Bathroom scales are a must have for all fans of a healthy lifestyle and diets, pregnant women and gymnasium habitués. Some are quite satisfied with simple and reliable mechanical models, while others prefer more functional electronic devices. Our article will help you decide which scales you need.
Content:
The best manufacturers of floor scales - which company to choose
When choosing floor scales, the determining factor is their accuracy and reliability. All this can be obtained from devices of proven brands. And let such a purchase be more expensive - but the equipment will serve you faithfully for more than one year, never lied.
However, the well-known brands in the assortment have quite a few budget models designed for the mass consumer.
Scales of excellent quality are offered by such well-known companies as:
1. Supra;
2. Medisana;
3. Redmond;
4. Bosch;
5. Soehnle;
6. Tefal.
Their top models we consider in another article, but for now let's define what characteristics of the scales should pay attention to when buying.
The principle of operation and the device scales
The principle of operation of traditional mechanical scales is quite simple: the measuring spring connected to the platform stretches under the weight of a person and turns the hand on the dial (or moves the scale itself) through the attached rods.
After weighing, the readings are reset independently or manually to “zero” by twisting the special wheel. It also serves to adjust the initial position of the arrow.
In electronic scales, instead of a spring, a strain gauge is located that reacts to the pressure of the platform by changing its own resistance. The resulting difference is immediately "deciphered" and displayed on the screen already in the form of units of mass.
In addition to the main components necessary for weighing, the device can be stuffed with additional electronics, which turn ordinary scales into a real diagnostic device with many useful functions.
Types of floor scales
Mechanical
Available and easy to use, these scales are still popular due to their reliability. But their accuracy is not always at a height, because over time the spring in them stretches, increasing the measurement error. But if you don’t have to know your weight to a gram, the “mechanic” will be an excellent choice.
Pros:
- High resistance to damage: the scales tolerate mechanical impact and excessive moisture;
- Wide scale of measurements;
- Autonomy: do not need to charge the battery or replace the batteries;
- Fully maintainable;
- Cost inexpensive.
Minuses:
- Low accuracy - an error of ± 500 grams for mechanics is considered a very good indicator;
- Do not have any additional functions other than weight measurement.
Electronic
The main advantage of electronic scales is the limiting accuracy of weighing. But the ability to implement many additional functions also distinguish them from classical mechanics.
Expensive models can not only show weight, but also determine the ratio of fat, bone and muscle mass, calculate an individual body index and even recommend a diet with the optimal number of calories.
Pros:
- Very low measurement error, often not exceeding ± 100 grams;
- Automatic dumping of results of weighing or their saving in memory of the device;
- An abundance of useful features.
Minuses:
- Dependence on the power source (battery or battery);
- They are afraid of contact with water and require careful handling;
- High cost compared to mechanics.
Scale selection options
Platform material
Plastic scales are especially popular today - all thanks to the affordable price and low weight. They can be of different colors, so choosing a model to your taste will be easy.
Steel platform looks stylish and modern, but the metal is cold to become bare feet, and the weight of such devices is decent. But in terms of reliability and durability they have no equal.
Glass scales are pleased with a variety of design solutions. But it is necessary to handle glass carefully, even if it has been quenched in production. It is highly undesirable to keep such scales in the bathroom - from steam, their surface will quickly sweat and become slippery. To eliminate the risk of falling, you will need to separately purchase a rubberized backing.
There are also "exotic" versions of scales, for example, with a stone or wooden covering. Such devices look unusual and beautiful in their own way, but they are expensive.
Maximum allowable weight
This criterion will have to take into account large people, otherwise the scales can be broken already at the first use.
On average, electronic structures withstand a load of up to 160 kg, mechanical - up to 200. For most, this is more than enough. However, there are devices of increased "carrying capacity", designed for a weight of up to 300 kg.
Measurement accuracy
For those who strictly control their weight, measurement accuracy of up to several grams is important. Here we need electronic devices with an uncritical error in the range of 100-300 g. Expensive devices and special children's models guarantee even greater accuracy with a deviation of only 10-50 g.
If you do not need to be weighed daily, you can get by mechanical models that "lie" only 300-500 g. But buying a very cheap device, get ready for the fact that the error of its measurements will reach 1 kg.
Power Type (for electronic models)
Usually, electronic scales consume quite a bit of energy, and they have enough power from simple batteries for several months of work, such as in wall clocks. But if you buy diagnostic scales with an abundance of additional functions, look for a device with a full battery. It can be recharged from the network to avoid spending every week on the purchase of new batteries.
Level adjustment
Uneven flooring can affect the accuracy of the results. If you are not sure that the floors in the house are ideal, choose a scale with a level adjustment mechanism. Otherwise, you will have to run around the apartment, looking for a suitable place for accurate weighing.
Additional functions
Electronic models of weights can boast of having many additional functions that are absolutely inaccessible to their mechanical counterparts. But each of them will increase the cost of the device, so think before you buy: are these or other possibilities of “smart” weights so important for you, and is it worth overpaying for them?
Really useful options for most users are automatic on / off and the ability to record the results of weighings. In the first case, the scales save the batteries: they turn on when you stand on them, and go off after a while after the load is removed.
An electronic measurement diary is required if the instrument is used by several people. Moreover, many modern models are even able to “recognize” those who are recorded in their memory. For one family, there will be enough weights that store up to 5 different users.
Advanced diagnostic devices offer even broader functionality:
1. Calculation of body mass index with preliminary entry into the memory of your height.
2. Calculate the percentage of fluid, fat, muscle, and bone. To this end, a weak discharge is passed through the body through the electrodes through the body, which “determines” the density of tissues by their resistance.Such a diagnosis is necessary for professional athletes, but is contraindicated for pregnant women, small children and people with cardioregulators.
3. The height meter and even a mini-printer printing the results of diagnostic weighing may be included in the package of some scales.
For such complex devices, you may additionally need a wireless control unit. He will allow to switch the modes of "smart" scales, without leaning towards them each time.
What scales to choose
1. Inexpensive and reliable mechanical scales are suitable for home use for those who are not critical of high measurement accuracy, as well as for people whose weight exceeds 140-160 kg. If the body weight is too large, it is better to take a device with a strong metal platform, in other cases there will be enough plastic model.
2. Electronic scales with a memory capacity of 5 people and an accuracy of 300-500 g can be recommended for regular use in the family. The case is better to choose more simply - from red-hot glass or metal. It is also desirable that the scales have a built-in battery and an automatic shutdown function.
3. Those who carefully monitor even small changes in their weight cannot do without an electronic diagnostic device with functions for determining BMI, as well as the mass content of adipose and muscle tissue. At the same time, such a device can work fully only from a rechargeable battery.
4. Medical, sports and recreational facilities require functional electric balances with a large amount of memory, a stadiometer, and maybe even a built-in printer. At the same time, it is important that they have a solid platform made of a hygienic material - glass or metal.
How much do the scales
1. Simple mechanical scales are sold at prices ranging from 200 to 2500 rubles.
2. The cost of electronic models with a basic set of functions ranges from 400-29000 rubles.
3. Diagnostic devices are even more expensive - from 600 to 72 thousand.
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