Which scales are better - electronic or mechanical?

Nowadays one cannot do without floor scales, because they help to monitor yourself and keep yourself in good shape, and this is one of the most relevant trends in a healthy lifestyle. Previously, our parents did not have a question about which balance is better - electronic or mechanical, because it was the only type. Now we have a huge choice of various “smart” equipment, hence the problem of choosing one or another weight. This article will help future users decide on the choice of weighing device.

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Mechanical scales as a classic option

Such a weight measuring device has a simple structure: a spring measuring body mass is stretched inside the device under the action of gravity and deflects the arrow to the desired indicator.

Important! As a rule, such scales have a division price of 1 kg, while the absolute error is 500-1000 g.

This is the apparatus used by everyone who wanted to be regularly weighed ten years ago. In our time, the classic version of scales is being replaced by modern, most accurate counterparts.

pros

However, it is worth noting that the old scales are still popular, it follows that they have many advantages:

• Low price of the device.
• Long service life.
• The simplest use.
• Strength.
• It does not require special storage rules.

Minuses

However, the error, although low, is not always good. Of course, you always want to know the exact mass of your body. That is why a mechanical meter has several disadvantages:

• The measuring device shows an approximate body weight.
• Inability to control fat mass.
• Outdated measurement technology.

Important! If you do not really follow your figure, you can purchase these floor scales and not fool yourself about which floor scales are better - mechanical or electronic. However, in case you are actively monitoring your figure or following any diet, you need to purchase a more accurate device.

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Electronic scales - simplicity and accuracy

When such a balance was just invented, the principle of their operation was similar to the previous one, only the result was shown not by an arrow, but on a digital display. Therefore, keep in mind that if you choose the cheapest option, then they are not better than mechanical ones.

Kinds

More expensive devices have such a price due to a fundamentally different principle of operation: in the first case, special plates are used to measure body mass, and in the second, a voltage sensor:

• Devices with metal plates have a minimum of mechanical parts. They form something like an electric miniature capacitor. When a human body mass acts on the apparatus, metal disks diverge and an electric charge arises between them.

Important! Such devices can “lie” for a maximum of 300 g. On our portal there is an article that will help set up electronic scales.

• As for devices with a voltage sensor, they are considered the most modern and advanced. The sensor is a thin wire of metal, it is through it that an electric current is passed. During interaction, the wire is pulled over the device, after which the electrical signal changes. This design gives us an accurate indicator of the mass of the human body.

Important! The error of the scales with this design is not more than 100 g, but when you decide for yourself which scales are better - electronic or mechanical, it is worth considering that the price of the last device is quite high. Indeed, a dilemma. Our separate review will help you make your choice. “Electronic floor scales - which is better to choose?”.

Possible additional features

Modern models have many features that are not inherent in mechanical scales:

• Such devices have built-in memory, which stores the results of past weighings.
• Such floor weighing devices are designed for use by 5-10 people.
• They can calculate body mass index.
• Scales are able to determine the proportion of adipose and muscle tissue in the body.
• Such an apparatus is very smart: it is able to determine who is weighed at the moment and give the necessary calculations.
• In case the body weight has changed a lot, the “smart” technique will warn of trouble with the help of a sound signal.
• The weighing device turns on and off automatically.

Important! All listed additional functions directly affect the price. Often it is better to abandon them and make a choice in favor of simple but accurate electronic or mechanical scales. You will find a detailed description of the best models in our floor scales rating.

pros

Let's start with a positive note:

• The device accurately shows the weight of a person.
• It has a modern design.
• It has a number of additional features.
• The maximum measured weight is more than 200 kg.
• A huge number of models.

Minuses

There are not so many disadvantages of this type:

• High price.
• The technique is very fragile, so you need to handle it carefully.
• Frequent battery change.

Important! Every housewife needs to weigh something in the kitchen. If you have not bought a kitchen scale, try to do it yourself. Production instructions in our article "How to make scales with your own hands at home?".

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Instrument Selection Tips

When the user has chosen for himself which floor scales are better - mechanical or electronic, you need to pay attention to a number of the following characteristics:

• Ask the consultant which measurement system this or that device has. Usually the measurement is in kilogram or pound units.
• After that, make sure that the measurement in question is accurate. To do this, weigh, for example, a packet of sugar, or compare the readings of different devices, standing on some models in the trading floor.
• Ask the seller about the absolute error of the device.
• If you plan to install the device in the bathroom, it must be waterproof.
• It is better to choose a metal model, it is much stronger and more durable than a plastic one.
• If the choice came in favor of a mechanical model, check its quality right on the trading floor. To do this, push the device and release it sharply. The arrow should immediately return to zero.
• People with low vision are recommended devices with a large dial.
• The platform will be more durable and more practical if its texture is embossed or rough, and the bottom is rubberized.

Important! Do not chase expensive and famous brands. Choose the most high-quality and accurate models in your opinion.

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Stock footage

So which scales are better - electronic or mechanical? Of course, electronic models prevail in accuracy. However, when choosing them, remember that scales are just a device for measuring body weight. They will not help either lose weight or gain weight, no matter how modern and accurate they are. Therefore, make a choice in favor of an inexpensive device with a good guarantee and low error.