UPDATED for 2023
Anytime you mention a term like scientific scale you have to define exactly what you’re talking about because that term can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different folks.
When we use the term scientific scales, we are referring to scales that we feel would be used in a laboratory setting.
This is typically your laboratory balances for example. Now, we already put together an article discussing the best analytical balances (see link below), so in this article we’ll mention a wide variety of choices to consider.
Whether you work in research, academia, or are a part of other laboratory work, a high precision set of digital weighing scales is required. Over the years we have tried to provide customers with a wide variety of brands and features at various prices so that our customers can find a solution that will fit their budget. We know that laboratories and research facilities expect to shop for a wide range of scientific scales and lab balances from well known and trusted brands. So if you’re looking to weigh really light weight items using micrograms or large items that weigh many kilograms, then you will more than likely find the right scientific scales for your specific requirements. We provide many top brands such as A&D, Intel-Lab, Ohaus, and Sartorius. These scales are highly accurate and deliver outstanding laboratory quality accuracy, ensuring reliable and precise measurements.
As we discussed in the previous article regarding analytical balances, there are many different price ranges and quality levels when it comes to digital scales. And often, you get what you pay for is generally true. So you will want to be realistic in your expectations. For example, if you are looking to spend $300 or less on an analytical balance, don’t expect it to be as good as a $2500 Ohaus Explorer.
In looking over the different scales and balances that we considered, the fact is there are many really good scientific scale choices that we could have chosen.
For those on a tight budget, the Tree Lineup of HRB lab balances provide good quality at a super affordable price. Meanwhile, the Intel-Lab balances provide high end features at mid level prices.
On the top end, Mettler Toledo has some really nice laboratory balances that customers really seem to like. And, Rice Lake has several really good lab balances available. A&D provides really good weighing equipment as well with many different models of analytical and precision balances available. Sartorius has always provided some really nice precision weighing equipment as well. And, Ohaus has a wide variety of balances available at various price ranges and a great reputation.
This leads us to our recommendation for the best scientific scale for this year. When we evaluated the different choices we tried to look at features, brand reputation, and overall expense.
The answer is the Ohaus Pioneer balance.
The OHAUS Pioneer Series of analytical and precision balances are designed for basic routine weighing in a variety of laboratory, industrial and education applications. Now with both internal and external calibration models and the right combination of performance and features, the OHAUS Pioneer scientific scale offers uncomplicated performance for all your basic weighing needs.
The Ohaus Pioneer is the ultimate scientific scale for a laboratory setting. The scale features multiple application modes and weight units. Ohaus Pioneer features basic weighing, parts
counting and percent weighing, density weighing, and dynamic weighing and 15 international weighing units including one custom unit. Just another reason why we think it’s the best scientific scale on the market today.
For versions that offer a draftshield, Pioneer’s draftshield has been designed with easy to remove doors and panels. Disassembly takes just seconds and all components including the balance housing can be quickly wiped clean. Periodic cleaning made easy helps avoid sample contamination and extends product life. In addition, a standard in-use cover provides added protection
against accidental spillage and helps minimize the chance of damage to the display and keypad. Should breakage occur, each replacement door or panel can be installed in seconds. The bright backlit LCD display provides ample lighting, making the display very easy-to-view in laboratories with dim lighting.
To help adapt the balance to real life working conditions, Pioneer is designed with selectable environmental settings. When working in harsh environments, the balance can be adjusted to compensate for vibrations and other disturbances. Conversely, the balance can be adjusted for working in slow filling applications where sensitivity is a must. Pioneer’s built-in weigh below
hook allows you to suspend an item below the balance to calculate density/specific gravity.
A scientific scale does you no good if it gets legs and walks away.
That’s the nice way of saying, someone took the scale! Fortunately, the Ohaus Pioneer has an Integral Security Bracket which allows you to secure your balance to a workstation to prevent unwarranted movement or theft. As for serial communications, the Ohaus Pioneer RS232 allows connection to an Ohaus printer or a computer. Sends Balance ID plus spaces for recording User ID, Project ID, time and date.
If you’ve ever used a scale or balance then you probably know what it’s like when someone gets a hold of your scale and changes something or just flat out “breaks it”. Well often they don’t actually break it but they change settings and perhaps change the calibration to where your counts are off. With this scale, the Integral Menu Lock is included which is a combination of software and a mechanical switch which locks menus, including calibration.
So there you have it, the Ohaus Pioneer is our number one choice for scientific scales in 2016. There are certainly other brands that do more or do less and there are certainly more brands out there which are more expensive or less expensive. But, overall we feel the Pioneer provides the best overall value and performance for those of you that are looking for a scientific scale to weigh items in your laboratory.