Bathroom Scales: Reviews

This Taylor digital scale earns top marks from one consumer testing organization for both accuracy and consistency, and owners agree. This stylish scale has a 400-pound weight capacity and a large, 1.5-inch LCD display.… expandOwners say they love the glass-and-chrome look of this scale, noting it compliments any décor. Owners report that the display won't fade as the battery weakens; that's because it uses a single lithium battery that has a longer life and won't weaken over time like alkaline batteries tend to do. Users also love the instant-on functionality (no need to tap this scale first to turn it on) and the wide platform, which is easy to balance on. On the downside, several owners say they wish the display were backlit. collapse

Body-fat scales use a method called bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate body fat. A harmless electrical current passes through the body, encountering resistance from tissue. (Note: women who are pregnant… expandand persons with pacemakers should not use these types of scales.) The amount of resistance is used to estimate body fat, because muscle reacts differently than fat. The Omron Body Fat Monitor and Scale HBF-400 is less expensive than similar body-fat scales, and owners say it offers consistent readings. Weights are said to be accurate, but body-fat percentages tend to be off by a few points when compared to a professional assessment. Most owners say this isn't an issue because the scale gives consistent readings, and changes over time are the most important indicator of progress. The Omron HBF-400's weight capacity is 330 pounds (measured in 0.2-pound increments). Body fat is estimated to 0.1 percent. collapse

Bathroom scales typically have a weight limit between 250 and 450 pounds, but the My Weigh Precision High Capacity Talking Scale can accommodate users up to 550 pounds. Scales with a higher limit are available, but they… expandcan cost hundreds of dollars more. Users say they appreciate the wide, 11.25-by-14.7-inch weighing platform on the My Weigh scale, and the talking feature is convenient for individuals who have difficulty bending over to read the display. The My Weigh Talking Scale takes six or seven seconds to produce a weight reading, and some owners say they have difficulty maintaining their balance for that long. This high-capacity bathroom scale runs on four AA batteries and is backed by a 30-year warranty. collapse

Professional mechanical scales, though bulky and expensive, are accurate. Because the measurement reading is at eye level, they can also be easier to use. The Health o meter Professional Upright Scale 402KL receives high… expandmarks from reviewers at Amazon.com. Similar in appearance to the scales you see in doctors' offices and gyms, the Health o meter model uses weights to counterbalance a metal arm. Many reviews say it's accurate, offers consistent results and is easy to read (measurements are at chest level). Plus, with a 450-pound capacity, it has a higher weight limit than most bathroom scales. Some reviewers complain that the scale is damaged easily during shipping, but it is covered by a 10-year warranty. collapse

The Withings Wi-Fi Body Scale is more expensive than most bathroom scales, but owners are willing to pay extra for the advanced features and the ability to integrate weight and body fat tracking with an iPhone, Android… expanddevice, iPad or computer. Weight-loss progress can be tracked and shared online, and useful charts and graphs can be printed for physician visits. Owners praise the scale's advanced tracking capabilities, storing data for up to eight users. Users also appreciate the free weight-tracking applications available for mobile devices, and the Withings Wi-Fi Scale can be set up to work with other popular weight loss and fitness applications. The Withings Wi-Fi Scale has a maximum capacity of 396 pounds (measured in 0.2-pound increments) and runs on four AAA batteries. It's backed by a one-year warranty. collapse