Escali Primo Digital Scale

Your Trusty Kitchen Companion for Precision Weighing

Investing in a high-quality digital kitchen scale can make a world of difference when it comes to cooking and baking. Precisely measuring ingredients leads to consistent and reliable results each time. The Escali Primo Digital Scale is one option worth considering for your kitchen.

This buying guide covers everything you need to know about the Escali Primo to decide if it’s the right fit for your needs and budget. We’ll explore all the key features, accuracy, capacity, and ease of use. You’ll also find tips on maintenance, troubleshooting, reviews, and how it compares to alternatives. Let’s weigh the pros and cons!

Overview of the Escali Primo Digital Scale

The Escali Primo is an affordable and versatile digital kitchen scale suitable for a range of ingredients. It features a slim profile and solid construction that takes up minimal counter space. The simplistic design contains only two buttons to switch the unit of measure and turn the scale on/off.

This digital scale uses two AAA batteries and an advanced sensor technology to provide accurate measurements. The auto-calibration and auto-off functions also improve precision and conserve battery life. For durability, the scale has a smooth glass platform that resists stains and comes with a plastic cover to protect the display.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are some of the most notable features and advantages of choosing the Escali Primo digital kitchen scale:

• Measures in grams, ounces, and pounds – Easily switch between metric and imperial units with the touch of a button.
• Precision sensor technology – Provides accurate measurements within 0.1 oz/1 g.
• Large weighing platform – Spacious 8.5 x 6.5 inch glass surface fits most bowls or plates.
• Easy-to-read display – The digital screen clearly shows the weight measurement and chosen unit.
• Auto-calibration – Scale calibrates itself when turned on for consistent accuracy.
• Auto shut-off – Scale turns off after 2 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life.
• Low battery indicator – Alerts you when battery is running low.
• Compact size – Slim profile takes up minimal space for easy storage.
• Easy to clean – Smooth glass platform quickly wipes clean.
• Cover included – Plastic cover protects the display when not in use.
• Lightweight – Weighs just over 1 pound for portability around the kitchen.

How Accurate Is the Escali Primo Digital Scale?

The Escali Primo provides reasonably good accuracy for most basic kitchen needs. Using advanced sensor technology, it can reliably measure ingredients down to 0.1 oz or 1 gram increments. This level of precision is fine for most recipes that don’t require extremely precise amounts.

However, the scale may have a 1-2 gram variance on very small quantities under 10 grams. It’s also sensitive to any vibration or movement which can lead to slightly inconsistent readings. Overall though, most users find the Escali Primo accurate enough for general cooking and baking tasks.

If you need ultra-high precision for small amounts, a more expensive scale with 0.01 gram accuracy would be better suited. But for general kitchen use, the Escali Primo offers good value with accuracy to 0.1 oz/1 gram.

What Is the Maximum Weight Capacity?

The Escali Primo has a maximum weighing capacity of 11 pounds or 176 ounces. This allows you to measure a wide range of ingredients from small herbs to larger quantities of meat or flour.

However, the scale is not intended for very heavy items. Weighing excessively heavy objects repeatedly can damage the internal sensor over time. For weighing luggage or heavier items around the house, a higher capacity industrial scale would be a better choice.

But for most typical kitchen ingredients, the 11 pound capacity of the Escali Primo is sufficient. It can easily handle a 5 pound bag of flour, a whole chicken, bunches of vegetables, and other common baking or cooking components. Just avoid placing very heavy objects over the max limit.

How to Calibrate the Escali Primo for Accuracy

Calibrating your Escali Primo Digital Scale helps maintain consistent accuracy over time. It’s quick and easy:

1. Turn scale on and wait for it to show 0.0 on the display.
2. Press and hold the “Unit” button until the display shows “CAL”.
3. The scale will automatically calibrate itself then return to 0.0 when complete.

That’s all there is to it! Calibrating realigns the sensor to weigh accurately every time you use it. It’s recommended to calibrate periodically before each use. You should also calibrate if you notice inaccurate readings or if the scale is moved to a different location.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Escali Primo

Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep your Escali Primo Digital Scale in good working condition. Here are some tips:

• Wipe the smooth glass platform with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid submerging in water.
• Never use abrasive scouring pads, this can damage the surface.
• If spills occur, clean immediately to avoid residue build-up.
• Cover the scale when not in use to prevent dust build-up.
• Replace batteries when the low battery symbol appears.
• Recalibrate the scale periodically for continued accuracy.
• Handle the scale gently and avoid dropping or excessive loads.
• Check the plastic feet regularly and replace if worn down.

With proper care, your Escali Primo Scale can deliver consistent performance for many years. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and use a soft cloth to clean the display screen.

What Type of Batteries Does the Escali Primo Use?

The Escali Primo Digital Scale is powered by two common AAA batteries. Most consumers use alkaline batteries for the longest battery life. Heavy duty or rechargeable AAA batteries can also be used.

The scale uses very little power due to the auto shut-off feature. With average use, the batteries should last about 6 months before needing replacement. To conserve battery life, make sure to switch the scale off after each use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Batteries

When the low battery symbol appears on the display, it’s time to change the batteries on your Escali Primo. Replacing the batteries is quick and easy:

1. Turn scale over to access the battery compartment.
2. Remove the screw securing the battery cover.
3. Take off battery compartment cover.
4. Remove old AAA batteries and properly dispose of them.
5. Insert two new AAA batteries, following the polarity (+/-) diagram.
6. Replace battery compartment cover and tighten screw to secure.
7. Turn scale upright and turn on to test.

Be sure to calibrate the scale after changing the batteries to re-establish accuracy. Promptly replacing the batteries when the low symbol appears will prevent interrupted operation or inaccurate readings.

Is the Escali Primo Water Resistant?

The Escali Primo scale is water resistant but not fully waterproof. It should not be submerged in water or heavily sprayed. However, minor splashing or wiping with a damp cloth will not damage the scale.

The glass platform can get wet without harming the scale. But you want to avoid water seeping under the platform into the internal electronics. Never run the scale under water or soak in a sink. Simply wipe up any spills quickly with a towel.

While not waterproof, the Escali Primo is durable enough to withstand the small amounts of moisture common in kitchen use. Just don’t completely soak or submerge the scale. The water resistance allows you to easily wipe it clean as needed.

Toggling Between Units of Measure

The Escali Primo makes it easy to switch between grams, ounces, and pounds. Here’s how:

1. Turn scale on. It will default to the last unit used.
2. To change units, simply press the “Unit” button once.
3. Pressing the button again will cycle to the next unit of measure.
4. Allow the reading to stabilize before weighing ingredients for an accurate measure.
5. Turn scale off after use. The chosen unit will be remembered for next time.

The digital display clearly indicates “g”, “oz”, or “lb” to avoid confusion. Toggling between metric and imperial units is a cinch.

Where to Buy the Escali Primo Digital Scale

The Escali Primo Digital Scale is sold on Amazon and other online retailers like Bed Bath and Beyond and Walmart. It’s also available in-store at some grocery and home goods stores.

On Amazon, the Escali Primo is frequently the #1 best-selling kitchen scale because of its low price and good value. It maintains a 4+ star average rating with thousands of reviews. Many colors are available like black, white, aqua, pink, and more.

The scale typically retails between $25-$35 USD on Amazon. Buying online takes advantage of convenient shipping and easy returns if needed. Be sure to purchase from “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” for the genuine item and manufacturer warranty.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some troubleshooting tips if you experience any problems with your Escali Primo Digital Scale:

• Inaccurate readings – Check the batteries and recalibrate the scale. Also make sure the platform is clean and the scale is on a flat surface.
• Display malfunction – Replace batteries. If issue persists, contact Escali customer service.
• Won’t turn on – Check that fresh AAA batteries are correctly installed.
• Buttons not responding – Clean button contacts with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip.
• Auto-off not working – The auto shut-off feature may need to be reset by removing batteries for 60 seconds.
• Error code on display – Contact Escali customer service for help diagnosing error codes.

If problems continue after troubleshooting, reach out to Escali support for warranty claims or replacement parts.

Escali Primo Digital Scale Warranty

The Escali Primo scale comes with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. This covers defects in workmanship and materials under normal use. To obtain service under warranty, contact Escali customer support.

You will need to provide proof of purchase with the date. Units purchased from unauthorized sellers may not be eligible. Damage from abuse or accidental breakage is also not covered.

Overall, the 1-year warranty provides decent protection on your purchase. Just be sure to register your scale online right away. And contact Escali promptly if any issues develop that seem to be manufacturer related.

How to Reset the Escali Primo Scale

If your Escali Primo digital scale is malfunctioning or displaying error messages, resetting it to factory default settings may resolve some issues:

1. Remove the batteries from the battery compartment.
2. While holding down the “Unit” button, reinsert the batteries.
3. Keep holding the button down for a full 5 seconds once batteries are reinstalled.
4. “CAL” will display on screen to indicate successful reset.
5. The scale will turn off after resetting.
6. Turn back on and test for proper functioning.

Resetting clears any erroneous calibration or settings that may be causing errors. After resetting, be sure to calibrate the scale again before use to ensure accuracy.

What Do Reviews Say About the Escali Primo?

The Escali Primo Digital Scale scores consistently positive reviews online for its performance and value. Here’s what buyers highlight in reviews:

• Excellent accuracy for basic kitchen use
• Easy to use and switch units
• Large weighing surface
• Long battery life
• Sturdy build quality
• Minimalistic, user-friendly design
• Great low price point

The most common complaints cite the lack of precision below 5 grams, inaccurate readings when moving the scale, and rare DOA units. Overall though, most agree it’s a great quality scale for the inexpensive price tag.

With over 9,000 reviews on Amazon at a 4.6/5 star overall rating, buyers overwhelmingly recommend the Escali Primo as an affordable kitchen scale that delivers on features and accuracy. For basic everyday weighing needs, it satisfies users with its excellent price to performance ratio.

Assessing the Durability and Build Quality

Customers find the Escali Primo scale surprisingly durable for the low cost. The smooth glass platform resists stains, scratches, and cracks. The plastic housing seems solidly constructed as well.

The simplistic design with minimal moving parts also contributes to the reliable longevity most owners experience. As long as the scale is handled with care and cleaned properly, it holds up well over years of regular kitchen use.

While not as indestructible as commercial-grade scales, the Escali Primo’s build quality is impressive considering the reasonable price point. Just avoid excessive loads over the capacity and dropping the scale to get the longest service life.

Is the Escali Primo Good for Baking?

The Escali Primo performs excellently as a digital scale for baking tasks like measuring flour, sugar, yeast, dough, and more.

Home bakers need precision and consistency when weighing ingredients for recipes to turn out right. The Escali Primo provides 0.1 oz /1 gram accuracy and reliabile performance batch after batch.

Its large weighing platform easily accommodates bowls and other baking equipment. The units switch seamlessly from metric to imperial measurements. And the auto-off preserves battery life, since bakers often pause between ingredients.

While not lab-grade, the Escali Primo gives amateur bakers professional-quality results on a budget. For accuracy essential to baking success, it’s a top choice under $30.

Portability and Compact Size

One advantage of the Escali Primo is its lightweight and compact size. Weighing just over 1 pound with a slim profile, this pick is easy to move around and tuck away.

The small footprint takes up minimal counter space or fits effortlessly in a drawer. It’s ideal for cramped kitchens with limited storage. The smooth glass platform detaches to make the scale extra thin for packing in bags or suitcases for travel.

While not completely miniature, the Escali Primo offers good portability for small kitchens or taking on the go. The lightweight build and detachable platform allow easy transport without the bulkiness of larger models.

Does It Have an Auto-Off Feature?

Yes, the Escali Primo Digital Scale conveniently shuts off automatically after 2 minutes of inactivity. This helps preserve battery life so you don’t have to constantly remember to turn it off manually after each use.

The auto-off time of 2 minutes gives you enough time to weigh multiple ingredients. But then powers down shortly after to avoid draining batteries all day long if you forget.

This is an essential feature for absent-minded cooks and bakers! Auto-off prevents wasting batteries if you walk away or get distracted after weighing. For the price, it’s an impressive addition other bargain scales may lack.

How Does It Compare to Other Models?

The Escali Primo strikes an excellent balance of value, accuracy, and features compared to other popular digital kitchen scales. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• More affordable but nearly as accurate as premium brands like Ozeri or Jennings.
• Greater precision than very cheap no-name scales found for under $15.
• Larger weighing platform than pocket gram scales for jewellery or drugs.
• More durable and better rated than other low-cost scales like Etekcity.
• Streamlined functionality compared to over-featured “smart” scales.

For about $25-30, the Escali Primo hits the sweet spot of being affordable yet still high-quality. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but delivers weighing performance and durability rivaling far pricier competitors.

The Takeaway: A Budget-Friendly Kitchen Must-Have

For reliability, accuracy, and usability, it’s hard to beat the Escali Primo Digital Scale for under $30. This straightforward mechanical scale may lack the fancy features of higher-end models, but provides the essential functionality home cooks need.

Thousands of buyers rate it highly for its quality weighing performance and durable construction that stands the test of time. The intelligent auto-off function and switchable units add convenience lacking in other cheap models.

All in all, the Escali Primo is a must-have kitchen tool for amateur chefs or bakers. Its precision helps create consistency with recipes for success every time. For deliciously consistent cooking without breaking the bank, the value offered by this handy kitchen scale can’t be overstated.