Which scales are better - mechanical or electronic?

For those who follow their figure, floor scales are simply an indispensable thing. Studies have shown that if weighed daily, it becomes much easier to control weight. Understanding the assortment of outdoor weighing devices is not easy, because there are a lot of them on store shelves. Most often, electronic models are purchased today, but some people still trust only mechanical devices. Let's figure out how to choose a home scales and which ones are better - mechanical or electronic.

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What to look for first?

First of all, it is important to understand that floor models are intended only for measuring the weight of a person or pet. However, you can find models that are designed for large values, and allow you to weigh weighty objects in a domestic environment.

Important! Modern floor scales are a complex electronic device, sometimes not inferior in functions to some gadgets. They are able to determine not only weight, but also calculate body mass index, calculate the volume of bones, fat and muscles in the body. In addition, some models even read body temperature and heart rate. You can find devices that tell you in which direction to build physical training.

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Which scales are better - mechanical or electronic?

When buying household floor scales, it is very important to decide what type they will be. Both options available for sale have their pros and cons, based on which, in each individual case, we can conclude which scales are better - mechanical or electronic.

Mechanical models

Mechanical floor devices work due to the built-in spring. When a person stands on the device, the spring is stretched under the weight and turns the arrow on the counter. The initial position of the arrow of such devices can only be set manually - using a special wheel.

Important! The division price with this mechanism is strictly limited in most cases to 1 kilograms, which is rather inconvenient if you want to track the dynamics of weight loss to a gram.

Pros and cons of mechanical scales:

1. Reliability and stability of the device. It is able to withstand fairly severe mechanical damage and even carry moisture.
2. It is necessary to set the division price arrow by zero each time, otherwise the result will be inaccurate.
3. A mechanical device can only measure weight; it does not have any other functions.
4. Spring models are capable of measuring a rather large mass, which can be useful for obese people.

Electronic floor models

In electronic models there is no measuring scale with an arrow, the result is always shown using the display.

Important! The division price they also have, as a rule, it is much less - from 0.1 to 0.5 kilograms. But the measurement principle in such devices may be different, depending on the device.

Several decades ago, when the first electronic floor scales appeared, they did not differ from mechanical counterparts.The only thing is that the result was not displayed on a scale, but on a digital display. At that time it was difficult to say which scales are better - mechanical or electronic, because they were not much different. But progress does not stand still, and later more interesting devices appeared.

Device principle:

1. Inside the apparatus of the last generation were two metal disks of a special alloy. Outwardly, it looked like an electric capacitor. Under the influence of body mass, the plates moved, the electric discharge changed, which was already displayed on the screen in the form of body weight. Such a design was highly unreliable, had a large error and quickly broke.
2. Today, electronic models, of course, are arranged in a completely different way. They use a special voltage sensor, from which there is a wire passing electric current. When a person stands on the scales, the sensor is activated, an electrical signal is triggered, showing how the voltage has changed. It is subsequently displayed on the screen in the form of kilograms of mass. Therefore, the best electronic floor scales do not include any mechanical parts.

Pros and cons of electronic scales:

1. To work, you need a power source - a battery, sunlight, accumulated mechanical energy.
2. Automatic turning on and off the device.
3. There is no need to constantly bring the device to zero - this is done automatically every time you turn it on.
4. The presence of various useful functions, thanks to sophisticated electronic filling.

Important! This type of device breaks faster, less reliable and does not withstand any mechanical damage.

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Measurement error

Of course, like any other measuring device, the floor scales have some error during weighing. It is very important to pay attention to this indicator when choosing a device:

• mechanical models have a high error of up to 1 kg;
• good electronic counterparts hardly lie, their error reaches only 300 g.

Agree, if it is important for you to know your weight exactly, you can definitely say which scales are better - mechanical or electronic. Preference should be given to the digital version ..

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Maximum weight

If you have a large body weight, then you should carefully consider this indicator, otherwise - the scales may simply break after the first use. On average, modern models are limited to 160 kg, but some models may show more impressive figures.

Important! Some mechanical models are capable of measuring weight up to 220 kg.

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Additional functions

Before choosing a floor scale, you need to decide whether you need any additional functions or you will use the device only for measuring body weight. Modern electronic models boast a wide range of additional functions that are very useful for working on your body:

• Calculation of body mass index. This is one of the basic indicators for a diet, exercise program and just to control your health. Data about height, age, gender are entered into the device. In the future, the device measures your mass and automatically calculates the index. If you use a mechanical balance, then this indicator will have to be considered manually.
• One of the most interesting functions of electronic models, for the sake of which it is worth acquiring this device, is the calculation of the ratio of fat, muscle and bone mass in the body. The presence of this useful function is easy to recognize by the appearance of the device - it will have small metal plates on which to put your feet. A small current discharge passes through the metal inserts. Fat, bone and muscles have different conductivity indicators, so the device with a slight error and determine their ratio in the body.
• For a large family, it is worth paying attention to the amount of device memory, because it is very inconvenient to enter all the indicators each time to calculate the body mass index. Typically, electronics can store data for up to 5 users.
• Tracking the dynamics of mass is a great feature for those who want to lose or, on the contrary, gain weight. The desired result is entered manually, and the device with a sound signal marks the achievement of the goal.

Important! To save battery power, it’s very convenient if the balance is switched on with a light touch of the foot and turned off automatically.

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Appearance

Design is not the most important indicator of which floor scales are better, but everyone wants to buy not only a functional, but also a stylish thing within their budget. Modern manufacturers offer a huge number of floor models of a wide variety of designs and styles.

The main materials that are used to make the case:

• plastic;
• metal;
• glass;
• wood.

Important! The design of mechanical devices is very limited and, as a rule, they are only metal.

Glass devices will fit into any interior, but they require careful use. But the case made of wood is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also pleasant to use, because wood is a warm material.

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How to choose a company of floor scales?

Many manufacturers of household appliances and electronic devices offer a whole line of models of floor scales. Here are the most popular and reliable companies:

• Supra is one of the most famous brands in European countries, rightfully earned many prestigious awards. They produce floor scales of different quality and price, in particular they are known for a large number of inexpensive mechanical models.
• Bosch is a company known worldwide for its build quality and reliability of devices. They produce expensive but upscale floor scales. True, their price is somewhat high.
• Redmond is a Russian company that has won a huge number of fans around the globe. Their devices are always reliable, functional and stylish. In particular, they offer floor scales with an anatomical plateau - a coating that repeats the shape of the human foot.
• Polaris is an international concern that produces a huge range of household appliances, including floor scales. It is famous for its price, and at the same time quite high quality.
• IHealth is an American company specializing in the production of medical equipment, scales and tonometers. They are considered one of the pioneers of a wide variety of gadgets for human health.

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How to choose a bathroom scale? - Practical advice

To choose the best home scales, consider these nuances when buying:

• When buying, pay attention to the weight measurement system in the device. In some countries, not kilograms are used, but, for example, pounds. A similar incident occurs due to the fact that the device was assembled for export, but not reprogrammed.
• If you plan to keep the scales in the bathroom or sauna, then it is advisable to choose a model with a moisture-proof housing.
• For use on linoleum or slippery flooring, it is best to prefer a rubber-coated model for stability on the floor.
• Please note that there are controls in the mechanical balance that allow you to level the device on uneven floors. Otherwise, an inaccurate result may be observed during weighing.
• The quality of a mechanical balance can be easily checked as follows: you must set the arrow to zero division and press the device with a sharp movement. The arrow should show weight pressure and return to its original state.
• If you buy a bathroom scale for a person with vision problems, then you should choose a model with large numbers on the display so that you do not have to clarify the result during weighing.
• The most reliable material is metal.Therefore, if you plan to use floor scales frequently and intensively, it is not recommended to take plastic or wood.

Important! Electronic models are highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep the scales close to powerful electrical appliances or radio equipment.

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Stock footage

Which scales are better - mechanical or electronic, is a controversial question. After all, they have completely different goals, a mechanism of action and basic parameters. When buying floor scales, it’s worth evaluating which features you really need and for which you simply overpay for money.