PICK
Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale Review: Accurate & Affordable
The Escali Primo delivers reliable 1g accuracy, a large 11 lb capacity, and simple tare/auto-off features at a budget-friendly price. Our editorial team compared buyer feedback and specs to see how it stacks up against other affordable kitchen scales.
Unbiased Advice & Insights is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks.
The Escali Primo is a solid choice for home cooks and bakers who want a simple, accurate scale without breaking the bank. Its 11 lb capacity and 1g precision handle most recipes, and the tare function works smoothly. However, the plastic build feels less premium than stainless steel rivals, and the auto-off timer (about 2 minutes) can interrupt longer prep sessions. Overall, it's a reliable workhorse for everyday weighing.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Accurate to 1 gram across the full 11 lb range
- Simple one-button tare and easy-to-read LCD display
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage
- Runs on two AAA batteries (included) with good battery life
- Affordable price point for the features offered
- Plastic construction feels less sturdy than metal alternatives
- Auto-off activates after about 2 minutes, which may interrupt slow prep
- Buttons can be slightly unresponsive if pressed off-center
- No backlight on the display, making it hard to read in dim light
- Only weighs in 1g increments; no 0.1g precision for very small amounts
Published July 18, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
The Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale has earned a loyal following among home cooks and bakers who want a no-fuss weighing tool. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to see how it holds up against other budget-friendly scales. Below we break down its design, performance, ease of use, cleaning, and common complaints.
Design and Build
The Escali Primo features a compact plastic body with a tempered glass platform. The overall look is simple and functional, but the plastic housing feels less premium than stainless steel alternatives like the OXO Good Grips scale. The platform measures about 5.5 inches square, large enough for most bowls. The LCD display is clear and shows weight in large digits, though it lacks a backlight. The buttons are tactile but can be slightly finicky if you press near the edge. At just over 6 ounces, it is lightweight and easy to store in a drawer.
Performance and Accuracy
The Primo measures up to 11 pounds (5 kilograms) with a precision of 1 gram. In buyer feedback, most users report consistent accuracy when tested against known weights. It switches between grams, ounces, pounds:ounces, milliliters, and fluid ounces (the latter two for water only). The tare function works well, zeroing out the weight of containers instantly. However, the auto-off feature activates after about two minutes of inactivity, which can be annoying if you pause mid-recipe. Some users wish the timer were longer or adjustable.
Ease of Use
Operating the Escali Primo is straightforward: place an item on the platform, read the weight, and press the tare button to reset. Changing units is done with a single button. The scale comes with batteries included, so you can use it right out of the box. The only learning curve is remembering to press the button firmly. The lack of a backlight means you may need to angle the scale toward a light source in dim kitchens.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Primo is simple: wipe the glass platform and plastic body with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the scale in water or put it in the dishwasher. The display area can trap crumbs around the edges, so occasional gentle cleaning with a soft brush helps. Battery life is generally good, with many users reporting several months of use before replacement is needed.
Common Buyer Complaints
The most frequent complaints include the short auto-off timeout, the plastic build feeling less durable, and the lack of a backlight. A few users have reported that the scale becomes inaccurate after a drop or heavy use, but this is not widespread. Some also mention that the buttons require a precise press. Overall, for the price, these trade-offs are expected.
Comparison to Similar Budget Scales
Compared to the Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale, the Escali Primo offers a slightly higher capacity (11 lb vs 11 lb for Etekcity, but Etekcity often has 0.1g precision). The OXO Good Grips scale has a stainless steel platform and a pull-out display, but costs more. The GreaterGoods scale offers a backlight and longer auto-off, but some users find its buttons less responsive. The Escali Primo sits in the middle, prioritizing simplicity and reliability over extra features.
Who Is the Escali Primo Best For?
This scale is ideal for home bakers who need consistent 1g accuracy for flour, sugar, and butter. It also suits meal preppers weighing portions up to 11 pounds. If you prefer a metal build or need sub-gram precision for spices or coffee, consider a different model. But for everyday cooking and baking on a budget, the Escali Primo is a dependable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Escali Primo measure milliliters?
Yes, it has a ml mode, but it is calibrated for water only. For other liquids, the density differs so the reading will not be accurate.
How do I calibrate the Escali Primo?
The Escali Primo does not have a user calibration function. It is factory calibrated. If you suspect inaccuracy, contact Escali support.
Can the scale be used with a bowl on top?
Yes, the tare function zeros out the weight of any container placed on the platform, up to the full 11 lb capacity.
Is the Escali Primo dishwasher safe?
No. The scale is not waterproof. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and avoid submerging it.
How long do the batteries last?
With typical use, the included AAA batteries can last several months. The scale also has a low battery indicator.
More guides
See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.
Specs that matter
| Capacity | 11 lb (5 kg) |
| Accuracy | 1 g (0.05 oz) |
| Units | g, oz, lb:oz, ml, fl.oz (water only) |
| Batteries | 2 x AAA (included) |
| Platform size | 5.5 x 5.5 inches |
| Auto-off | After 2 minutes of inactivity |
You want a straightforward, accurate kitchen scale for everyday baking and cooking, and you prefer a low price over premium materials.
You need sub-gram precision for espresso or jewelry, or you want a scale with a backlit display and longer auto-off timeout.
Questions before you buy
Does the Escali Primo measure milliliters?
Yes, it has a ml mode, but it is calibrated for water only. For other liquids, the density differs so the reading will not be accurate.
How do I calibrate the Escali Primo?
The Escali Primo does not have a user calibration function. It is factory calibrated. If you suspect inaccuracy, contact Escali support.
Can the scale be used with a bowl on top?
Yes, the tare function zeros out the weight of any container placed on the platform, up to the full 11 lb capacity.
Is the Escali Primo dishwasher safe?
No. The scale is not waterproof. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and avoid submerging it.
How long do the batteries last?
With typical use, the included AAA batteries can last several months. The scale also has a low battery indicator.