By Leen Randell
Updated: Feb 23, 2025
13 best scales for herbalists
Apothecary scales are precision instruments used by apothecaries to measure the weight of medicinal substances with high accuracy.
These scales are typically made of brass, copper, or other durable materials and feature a delicate balance system to ensure precise readings. Apothecaries rely on these scales to accurately measure the weight of ingredients in their formulations, ensuring the correct proportions of active and inactive ingredients. This is crucial in creating consistent and effective medicinal preparations.
By using apothecary scales, apothecaries can ensure the quality and efficacy of their products, providing reliable treatments for their patients.
1. Digital Kitchen Scales with Gram and Ounce Display
These scales feature an easy to use digital kitchen scale design, making it simple for apothecaries to accurately measure ingredients and substances.
Both English and metric scales are provided, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred units of measurement. The thin and lightweight compact design allows for easy storage and portability, making it an ideal addition to any apothecary's workspace. Additionally, the auto shut-off feature helps conserve battery life, while the tare function enables users to zero out containers and start fresh.
The bright and easy to read LED screen supports multiple measurement units, including kg, ml, and oz, and is a reliable and versatile kitchen tool for tracking nutritional values and fiber intake.
Key Features:
- Easy to use digital kitchen scale design
- Both English and metric scales provided
- Thin and lightweight compact design
- Auto shuts off for battery conservation
- Uses battery for power source
Warnings:
Some users reported issues with the accuracy and reliability of the scales, citing complaints such as the scale being agonizingly slow to measure, displaying inaccurate readings, losing calibration over time, and requiring manual input of macros for food.
Additionally, some users experienced problems with the display, including it darkening after inactivity and being difficult to read, as well as the weight changing when nothing is interacting with the scale.
Furthermore, issues with the functionality of the scales included the weight not resetting to zero after removing items, significant lag in response time for measurements, and the scale stalling or jumping by tens of grams during measurements.
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2. Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scales with LCD Display
These scales feature an Accurate and Simple Operation System, allowing apothecary professionals to quickly and easily measure ingredients with precision.
The Physical Buttons for Easy Use provide a tactile interface for navigating through the various functions, such as tare and unit conversion. The Tare Function for Automatic Zeroing enables apothecary staff to accurately measure ingredients by automatically zeroing out the weight of the container, streamlining the measurement process. The Compact and Low Profile Design makes it easy to store the scales in a busy apothecary environment, while the Easy to Clean and Store Design ensures that the device remains hygienic and clutter-free.
Additionally, the Bright and Clear Digital Display, Automatic Unit Measurement Conversion, Durable and Water Resistant Construction, and Affordable and Reasonable Price make these scales a reliable and practical choice for apothecary professionals.
Key Features:
- Accurate and Simple Operation System
- Physical Buttons for Easy Use
- Tare Function for Automatic Zeroing
- Compact and Low Profile Design
- Easy to Clean and Store Design
Warnings:
Some users had issues with the accuracy of the scales, citing inconsistent weight readings and inaccurate measurements, as well as the scale not being sensitive enough for precise measurements in grams.
Additionally, users experienced problems with the design and functionality, including a poorly designed auto-off feature, a non-functional tare function, and a scale that becomes wobbly and non-functional over time.
The battery life was also found to be short, lasting only six months, and the scale did not turn off manually, instead relying on a 3-minute timeout.
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3. Digital Ash Silver Scales with Precise Graduation
These scales offer precise measurement conversions, making it an ideal tool for apothecary professionals who require accurate measurements.
Their compact and sleek design not only saves space in the kitchen but also adds a touch of modernity to the workspace. The automatic tare function eliminates the need for manual calculations, ensuring that measurements are accurate and reliable. With high precision measurements down to 0.001 grams, apothecary professionals can trust the accuracy of their measurements.
Additionally, the scales feature a large, easy-to-read LED display and a durable stainless steel surface that is resistant to scratches and easy to clean.
Key Features:
- Easy and precise measurement conversions
- Compact and sleek kitchen design appearance
- Automatic tare function for accurate measurements
- Durable and resistant to scratches and damage
- High precision measurements down to 0.001 grams
Warnings:
Some users experienced issues with the scale's accuracy, such as it giving inconsistent measurements, being unable to handle small amounts, and having precision issues, which made it unreliable for precise measurements.
Additionally, the scale's sensitivity to vibrations and moisture caused problems, while its tare function and responsiveness were also reported to be unresponsive or finicky. Furthermore, the scale's display would sometimes show unrelated characters, and its buttons were difficult to press due to being sensitive to moisture.
The scale's durability was also a concern, as it was prone to damage and its finish did not hold up well to normal use.
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4. Etekcity Digital Stainless Steel Scales
These scales feature a clear plastic tray that allows for easy weight tracking, enabling apothecary professionals to accurately measure ingredients with precision.
The interface is super simple and easy to use, allowing users to quickly switch between different units of measurement with ease. Accurate measurements are guaranteed with multiple unit options available, including those commonly used in apothecary settings. The scales also boast a long battery life, even with consistent use, and a sturdy stainless metal top for added durability.
Additionally, the tare function allows users to zero out containers for precise tracking, while the compact design and easy-to-read LCD display with backlight make it simple to use and maintain.
Key Features:
- Clear plastic tray for easy weight tracking
- Super simple and easy to use interface
- Accurate measurements with multiple unit options
- Long battery life with consistent use
- Sturdy stainless metal top for durability
Warnings:
Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the scales due to its flimsy design made of low-quality plastic, lack of calibration option leading to inaccurate measurements, and the scale's tendency to read negative weights after removing objects, which suggests a potential issue with the product's functionality and accuracy.
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5. 304 Stainless Steel Digital Food Scales
These scales offer high accuracy and precision measurements, making them ideal for apothecary use where precise measurements are crucial.
The user-friendly design ensures that even the most novice users can easily operate the scales, reducing the risk of errors. Additionally, the compact and portable size allows for convenient storage and transport, making it perfect for apothecary shops with limited space. The scales also feature a smooth adjustment for container weights, allowing for seamless weighing of various containers and vessels.
Furthermore, the scales can link with fitness apps for progress tracking, and also come equipped with an extensive database for food lookup, tare function, and app connectivity with customization options, making it a versatile and valuable tool for apothecary professionals.
Key Features:
- High Accuracy and Precision Measurements
- Easy to Use and User-Friendly Design
- Compact and Portable Size for Storage
- Smooth Adjustment for Container Weights
- Net Weight Calculation for Accurate Results
Warnings:
Some users had several issues with the scales, including exposed buttons and display that are prone to spills and damage, a glass top that breaks easily, and a design that does not allow for adjustable feet, resulting in the scale not being level on a flat surface.
Additionally, users experienced problems with the on/off button and auto-off feature, slow on and tare functions, and inconsistencies in weight readings, with some scales being inaccurate by up to +/- 20 grams.
Furthermore, some users encountered durability issues, such as buttons prone to liquid damage, and problems with the scale stopping working after a short period of use.
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6. Digital Pocket Scales, 500g x 0.01g Precision
These scales feature a compact and portable design, making them ideal for apothecary use in various settings.
They provide high accuracy and precision weighing, ensuring that measurements are reliable and trustworthy. The digital display with clear readings allows for easy and accurate weight measurements, while the tare function enables users to subtract the weight of containers or other items. The scales are also battery powered and USB rechargeable, with low power consumption and a long battery life to minimize downtime.
Additionally, the durable and rugged build quality and multiple weighing units and modes make these scales a versatile and affordable option for apothecary professionals.
Key Features:
- Compact and Portable Design
- High Accuracy and Precision Weighing
- Easy to Use and Operate
- Digital Display with Clear Readings
- Tare Function for Weight Measurements
Warnings:
Some users expressed frustration with the scale's accuracy, citing issues such as the device changing its output to read in whole grams when near 0.04 grams, providing .00 readings when it shouldn't, and rounding to the nearest 0.05 gram, which compromised its resolution. Additionally, users experienced problems with the scale's ability to zero out, deviations from known weights, and the requirement for calibration without an included calibration weight, raising concerns about its reliability and performance.
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7. Digital Kitchen Scales with 6 Units and Tare Function
These scales offer super accurate digital kitchen scale measurements, allowing apothecary professionals to ensure the precise dosing of ingredients in their recipes.
The design is easy to use and switch between units, accommodating the various measurement requirements of different formulas and compounds. Multiple units of measurement are available, including grams and ounces, providing flexibility for apothecary professionals to work with a range of units. The scale also features a tare function, making it easy to zero out containers and accurately measure the weight of ingredients.
Additionally, the compact and sleek design, durable construction, and easy-to-clean flat surface make these scales a reliable and efficient addition to any apothecary workspace.
Key Features:
- Super accurate digital kitchen scale measurements
- Easy to use and switch between units
- Multiple units of measurement including grams and ounces
- Tares out easily to zero out containers
- Compact and sleek kitchen design
Warnings:
Some users expressed frustration with the product, citing issues such as its tendency to die after a short period of time, inaccuracy and unreliability, poor battery life requiring frequent replacement, and difficulties with weighing smaller amounts, as well as problems with the LCD screen fading and becoming unreadable, and glitchy numbers appearing on the screen.
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8. Chrome Digital Kitchen Scales for Precise Weight Measuring
These scales feature a lightweight and compact digital kitchen scale design, ideal for busy apothecary professionals who need to measure ingredients accurately and efficiently.
With a simple two-button operation, users can easily measure the weight of their ingredients without any hassle. The scales provide accurate weight measurements with 1-2 gram precision, ensuring that apothecaries can mix and prepare their products with confidence. Additionally, the auto-shutoff feature helps conserve battery life, while the multiple unit settings, including grams, ounces, and pounds, cater to a wide range of measurement needs.
The large LCD display and durable construction also make it easy to read and maintain the scales, while the tare function allows for zeroing out containers and ingredients.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and compact digital kitchen scale design
- Simple two-button operation for easy use
- Accurate weight measurements with 1-2 gram precision
- Auto-shutoff feature to conserve battery life
- Multiple unit settings including grams, ounces, and pounds
Warnings:
Some users experienced issues with the accuracy of the scales, as they reported that the weight measurements fluctuated wildly, both with and without a weight on the scale, making it unreliable for precise weight measurements.
Additionally, the poor build quality led to battery cover breakage and the timer design was criticized for powering off randomly and not resetting properly based on weight changes, contributing to the scale's unreliability.
The scale also failed to remain reliable, stopping work after a short period, and its power-off timer did not reset based on weight changes, further exacerbating the problems.
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9. Digital 11 lb Kitchen Scales with Coin Battery
These scales feature a compact and lightweight design for easy storage, allowing apothecaries to conserve valuable workspace in their shop.
User-friendly buttons and ease of use enable quick and effortless weighing, minimizing the risk of errors and reducing the time spent on each task. The scales also boast high accuracy and precise measurements, ensuring that apothecaries can rely on the results when working with delicate ingredients or precise recipes. In addition, the multiple weight settings for different units accommodate various measurement needs, and the tare function allows for precise measurements of ingredients without the container.
The durable 304 food-grade stainless steel construction and non-slip rubber feet provide stability and protection against corrosion, while features like auto shut off and calibrating option contribute to energy efficiency and safety.
Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight design for easy storage
- User-friendly buttons and ease of use
- High accuracy and precise measurements
- Multiple weight settings for different units
- Tare function for measuring ingredients without container
Warnings:
Some users had issues with the scale's performance, citing problems such as inaccurate measurements, particularly when it came to precise measurements in grams, as well as uncertainty in measurements due to a lack of decimal places. Additionally, the scale's lack of sensitivity and inability to accurately read measurements led to frustration, while its limitation to measuring only to the nearest whole gram further compromised its usability.
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10. Digital Kitchen Scales with High Accuracy and LED Display
These scales feature a compact and easy to use digital scale design that is perfect for the precision and accuracy required in apothecary applications.
The bright and responsive LED display screen provides clear and concise weight readings, while the tempered glass top with touch buttons offers a durable and user-friendly interface. Additionally, the modern and sleek slim and lightweight design makes it easy to incorporate into any apothecary setting, while the high accuracy with quad precision sensors ensures reliable results. The scale also features auto off timer with 2 minute inactivity, which helps conserve battery life, and a 22 pound capacity for large weights.
With multi unit measurement options for flexibility and a 5 year warranty for long term protection, these scales are an excellent choice for apothecary professionals.
Key Features:
- Compact and Easy to Use Digital Scale Design
- Bright and Responsive LED Display Screen
- Tempered Glass Top with Touch Buttons
- Modern and Sleek Slim and Lightweight Design
- High Accuracy with Quad Precision Sensors
Warnings:
Some users expressed frustration with the accuracy of the scales, citing issues such as inaccurate measurements, often off by 5g or more, and the product being extremely inaccurate, not just by grams or ounces.
Additionally, users reported that the scale's buttons worked, but nothing else did, which suggests a design flaw. The scales' tendency to require frequent reset by turning off and on, and the calibration process taking a long time and still being inaccurate, further highlight the product's issues.
Furthermore, users experienced problems with the scale's reliability, citing that it was not accurate for lighter weight items like tea and could not be trusted for measurements.
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11. Kitchen Mechanical Scales with Bowl, Measures up to 11lbs
These scales are designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a straightforward setup process that requires no complicated instructions or technical expertise.
With precise measurements, apothecary professionals can trust the accuracy of their readings, making them ideal for applications where precision is crucial. The manual operation of these scales means that there is no need for batteries or charging, ensuring that they remain functional even in areas with limited power supply. The durable construction and stainless steel design make them resistant to corrosion and easy to clean, while the large capacity of up to 10 pounds allows for heavy use without compromising accuracy.
Additionally, the adjustable zero point and long-lasting design make these scales a reliable choice for apothecary professionals who demand good quality and value for their money.
Key Features:
- Easy to set up and use feature
- Accurate measurements for precision use
- Manual operation no batteries required
- Durable construction for heavy use
- Stainless steel easy to clean feature
Warnings:
Some users had issues with the design and functionality of the scales, citing problems such as a bent scale base causing uneven sitting, a scale needle that does not move when weight is placed, and a scale that returns to a different starting point after use, which may indicate issues with the mechanical or electrical components of the product.
Additionally, users experienced inaccuracies and difficulties with zeroing the scale, which could be related to the calibration or sensor technology used in the product.
Furthermore, some users found the scale to be inaccurate, and the sharp edges of the product could cause damage or cuts, which may be a design or manufacturing flaw.
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12. OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Digital Scales
These scales feature a high-quality build and sturdy construction, ensuring they can withstand the demands of a busy apothecary.
The large and easy-to-read digital display makes it simple to obtain accurate weight measurements, while the stainless steel design for durability and hygiene provides a clean and sanitary environment for weighing ingredients. The pull-out display also allows for easy reading of large bowls, reducing the risk of spills and making the weighing process more efficient. Additionally, the scales offer accurate weight measurement with multiple units, easy-to-use interface with simple button operation, and automatic shut-off to conserve battery life.
The removable and washable stainless steel top plate and replaceable and affordable batteries further enhance the functionality and convenience of these scales, making them a reliable choice for apothecary use.
Key Features:
- High-quality build and sturdy construction
- Large and easy-to-read digital display
- Stainless steel design for durability and hygiene
- Pull-out display for easy reading of large bowls
- Accurate weight measurement with multiple units
Warnings:
Some users complained about the inaccuracy of the scales, citing issues such as measurements down to tenths of an ounce being incorrect, drifting weight readings, and scale inaccuracy compared to other known accurate scales, which compromised the reliability of the product.
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13. Food Grade Glass Digital Scales by Greater Goods
These scales feature Simplified Macro Tracking with Individual Food Selection, allowing apothecary professionals to accurately track the nutritional content of their ingredients.
High Accuracy and Precision in Measurements ensure that the scales provide reliable results, whether measuring small quantities of herbs or larger quantities of bulk ingredients. The Easy to Use and Intuitive Interface of the scales makes them simple to operate, even in a high-stress apothecary environment. The Compact and Sleek Design with Robust Build of the scales also makes them a convenient addition to any workspace, and the Automatic Zero Function for Containers streamlines the measurement process.
Additionally, the scales support Customizable Food Codes for Frequent Items, and also offer Barcode Scanning and Codebook Integration for easy access to ingredient information.
Key Features:
- Simplified Macro Tracking with Individual Food Selection
- High Accuracy and Precision in Measurements
- Easy to Use and Intuitive Interface
- Compact and Sleek Design with Robust Build
- Automatic Zero Function for Containers
Warnings:
Some users reported issues with the accuracy and functionality of the scales, citing problems such as difficulty weighing small weights, scale failing to accurately measure high-sodium foods, and questionable accuracy compared to package labels, which raises concerns about the product's reliability and effectiveness.
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