A more accurate bathroom scale?

Captain_Tightpants
Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
edited November 8 in Health and Weight Loss
Anyone know of reputably accurate brands of bathroom scale?

The one I've currently got gives me wildly different readings depending on its floor placement. This morning I got 250.2, then 248.1 just by moving the scale ONE INCH to the left. It's one of those middle-priced white plastic digital ones that you can find at Walmart or Target.

I figured since I was taking weight loss more seriously now, maybe I ought to find something a bit more reliable. Any recs?
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Replies

  • kristyhooker
    kristyhooker Posts: 36
    I'm looking for a good one too..... would love to get one that measures body fat % but not sure on wether they really work or not, have heard both ways...
  • CharlieBarleyMom
    CharlieBarleyMom Posts: 727 Member
    Every scale I have ever owned has given me "wildly different" readings based on floor placement. I take extreme measures to make sure that the scale gets put back at exactly the same spot after I clean the floor or if the cats or dog knock it around when they're chasing each other around the bathroom.

    If anyone has one that doesn't react this way I would love to know!
  • ZombieChaser
    ZombieChaser Posts: 1,555 Member
    Yup, that goes for me too... An honest scale is hard to find it seems... :)
  • avibachar
    avibachar Posts: 47
    I sometimes hop on the scale if I'm out at someone else's place and I see it on the bathroom floor. It's always close, but off a bit, from my own. Likewise, I've noticed that my own can vary depending on where it is and how I stand on it.

    The way I see it, what I actually weigh is irrelevant. I'm more interested in whether or not I'm losing weight.

    What I've done is just found a spot right near where I keep the scale which is level and that I can remember easily. I always put the scale in that same spot when I weigh myself and just assume that value is correct, at least compared to previous weigh-ins on the same scale in the same spot.
  • Captain_Tightpants
    Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
    My bathroom floor has tiny little tiles (about 1 inch square) which I'm guessing makes for a terribly unlevel surface. Do you guys think putting a big block of hardwood under the scale might make for more consitency?
  • kapeluza
    kapeluza Posts: 3,434 Member
    LOOK NO FURTHER!

    This one is amazing!
    I love it! It has over 1,000 positive reviews! I always get the same number even after stepping on it 5 times consecutively.

    http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE

    41y%2B5W9ER9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
  • xsmilexforxmex
    xsmilexforxmex Posts: 1,216 Member
    I haven't had a problem with mine.. It's a glass one from Walmart but IDk the brand. shows a green light if you lose more than 2lbs since last weight and yellow if you maintain and red if you gain 2... Shows the same number no matter where I put it
  • Bjfavara
    Bjfavara Posts: 22 Member
    I just bought a really good Biggest Loser's scale at Bed, Bath & Beyond and it is nice. $40.00 + tax - a 10% discount from said store. It computes your weight, height, gender, age and tells you how many calories you should have per day and your BMI. The scale itself is very comfortable and solid to stand on. I'd recommend it to anyone.
  • cowgirlslikeus86
    cowgirlslikeus86 Posts: 597 Member
    I had the same issue so yesterday I bought a homedics glass digital scale at Bed Bath and Beyond. I think it was 30 or 40$. The ones that show bone density, water weight, fat etc., are just using a basic formula. They are not taking an actual measurement from your feet :) The one I got just shows my weight and it is really accurate. Doesn't bounce all over the place like my old plastic walmart one.
  • Captain_Tightpants
    Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
    LOOK NO FURTHER!
    http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE

    Thanks Kapeluza, this sounds perfect, and a reputable customer service as a bonus... I'll be ordering this today!
  • purpleipod
    purpleipod Posts: 1,147 Member
    I use a digital glass WW scale and it works just fine.
  • BettyyRoss
    BettyyRoss Posts: 100 Member
    I was actually wondering the same thing!!! Thanks for posting
  • Jackdog89
    Jackdog89 Posts: 57 Member
    My bathroom floor has tiny little tiles (about 1 inch square) which I'm guessing makes for a terribly unlevel surface. Do you guys think putting a big block of hardwood under the scale might make for more consitency?

    Yes, depending on the type of scale it should help.
  • mbmorse1011
    mbmorse1011 Posts: 492 Member
    I have a WW one as well. It does weight, body fat BMI bone weight etc. I love it
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    I had the same issue so yesterday I bought a homedics glass digital scale at Bed Bath and Beyond. I think it was 30 or 40$. The ones that show bone density, water weight, fat etc., are just using a basic formula. They are not taking an actual measurement from your feet :) The one I got just shows my weight and it is really accurate. Doesn't bounce all over the place like my old plastic walmart one.

    That's not true, they use bio-impedence to measure body fat vs bone vs water weight. The problem is bio-impedence isn't very accurate in general.

    As long as a scale is on a level surface, it should be accurate.
  • ScubyUK
    ScubyUK Posts: 271 Member
    I check the accuracy of mine by placing increasing loads of 5kg freeweight plates about once a month. My scales are cheap as chips onces from a Supermarket brand. No difference in accuracy to the expensive Tanita onces I bought 6 years ago.
  • daisydarling
    daisydarling Posts: 44 Member
    Hi
    I also have a problem with my scale, but I don't buy online. Do you know any stores sells this one?
    thanks
    p.s. When I go to the YMCA it aways 2 lbs lighter, so I stick with the one at home because I don't go to the Y any certain day of the week.
  • gdortiz
    gdortiz Posts: 169 Member
    LOOK NO FURTHER!

    This one is amazing!
    I love it! It has over 1,000 positive reviews! I always get the same number even after stepping on it 5 times consecutively.

    http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE

    41y%2B5W9ER9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

    holy crap, that's a lot of good reviews ... did you read the one abuot the VP of the company ? pretty damn impressive. Thanks for this, I just go out and get this thing.
  • amerrill1
    amerrill1 Posts: 38
    I bought this one on amazon and it has worked great! I like the extra features and it has a super high rating from over 300 people.

    http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Capacity-Recognition-Technology/dp/B004L6NTHU/ref=dp_cp_ob_hpc_title_2/190-7372190-7241221

    Regardless of the quality of the scale, to ensure accuracy I always put it in the exact same location every time I step on the scale.
  • skeetpea
    skeetpea Posts: 241 Member
    I have this one and I love it!!
    http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Premium-Bathroom-Technology/dp/B002MK6QKO/ref=dp_cp_ob_hpc_title_1
    Once it calibrates (if you move it your first weight might not be accurate, so you have to step off and weigh again) it hits my weight accurately every time. :)
  • nikki1anna
    nikki1anna Posts: 98
    I can tell you one to not get, I have a taylor scale it measures by the .5. When I first got it, I was like okay cool on sale 15 bucks, instead of getting a reliable scale.... stupid me =( it works horribly and in the morning I can weight anywhere from 154-156.5 lol all in 2 minutes, however, it is pretty accurate for my husband and daughter so perhaps it has a preference..lol
  • chefkev
    chefkev Posts: 155 Member
    I have a healthometer 349kxl. Same as at my Dr office. $155

    http://www.amazon.com/HealthOMeter-Health-Meter-Digital-Medical/dp/B000KZVYTG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327339476&sr=8-2
  • AmoreCouture
    AmoreCouture Posts: 255 Member
    I got a metal Taylor scale, and as long as it's on a flat surface with no bumps, it reads accurately and doesn't move around. It's always been consistent with me, but I always weigh first thing in the morning, and I sit it in the same exact place every time I weigh.

    ETA: It measures by .2 increments which is supposed to be more accurate or something, and it was about $35, I believe. It has a lithium battery instead of standard batteries.
  • Jackdog89
    Jackdog89 Posts: 57 Member
    I'm looking for a good one too..... would love to get one that measures body fat % but not sure on wether they really work or not, have heard both ways...

    They do work, they just aren't very accurate. I think something like ± 6%, because how hydrated you are will affect the measurement.

    I have one that measures body fat and I never look at that reading. =)
  • jaylweb
    jaylweb Posts: 7 Member
    I use a digital glass WW scale and it works just fine.

    I agree. The model that I purchased last year (early 2011) works perfectly! I have had several scales that would give inaccurate readings, even if on the same spot on the floor. I gave the WW scale (made by Conair) a chance and haven't regretted it yet!!

    Online at Amazon:
    http://www.amazon.com/Weight-Watchers-WW78-Conair-Chrome/dp/B002N5N336/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

    I purchased mine at Bed Bath and Beyond.
    http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16900427

    This also measures BMI, Fat %, water weight, bone weight, etc. You can have 2 different users setup on it. I highly recommend it.
  • neclar
    neclar Posts: 75 Member
    I have a HealthOMeter scale i bought at Walmart for about $38. it does body fat, BMI, water %. saves progress for up to 4 users. It measures very consistent for me. it's got 4 buttons down the center for the users. and its grey and silver. Hope this helps
  • Happiness29
    Happiness29 Posts: 20
    I have the same problem. I actually have 2 scales. one that is the cheapo white ones from Walmart and another little more pricey one that is digital. I always found that they both give off different readings even if i just stepped off and on again :/ I have also read that no scale is ever completly accurate no matter the brand or price...
  • emilydmac
    emilydmac Posts: 382 Member
    bump!
  • mmmartin33
    mmmartin33 Posts: 2 Member
    It seems that big $ big name doesn't mean better here either. We bought the Sharper Image and after 6 months it was reading 5-6 lbs less than my doctor and personal trainer scales. Not cool! Talk about a slap in the face. We then bought a Taylor at Walmart for $30 (big difference from the $150 Sharper Image). Here's the link at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-7405-Accented-Lithium-Readout/dp/B001NPD4WW/ref=tag_stp_s2f_edpp_bathro14le. For the past 10 months it has been consistent - even when I lost 10 lbs and couldn't believe it so I got on and off 5 times. It was completely consistent. And whether my 370+ lbs husband or my 180 lbs daughter are using it, it remains accurate and consistent. Taylor has many models including those that measure BMI and Body fat. It's a great deal for the price.

    And yes - you should ALWAYS have a scale on a solid and level platform. Put plywood under it if you have to. Happy losing!
  • jaylweb
    jaylweb Posts: 7 Member
    I have had a lot of problem with Taylor scales. The only Taylor scale that I trust is my food scale. :tongue:
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