A tare function lets you place a bowl or plate on the scale, zero it out, and weigh ingredients without including the container. It’s useful for baking, meal prep, and portioning food. The right kitchen scale for you will also have a capacity, display, and set of measurement units that fit the way you cook.
Below, we compare five digital kitchen scales with tare functions, from a higher-capacity stainless-steel model to compact options for everyday weighing.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Capacity | Notable features | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicewell Food Scale | 3 g to 10 kg | Large platform; multiple units; stainless-steel top | Large bowls and heavier ingredients |
| Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale | 2 g to 11 lb | Stainless-steel platform; wide LCD | Everyday cooking and baking |
| Mik-Nana Food Scale | Up to 10 kg/22 lb | Compact size; six units; steel platform | Small kitchens and flexible weighing |
| Tcsxady Food Scale | Up to 5 kg/11 lb | Backlit display; six units; overload alert | Compact weighing with clear readout |
| Ultrean Food Scale | Not specified | Stainless-steel design; backlit display; six units | Simple weighing and unit conversion |
Our Picks: Best Digital Kitchen Scale With Tare Function reviews
1. Nicewell Food Scale: A Higher-Capacity Pick With a Large Platform
The Nicewell scale combines a stainless-steel top with a tempered-glass platform and a stated capacity of up to 22 pounds. Its 9-by-6.3-inch surface gives you more room for a bowl or plate than the smaller models here, while the large LCD is designed to make readings easier to see.
It measures in grams, kilograms, pounds and ounces, fluid ounces, and milliliters. The scale is listed as measuring from 3 grams, with 1-gram or 0.1-ounce increments. The tare button lets you zero the scale after setting down a container, so you can add ingredients one at a time without doing the math yourself.
This is a good fit if you want a broad platform and the flexibility to weigh heavier items as well as everyday recipe ingredients. A practical trade-off is its larger footprint: at this size, it may take up more counter or drawer space than the compact options. The stainless-steel surface is described as easy to clean, and an attached hook offers another storage option.
Pros:
- High stated capacity of up to 22 pounds
- Large platform for bowls and plates
- Measures in several weight and liquid units
- Includes two AAA batteries and an attached storage hook
Cons:
- Larger platform may be less convenient in a tight kitchen
- Minimum stated weight is 3 grams
Verdict: Choose the Nicewell if you want a roomy, higher-capacity scale with a stainless-steel top and a straightforward tare function.
2. Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale: A Straightforward Everyday Option
This Amazon Basics model keeps the feature set practical: a stainless-steel platform, a wide LCD, a tare button, and a maximum capacity of 11 pounds. It measures from 2 grams and displays results in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and milliliters.
The tare function is useful when you want to weigh several ingredients in the same bowl. Its 8.3-by-7-inch dimensions make it a moderate-size choice—not as compact as the Mik-Nana, but not as broad as the Nicewell. The product description also specifies food-safe, BPA-free plastic components and includes two AAA batteries.
Its lower capacity makes it better suited to typical recipe portions than large or especially heavy items. It also offers fewer unit choices than models with a separate milk-milliliter mode. For everyday cooking and baking, though, the basic set of controls and units may be all you need.
Pros:
- Measures from 2 grams, with a maximum capacity of 11 pounds
- Stainless-steel platform and wide LCD
- Displays pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces, and milliliters
- Two AAA batteries are included
Cons:
- Lower maximum capacity than the 22-pound models
- Does not list a milk-milliliter measurement mode
Verdict: Pick this model for a no-frills kitchen scale with a tare function, a stainless-steel platform, and the common units needed for everyday recipes.
3. Mik-Nana Food Scale: Compact Size With a 22-Pound Capacity
The Mik-Nana is a compact scale with a stated capacity of 10 kilograms, or 22 pounds. It measures in 1-gram or 0.1-ounce increments and offers six modes: grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, milliliters, and milk milliliters. That range of units can be handy if your recipes or food-tracking routine use different measurements.
At 7.4 by 5.5 by 0.6 inches, it is the smallest listed model in this roundup by stated dimensions. Its food-grade 304 stainless-steel platform is designed for easier cleaning, and the LCD is described as large and bright. The tare function removes the container weight, and the scale is listed to turn off after three minutes of inactivity.
The compact surface is convenient for storage, but it gives you less room for a wide bowl than the Nicewell. Its higher capacity can still be useful when you need to weigh heavier ingredients or packages. If your priority is a small footprint without giving up a 22-pound capacity, this model balances those needs well.
Pros:
- Compact listed dimensions for easier storage
- Capacity up to 22 pounds with 1-gram or 0.1-ounce increments
- Six measurement modes, including milk milliliters
- Stainless-steel platform and automatic shutoff after three minutes
Cons:
- Smaller platform may be less suitable for wide bowls
- Does not list fluid ounces as a measurement mode
Verdict: The Mik-Nana is a strong choice if you want a compact scale with a high stated capacity and several unit options.
4. Tcsxady Food Scale: A Compact Choice With a Backlit Display
The Tcsxady is an 11-pound-capacity scale with six measurement modes: grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, milliliters, and milk milliliters. It lists 1-gram precision and includes a tare function for subtracting the weight of a container. The backlit LED display is intended to make the readout easier to see in dimmer lighting.
The scale has an ABS surface and a compact design that is intended to fit in a utensil drawer. It also includes overload and low-battery alerts, plus automatic shutoff after two minutes of inactivity. Before weighing, the product instructions say to press the ZT key to reset the display to zero.
Its capacity is lower than the Nicewell and Mik-Nana, so it is better suited to routine food portions than heavier loads. The ABS surface also differs from the stainless-steel platforms on several alternatives. Consider it if a visible display and multiple unit options matter more to you than a metal weighing surface or higher capacity.
Pros:
- Six measurement modes, including milk milliliters
- Backlit display for easier viewing in dim light
- Includes tare, overload, and low-battery alerts
- Compact design with automatic shutoff after two minutes
Cons:
- Maximum capacity is 11 pounds
- Uses an ABS surface rather than a stainless-steel platform
Verdict: Choose the Tcsxady if you want a compact scale with a backlit display and multiple measurement modes, and do not need more than an 11-pound capacity.
5. Ultrean Food Scale: Stainless Steel With Multiple Unit Modes
The Ultrean is a slim digital scale with a stainless-steel design, a backlit display, and a user-friendly control panel. It offers six modes: grams, kilograms, pounds, ounces, milliliters, and milk milliliters. The listed features also include a tare function, so you can zero out a container before adding food.
The product description highlights its high-precision sensors and included batteries, but it does not specify a maximum capacity or a minimum weight. That missing capacity information makes it harder to compare with the other models if you often weigh large portions. It does, however, cover a useful range of units for cooking, baking, and meal portioning.
The slim stainless-steel design may appeal if you want a simple surface that is easy to wipe clean. The backlit display is another practical feature, especially when your work area is not brightly lit. Check the product listing for capacity details if that is an important part of your decision.
Pros:
- Stainless-steel design described as easy to clean
- Six measurement modes, including milk milliliters
- Backlit display
- Batteries are included
Cons:
- Maximum capacity and minimum weight are not specified in the supplied details
- Does not list a specific auto-shutoff time
Verdict: The Ultrean is worth considering for its stainless-steel design and range of unit modes, but confirm the capacity suits your needs before choosing it.
How to Choose a Digital Kitchen Scale With a Tare Function
Match the capacity to what you weigh
Think about the heaviest items you expect to weigh, including the bowl or container if the scale’s total load includes it. The Nicewell and Mik-Nana list capacities up to 22 pounds, while the Amazon Basics and Tcsxady list capacities of 11 pounds. The supplied details do not state the Ultrean’s capacity, so check that information if you are considering it for larger loads.
Check the minimum weight and measurement increments
A scale’s lower measurement limit matters when you weigh small quantities. The Nicewell lists a 3-gram minimum and 1-gram or 0.1-ounce increments. The Amazon Basics lists a 2-gram minimum, while the Mik-Nana and Tcsxady specify 1-gram precision. If you regularly weigh small amounts, compare both the minimum weight and the increment rather than relying on capacity alone.
Choose units that fit your recipes
Grams, kilograms, pounds, and ounces cover many common recipes, but some models add liquid measurement modes. The Nicewell and Amazon Basics list milliliters and fluid ounces. The Mik-Nana, Tcsxady, and Ultrean list milliliters and milk milliliters instead. Check the exact unit list if you follow recipes or track portions using a particular measurement.
Consider platform size and storage
A larger platform can make it easier to set down a broad bowl, while a compact scale takes up less room in a drawer. The Nicewell lists a 9-by-6.3-inch platform, and the Mik-Nana lists dimensions of 7.4 by 5.5 by 0.6 inches. Consider how much space you have and what size containers you typically use.
Look at the surface and display
Stainless steel appears on the Nicewell, Amazon Basics, Mik-Nana, and Ultrean models; the Tcsxady uses an ABS surface. Surface material can affect your cleaning routine, so follow the care instructions for the specific scale. A large or backlit display may also be easier to read from your usual working position.
Make sure the tare function suits your workflow
With tare, you can place an empty container on the scale, reset the reading, and add ingredients by weight. This is especially useful when measuring several ingredients into one bowl. For the Tcsxady, the product instructions specifically say to press the ZT key to reset the screen to zero before use.
Consider power and automatic shutoff
Some scales include batteries, and some list an automatic shutoff feature to help save power. The Nicewell and Amazon Basics include two AAA batteries. The Mik-Nana lists a three-minute shutoff, while the Tcsxady lists a two-minute shutoff. If power details matter to you, check what is included and how the scale manages inactivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the tare function do on a kitchen scale?
Tare resets the displayed weight to zero after you place a container on the scale. You can then measure the food without including the container’s weight. You can also tare again between ingredients when adding several items to one bowl.
Which scale in this list has the highest stated capacity?
The Nicewell and Mik-Nana both list capacities up to 22 pounds, or 10 kilograms. The Amazon Basics and Tcsxady list capacities up to 11 pounds. The supplied details do not state a capacity for the Ultrean.
Which option has the smallest listed dimensions?
The Mik-Nana lists dimensions of 7.4 by 5.5 by 0.6 inches, making it the most compact by the measurements provided. The Nicewell has a larger stated platform of 9 by 6.3 inches.
Do these kitchen scales measure liquids?
All five list at least one liquid-related mode. The Nicewell and Amazon Basics list milliliters and fluid ounces. The Mik-Nana, Tcsxady, and Ultrean list milliliters and milk milliliters. These are scale display modes, so check the product details if you need a specific unit.
Which models include a stainless-steel surface?
The Nicewell, Amazon Basics, Mik-Nana, and Ultrean list stainless steel as part of the platform or scale design. The Tcsxady describes an ABS surface.
Do any of these scales include batteries?
The Nicewell and Amazon Basics specify that two AAA batteries are included. The Ultrean description says batteries are included without specifying the type. The Tcsxady says the required batteries are included. The supplied Mik-Nana details do not state whether batteries are included.
Conclusion
For a higher-capacity scale with a generous platform, the Nicewell is the clearest all-around choice in this group. The Mik-Nana is a good alternative if compact storage matters while you still want a 22-pound capacity. For a simpler everyday option, the Amazon Basics model offers a practical set of common units and a clearly stated 2-gram minimum. Choose based on the capacity, units, surface, and storage space that best match your kitchen routine.