If the Amazon Basics scale is the heavy-duty workhorse of the kitchen, the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale is its sleeker, more modern sibling.
- ๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐น๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ช๐ฒ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Supports 5 units (oz/lb:oz/fl’oz/g/mL), tare function, and includes 2 AAA batteries for hassle-free…
- ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐๐น๐๐: Accurately weighs up to 11 lb/5 kg with 1 g increments
- ๐ฆ๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ & ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐: The small and sleek scale is a perfect fit for most kitchens, occupying little space and easily storab…
Sitting at #4 in Kitchen & Dining Best Sellers and selling over 30,000 units a month, it is the only product that gives the Amazon brand a run for its money. With a staggering 170,000+ reviews, it has a massive cult following.
But why buy this one over the #1 best-seller? Is it just the design, or is the sensor actually better?
We analyzed the “Smart” features that users rave about, the surprising durability tests (involving foster kittens), and the critical difference between the two models listed on the same page.
The Design: Stainless Steel vs. The World
The first thing you notice is the profile. It is incredibly slim. User Lee Gauthier, who replaced an old dial scale, noted:
“The stainless surface is durable and easy to clean. This was a fantastic deal… repeatability and accuracy is important.”
Unlike bulkier plastic scales, the Etekcity uses a 304-grade stainless steel platform that resists fingerprints and wipes down easily after a messy baking session. It feels less like a “budget tool” and more like a permanent appliance.
The Versatility Test: From Flour to… Kittens?
Most people test scales with flour or water. But user B put it through a much harder stability test: Weighing foster kittens.
“Stick a small bin on it and it’s perfect for weighing foster kittens… I account for the weight of the attached empty bin by just resetting the scale to 0.0.”
Analyst Note: This is a brilliant stress test for the sensors. A rectangular bin hanging off the sides would typically cause a cheap scale to give “wobbly” or inconsistent readings due to uneven weight distribution. The fact that it accurately tracks a moving kitten proves the sensors are well-calibrated, even when the weight isn’t perfectly centered.
The “Smart” Confusion (Read This Before Buying)
Here is where 90% of buyers get confused. Etekcity sells two versions on the same Amazon listing:
- The Standard (304 Stainless): Just a scale. No phone connection.
- The Smart (Smart Stainless): Connects to the VeSync app via Bluetooth.
User Chris K. bought the “Smart” version and was blown away:
“I was unaware of all the features I would be getting in the app as well… Highly recommend if you want to weigh your food and count your calories W/ macros.”
If you are tracking nutrition data, the Smart version syncs your food weight to your phone, acting like a digital nutrition log. However, if you just want to bake bread, the Standard version (which is cheaper) is all you need. Be careful which one you click.
Accuracy & Usability
Like its competitors, it measures in 1g increments.
- The “Tare” Function: As Lee mentioned, the tare button is responsive and essential for zeroing out the weight of bowls (or kitten bins).
- The Display: It uses a backlit LCD (unlike some basic models that are non-backlit), making it easier to read if your kitchen lighting is dim or if a large bowl casts a shadow over the screen.
Verdict: Etekcity or Amazon Basics?
Rating: 4.6/5
Buy the Etekcity If:
- You want a slimmer profile: It takes up less visual space on the counter than the Amazon Basics model.
- You track Macros (Smart Version): If you want to log calories directly to an app, the “Smart” variant is a tech upgrade worth the extra few dollars.
- You need uneven weighing: As the kitten test proves, it handles off-center loads (like large mixing bowls) remarkably well.
Skip It If:
- You prefer physical buttons: The touch-sensitive buttons on the Etekcity can sometimes be triggered by wet fingers. The Amazon Basics model has physical “clicky” buttons which some cooks prefer for tactile feedback.
- You need espresso precision: Like most kitchen scales, it is not sensitive enough for measuring 0.1g coffee doses.
The Bottom Line The Etekcity earns its 170,000 reviews by balancing style and substance. It is prettier than the Amazon Basics scale and just as reliable. If you care about how your tools look on the counter, this is the winner.








[…] days, with Wi-Fi in your fridge and touchscreens on your toaster, the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale really stands out. It brings something special: […]
[…] the ScalePlace your brewing equipment (or filter and dripper) onto the scale and hit the “tare” […]
[…] coffee scales now come with built-in timers, perfect for use with pour-over brewing. This allows you to precisely […]