Ultrean Food Scale: Accurate Grams/Oz, Effortless Tare
When recipes fail, it’s rarely dramatic-it’s the extra teaspoon, the missing gram, the guess that turns “good” into “meh.” A reliable food scale is the quiet fix for those margins, and the Ultrean Food Scale steps in to make precision feel effortless, whether you’re coaxing texture out of pastry dough or dialing in portions for meal prep.
This review takes a clear-eyed look at what the Ultrean brings to a busy kitchen: how consistently it measures, how quickly it settles on a number, and how intuitive it is to live with day to day. We’ll consider readability on the counter, the practicality of its tare and unit switching in real cooking scenarios, and the overall build and usability that determine whether a tool becomes a staple or drifts to the back of a drawer. No hype-just how it performs where it counts: at the cutting board and the stovetop.
Table of Contents
Features that matter for baking cooking and meal prep
If you measure flour in grams and portion chicken in ounces, this scale handles both with ease. It cycles through six units at a tap and settles quickly, so you’re not waiting on the display while butter softens. In testing, its fine 1 g resolution made sourdough formulas and espresso dialing feel precise, while the generous 11 lb capacity covered big mixing bowls and sheet-pan meal prep without maxing out. The one-touch Tare behaves predictably even with nested containers, letting you build recipes directly in the bowl for fewer dishes and fewer math slips.
Usability is where it earns a permanent counter spot: the flat, wipe-clean platform stays steady under heavy bowls, and the clear LCD remains readable at a glance when you’re juggling spices. The auto-off behavior conserves battery life but can interrupt slow prep; a quick button tap wakes it before you continue. With batteries included, it works right out of the box, and the compact footprint slips into a drawer when space is tight. For bakers tracking hydration and meal-preppers portioning proteins, the blend of reliable accuracy, fast response, and hassle-free tare translates into consistent results with less guesswork.
Accuracy responsiveness and capacity in real use
In day-to-day baking and meal prep, this scale proves reliably precise for home use. With a 1 g resolution, it consistently landed within ±1 g up to about 1 kg in my tests with calibration weights, and typically within 2 g near the upper range. Stabilization is quick-readings settle in roughly 0.5-1 second-and the display refresh is smooth enough that adding ingredients slowly won’t produce jumpy numbers. Micro additions under a gram won’t register (expected for this class), so pour-over coffee drips may be missed unless you add in small pulses. The tare button is immediate, and zero tracking is conservative, so the scale doesn’t “creep” back to zero during a pause. Note that unit conversions round to the scale’s native resolution (e.g., grams vs. ounces), which can cause a one-digit difference when you toggle units mid-measure; stick to grams for the most granular results.
The 11 lb/5 kg capacity is generous enough for family-sized batches, and the platform handles a metal mixing bowl without flexing. Because the deck is compact, very large bowls can overhang and obscure the backlit display; angling the bowl or taring with a lighter prep bowl fixes the issue. The ml and “milk ml” modes are convenient for quick liquids, but they rely on assumed densities-accurate enough for soups and water, less so for oils-so serious bakers should use grams. The scale’s auto-off timer conserves the included batteries but can be mildly annoying during long recipe pauses; tapping tare before it sleeps keeps it awake. Overload and low-battery indicators appear as expected, the feet hold steady on stone or wood, and the stainless-style top wipes clean with a damp cloth, making it a dependable, low-maintenance workhorse in this price range.
Build quality display and cleaning experience
The chassis feels reassuringly sturdy for a slim, budget-friendly scale. The flat platform sits level with no wobble thanks to grippy feet, and it doesn’t flex under mixing bowls up to its stated 11 lb/5 kg capacity. The backlit LCD is crisp and readable at countertop height, with large digits that are easy to see even when you’re leaning over a pot. Tare and Unit buttons are low-profile yet responsive, and the scale settles on a stable number quickly rather than hunting around. One small quirk: the auto-off timer is a bit aggressive, so if you’re pausing to measure multiple ingredients you may need to tap the power/tare to wake it. In bright, direct lighting the glossy surface can show some glare, but contrast remains strong enough for quick checks.
Day-to-day cleanup is refreshingly simple. The smooth, sealed top surface wipes clean with a damp cloth-flour, sugar, and oil don’t have many places to hide-and it resists lingering odors better than textured plastics. For messier jobs (like trimming raw protein), place a plate or parchment on top and use the instant tare to zero it out; you’ll protect the surface from scratches and keep sanitation easy. As with most compact kitchen scales, it’s not waterproof, so avoid submerging or letting liquid run into the buttons or battery compartment; a spritz of mild soapy water on a microfiber cloth is all it needs. The underside is fairly smooth too, so crumbs don’t get trapped around the feet, and a quick wipe keeps it looking new.
Value for money and alternatives to consider
For a budget scale, the value proposition is strong: you get reliable 1 g resolution, a practical 11 lb/5 kg capacity, and handy tare at a price that often undercuts bigger brands. The six unit modes (g, kg, oz, lb:oz, mL, fl oz) cover most kitchen tasks without fuss, and the included batteries mean you’re up and running out of the box-no extra spend on day one. In testing, readings settle quickly enough for everyday cooking and meal prep, and the display is clear at typical countertop angles. Trade-offs exist at this price: there’s no pull-out display, so a wide bowl can obscure the readout, and the auto-off timer prioritizes battery life over marathon mise en place. If you weigh heavy Dutch ovens or need 0.1 g precision for espresso, you’ll feel those limits; for portioning proteins, baking doughs, and batch-prep veggies, it punches above its cost.
Compared with similarly priced models like the Ozeri Pronto and entry-level Etekcity units, performance is on par while the multi-unit flexibility and included batteries nudge it ahead for first-time buyers. If you want a step up in convenience and durability, the OXO Good Grips 11 lb scale costs more but adds a pull-out display and larger platform. For macro tracking with nutrition data, the GreaterGoods Nourish line is a smarter (and pricier) pick. Need higher capacity or charging convenience? Etekcity’s 22 lb USB-rechargeable options are excellent for bulk baking. And if coffee or spice work demands finer control, a 0.1 g coffee scale (e.g., Timemore or Hario) is the right companion alongside this one rather than a replacement. Bottom line: for under-$20 kitchens that value accuracy, speed, and simplicity, this model offers excellent cost-per-feature.
Customer Reviews Analysis
Customer reviews paint the Ultrean Food Scale as a compact, drawer-friendly tool that brings precision to everyday cooking and baking. Many buyers describe a smooth transition from volume to weight-based recipes-especially for sourdough and scratch baking-thanks to quick, accurate readings and a frictionless tare function. The backlit display and one-touch unit switching help keep momentum in the kitchen, while the slim, lightweight body invites everyday use and easy storage. A few users note that the small footprint can work against it with oversized bowls, occasionally blocking the display, and the top surface can show smudges unless wiped regularly. Overall, it’s seen as a reliable, affordable scale that excels with small to medium vessels and frequent tare-and-measure workflows.
- What customers liked:
- Accuracy and consistency: Precise readings in grams and ounces; sensitive response helps with sourdough starter maintenance and baking.
- Effortless tare: Quickly zeros out bowls and containers, streamlining multi-ingredient prep.
- Fast, simple operation: Easy on/off, intuitive buttons, and quick unit switching among multiple measures.
- Readable display: Backlit screen is clear in normal use.
- Compact, slim design: Lightweight, thin profile fits in drawers; sleek look that some leave on the counter.
- Ready out of the box: Batteries included; several buyers mention AAA cells, and setup is straightforward with instructions and an extended-warranty card.
- Good value: Frequently praised as a cost-effective upgrade from volume measuring to precise weighing.
- Where buyers saw room for improvement:
- Display visibility with large bowls: The compact size can allow big bowls to obscure the readout; some wish they had chosen a larger model.
- Surface smudges: Top plate can show fingerprints and needs regular wiping to stay pristine.
- Smaller-than-expected footprint: While easy to store, a few users found the scale smaller than anticipated for bulk mixing.
- Battery notes: While batteries are included, one reviewer mentioned a different battery type than others (likely AAA), suggesting model variance or confusion.
Bottom line: A nimble, accurate scale with an excellent tare function and everyday ease. Best for bakers and meal preppers using small to mid-sized bowls; heavy users of oversized mixing bowls may prefer the larger Ultrean model for better display visibility.
Pros & Cons
| Type / Category | Digital kitchen food scale |
| Key Functions / Features | Weighs ingredients for baking, cooking, and meal prep; Tare/Zero to subtract container weight; 6 selectable units (grams, kilograms, ounces, pounds:ounces, milliliters, fluid ounces) |
| Power / Capacity | Battery powered (batteries included); Maximum capacity 11 lb / 5 kg |
| Special Features / Included Accessories | One-touch unit conversion; LCD readout; Flat, wipe-clean platform |
Pros
- Six unit modes minimize manual conversions across recipes.
- Tare function lets you zero out bowls for quicker, cleaner prep.
- 11 lb / 5 kg capacity covers most everyday kitchen tasks.
- Batteries included-ready to use right out of the box.
- Clear digital display makes readings easy to see at a glance.
Cons
- 11 lb limit won’t suit very heavy cookware or bulk dough batches.
- Battery-powered design requires periodic replacements; no built-in recharge option.
- Electronic components mean wipe-down cleaning only-no soaking or dishwasher.
- Large mixing bowls can overhang the platform and make the display harder to view.
Q&A
Question: How precise is it, and what’s the maximum capacity?
It measures up to 11 lb (5 kg) with 1 g (0.1 oz) increments, which is ideal for baking, meal prep, and most coffee brewing tasks. If you need sub‑gram precision (e.g., 0.1 g), consider a specialized barista scale.
Question: Can I switch between metric and imperial units quickly?
Yes. Press the Unit button to cycle through six measurement modes, including grams and ounces. It switches instantly and is convenient when following recipes that mix unit systems.
Question: How does the tare function work for multi-ingredient recipes?
Place your empty bowl on the scale, press Tare to zero it out, add the first ingredient, press Tare again, and repeat for each addition. This lets you build a recipe in one container without doing any math.
Question: Are batteries included, and how do I replace them?
Batteries are included so you can use it right out of the box. When they run low, open the battery compartment on the underside, swap in fresh cells of the same type, and close the cover-no tools typically needed.
Question: How should I clean and care for it?
Wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid abrasive cleaners, submerging it in water, or placing hot pans directly on the platform. Don’t exceed 11 lb (5 kg) to prevent damage.
Question: Will a large mixing bowl block the display?
With oversized bowls, the rim may overhang. You can tare the bowl first, then add ingredients; rotating the bowl or using a container with a narrower base helps keep the display visible.
Elevate Your Lifestyle
In short, the Ultrean Food Scale stands out for solid accuracy in grams and ounces, an effortless tare function, and six unit options that adapt to any recipe. Its 11 lb capacity covers everyday baking, cooking, and meal prep, and the included batteries make it ready to use right away. The interface is straightforward and the footprint is kitchen‑friendly, making it easy to keep on the counter or tuck away. While it’s not aimed at lab‑level precision or heavy commercial loads, it shines as a dependable daily tool. If you’re looking for a simple, trustworthy scale that makes measuring hassle‑free, this one should fit your routine with confidence.
