Escali Primo P115C Digital Kitchen Scale Review: Best Budget Food Scale for Baking

Full Review

Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale - Comprehensive Review

If you are looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable kitchen scale, the Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale stands out as one of the best options on the market. Twice rated as Best Value by leading independent consumer magazines, this scale delivers professional-level accuracy at a fraction of the cost.

Key Specifications

• Capacity: 11 lb (5,000 g)
• Graduation: 0.05 oz (1 g) increments
• Units: oz, lb:oz, and grams
• Platform: Sealed buttons, easy-clean surface
• Power: 2 AA batteries (included)
• Auto-off: 4 minutes of inactivity

Who Is This Scale For?

The Escali Primo is ideal for:

• Home Bakers: Precise measurements are crucial for baking, and this scale delivers consistent 1-gram accuracy
• Meal Preppers: Easily portion your proteins, vegetables, and grains for weekly meal planning
• Coffee Enthusiasts: Perfect for measuring coffee beans for pour-over or espresso
• Dieters and Fitness Enthusiasts: Accurate portion control for calorie counting and macro tracking
• Home Cooks: Follow international recipes that use weight measurements instead of cups

What Makes It Stand Out?

1. Two-Button Simplicity

Unlike complicated scales with multiple buttons and confusing menus, the Escali Primo features just two buttons: Power/Unit and Tare. This makes it incredibly intuitive to use, even for first-time users.

2. Tare Function

The tare feature allows you to zero out the weight of your container, so you only measure your ingredients. This is essential for accurate baking and cooking.

3. Multiple Unit Conversion

Easily switch between ounces, pounds and ounces, and grams with a single button press. This is particularly useful when following recipes from different countries.

4. Compact Design

At 8.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches, this scale fits easily in kitchen drawers or on countertops without taking up valuable space.

5. Sealed Surface

The sealed button design prevents spills and crumbs from getting inside, making cleanup a breeze.

Real-World Performance

In testing, the Escali Primo consistently delivered accurate readings within its stated 1-gram precision. Whether measuring flour for bread, coffee for brewing, or chicken breast for meal prep, the scale performed reliably every time.

The response time is quick - place an item on the platform and get a stable reading within 2-3 seconds. The LCD display is large and easy to read, even in low-light kitchen conditions.

What Could Be Better?

No product is perfect. Here are some minor drawbacks:

• The platform is relatively small, which can be challenging with larger bowls
• No backlit display (though the LCD is still readable)
• Uses AA batteries instead of rechargeable

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to the OXO Good Grips (around 55 dollars) and the Greater Goods scale (around 25 dollars), the Escali Primo (around 25-30 dollars) offers the best balance of accuracy, durability, and value. While the OXO has a pull-out display and stainless steel platform, the Escali matches its accuracy at nearly half the price.

Final Verdict

The Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale earns our strong recommendation for anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and affordable kitchen scale. Its simple two-button operation, consistent accuracy, and durable build quality make it an excellent investment for home cooks and bakers alike.

Whether you are just starting your cooking journey or you are an experienced home chef, this scale will serve you well for years to come. At its price point, it is hard to find a better value in the kitchen scale category.