Scales

Choice of scales is largely down to personal preference, but it's helpful to have two sets: one for large heavy foods, and another for small quantities.

There are plenty of stylish 'designer' scales on the market, but what you need are scales that are accurate, easy to read, don't need adjusting and can easily hold all the food you want to weigh.

Balance scales

Traditional balance scales look charming and are built to last for ever. However, they're a bit unwieldy which means you'll need room to leave them permanently on the countertop. You also have to work out which combination of weights to use. If you use both metric and imperial measurements, you'll need two sets of weights.

Spring scales

Large spring scales are practical for big stuff such as joints of meat. Look for scales that weigh up to 4kg and have a generously wide bowl. Check that the dial is big enough for you to read the smaller increments easily.

Very small spring scales are handy if you're counting calories. They accurately weigh tiny portions of food. As with large scales, make sure you can read the increments easily.

Electronic scales

Electronic scales are the most accurate of all. They have an add-and-weigh facility which means you save on the washing up - place a mixing bowl on the scales and keep adding ingredients. You can weigh both liquid and dry ingredients and switch from metric to imperial at the touch of a button. For the greatest accuracy, choose a scale that weighs in increments of one gram rather than five grams.