Which scales are better - mechanical or electronic?

For those who follow their figure, the floor scales are simply an indispensable thing. Studies have shown that if we weigh ourselves daily, then it becomes much easier to control the weight. Understand the assortment of flooring devices for weighing is not easy, because there are a huge number of shops on the shelves. Most often today electronic models are purchased, but some people still trust only mechanical devices. Let's figure out how to choose a floor scales for the home and which scales are better - mechanical or electronic.

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What to look for first?

First of all, it is important to understand that floor models are designed only for measuring the weight of a person or a pet. However, you can meet models that are designed for large values, and allow you to weigh heavy objects in the home.

Important! Modern floor scales - a complex electronic device, sometimes not inferior in function to some gadgets. They are able to determine not only the weight, but also to calculate the body mass index, calculate the volume of bones, fat and muscles in the body. In addition, some models even read body temperature and heart rate. You can find devices that prompt in which direction to build physical training.

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Which scales are better - mechanical or electronic?

When buying household floor scales it is very important to decide what type they will be. Both options available for sale have their pros and cons based on which in each individual case it can be concluded which scales are better - mechanical or electronic.

Mechanical models

Mechanical floor units work by the built-in spring. When a person stands on the device, the spring stretches under the weight and turns the arrow on the counter. Set the initial position of the arrow of such devices can only be done manually - with a special wheel.

Important! The price of division with such a mechanism is strictly limited in most cases to 1 kilogram, which is quite inconvenient if you want to monitor the dynamics of weight loss to a gram.

Pros and cons of mechanical scales:

1. Reliability and stability of the device. It is able to withstand quite strong mechanical damage and even carry moisture.
2. You must set the divide-point arrow to zero each time, otherwise the result will be inaccurate.
3. The mechanical device is only able to measure the weight, it does not have any other functions.
4. Spring models are able to measure a fairly large mass, which can be useful for obese people.

Electronic floor models

Electronic models do not have a measuring scale with an arrow, the result is always shown by means of a display.

Important! The price of division is also available, as a rule, it is much smaller - from 0.1 to 0.5 kilograms. But the principle of measurement in such devices can be different, depending on the device.

Several decades ago, when the first floor electronic scales appeared, they did not differ from mechanical analogues. The only thing that the result was not displayed on the scale, but on the digital display. At that time it was difficult to say which scales are better - mechanical or electronic, because they were not much different. But progress does not stand still, and later appeared more interesting devices.

Principle of the device:

1. Inside the devices of the previous generation there were two discs from metal of a special alloy. Outwardly it was like an electric condenser. When the body weight was affected, the plates moved, the electric discharge changed, which was displayed on the screen already in the form of the body weight. Such a design was highly unreliable, had a large error and quickly broke.
2. Today, electronic models, of course, are arranged quite differently. They use a special voltage sensor, from which goes a wire that transmits electric current. When a person stands on the scale, the sensor is activated, an electric signal is triggered, showing how the voltage has changed. It is subsequently displayed on the screen in the form of kilograms of mass. Therefore, the best electronic floor scales do not include any mechanical parts.

Advantages and disadvantages of electronic scales:

1. A power source is required - battery, sunlight, accumulated mechanical energy.
2. Automatically turns the device on and off.
3. There is no need to constantly bring the device to zero - this is done automatically every time you turn it on.
4. The presence of various useful functions, thanks to a sophisticated electronic stuffing.

Important! This type of device breaks faster, less reliable and does not withstand any mechanical damage.

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Measurement error

Of course, like any other measuring instrument, the floor scales have some error during weighing. It is very important to pay attention to this indicator when choosing a device:

• mechanical models have a high error - up to 1 kg;
• good electronic analogs almost do not "lie", their error reaches only 300 g.

Agree, if it is important for you to know your weight, you can definitely say which scales are better - mechanical or electronic. Preference should be given to the digital version. .

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Maximum permissible weight

If you have a large body weight, you should pay close attention to this indicator, otherwise - the scales can simply break down after the first use. On average, modern models are limited to 160 kg, but some models can show even more impressive figures.

Important! Some mechanical models are capable of measuring mass up to 220 kg.

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Additional functions of

Before selecting a floor scales, you need to decide whether you need any additional functions or you will only use the device for measuring body weight. Modern electronic models boast a wide range of additional functions that are very useful for working on your body:

• Calculation of body mass index. This is one of the basic indicators for making a diet, a training program and just to control your health. The device introduces data on growth, age, sex. In the future, the device measures your mass and automatically calculates the index. If you use a mechanical balance, then this figure will have to be considered manually.
• One of the most interesting functions of electronic models, for which it is worth to acquire this device - the calculation of the ratio of fat, muscle and bone mass in the body. The presence of this useful function is easy to recognize by the appearance of the device - there will be small metal plates on which you need to put your feet. A small discharge of current passes through the metal inserts. Fat, bone and muscles have different values ​​of conductivity, so the device with a slight error and determine their ratio in the body.
• For a large family, it is worth paying attention to the memory capacity of the device, because it is very inconvenient to enter all the parameters for calculating the body mass index every time. As a rule, electronics can store data for up to 5 users.
• Tracking the dynamics of mass - an excellent function for those who seek to lose or, on the contrary, gain weight. The desired result is entered manually, and the device beeps with a sound signal to achieve the goal.

Important! To save battery power, it is very convenient if the balance is turned on by a gentle push of the foot and turned off automatically by the .

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Appearance

Design is not the most important indicator of which floor scales are better, but everyone wants to buy not only a functional but also a stylish thing within their budget. Modern manufacturers offer a huge number of floor models of various designs and styles.

The main materials used to make the case:

• plastic;
• metal;
• glass;
• tree.

Important! The design of mechanical devices is severely limited and, as a rule, they are only metallic.

Glass devices fit into any interior, however they require careful use. But the body of wood is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also enjoyable in use, because the tree is a warm material.

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How to choose a firm of floor scales?

Many manufacturers of household appliances and electronic devices offer a whole range of models of floor scales. Here are the most popular and reliable companies:

• Supra - one of the most famous brands in European countries, rightfully deserving many prestigious awards. They produce different in quality and price floor scales, in particular they are known for a large number of inexpensive mechanical models.
• Bosch - a company that has become famous for the whole world by the quality of assembly and reliability of devices. They produce expensive, but high-quality floor scales. True, the price they have is somewhat high.
• Redmond is a Russian company that has won a huge number of fans around the globe. Their instruments are always reliable, functional and stylish. In particular, they offer floor scales with an anatomical plateau covering, repeating the shape of the human foot.
• Polaris is an international concern that produces a huge range of household appliances, including floor scales. It is famous for its price, at the same high enough quality.
• IHealth is an American company specializing in the production of medical equipment, scales and tonometers. They are considered one of the pioneers of various gadgets for human health.

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How to choose a floor scales?- Practical advice

To choose the best floor scales for your home, consider these nuances when buying:

• When buying, pay attention to the weight measuring system in the device. In some countries, not kilograms are used, but, for example, pounds. Such an incident occurs because the device was assembled for export, but not reprogrammed.
• If you plan to keep the scales in the bathroom or sauna, it is advisable to choose a model with a moisture-proof enclosure.
• For use on linoleum or slippery parquet, it is best to choose a rubber-coated model for stability on the floor.
• Please note whether there are controls in the mechanical balance that allow you to level the unit on an uneven floor. Otherwise, there may be an inaccurate result during weighing.
• The quality of the mechanical balance can be easily verified as follows: it is necessary to put the arrow on the zero division and sharp movement to press the device. The arrow should show the pressure of the weight and return to its original state.
• If you are buying a floor scales for a person with vision problems, then it is worth choosing a model with large digits on the display so that during the weighing you do not have to specify the result.
• The most reliable material is metal. Therefore, if you plan to frequently and intensively use floor scales, then it is not recommended to take plastic or wood.

Important! Electronic models are highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep the scale close to powerful electrical appliances or radio equipment.

Which scales are better - mechanical or electronic, the question is ambiguous. After all, they have completely different goals, the mechanism of action and the basic parameters. When buying floor scales, you should evaluate what functions you really need, and for which you simply overpay the money.