Taylor 7405 Electronic Scale

Bottom line

The Taylor 7405 Electronic Scale is a good basic scale for home use. It works well for users who simply want a scale that can provide accurate weight measurements without any advanced tracking functionality. There are some concerns about consistency, which can be attributed to the scale's weight recall function. Its nickel-tone finish has a modern look.

Performance

Inconsistent readings explained by scale's recall function: The overall average ratings across hundreds of user reviews posted between Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Overstock.com are positive. One owner posting a review says, "This scale is a very solid and easy to use body weight scale. It is well built and gives consistent results."

However, we did find mixed feedback concerning performance. Several users complain that the scale gives inaccurate readings when tested by weighing yourself, then weighing yourself again with a lightweight object, such as a mug or small box, and then weighing yourself again. The reason for this perceived inconsistency is that the scale recalls the last weight measured, and if the next weight is within a certain threshold, it won't display the actual difference in measurement but rather the same readout as the last time. So unless your weight has fluctuated by more than a pound or so, testing the scale's accuracy using the above-described method will leave you frustrated.

Users who have tested the 7405's accuracy against other home-use scales or weights obtained at a physician's office claim it is accurate. One owner comments, "Repeatablity is excellent. Checked my weight against scales at doctor's office and weighed the same."

Ease of use

Questionable display readability: The Taylor 7405 Electronic Scale is easy to use with instant-on technology that means there's no tapping required to calibrate it before use. It weighs just 5.6 pounds and features a rubberized carrying handle for easy portability.

While the LCD display is backlit and relatively large (a 2-inch square), we read a number of complaints claiming 45-degree tilt of the display makes it nearly impossible to read while you're standing on the platform. However, since it holds the weight reading for about three seconds, users simply step off the scale to read the final measurement.

There are, however, roughly an equal number of users who say the tilted display made no difference. Otherwise, the backlighting is bright and the numbers are large, for use in dim lighting conditions.

Durability

Short lifespan, but ample five-year warranty: Several users say this scale stops working after just a few uses, or in some cases, straight out of the box. In general, the scale has a reported lifespan between one and two years. The Taylor 7405 Electronic Scale is backed by a five-year warranty. 

Appearance

Modern, nickel-tone appearance: The Taylor 7405 Electronic Scale features a nickel-tone platform, which resembles chrome and has black accents. Users say it's an attractive scale, and it fits in well with most modern décor.