We choose a bathroom scale according to the use we are going to make of it , and always a little according to our budget, or even our tastes in terms of decoration. Either way, whether you just want a scale to check your weight from time to time, you’re on a strict diet, or you’re an elite athlete, your bathroom scale probably won’t be the same. Here are the different types of scales available on the market, and how to choose the one that suits you best.
Article summary
Mechanical or electrical?
The impedance meter, for more precision
The connected scale
So which scale to choose?
Mechanical or electrical?
The mechanical bathroom scale is known to everyone. It’s the scale from our childhood, the one we had at home, or at our grandparents’ house, when we were little. This is a particularly robust device, which can sometimes be kept for several decades. The mechanical scale still remains quite popular today, for its ease of use and its battery-free operation. On the other hand, it is not the most precise, since there can sometimes be a difference of more than 500 grams with your actual weight.
The electronic scale is intended to be more precise. We generally speak of a margin of error of less than 100 grams, which is entirely respectable. It is also a much more compact accessory, with less than 4 cm thickness. However, batteries should be changed from time to time, but not more than once a year.
If the look and simplicity of a mechanical scale still attracts some users, electronic scales now represent the largest part of the market. In terms of price, the two types of scales are approximately as expensive as each other, between €10 and €30.
The impedance meter, for more precision
The impedance meter is an electronic scale, equipped with sensors capable of analyzing our body mass. It is a more precise tool which tells us much more about our state of shape, since it indicates our fat mass percentage. We will also know our muscle mass, our bone mass and even our water mass. It is obviously very comprehensive and allows us to better analyze our diets.
For example, it is possible that you lose body fat but gain weight. This is the case for those who do bodybuilding, muscle being heavier than fat. As a result, a simple scale that tells us the weight could make us lose motivation. With the impedance meter, we see that we lose fat and gain muscle. It’s obviously much more motivating. Of course, this type of electronic scale costs a little more, between €30 and €70.
The connected scale
They arrived on the market a few years ago, but are still little used. This is an impedance meter, which communicates with our smartphone, via the manufacturer’s application. Thus, all the information is sent and grouped on the mobile, which allows a better analysis of the evolution of our weight.
We easily discover graphs which clearly explain our levels of fat, muscle or bone mass, and we follow the evolution over the days, weeks and months. It is a very motivating device, since we generally receive advice or tips to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. On the other hand, the price is less pleasant, since you will have to pay between €80 and €130 for this real health partner.
So which scale to choose?
It’s all well and good to know all the types of scales in the world, but that doesn’t get us much further in our choice. Here is my very personal advice: If you are an athlete and you need to hold a very precise weight for your competitions, then an impedance meter is ideal . You will see your body fat every morning and you will have a precise indication of your weight.
For a person looking to go on a diet, a connected scale is necessarily useful. Being able to track our weight on graphs, and see the downward progression, can only be motivating. The connected impedance meter will give you precise data, and you will receive advice on consuming fewer calories or spending more.
If you don’t have a weight problem and just want to check from time to time whether you are still as light as a bird, then a simple scale will be sufficient. You will choose it according to your tastes, electrical or mechanical, it will not matter much.
