Health o Meter Professional Upright Scale 402KL

Bottom line

The Health o meter Professional Upright Scale 402KL is accurate and reliable, owners say, as long as it's properly calibrated. Because it functions mechanically rather than electronically, it's less susceptible to inaccuracies over time or due to low batteries. Assembly and use is simple, and it also offers a height measurement tool. The Health o meter is an excellent choice for users who want a simple, yet accurate weight-measurement instrument.

Performance

Highly accurate, consistent readings: In addition to measuring weight, the Health o meter Professional Upright Scale 402KL has a measuring rod to measure a user's height, between 30 and 78 inches. As long as the scale is calibrated, it has impeccable accuracy. One owner reviewing this scale on Amazon.com points out, "This is a balance beam, so you're simply balancing your weight with the counterweight. There are no springs that get weaker or change with the weather, no strain gauges that vary based on your foot's proximity to the corners."

To calibrate the scale, users simply adjust one of the bolts with the included tool until the indicator floats evenly between the constraints at the end of the beam. Measurements are consistent, according to the 160 owners who review this scale on Amazon.com, and weights are measured in 0.25-pound increments. One owner notes, "It is such a great deal to know that this scale gives me a consistent weight every time. Nothing affects it. No springs to change slightly. I bought sanity while on my diet."

Ease of use

Easy to assemble and simple to use: The Health o meter Professional Upright Scale 402KL operates using a balance bar. Reviewers say it's easy to use and read because the controls are at chest level. However, one user posting a review to Amazon.com says, "The sliding weights don't fit firmly into grooves like the older high quality ones did. You have to fiddle with the weights to get them to stay in place."

Measurements are in pounds and kilograms. Users stand on the platform and adjust the weight until the beam is balanced; the location of the weight indicates the user's weight. The Health o meter's 450-pound weight limit is higher than many bathroom scales designed for home use, which rarely have weight limits higher than 400 pounds.

Assembly is the initial challenge, although most owners say it's a fairly easy process. It includes a set of bolts as well as tools that should be used to secure the platform to the base. The included directions are reportedly simple to follow.

Durability

Accuracy maintained over time, but a few durability concerns: The Health o meter scale is durable, with no energy-powered mechanisms that can malfunction over time. The scale is completely mechanical in function, leaving little room for error unless one of the parts should break. However, the balance beam on which the user's weight is read is made of plastic, and some users say that it's flimsy and the numbers wear off over time. There are also a few complaints that the scale doesn't seem as heavy-duty as claimed.

Overall, this scale maintains its accuracy over time. One owner who reviews the Health o meter Professional Upright Scale on Amazon.com says, "I am still happily using this scale without any problems at all. It is still a good match for the doctor's scale and also for my veterinarian's scale when we weigh our dog. This has helped me lose 65 pounds and keep it off." The Health o meter Professional Upright Scale 402KL is backed by a lengthy 10-year warranty.

Appearance

Bulky and difficult to store, plain appearance: The Health o meter Professional Upright Scale 402KL resembles the scales you see in medical offices and gyms. It's a bit bulky, users say, and because of its height it's difficult to store in a closet. The finish is black and white and not particularly stylish, but users who prefer function over form don't mind its appearance. The scale is more expensive compared to most mechanical bathroom models, but most owners agree its durability and consistency is worth the price.