heavier spectrum, you might as well look for a weighing scale with a high capacity. This is important, so you will not damage the scale.
Get a grippy platform
Next, you should choose a textured platform. It’s a matter of safety, especially if you have balance or mobility issues. We always like textured rubber platform since it stays grippy even if your feet are wet.
Also, look for a solid base that will keep the weighing scale in place while you’re stepping on it.
Consider the measurement graduations
The measurement graduations refer to the intervals of the weight scale. Smaller increments are ideal so that you can have more accurate readings.
Graduation of 50 grams is equivalent to showing weight readings in 50 steps. On mechanical scales, the only possible increment is 500g/1kg/1lb. So if you’re looking for a finer result and measurement, you’ll have to use a digital scale instead.
Weight tracking features
Some mechanical weighing scales are equipped with modern features like alarms to remind you to weigh in on specific times of the day. However, if you’re thinking about saving your weigh-ins, you have better luck with digital versions.
Prioritize accuracy
Above everything, you should prioritize the accuracy of the weighing scale. You can check this with weights to see if the scale will register a correct reading. It’s normal for mechanical weighing scales to require calibration before first use.
Pounds or kilograms?
Take note that weighing scales can either be in pounds, kilograms or both. You can choose which of the metrics you find comfortable to use. Above, we reviewed weighing scales that are equipped with both kilograms and pounds metrics.
Required maintenance and calibration
The weighing scale you’ll buy mustn’t be a fixer-upper. Choose one that requires minimal maintenance so you wouldn’t have to deal with extra expenses and effort.
Get a decent warranty
Some weighing scales don’t come cheap, so you’d want one that gives decent warranty terms. Five to ten years of warranty are unbeatable as it protects your purchase from potential product defects. Always check with the seller if the weighing scale is covered with some sort of guarantee.
Consider the price point
Lastly, check the price of the weighing scale you’re going to buy. Always consider how much you’re willing to spend. Still, you should get the right balance between value and quality. As much as you can purchase cheap weighing scales, you should remember that you’ll get what you paid for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need a bathroom scale?
A: Many of us monitor our body weight for a variety of reasons: weight loss, health conditions, and so on. A bathroom weighing scale comes handy so that you can check your weight at home. Instead of buying large triple beam balance weighing scales, those made for the bathroom are small.
Q: Do I need to recharge a mechanical scale?
A: No! A mechanical scale works using springs and gauges that don’t require any power source. The moment you step on the platform, your weight causes tension to the springs and other components. This will cause the dial to move and show the reading. Still, some mechanical scales are combined with digital features, which, in this case, may require a battery change.
Q: How do you zero a mechanical scale?
A: To set the bathroom scale on a zero before weighing in, you must put it on a flat and stable surface. After that, locate the knob at the base of the scale and rotate it gently until the dial is at zero. The scale should work well after that.
Q: When should I calibrate my mechanical bathroom scale?
A: There are auto-calibrated bathroom scales that don’t require any intensive maintenance. To be sure, check the scale with weights. If it doesn’t match, it’s time to calibrate.
Q: Is a mechanical scale better than digital scales?
A: If you’re looking for a low-maintenance scale that’s easy to repair and tune-up, mechanical scales your best bet. It doesn’t need the power to work, and it usually lasts for years. Digital scales can be very complicated, especially if it’s not calibrated well. Still, both can be a good choice under certain conditions.
Conclusion
When it comes to bathroom scales, you must choose one with impeccable accuracy, durable build, and value for money. This way, you can get proper readings to keep you informed on your weight loss journey or overall health.
Which bathroom weighing scale do you find useful? Have you chosen your preferred unit? Share it with us!