My Weigh Precision High Capacity Talking Scale XL-550

Bottom line

Most home-use bathroom scales have a maximum capacity of 400 or 450 pounds, but the My Weigh XL-550 offers a larger, 550-pound capacity. It also announces weight out loud, a plus for users who have impaired vision. Weights are measured in 0.2-pound increments, and users say it's accurate within a pound. Other home-use scales are more accurate and consistent if precision is your top priority.

Performance

Accuracy requires a firm, even surface. Most high-weight capacity scales cost several hundred dollars or more, making the $50 price tag on this scale appealing to shoppers. The My Weigh Precision High Capacity Talking Scale is one of few high-capacity bathroom scales discussed in professional reviews, and it's also a talking scale, meaning it announces weight aloud in pounds or kilograms. The scale has a 550-pound capacity measured in 0.2-pound increments.

Among just under 95 owners who offer feedback on the My Weigh XL-550 Talking Scale on Amazon.com, most say it offers accurate readings within a pound compared to other scales. Some users point out that any inaccuracies could be due to improper use, namely, not standing still for the six to seven seconds it takes the My Weigh to produce a reading. One owner explains, "I find that it is very accurate when used properly. When I first started using it, I found it wasn't accurate, but it was my own fault. The scale is a bit slow, and it's important that you stand still." Some owners also say that it takes longer to register a readout if the user is shifting his or her weight, but those who are able to stand still obtain faster readings.

There are also some differing opinions regarding whether it performs well on carpeting. Because carpets don't have a solid, even surface, using a scale on carpeted floors can cause it to shift slightly, which can alter the readings. Most home-use scales are designed for use on hard surfaces.

Ease of use

Slow to produce a reading, platform could be wider: Owners say they appreciate the large weighing platform (14.7 inches long and 12.5 inches wide), which accommodates individuals with large shoe sizes. The voice feature can be turned off if desired. The scale weighs about 6 pounds; users say it's lightweight enough that it's easy for any user to handle.

Editors of Women's Health magazine appreciate the voice feature, noting, "If you're nearsighted, it can be impossible to read the numbers on your scale first thing in the morning. The optional talking feature on this model announces the good (or bad) news. Plus, there's something about hearing your weight read out loud -- even by a robot -- that gave our testers an extra shot of motivation."

That said, the My Weigh Precision High Capacity Talking Scale must be tapped before stepping on the platform, and users must stand stable on the platform for six to seven seconds while the scale assesses weight -- not an easy feat for some older or heavier users. A few owners say they have trouble maintaining balance for this long and wish the platform (which measures 14.5 inches wide) was wider.

Durability

30-year warranty, few durability complaints: The My Weigh Precision High Capacity Talking Scale is backed by a 30-year warranty and requires four AA batteries. It does not have an additional power supply, such as a solar panel. Some owners complain it eats through batteries quickly; one such reviewer claims he must change the batteries every 30 to 40 uses. Most of the user complaints, although relatively few, are about accuracy over time.

Appearance

Simplistic design, but not a style standout: The XL-550 is primarily black. Owners say that it looks simple enough to fit in with just about any bathroom décor, although it's not especially stylish. It's slim, 1-inch platform is easy to store in a cabinet or closet, and it's lightweight enough that nearly any user can easily pick it up and tuck it out of sight.