can anyone recommend a reliable scale?

I prefer digital too. I have a Health O Meter scale made of tempered glass that registers up to 380 pounds and has memory for 4 users. I leave it in the same spot and it gives a consistent reading (I've tested it by getting on and off multiple times in the first few days to be sure it would be consistent, as my one scale would register different weights depending if you leaned forward, etc.)

I just purchased mine within the last few months and it was just under $30.00 US.

Is it the scale? Body weight fluctuates daily... sometimes as much as 5+lbs. It's normal. Don't worry about what the scale says day-to-day - focus on the long term trend.