You need only to visit the section in any department store that displays bathroom scales to discover very quickly that analog scales are becoming dinosaurs. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find an analog scale these days. However, with all of the new scales on the market today, how do you weigh the scales in terms of their performance?
Weighing the Scales
The current digital models of bathroom scales come in a variety of brands, styles and models and are offered by a variety of companies. From $20 to $200, these bathroom scales will offer such features as recording of weight for multiple users, measuring of your body fat and more.
There is one very important note: if you are considering a scale that includes a fat counter, you are going to want to ensure that it is not used by anyone in your home who has a pacemaker or is pregnant (or suspects they might be pregnant). These body fat measurement scales use a small electrical impulse to measure your body fat.
About Body Fat Scales
Before we discuss some of the individual brands there is something else that you should be aware of in regards to body fat scales. There is little evidence that these scales accurately measure your body fat because of all the variables that can affect it. Body fat measurement can be affected by the time of day you are weighing yourself, the amount of water you have had to drink and even by the temperature of your skin.
If you follow most guidelines though and weigh yourself on the same day/time every week, you will find that a body fat scale will at least allow you to determine if you are having success shedding body fat while you are dieting and exercising.
The Best Scales
Tanita Brand - The Tanita lines of bathroom scales offer a number of electronic scales that measure your weight as well as body fat in increments of .1% increments. The prices on the Tanita line varies from $13 for their basic model all the way up to $130 for their top of the line model. This model measures all different types of body measurements and allows you to pre-program such things as your age, your gender, and other measurements that will allow you to utilize the special features that are included in this scale. Tanita scales are available in several models that are ideal for children, adults and athletes.
Health-o-Meter -- Yes, the Health-o-Meter are the same scales you're likely to see in your doctors' office. These scales are very expensive ($200 and up) but they are incredibly accurate. These scales are manual and are suitable for your entire household.
Weight Watchers -- The Weight Watchers scales are available in a couple of versions that are both digital. These scales are accurate to within .5 lbs and are suitable for everyone. These scales offer lithium battery power that never needs replacing and will accurately weigh those up to 380 pounds within the margin of error. The Weight Watchers scales are easy to use (tap your foot to start them up) and can be pre-set to accept weights for more than one person. Prices on these scales range from $30 to $80. These scales are also sold under the "Conair" brand name.
Taylor -- This brand makes several models of scale including a talking model that is a welcome feature for those who might have visual issues. These scales range in price from $13 to $55 and some of the models offer additional features including body fat measurement. Regardless of your needs or your budget, you'll be able to find the right bathroom scale to help you keep track of your weight.