A reliable digital kitchen scale is the most important piece of equipment for any cottage food business—yes, even more than your mixer. Florida cottage food law requires accurate net weight labeling on all products. An inaccurate or unreliable scale can lead to legal issues, customer complaints, and lost profit. This guide covers the best food scales for cottage food businesses at every budget level.
⚠️ Legal Requirement
Florida cottage food labels must include accurate net weight. Selling products with incorrect weights can result in fines or being shut down by FDACS. A quality scale isn't optional—it's mandatory for legal compliance.
📋 What We'll Cover
🔍 What to Look for in a Cottage Food Scale
Must-Have Features
1. Accuracy: ±1 gram or better
For cottage food compliance, your scale needs to be accurate within 1 gram (0.035 oz). This ensures your labeled net weights are correct.
Why it matters: If your label says "8 oz net weight" but the scale is off by 5%, you could be selling 7.6 oz—that's short-weighting customers and illegal.
2. Capacity: 11 lbs minimum
You need to weigh packaged products (ingredient weight + container). An 11 lb capacity handles most cottage food products, from cookies in bags to jars of jam.
Common mistake: Buying a 5 lb scale seems fine until you need to weigh a large cake or multiple jars at once. Go with 11 lbs minimum.
3. Tare Function
The tare function zeros out the weight of your container so you only measure ingredient weight. This is essential for net weight calculations.
Example: Place empty jar on scale → Press TARE (scale shows 0g) → Add jam → Scale shows net weight of jam only.
4. Multiple Units (grams, ounces, lbs)
Florida allows net weight in ounces or pounds (with ounces). Being able to toggle between grams and ounces makes recipes and labeling easier.
Pro tip: Many bakers prefer weighing ingredients in grams (more precise) but labeling in ounces (required in Florida).
5. Easy-to-Read Display
You'll be reading weights hundreds of times per week. A large, backlit LCD display prevents errors and eye strain.
Look for: Display at least 1 inch tall, backlit for dim lighting, auto-off function (saves battery).
Nice-to-Have Features
- ✅ Stainless steel platform: Easy to clean, durable
- ✅ Removable platform: Dishwasher-safe convenience
- ✅ Percentage weighing: For recipe scaling
- ✅ AC adapter option: No battery changes for high volume
- ✅ Baker's percentage mode: Advanced recipe development
- ✅ Warranty: 1-2 year manufacturer warranty
🥉 Budget Pick: Escali Primo Digital Scale
Escali Primo Digital Scale
Best Value • 11 lb Capacity • ±1g Accuracy
ASIN: B0007GAWRS
The Escali Primo is the most popular budget scale among cottage food makers—and for good reason. At just $25, it delivers the accuracy and capacity you need without breaking the bank. This is the scale I recommend to anyone just starting out.
Key Specifications
Capacity: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Accuracy: ±1 gram
Increments: 1 gram / 0.05 oz
Units: g, oz, lb:oz
Platform size: 7" x 6"
Display: LCD (not backlit)
Power: 2 AAA batteries
Warranty: Lifetime limited
What Makes It Great
- ✅ Accuracy: Consistently accurate within 1 gram—perfect for cottage food compliance
- ✅ Simplicity: Two buttons (ON/TARE and UNIT). No complicated menus.
- ✅ Durability: Reviewers report 5-10 years of daily use
- ✅ Compact: Small footprint fits on crowded counters
- ✅ Price: Unbeatable value at $25
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- • Extremely affordable ($25)
- • Accurate and reliable
- • Simple, intuitive operation
- • Lifetime warranty
- • Great battery life (6+ months)
- • Compact size
❌ Cons:
- • No backlight (hard to read in dim light)
- • Plastic platform (not as durable as steel)
- • Platform not removable
- • No AC adapter option
- • Display can be small for some users
💡 Best For
New cottage food makers, low-volume production (under 100 products/week), tight budgets, anyone who values simplicity. This is the "starter scale" that many makers use for years without needing an upgrade.
🥇 Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Scale
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Scale with Pull-Out Display
🏆 Editor's Choice • 11 lb Capacity • Pull-Out Display
ASIN: B079D9B82W
The OXO Good Grips is the best all-around scale for cottage food businesses. It costs twice the Escali, but the premium features justify the price: stainless steel platform, pull-out display (no more blocked readings!), and superior build quality. If you can afford $50, this is the scale to buy.
Key Specifications
Capacity: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Accuracy: ±1 gram
Increments: 1 gram / 0.1 oz
Units: g, oz, lb:oz, ml
Platform: Stainless steel, removable
Display: Pull-out LCD (always visible)
Power: 4 AAA batteries
Warranty: 2 years
Standout Features
- ✅ Pull-out display: Extends on a hinge so large bowls/containers never block the screen—game-changer for production
- ✅ Stainless steel platform: Durable, easy to clean, dishwasher-safe
- ✅ Zero button: Quickly zero the scale without turning it off/on
- ✅ Non-slip feet: Stays put on counters during heavy use
- ✅ Better display: Larger numbers, easier to read than budget scales
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- • Pull-out display solves blocking issue
- • Stainless steel is durable & professional
- • Removable platform (dishwasher safe)
- • Accurate and reliable
- • Great build quality (OXO is known for this)
- • 2-year warranty
❌ Cons:
- • More expensive ($50 vs. $25)
- • Larger footprint (takes up more counter space)
- • Still battery-powered (no AC adapter)
- • Heavier than budget models
💡 Best For
Serious cottage food makers, medium-to-high volume production (100+ products/week), anyone who's tired of craning their neck to see around bowls, makers who want a scale that'll last 10+ years. This is the "buy once, cry once" option.
🥈 Professional Pick: MyWeigh KD-8000
MyWeigh KD-8000 Baker's Scale
Pro Features • 17.6 lb Capacity • AC Adapter Option
ASIN: B0014ZP5F6
The MyWeigh KD-8000 is designed specifically for professional bakers and high-volume production. It has nearly double the capacity of other scales (17.6 lbs), advanced features like baker's percentage mode, and can run on AC power (no battery changes). If you're producing 200+ items/week or planning to scale up, this is your scale.
Key Specifications
Capacity: 17.6 lbs (8 kg)
Accuracy: ±1 gram
Increments: 1 gram / 0.1 oz
Units: g, oz, lb:oz, ml, fl oz
Platform: Large stainless steel (9" x 9")
Display: Large backlit LCD
Power: AC adapter OR 3 AA batteries
Warranty: 30 years (!)
Professional Features
- ✅ 17.6 lb capacity: Weigh large bowls of dough, multiple jars, big cakes
- ✅ AC adapter included: Never change batteries (huge for high volume)
- ✅ Baker's percentage mode: Automatically calculate ingredient ratios
- ✅ Percentage weighing: For scaling recipes up/down
- ✅ Hold function: Freezes weight reading for recording
- ✅ 30-year warranty: MyWeigh stands behind their product
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- • Highest capacity (17.6 lbs)
- • AC adapter = no battery costs
- • Advanced baker features
- • Large, backlit display
- • Commercial-grade durability
- • 30-year warranty (insane)
❌ Cons:
- • Most expensive ($60)
- • Bulkier (9x9" platform)
- • Overkill for low-volume makers
- • Requires AC outlet nearby for best experience
- • More buttons/features = learning curve
💡 Best For
High-volume producers (200+ products/week), professional bakers transitioning from commercial kitchens, anyone who needs to weigh large batches or heavy items, makers who hate changing batteries. This is a "set it and forget it" scale for serious businesses.
⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Escali Primo | OXO Good Grips ⭐ | MyWeigh KD-8000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $25 | $50 | $60 |
| Capacity | 11 lbs | 11 lbs | 17.6 lbs |
| Accuracy | ±1 gram | ±1 gram | ±1 gram |
| Platform | Plastic | Stainless (removable) | Stainless (9x9") |
| Display | LCD | Pull-out LCD | Backlit LCD |
| Power | 2 AAA | 4 AAA | AC adapter + 3 AA |
| Special Features | None | Pull-out display | Baker %, hold function |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited | 2 years | 30 years |
| Best For | Beginners, budgets | Most makers | High volume, pros |
💡 Our Recommendation
For most cottage food makers: OXO Good Grips ($50). It's the sweet spot of price, features, and durability.
On a tight budget? Escali Primo ($25). It's 90% as good for half the price.
High-volume producer? MyWeigh KD-8000 ($60). The extra capacity and AC power are worth it.
🔧 How to Calibrate Your Scale
Even the best scales can drift over time. Calibrate your scale every 3-6 months (or more often if you drop it) to ensure accuracy.
DIY Calibration Test (No Special Equipment)
Step 1: Test with Known Weights
Use U.S. coins or unopened food packages with labeled weights. Examples:
- U.S. Quarter = 5.67 grams
- U.S. Nickel = 5.00 grams
- 20 quarters = 113.4 grams (~4 oz)
- Unopened 16 oz (1 lb) butter package = 454 grams
Step 2: Verify Accuracy
Place the known weight on your scale. If it reads within ±2 grams, you're good. If it's off by more than 2 grams, your scale needs calibration or replacement.
Step 3: Recalibrate (If Needed)
Most digital scales have a calibration mode (check your manual—usually holding the ON/TARE button for 3-5 seconds). You'll need a calibration weight:
- 500g calibration weight: $10-15 on Amazon (covers most scales)
- Follow your scale's manual for exact calibration steps
- Most scales prompt you to place the weight and press a button
⚠️ When to Replace Your Scale
If calibration doesn't fix inaccuracies, or if the scale is consistently off by 5+ grams, it's time for a new one. Don't risk legal issues or customer complaints over a $25-60 tool.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a digital scale for cottage food?
Yes. Florida law requires accurate net weight on labels. Measuring cups are not precise enough for legal compliance. A digital scale is mandatory, not optional. Plus, weighing ingredients (rather than measuring by volume) produces more consistent results.
Is ±1 gram accuracy good enough?
Yes! For cottage food products, ±1 gram is excellent. That's 0.035 oz—well within acceptable tolerances. Even commercial bakeries use scales with ±1-2 gram accuracy. Anything more precise (0.1g or 0.01g) is overkill for food production and better suited for jewelry or lab work.
Can I use a bathroom scale or postal scale?
No. Bathroom scales aren't accurate enough (usually ±0.5 lb = ±227 grams—way too imprecise). Postal scales work better but often lack the precision (1 gram increments) needed for small cottage food products. Stick with kitchen scales designed for food.
How often should I replace my scale?
A quality scale should last 5-10+ years with proper care. Replace it if: (1) It no longer calibrates accurately, (2) The display is damaged or unreadable, (3) It powers off randomly, or (4) It's been dropped and accuracy is questionable. Test your scale every 3-6 months with known weights.
Should I buy a backup scale?
Once you're producing 100+ products/week, yes. Having a backup prevents production shutdowns if your main scale breaks. The Escali Primo ($25) makes a great backup. Keep it in the box until needed, and test it periodically to ensure it works.
What's the difference between grams and ounces for labeling?
Florida allows net weight in either ounces or pounds (with ounces). Most cottage food makers use ounces because it's familiar to U.S. customers. Internally, many bakers weigh ingredients in grams (more precise) but convert to ounces for labels. Your scale should do both.
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Affiliate Disclosure
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.com. If you purchase products through these links, Florida Cottage Foods may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on product specifications, manufacturer information, and industry standards for cottage food compliance. We only recommend scales that meet Florida cottage food legal requirements for accuracy and capacity.