Are you weight-conscious? We are, in the test kitchen. There are times when weighting ingredients is preferred over measuring them--for example, when you're making Country French Bread. While there are several types of scales, we prefer digital models because they're the most accurate. Here are some features to look for:

Capacity Choose a scale with a wide range, from 1/4 ounce to at least 10 pounds, for greater flexibility in use.

Weight display The numbers should be easy to read, and they should be displayed for several minutes before the scale shuts off.

Conversion The scale should have a metric conversion option.

Platform size It should be big enough to hold large cuts of meat as well as large quantities of fruits and vegetables.