High-Capacity Bathroom Scales

My Weigh Precision XL-550 Talking Scale offers a high capacity in an affordable package

Most bathroom scales have a weight capacity of 330 to 400 pounds, while some newer scales offer weight capacities up to 450 pounds. Still, this isn't ample enough for some users, so they must travel regularly to a clinic or physician's office to track their weight-loss progress over time. The My Weigh Precision High Capacity Talking Scale XL-550 (*Est. $50), however, is designed for home use and has a weight capacity of 550 pounds with a price tag comparable to that of a standard digital bathroom scale.

The My Weigh's standout feature is its voice function, which reads weights aloud, eliminating the need to bend over to read the display. This feature is also helpful for users with impaired vision and can be deactivated for those who don't need it. It's easy to activate this scale; simply tap on the platform and wait for the announcement that it's ready for use.

Readings are also as precise as most digital bathroom scales, with calculations in 0.2-pound increments. The platform is a wide 15 inches. However, some users with heavier weights or mobility issues find it difficult to balance on the platform long enough for the scale to generate a reading, which typically takes six to seven seconds. Wobbling while standing on the platform can also cause inconsistent readings, although reviews indicate that this scale is accurate to within a pound of other scales and professional weight measurement instruments.

If you need a scale with a higher weight capacity, but don't require the full 550 pounds, there are a few other digital options with limits of 440 to 450 pounds. The EatSmart Precision Plus (*Est. $50), for example, is our best-reviewed digital bathroom scale, and it has a capacity of 440 pounds. The Health o meter Professional Upright Scale 402KL (*Est. $130), our best reviewed professional scale, has a capacity of 450 pounds, although it's a bit more expensive than the My Weigh.

If you need a weight capacity greater than 550 pounds, the Siltec WS-1000L High Capacity Scale (*Est. $260) is more expensive but accommodates up to 1,000 pounds. This scale isn't included in any professional reviews, but it maintains a 4.5-star rating (out of 5) in nearly 15 reviews on Amazon.com. Owners say this scale allows them to monitor their weight at home, when they'd otherwise have to visit a hospital or clinic to be weighed. It measures in 1-pound increments and has a large 15-by-15-inch platform.