A floor scale is a useful and necessary device. Bathroom scales are used in many areas of life. They are used to determine body weight in sports, children's and medical institutions. Within the framework of this article, we will consider the types of devices, the principle of operation, how to choose a bathroom scale. The rating of popular devices will also be provided to the attention of readers.
Outdoor devices are indispensable in the home environment for people who lead an active lifestyle, go in for sports. Such a device is a must-have for monitoring the weight of children, pregnant women and everyone who monitors nutrition. Which bathroom scales to choose for home use, and which ones are better to choose for an institution - in the further description.
Content
Types of bathroom scales
All types of floor standing devices have different functionality and are made from different materials. Some devices have additional technical features. There are 2 main types of weighing instruments - mechanical and electronic scales. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are a number of subspecies.
Mechanical devices
Traditional simple type of device with little functionality. This option is simple and easy to use. The mechanical device can withstand heavy loads and is usually inexpensive. The main advantages are: durability, reliability, the ability to work without a power source, low price, maintainability. To the pluses, you can add resistance to humidity, mechanical stress and temperature extremes.
The mechanical device has certain drawbacks: manual adjustment is periodically required, there is no accuracy up to 0.5 kilograms, there are no additional options. The accuracy of mechanical balances can change over time due to technical considerations. The spring part of the device is subject to deformation and tension.
Electronic weight measuring devices
At the beginning of its existence, electronic variants worked on the principle of mechanical devices. Springs were installed in electronic devices. Only the readings were displayed not on a scale, but on an electronic board. Modern models differ from outdated samples and mechanical devices in high precision and ease of use. In electronic devices, the measurement error is kept to a minimum. But like all electrical appliances, they have their disadvantages and advantages.
The main advantages are: accuracy (the error does not exceed 50-100 grams), automatic saving of results and reset, availability of additional options. The disadvantages include: dependence on electric power, considerable cost, increased demands on humidity. In addition to these points, electronic models require delicate handling. It so happens that the slightest mechanical stress will disable the device. How to choose electronic floor scales - we will consider in the next section.
What scales to choose for the home
Among the many options and brands of weighing devices, it is sometimes difficult for the buyer to make the right choice. How to choose a bathroom scale depends on the needs and purpose of use. First you need to decide on the type of device. Electronic models without diagnostic functions, but with a good memory capacity, are suitable for a family consisting of several people, including children.
This option has a small error in values and is not too expensive. The advantage will be a metal case or, alternatively, durable tempered glass. The power supply can be an electrical network and a built-in battery. Both sources are desirable. An additional plus will be the option to automatically turn on and off.
The most accurate instruments are medical scales. The error in such devices does not exceed 50 grams. Advanced models can be connected to a computer. The devices have LCD screens. Options with built-in printer and stadiometer are available. Some samples can provide guidance on optimal diet and calorie intake.
For more accurate measurements and recording all changes, a model with a diagnostic function is suitable. This version of the device can determine: the content of muscle tissue, fat layer, body mass index (BMI). Such devices are more expensive, but they can show the correspondence of height and weight.
A more complete picture of the state of the body is given by floor diagnostic scales. Such devices provide information not only about weight. but also about a number of significant indicators. The diagnostic scale shows: the amount of fat and water in percent, the level of metabolism and physical development, the amount of bone tissue, calories (daily intake). Also, the devices are able to show the relative age (biological). Such devices are expensive. The benefits of the application are great. The devices analyze a person's condition and provide optimal indications for improving health.
A reliable and inexpensive mechanical device suitable for heavy people. There are robust mechanical scales that can withstand a large load weight (150-200 kilograms). Also, a mechanical device is suitable for everyone who does not care about the exact measurement parameters (error up to 0.5 kilograms). There are scales on sale with a high limit - up to 300 kilograms.
Scale device and principle of operation
Today, electronic floor scales are in the lead. They are distinguished by high measurement accuracy and ease of use. The main elements of the device are the following parts: a liquid crystal screen, a housing, a sensor assembly (strain gauge), a printed circuit board with a microcircuit. In the first developments, the electronic version functioned on the principle of a mechanical balance.
With the help of a spring, the weight was measured, the indicators were processed and displayed via an electronic circuit. Then the device was improved. The force of gravity was converted into a signal using special sensors. The signal is transmitted through the sensor to the microprocessor-based weighing indicator with the subsequent output of the result to the display. It uses electrical impulses to measure mass.
The main structural parts of floor mechanical scales are: body legs, spring (connected to the plate), shoulders, rocker. In a mechanical device, the main measuring unit is a spring, as in an electronic balance - a strain gauge. When installing the load, the platform is lowered, the shoulders are acting on the legs. The spring with a horizontal plate is deflected, the arrow turns, showing the weight per division on the scale.
Home Scale Selection Options
When choosing a weighing device, you must take into account a lot of nuances. Having decided on the purpose of use, the following factors should be taken into account: material, permissible weight, device durability, measurement accuracy, additional options, cost.
The lifespan of the device depends on the material from which the device is made. The most durable are metal platforms. The downside is the large weight and coldness of the material. You can choose more expensive options: tempered glass, stone, wood. Wooden and stone platforms look unusual and beautiful. But such devices are much more expensive than all other options. The budget option is a plastic device. It is inexpensive and is not inferior in strength to other materials.
Most devices are designed for a maximum load of 150-200 kilograms. There are models with a higher carrying capacity - from 200 to 300 kilograms. When using electronic devices, the maximum permissible weight must not be exceeded. This action is almost guaranteed to damage the device.
Most mechanical scales are resistant to mechanical stress and high humidity. When choosing an electronic option, the operating conditions should be taken into account. If the electrical appliance will often be in a humid environment, you should opt for a device with a moisture-proof casing.
The accuracy of the device directly depends on the type. The error of most electronic scales does not exceed 100-250 grams. The most expensive floor-standing models allow an error of no more than 40 grams. Mechanical scales allow a discrepancy of up to 0.5 kilograms. Cheaper options - up to 1000 grams.
Modern electronic devices have a number of additional options. One of the important functions is automatic shutdown and shutdown. In this case, it saves electrical energy or battery power. On some devices, you can manually set the shutdown time. The second important option is the ability to save weighing data. If the whole family uses the device, recording measurements will come in handy.
The advanced and more expensive diagnostic scales have greater functionality. The devices are able to calculate: the amount of fat, water, bone and muscle mass. The devices can measure height in relation to body weight, give recommendations on diet and calorie intake.
Which company to choose - the best manufacturers of bathroom scales
The assortment of popular brands includes a number of expensive and budget devices. The companies manufacture high-precision mechanical and electronic scales. A number of foreign manufacturers are engaged in the release of high-quality devices.
- Bosch.
- Supra.
- Beurer.
- Xiaomi.
- iHealth.
- Tanita.
- Polaris.
- Redmond.
The products of these companies are in high demand among buyers.
How much does a bathroom scale cost
The most expensive devices on the market are diagnostic scales. The cost of devices depends on the technical capabilities and materials from which they are made. The price varies from 1,500 rubles for the simplest devices to 80 thousand rubles for full-fledged diagnostic systems.
The price of electronic scales with a good set of options ranges from 1200 to 30 thousand rubles. Such devices have basic functionality and show minimal error. The price range for mechanical devices is 250-3000 rubles.
Electronic bathroom scales rating
The top ranking of the best home scales includes high-quality and accurate devices from global brands. The list has been compiled based on user feedback and instrument functionality. When compiling the rating, the following parameters were taken into account: maximum permissible load, accuracy, design, material, availability of additional options.
Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale
Average cost - 1500 rubles
Bathroom scales for the whole family. The device is equipped with a memory for 16 people. The body is made of durable plastic and tempered glass. The maximum error does not exceed 100 grams. The device supports: automatic switching off and on, synchronization via Bluetooth with a mobile device, BMI calculation, monitoring of weight changes. Maximum load - 150 kg.
Pros:
- Multifunctionality;
- accuracy;
- beautiful appearance.
Minuses:
- Light soiled color.
Bosch PPW 4212
Average cost - 1900 rubles
The memory of this device is designed for 6 people. The device supports: BMI calculation, automatic human recognition, gender, age. Maximum load - 180 kg.
Pros:
- Good value for money;
- ultra-thin device (no more than 17 millimeters);
- Beautiful design.
Minuses:
- Normal operation is ensured on a level floor.
Redmond SkyBalance 740S
Average cost - 4500 rubles
A beautiful device from a popular brand provides measurements up to 150 kilograms. The maximum error does not exceed 100 grams. The body is made of tempered durable glass. The device is capable of analyzing parameters and giving recommendations for correction, synchronizing on Wi Fi. The device is equipped with a memory for 8 people.
Pros:
- Measurement accuracy;
- Beautiful design;
- the presence of several functions.
Minuses:
- Quite a big cost.
