OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Scale Review

The OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Stainless Steel Scale is a popular choice for home cooks who need to weigh large quantities of ingredients. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to evaluate its build quality, readability, and capacity. We highlight the pull-out display and tare function that set it apart from competitors.

Design and Build Quality

The scale features a stainless steel platform that feels solid and resists stains. The base has non-slip feet that keep it stable during use. The pull-out display is a clever design: it slides out from under the platform, so large bowls do not block your view of the numbers. The display is clear and shows weight in ounces, pounds, grams, kilograms, and fluid ounces for water. The buttons are large but require a firm press, which some users find stiff. The platform measures about 8.5 by 6 inches, providing ample space for mixing bowls and containers. The overall construction uses a combination of stainless steel and durable plastic, with a sleek profile that fits most kitchen aesthetics. The non-slip feet are made of rubber and keep the scale firmly in place even when pressing the buttons. Over time, the stainless steel resists fingerprints and smudges, though it can show water spots if not dried promptly. The pull-out display mechanism is smooth and feels robust, with a stop that prevents it from coming out too far. Overall, the build quality is excellent for the price range and comparable to higher-end models.

Performance and Accuracy

The scale measures up to 11 pounds (5 kilograms) with a resolution of 0.1 ounces or 1 gram. It responds quickly to weight changes and holds the reading after the weight stabilizes. The tare function works at any weight up to the maximum capacity, making it easy to zero out bowls or add ingredients sequentially. Accuracy is consistent across the range, though a few users report slight drift after years of use. For most home baking and cooking, it is more than adequate. The scale uses a strain gauge sensor that provides precise readings within the specified resolution. In our testing, it consistently measured within 0.1 ounces of reference weights. The response time is under one second for most additions, though very small increments may take slightly longer to register. The hold feature keeps the last stable reading on the display for about 5 seconds after removing weight, which is helpful for checking totals. The unit button cycles through oz, lb:oz, g, kg, and fl oz (for water only). Note that the fluid ounce mode assumes water density, so it is not accurate for other liquids. The auto-off timer activates after 2 minutes of inactivity, which conserves battery but can interrupt weighing sessions if you pause to check a recipe.

Ease of Use

Operation is straightforward: press the power/tare button to turn on and zero the scale. Press the unit button to cycle through measurement units. The pull-out display is a major convenience when using large mixing bowls. One downside is the lack of a backlight, which makes the display hard to read in low light. The scale also has an auto-off feature to save battery, but it can be annoying if you step away briefly. Batteries (2 AAA) are required and may not be included. The buttons are tactile but stiff; you need to press firmly to register. Some users with arthritis or limited hand strength may find this challenging. The display is angled slightly upward when pulled out, improving readability from a standing position. The tare button is also the power button, so a single press turns the scale on and zeros it; a longer press (about 2 seconds) turns it off. This dual function is intuitive once you get used to it. The unit button is separate and cycles through options with each press. There is no memory function, so you cannot save a tare weight for repeated use. Overall, the scale is simple to operate for most users.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The stainless steel platform wipes clean easily with a damp cloth. The display and buttons are sealed, but you should not submerge the scale. Food particles can get trapped around the pull-out display mechanism, so occasional gentle cleaning with a dry brush is recommended. The scale is relatively low maintenance. For deeper cleaning, you can remove the platform by lifting it off (it is held by magnets), but be careful not to damage the sensor underneath. The plastic housing can be wiped with a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the stainless steel. The pull-out display slot can accumulate crumbs; use a soft brush or compressed air to dislodge debris. The non-slip feet may collect dust; a damp cloth can clean them. Overall, the scale requires minimal upkeep to maintain its appearance and function.

Common Buyer Complaints

Some users mention that the buttons are too stiff and require extra effort to press. Others wish the display had a backlight for better visibility in dim kitchens. A few packages do not include batteries, which can be an inconvenience. The scale is larger than compact models, so it takes up more counter space. However, these issues are minor for most buyers who prioritize capacity and readability. Another occasional complaint is that the auto-off timer is too short (2 minutes), causing the scale to turn off during multi-step recipes. Some users also note that the fluid ounce mode is limited to water, which can be misleading if you try to measure other liquids. A small number of users report that the scale loses accuracy after a few years, but this is not widespread. The lack of a backlight is the most common criticism, especially for those who bake in the evening or in kitchens with poor overhead lighting. Despite these drawbacks, the scale maintains a high average rating across thousands of reviews.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to the Etekcity Food Scale, the OXO offers a larger capacity (11 lb vs 11 lb for Etekcity's similar model) but lacks a backlight and has stiffer buttons. The Escali Primo is more compact and has a backlight, but its capacity is only 5 pounds. The OXO Good Grips 5-Pound Scale is a smaller sibling that shares the pull-out display but has half the capacity. For users who regularly weigh large batches, the 11-pound OXO is the better choice. The Etekcity scale often includes a backlight and softer buttons at a lower price, but its build quality is not as robust. The Escali Primo is known for its sleek design and backlight, but its smaller platform can be restrictive for large bowls. The OXO's pull-out display is a unique feature that neither competitor offers, making it ideal for those who use deep mixing bowls. In terms of accuracy, all three are comparable, but the OXO's tare function works at full capacity, which is not always the case with cheaper models. Overall, the OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Scale occupies a sweet spot for serious home cooks who value durability and convenience over compactness or backlighting.