Having used pure guesswork to measure out ingredients and getting hit and miss results I decided to buy a kitchen scale. I spotted these due to the fact they are compact in size measuring 18cm x 16cm x 2cm. Meaning they can easily be stored away when not in use in a cupboard or even a drawer. They take a CR2032 battery and so far mine have lasted several months with no sign of needing replacing - the unit itself switches off when not in use so no worry about leaving it on to drain the batteries.

The scales themselves are extremely accurate, having tested against various pre-known weights. Two buttons on the front switch between the units and the zero reset function allowing you to keep the same container on the scales and reset to add to it. The other useful feature is it also allows liquids to be weighed - with the exception of thick liquids of a custard consistency. It allows measurement in lb oz, fl.oz, ml and g. With a maximum 5kg and 5 litre weight.

The scales only cost £10 and so very cheap - but the price isn't a reflection of the quality which is very good. The only downside would be its not very easy to read the display if you have a large container on top being weighed, as this can extend over the display due to the small size of the scales , it would have been better to have the display that could be viewed on the side or one that slides out or even having a feature to hold the weight displayed for a few seconds so you can lift off the item and view it. This can be overcome by placing something under the bowl to raise it from the scales slightly or using a glass bowl something you can view through.

With a matt and bushed silver finish they can be difficult to keep that "new finish" but as they are small enough to store away you wouldn't need them on display on the worktop so this isn't a major issue.