Bathroom Scale Review

Comparing bathroom scales

Bathroom scales are available in two main varieties -- digital and mechanical (also known as analog or dial). Mechanical scales, which possess a more delicate internal framework of small springs and pieces, display readings with a mechanical needle, but their more fragile nature means they can wear out faster, plus they can be more difficult to read. Analog scales also measure weight in larger increments than digital scales, a trait which can make them less accurate. Several comparison reviews we found reflect this finding. Consequently, experts say digital scales are a better bet for most users. 

Bells and whistles on digital scales can run the gamut from voice-activated readouts to multiuser memory. Additionally, we found Wi-Fi connectivity to be a trend. These high-tech digital scales send weight information wirelessly to a computer or mobile phone, allowing users to easily track changes in body weight.

Some digital scales can also monitor body fat. Body-fat scales send small, harmless electrical pulses through a user's body to gauge body weight/density. However, body-fat scales have been found to be inaccurate by experts, since readings can be thrown off by a number of inconsequential factors including a person's level of hydration, a full bladder or foot calluses. As a result, some professional sources, including ConsumerReports.org, no longer test or recommend body-fat scales. Other experts say body-fat scales, if used regularly under similar conditions (at the same time of day, etc.), can be useful tools for monitoring progress.

One last type, professional mechanical scales, (similar in look and style to those found in gyms and doctors' offices), are more accurate than analog scales designed for home use. That's because professional mechanical scales employ a sturdier, heavy-duty lever arm to calculate weight, rather than the delicate springs typically used in stand-on analog scales. Professional mechanical scales also have larger weight limits. Many professional scales can accommodate users up to 500 pounds. However, full-size mechanical scales can take up a lot of room and can be quite expensive.

The best reviews of bathroom scales come from ConsumerReports.org and Good Housekeeping, which test 11 and 26 scales, respectively. Each organization clearly lists their testing criteria, but both have their downsides. ConsumerReports.org rates each scale on accuracy and consistency, but editors do not comment on the individual scales or list pros and cons. Good Housekeeping includes a paragraph of analysis for each bathroom scale, but the individual scales do not receive a numerical rating. Taken together, however, these sources provide a good overview of which bathroom scales are the most accurate. Prevention and Women's Health magazines also review bathroom scales, but their testing processes are not as detailed. Also, several models recommended by Prevention magazine have been discontinued.

An older article in The New York Times reviews four body-fat scales, comparing each scale's measurement to an underwater weight body-fat assessment (considered one of the most accurate methods for measuring body fat) of the same test subject. Choice magazine, the Australian equivalent to U.S.-based ConsumerReports.org, conducts rigorous testing of bathroom scales, offering ratings for accuracy, consistency, practicality and features. Most of the models included in these reviews are not available in the U.S.

We also examined user reviews, where owners provide good information on consistency and durability of bathroom scales. Amazon.com is the best spot for user feedback, with some bathroom scales attracting hundreds of individual reviews. Walmart.com, Viewpoints.com and Buzzillions.com also have some bathroom-scale reviews. We also consulted reviews from various publications and websites, including US News and World Report, About.com, Bestcovery.com, ApartmentTherapy.com and The Huntsville (Ala.) Times. These reviews generally take a less scientific approach to determining the best bathroom scales. (Note that ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

We found a huge number of reviews for several EatSmart bathroom scales on Amazon.com. Various EatSmart models have accumulated thousands of owner reviews, maintaining high average ratings of 4.5 or 5 stars out of 5. Although at first glance it seems that these bathroom scales perform very well, a closer look at the reviews reveals a concern: Many owners report being encouraged to post positive reviews by EatSmart in exchange for a free product. Some reviewers who have posted negative remarks have since updated their reviews, indicating that they were contacted directly by the company and asked to retract or modify their negative reviews. One owner expresses concern that consumers are encouraged to post positive reviews within days of their purchase, noting that a few days is not ample time to assess accuracy and consistency.

The EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale (*Est. $30) earns a 4.5-star average rating (out of 5) in more than 4,500 reviews; a closer look reveals that more than 400 owners have rated this product with 3 stars or less. The EatSmart Precision Plus Digital Bathroom Scale (*Est. $30) earns a perfect 5-star average rating in more than 2,000 reviews, although there are fewer negative remarks for this model. Examining 1-, 2- and 3-star reviews reveals that hundreds of owners have been offered a free diet book in exchange for a review or were shipped a newer model. Some owners see this as "excellent customer service," but many express their discomfort with being asked to modify their original negative review.

In addition, we found dozens of individual product reviews on blogs, the majority of which note that they were given free merchandise in exchange for the review. We've opted not to include these reviews in our sources. Although the majority of reviews for EatSmart bathroom scales, particularly the newer models, are positive, the company's reported practice of asking customers to change their negative reviews after receiving a working model gives us pause.