If you’ve been looking through my recipes, you may have noticed that I use weight measurements. I know most people in the US use volumetric measurements like cups and tablespoons, but using a kitchen scale is better AND easier. Here’s why:
The Importance ofPrecision
A recipe is like a formula for scientists or sheet music for musicians; it shows you how to recreate a dish as the person who made the recipe intended. The success or failure of the recreation hinges primarily on how precisely you can replicate the steps the recipe creator took to make their dish. The more precise the recipe, the less guesswork you have to do and the better the chances for success.
When it comes to precision, there is no better way to measure ingredients than using a kitchen scale. If you don’t believe me, have a look at the photos below. Both photos show 1 cup of flour, but they were filled by different people, resulting in a huge difference in the amount of flour each cup contains.
5 Reasons to Use a Scale
- Precision - Weight measurements are more precise because they are not affected by factors like ingredient compression. For example, 20 grams of parsley will always contain the same amount, whereas ¼ cup of parsley will depend on how tightly you pack the cup. By using a kitchen scale, you can be confident that you’re using the correct amount of each ingredient for your recipe.
- Convenience - Weighing ingredients directly into a mixing bowl or container simplifies the cooking process and reduces the number of utensils and tools you use. This makes your kitchen workflow more efficient and reduces the time washing cups and spoons after cooking.
- Consistency - Using a scale ensures that your results are consistent every time you make a recipe. This precision gives you the confidence that your dish will turn out as intended, making it easier to recreate your favorite recipes or experiment with new ones.
- No guesswork - Different types of the same ingredient can vary in density or size, making volumetric measurements unreliable. If a recipe calls for 1 tomato, which one do you use? By weighing ingredients, you eliminate the guesswork, regardless of the ingredient type or brand.
- Easy conversions - When scaling a recipe up or down, it’s much easier to calculate ingredient quantities using weight measurements. Cups and spoons only give you increments in quarters, but a scale lets you make precise adjustments, making it simpler to create a larger batch or reduce the recipe to fit your needs.
Digital kitchen scales are small, easy to use, and can be found for less than $15 online they’ll give you consistent, precise measurements that will help you achieve the best possible results in your kitchen.
