Purchasing a weight scale for your home is no longer as easy as picking out the model that looks good in your bathroom. Weight scales, used to measure your weight and to determine weight loss or gain, come in many shapes, sizes and models, with different calibration systems. If possible, try out several scales in the store to determine which works best for your weight needs.
Step 1
Determine whether you have enough room for a standing model, or would prefer a floor model. Standing models, also known as medical scale or a mechanical beam scale, tend to be more expensive, but are the most accurate. They take up a lot of room and tend to be bulky. Floor model scales are small and flat, and can slide under a dresser or bed for easy storage.
Step 2
Decide if you would like a digital or analog readout on your scale. Digital scales tend to be more accurate than analog scales, which can give a different reading based on temperature and humidity.
Step 3
Stand on the scale several times. This will determine whether or not the reading of the scale fluctuates. Try standing slightly to the left of the scale, then slightly to the right. If the scale reads exactly the same weight every time, it is giving a static reading. If the weight reading fluctuates, choose a different scale.
Step 4
Consider a scale with a body fat monitor. Body fat monitors are only available on high-tech, digital floor scales, which tend to be more expensive. The scale will send electrical impulses through your body while you are standing on it, which will provide you with a reading of your body fat percentage. Although this number will give you a good idea of your body fat percentage, it is not as accurate as getting a body fat percentage reading from your doctor.
Step 5
Save the receipt. The scale you purchase, especially if it is an analog scale, may dip out of calibration due to the environment at your house. If this is the case, return the scale.
Tips and Warnings
- Have the doctor's office weigh you the day before you go scale shopping so you are aware of your actual weight.
- Purchase a scale with a warranty when possible, but do not purchase a scale just because it has a warranty.
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