PICK
Escali Primo Review
The Escali Primo is a compact, dependable digital kitchen scale known for its accuracy and simple one-button operation. Ideal for home cooks and bakers who need a no-fuss tool for weighing ingredients, it offers a 11-pound capacity with 0.1-ounce precision. While it lacks advanced features like a tare hold or backlight, its straightforward design and affordable price make it a top choice for everyday weighing tasks.
ProductPickly is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks.
The Escali Primo is a reliable, no-nonsense kitchen scale that delivers accurate measurements for most home cooking and baking needs. Its compact size, simple interface, and easy-to-clean surface make it a favorite among users who value simplicity. The lack of a backlight and hold function may be drawbacks for some, but its consistent performance and affordable price point make it a strong contender in the budget category. If you need a basic scale that gets the job done without fuss, the Escali Primo is a solid choice.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Accurate measurements with 0.1 oz / 1 g increments
- Simple one-button operation and tare function
- Compact and lightweight, easy to store
- Easy to clean with a smooth surface
- Auto-off after 2 minutes to save battery
- Low battery indicator
- No backlight, hard to read in low light
- Hold function is absent, display may turn off before you read it
- Platform is relatively small for large bowls
- Batteries are included but not rechargeable
The Escali Primo has earned a loyal following among home cooks and bakers who want a simple, reliable kitchen scale without extra bells and whistles. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review. We did not test this product in a lab, but we analyzed thousands of user reviews and technical details to help you decide if it is the right scale for your kitchen.
Design and Build Quality
The Escali Primo has a sleek, low-profile design that fits easily on a countertop or in a drawer. It measures 8.3 by 6.3 by 1.4 inches and weighs just over a pound, making it one of the more compact options in its class. The body is made of durable plastic with a smooth, matte finish that resists fingerprints. The weighing platform is slightly recessed, which helps keep ingredients from spilling off the edges.
One notable feature is the large, easy-to-read LCD display. It is angled slightly for better visibility, but it lacks a backlight. In a dimly lit kitchen, you may find yourself squinting at the numbers. The buttons are responsive, and the unit has a simple two-button layout: one for power/tare and one for unit selection.
Overall, the build quality feels solid for the price. Many users report that their Escali Primo lasts for years with proper care. The scale is not waterproof, so you need to be careful not to spill liquids on it, but the smooth surface makes it easy to wipe clean.
Performance and Accuracy
Accuracy is where the Escali Primo shines. It measures in increments of 1 gram or 0.1 ounce, which is precise enough for most baking recipes. The capacity is 11 pounds (5 kilograms), which is sufficient for weighing large batches of dough or a whole chicken. The scale uses a strain gauge sensor that provides consistent readings, as confirmed by many user reviews.
One minor issue is the lack of a hold function. When you place an item on the scale, the reading appears immediately, but it does not lock. If you are weighing something that moves slightly, the number may fluctuate. However, for most static items, this is not a problem.
The tare function works well. You can place a bowl on the scale, press the tare button, and the display returns to zero. This allows you to add multiple ingredients to the same bowl without manual math. The unit also has an auto-off feature that shuts down after two minutes of inactivity, which helps conserve battery life.
Ease of Use
Using the Escali Primo is straightforward. Press the power button to turn it on, and it defaults to the last unit you used. The tare button is clearly marked, and the unit switch button cycles through grams, ounces, pounds-ounces, and milliliters. The display is large enough to read from a distance, though not in direct sunlight.
The scale is lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it around your kitchen or take it with you when traveling. The buttons are tactile and give a satisfying click when pressed. There is no learning curve, making it suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Escali Primo is simple. The smooth plastic surface can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch the surface or damage the electronics. The scale is not dishwasher safe, so hand washing is required.
One common complaint is that food particles can get trapped in the small crevices around the buttons and display. To avoid this, you can gently brush out any debris with a soft brush or use a cotton swab. The scale is not waterproof, so you should never submerge it in water. With regular care, it should remain in good condition for years.
Common Buyer Complaints
While the Escali Primo receives high marks overall, some users have noted a few drawbacks. The most frequent complaint is the lack of a backlight, which makes it difficult to use in low-light conditions. Another issue is the small platform size. If you use large mixing bowls, they may not fit securely on the scale, causing the reading to be inaccurate.
Some users have also mentioned that the scale can be inconsistent when measuring very light items, such as a single gram of yeast. However, this is common among budget scales and is not unique to the Escali Primo. A few reviewers have reported that the scale stopped working after a few months, but these instances appear to be rare and may be due to manufacturing defects or mishandling.
Finally, the auto-off feature can be annoying if you are measuring multiple ingredients slowly. The scale shuts off after two minutes, so you may need to turn it back on mid-recipe. This is a minor inconvenience, but it is worth noting.
How Does It Compare to Alternatives?
When compared to other popular kitchen scales like the Ozeri Pronto or the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, the Escali Primo stands out for its simplicity and reliability. The Ozeri Pronto offers a similar design but includes a backlight, which is a plus for low-light use. The Etekcity scale has a larger platform and a pull-out display, but it is bulkier and more expensive.
The Escali Primo is often praised for its consistent accuracy, which is on par with more expensive models. It lacks some advanced features like a hold function or a backlight, but for many users, those are not essential. If you value a no-fuss scale that gets the job done, the Escali Primo is a worthy contender.
Value for Money
The Escali Primo is priced competitively, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers. It offers reliable performance and a durable build at a price point that is hard to beat. While it does not have the bells and whistles of premium scales, it covers the basics well.
Given its positive reviews and long-standing reputation, the Escali Primo is a smart investment for anyone who needs a dependable kitchen scale. It is not the most feature-rich option, but it is one of the most consistent and user-friendly choices available.
Final Verdict
The Escali Primo is a solid choice for home cooks and bakers who want a simple, accurate scale without unnecessary extras. Its compact design, easy operation, and reliable performance make it a staple in many kitchens. The lack of a backlight and hold function may be deal-breakers for some, but for most users, these are minor trade-offs.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly scale that delivers on its promises, the Escali Primo is definitely worth considering. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Specs that matter
| Capacity | 11 lb / 5 kg |
| Precision | 0.1 oz / 1 g |
| Units | oz, lb:oz, g, ml (water) |
| Power | 2 x AAA batteries (included) |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds |
You want a straightforward, accurate scale for daily cooking and baking, and you prefer a simple design without extra features. It's also great for small kitchens with limited storage.
You need a backlight for dark kitchens, require a hold function to lock the reading, or plan to weigh very large mixing bowls. Also, if you want smart connectivity or a pull-out display, consider other models.
Questions before you buy
Does the Escali Primo have a tare function?
Yes, the Escali Primo has a tare function. You can place a container on the scale, press the tare button to zero it out, then add ingredients. This makes measuring multiple ingredients in the same bowl easy.
Is the Escali Primo accurate?
The Escali Primo is accurate to within 1 gram or 0.1 ounce, which is sufficient for most home cooking and baking. Many users report consistent readings across multiple uses. However, like any scale, it may drift slightly over time, so occasional calibration checks are recommended.
How do I clean the Escali Primo?
The scale has a smooth plastic surface. You can wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid submerging it in water or using abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the electronics. The scale is not dishwasher safe.
Does the Escali Primo have a backlight?
No, the Escali Primo does not have a backlight. The display is LCD and relies on ambient light. In low-light conditions, you may need to use a kitchen light or a flashlight to read the numbers clearly.
What units does the Escali Primo support?
It supports ounces, pounds-ounces, grams, and milliliters (for water). You can switch between units by pressing the mode button. Note that milliliters are a volume measurement and are only accurate for water at room temperature.