Comparison Tefal Premiss PP1060 vs Tefal Optiss BC5000

— Floor. Scales designed primarily to measure the weight of the human body. According to the name, they are designed for installation on the floor. Advanced models, in addition to the actual mass, can also measure and calculate a number of additional diagnostic parameters: height, percentage of water content in the body, fat/bone tissue, body mass index, etc. (see below for more details).

— Kitchen. Scales intended primarily for measuring the weight of foodstuffs; they are indispensable if you prefer to cook exactly according to recipes, or are engaged in dishes that require precise proportions. Additional functions of such scales mainly include tare compensation.

— Pocket. Pocket scales, recognized for their small size and specific design, typically feature an elongated body with a central element for hanging loads, such as a hook or loop. This construction enables the scales to be suspended from the load, akin to holding a handle, and determines mass based on the force exerted on the suspension. Despite their compactness, which lends itself to easy portability (hence the name "pocket scales"), these devices can deliver notable accuracy, with divisions ranging from 10 to 100 grams. Their maximum weight capacity (refer to "Measurement weight" below) can extend up to 50 kg, often sufficient for most handheld loads. Pocket scales prove advantageous in vario...us scenarios, including purchasing large quantities of produce or bulk items, weighing luggage before air travel, and more.

— Baby scales, designed for weighing newborns and young children who are not yet able to stand on their feet. The platform of such scales is a tray with characteristic sides, in which you can put the baby on his back without fear that he will slip off the scales (although leaving the child unattended on such a surface is still not worth it). The maximum weight of measurements in such devices is about 10 – 20 kg — this is more than enough for their main purpose.

— Spoon-scales. A kitchen gadget called a "spoon scale" seamlessly integrates a spoon and a scale. Essentially, it's a measuring spoon with a built-in scale display and weighing mechanism within the handle. This tool offers evident convenience, allowing users not only to estimate liquids or bulk items visually but also to instantly ascertain their precise weight. This proves especially useful when meticulous ingredient measurement is necessary, particularly in complex recipe preparations.

The largest weight that is allowed to be placed on the platform of this scale model. If this parameter is exceeded, the scales, at best, will not be able to show the correct data, at worst, they will completely fail. Obviously, the maximum weight is directly related to the purpose, but even kitchen scales can weigh both up to 5 kg and up to 20 kg.

Actually, floor scales have the largest maximum measurement weight, in such models it can reach 200 kg or even more. And the most delicate are jewelry models (refer to "Type"). Also note that in mechanical devices (refer to "Mechanism") the scale is usually graduated to the maximum weight.

Now on the market there are scales with such a maximum weight: up to 1 kg, up to 5 kg, up to 10 kg, up to 50 kg, up to 150 kg, up to 200 kg.

Scale division value. Initially, the term "scale division" referred only to mechanical devices (see "Mechanism") and meant the distance between divisions on a scale; however, out of habit, they began to use it for electronic scales. Moreover, both there and there the meaning of this parameter is the same — in fact, it directly describes the accuracy of measurements. For example, if the division value is 1 g, the weight on such devices can be measured with an accuracy of 1 g, regardless of whether it is a mechanical model or an electronic one.

Theoretically, the lower the division value, the more accurate the measurements and the more advanced the device is. On the other hand, high accuracy has a corresponding effect on the price, although in some situations it is not required in principle. So when choosing it is worth considering the features of the application of the device. For example, a kitchen scale with a division value of 0.5 – 1 g will be indispensable for a sophisticated cooker who cooks according to complex recipes with an abundance of ingredients in a small dosage; and for ordinary household cooking on a large scale, an accuracy of 10–20 g is quite enough. But there are also cases when, over the entire measurement range, the division value changes. So for more correct measurements (low weight), the accuracy can be measured in units of grams, for average values — in tens of grams, and already for heavyweights, where an er...ror of 50 – 100 grams is not so critical, even in hundreds of grams. In such cases, we have a value for the general average range in the catalog (if we take into account the floor, then this is approximately for a person of 70 kg).

Weights are able to keep records in various units of measurement, while accounting can be done both by mass and by volume. Among the most common units of measurement, we highlight the following.

— Grams (g) — a unit of weight that belongs to the metric system. Grams are used in desktop kitchen scales.

— Kilograms (kg) — a unit of weight that belongs to the metric system. Kilograms are used in floor weighing equipment.

— Pounds (lb:oz) is a common unit of weight used in some countries in Europe, as well as in the United States. 1 pound can be equated to 0.45 kilograms.

— Milliliters (ml) — a unit of volume that belongs to the metric system. Some models of scales are able to determine the volume of milk and water based on mass.

— Ounces (fl'oz) is a unit of volume used in English-speaking countries. 1 US ounce is equivalent to 30 mL.

— Stones (st) is the British unit of weight. Stones are used to take into account the mass of the human body, so this measurement system is found in floor household and specialized diagnostic scales. 1 stone can be equated to 6.35 kilograms.

— Tare compensation. The capacity to factor in the weight of containers or packaging when weighing materials is a common feature. Typically, this function operates by placing an empty container (like a box or measuring cup) onto the scale and resetting the scale's measurement (via a button press or a specific knob turn). Consequently, when the container is filled, the scale displays only the content's weight, excluding the container's weight. Some models even allow for manual adjustment of any additional weight that shouldn't be considered.

— Measurement of volume. The capability to measure liquid volume is a function present exclusively in kitchen scales (as outlined in "Weighing type"). It's executed through various methods. For instance, some models incorporate a divided bowl that functions as a measuring cup, operating on a similar principle. In other models, users can select the liquid type (water, milk, vegetable oil, etc.), and the scale will automatically compute the volume based on its weight. This function proves valuable when precise ingredient measurement is of utmost importance.

— Automatic activation. Automatic activation of electronic scales when a load is placed on them. Small, but quite handy option.

— Automatic shutdown. This function ensures that the electronic balance (see "Mechanism") turns...off some time after the load has been removed from it. Thanks to auto-off, you can not be afraid to run out of batteries by forgetting to turn off the device. And in some models, manual shutdown is not provided at all — only automatic.

— Voice notification. Scales incorporating a voice notification feature offer audible results, typically relayed through the device's speaker. This function is commonly found in bathroom scales (as discussed in "Type of scales"), where it holds significant relevance. It caters to users who may have difficulty viewing the display without leaning or those who might find leaning inconvenient or impractical due to health issues. Voice notifications can be provided in various languages, allowing users to select their preferred language from the available options.

— Calorie calculator. This function enables the calculation of the nutritional content of weighed items, typically focusing on calorie count, although more advanced models might incorporate additional parameters like protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and liquids. The scale stores information about the nutritional values of various products. When weighing, users select a specific item from this list to determine its caloric content. While theoretically useful for those meticulously monitoring their diet and calorie intake, the accuracy of the calorie calculator often provides only approximations, which may not align precisely with actual values. For instance, while the calorie calculator can accurately estimate the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, it tends to provide general average values for grains. However, the actual calorie content of foods like porridge varies based on preparation methods. Thus, the calorie calculator should not be solely relied upon; for more precise nutritional information, consulting specialized tables and calculation methods is advisable.

— Timer. Including a timer feature in scales enables users to set countdown intervals. The user establishes a desired duration, initiates the timer, and receives a signal when the set time elapses. This functionality proves beneficial across various applications, with particular utility in the kitchen where precise time control is frequently required during cooking. Consequently, the majority of scales equipped with a timer are categorized as kitchen scales (refer to "Type of scales").

— Thermometer. Availability of the built-in thermometer in scales. Usually, this function is performed by a simple thermal sensor that determines the ambient temperature; and most scales with such equipment are kitchen scales or floor scales (refer to "Type of scales"). Note that in fact, the need for a thermometer occurs relatively rarely, and this function is more of a “nice addition” than a serious functional advantage. However, such equipment has almost no effect on the cost of scales — thermal sensors are very inexpensive.

— Synchronization with a smartphone. The capacity to link scales with a mobile device (smartphone, tablet) for data exchange is a prevalent feature. Generally, this involves installing a designated application, which might even be provided alongside the scales. The specifics of this connection and its functionalities can vary, contingent on the type and model of the scale. This feature is commonly found in floor-standing diagnostic scales, where measurement data is used to maintain a record of body information. It particularly benefits athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals using physical activity for therapeutic purposes. Notably, compatibility extends beyond proprietary software to encompass third-party medical and fitness services. Another category of devices featuring synchronization capability is kitchen scales, where the accompanying application is employed for working with various culinary recipes.

Capability for wall mounting, specifically referring to suspending the scales on a nail, hook, or similar fixture, is exclusively found in kitchen scales (as indicated in "Type of scales"). This feature is primarily intended to simplify storage of the device. By hanging the scales on the wall, they remain easily accessible and visible, eliminating the need for table or shelf space. However, it's important to note that such scales typically cannot function while in a suspended position.

The vast majority of electronic scales are powered by a battery pack. But some models may have a built-in battery, which does not require constant replacement. Just remember to recharge the scales.

Battery powered scales can use different types of batteries:

— AA — the format of the classic "finger" batteries;

— AAA — "microfinger" batteries;

— CR2032 — the so-called coin type. Many PC users are familiar with this battery format. "Coins" are used to power BIOS memory in motherboards.

In addition to the type of batteries, you also need to pay attention to their number in the battery compartment.