Bathroom scales are the most demanded assistant for the people watching own weight and health. Weighing at least once a week will allow you to control weight and other important indicators, because modern scales can calculate the optimal body mass index and even give some advice on physical activity and diet. It would seem, what could be simpler than choosing floor scales? But, even this, at first glance, a simple device has its own nuances.
Main types of scales
Fortunately for consumers, there are only two types of scales: electronic and mechanical.
Mechanical Bench Scales
Mechanical scales are simple, inexpensive, practical, and do not require replacement of batteries. Such scales work with the help of a special spring. When pressing on the platform, the spring causes the arrow to move along the scale, thereby determining the weight. The advantages of mechanical scales include low cost and the ability to measure weight indicators even on an uneven surface.
Electronic Bench Scales
In addition to accurate weight, electronic scales will be able to determine the percentage of water, the ratio of muscle, adipose and bone tissue in the body, as well as remember these values for several users at once. Some more advanced scales even can build graphs of weight that change over time, and also allow you to calculate the optimal body mass index. Electronic scales operate exclusively on AA or CR2032 batteries. Turn on and off by yourself.
Housing
Most often, the scales are made of plastic - an inexpensive, durable and lightweight material. More expensive will cost models whose case is made of metal, glass, wood and natural stone. Metal discourages many customers with a cold surface, but at the same time it is durable and practical. Glass looks very aesthetically pleasing, but even impact resistant glass can break if handled carelessly. The platform of natural stone is durable, but weighty. The wooden case is eco-friendly, beautiful and practical.
Measurement error and maximum permissible weight
Each model of floor household scales has a limiting degree of load. As a rule, the allowable weight varies from 100-220 kg.
The error when measuring on mechanical scales can reach 0.5 kg. In addition, over time, the spring stretches, and the backlash becomes even greater. Mechanical scales are a good choice for those who only weighed from time to time, not counting each gram, because the weighting step on mechanics is usually 400-500 g, and the load limit is 120-130 kg.
The error in electronic scales is only 300-400 grams, and the measurement scale varies within 100 g. Ordinary electronic scales can withstand up to 160 kg, more expensive household models - up to 220 kg.
Memory, Body Mass Index and other functions
- Memory- this is, in fact, the number of users (2-16 people), the results of weighing which remember the scales. Some models compare the real weight with the previous one and are even able to recognize each of the users.
- Additional functions. Calculation of body mass index (Body Mass Index), determination of fat and muscle mass, control of the user's current weight, recommendations for calorie consumption, massage of biologically active points on the feet, the presence of a wireless display - the more functions, the higher the cost of weights.
Popular manufacturers of floor scales
The undoubted leader among manufacturers of floor scales is the German mark. Beurer, the main production direction of which is measuring equipment.Scales of this brand have the thought-over ergonomic design, they are most exact and qualitative.
Floor scales brands Bosch, Philips, Kenwood, Tefal, Rowenta, Gorenje, Zelmer have an optimum ratio of the price and quality.
Manufacturers such as Clatronic, Hilton, Orion, Mystery, Vitek, Scarlett, Saturn, Magio, Supra, Dex, Mirta, Elbee, Rotex produce the most budget products, the greatest drawbacks of which is a large measurement error and frequent breakdowns.
Common customer mistakes
- Bench scales with the function of measuring adipose and muscle tissue in the body receive data using weak electrical discharges that pass into the feet through the leg supports. But this seemingly innocent pleasure has its own contraindications. Pacemaker users and pregnant women are prohibited from using such devices, as they can cause serious harm to their health.
- Some floor scales measure weight in exotic units - pounds, inches, stones. The acquisition of such a model of scales will force you to improve not only physically, but also intellectually, because the results of weighing will have to be independently converted each time in your mind into usual kilograms and grams.
Expensive scales with a large set of additional functions - this is undoubtedly an interesting acquisition, but only for those who are fundamentally struggling with being overweight or actively involved in sports. In other cases, it is enough to purchase simple qualitative scales that measure the weight with the minimum error.
