In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of baking by weight using a digital kitchen scale, why it's a must-have for any baker, and how it can enhance your baking experience. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this post will show you why baking by weight is the way to go. So, let's dive in and discover the advantages of this method and how it can take your baking to the next level.
Jump to:
- Who invented Measuring Cups?
- Why is baking by volume so much more popular in the United States than by weight?
- Are all Measuring Cups created equal?
- Baking by weight vs Baking with Measuring Cups
- How to use a Kitchen Scale
- What Type of Kitchen Scale should I buy?
- Recommended Kitchen Scales
- Can I just use an online converter to convert your recipes?
- Conclusion - Why Baking by Weight is the Correct way to bake
- FAQ - Baking by Weight
- Recipes to try with your new Kitchen Scale
- 💬 Comments
Who invented Measuring Cups?
The invention of measuring cups is credited to Fannie Farmer, an American cookbook author and teacher of cooking and nutrition. She introduced the concept of using measuring cups and spoons in her cookbook "The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book" in 1896. Prior to that time, recipes typically provided measurements in "cups" or "teaspoons," but without standardized measurements, it was difficult for people to accurately replicate recipes.
Fannie Farmer's book revolutionized the way people thought about cooking and baking by providing standardized measurements for ingredients. Her use of measuring cups and spoons made it easier for people to achieve consistent results and follow recipes, which helped to popularize the use of measuring cups in the United States and around the world.
It's important to note that while Fannie Farmer is credited with popularizing the use of measuring cups and spoons, similar tools likely existed prior to her work. However, her cookbook helped to standardize their use and make them a staple in kitchens everywhere.
Why is baking by volume so much more popular in the United States than by weight?
There are a few reasons why cooking and baking by volume is more popular in the United States than by weight.
Tradition: Cooking and baking by volume has been a longstanding tradition in the United States and is often passed down from generation to generation. Measuring cups and spoons have been a staple in American kitchens for many decades, and many people continue to use them out of habit or familiarity.
Convenience: Measuring ingredients by volume is often seen as more convenient than measuring by weight. Measuring cups and spoons are readily available and relatively inexpensive (even though some sets of measuring cups cost more than a Digital Kitchen Scale!).
Recipes and cookbooks: Most American cookbooks and recipes use volume measurements, which can make it difficult to transition to baking by weight. Additionally, many home bakers are familiar with using a kitchen scale or converting recipes to weight measurements.
Baking culture: In the United States, there is a culture of "quick and easy" baking, which may contribute to the popularity of using volume measurements. Measuring ingredients by volume is often considered faster and more straightforward than measuring by weight.
Are all Measuring Cups created equal?
No, not all measuring cups are created equal. Measuring cups can vary in size and accuracy, depending on the manufacturer and country. This can lead to inconsistent results in baking, especially if you're following a recipe from a different country or region.
A standard measuring cup in the United States may have a different volume than a measuring cup in the United Kingdom. Additionally, different brands of measuring cups can have different volumes for the same size cup. Especially when it comes to gluten-free baking, being precise is very important. Using too much or too little of an ingredient will affect the overall taste and texture of baked goods.
If you use too much flour in my Gluten Free Brownie Cookies Recipe, the cookies will turn out thick and won't develop their signature crinkle topping.
Baking by weight vs Baking with Measuring Cups
Baking by weight and baking with measuring cups are two different methods of measuring ingredients in the kitchen. Here are the main differences between the two methods:
Accuracy: Baking by weight is more accurate than baking with measuring cups. This is because measuring cups can vary in volume, leading to inconsistent results. A kitchen scale, on the other hand, provides a precise measurement of ingredients every time.
Consistency: Baking by weight leads to consistent results, no matter who is making the recipe. This is because a kitchen scale provides the same measurement of ingredients every time.
Time-saving: Baking by weight is often faster than using measuring cups. One can measure multiple ingredients in the same bowl without having to wash them in between.
Scaling Recipes: Recipes shared by weight are easy to scale up/scale down.
Accessibility: Grams are used worldwide. This may seem silly to you but by sharing recipes by weight, everyone can make my recipes. No matter if they are located in New Zealand, Shanghai, or Iceland. Because a gram is a gram all over the world.
How to use a Kitchen Scale
Using a kitchen scale is an easy and accurate way to measure ingredients. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to correctly use a kitchen scale.
Prepare the scale: Turn on the scale and make sure it's on a flat and level surface. If the scale has a tare function, press the tare button to set the scale to zero.
Choose a container: Choose a bowl, container, or plate that you will be using to measure your ingredients. It's important to use a container that is flat and level on the bottom so that it sits evenly on the scale.
Place the container on the scale: Place the container on the scale and make sure it's stable. The scale should show a weight close to zero, or tare.
Add ingredients: Begin adding your ingredients to the container on the scale. The scale will show the weight of the ingredients as you add them. You can add ingredients one at a time or in batches, depending on the recipe.
Tare the scale: If you need to add more ingredients to the same container, you can use the tare function to reset the scale to zero. Simply place the container back on the scale, press the tare button, and the scale will read zero. You can then add your next ingredient and the scale will show the weight of only that ingredient.
Check the weight: As you add ingredients, keep an eye on the scale's display to ensure you're using the right amount of each ingredient. You can adjust the amount as needed until you have the correct weight.
Repeat: Repeat the process until you have measured all of the ingredients needed for your recipe.
What Type of Kitchen Scale should I buy?
The type of kitchen scale you should buy depends on your needs and preferences. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a kitchen scale:
Capacity: Consider the maximum weight capacity you'll need for your baking and cooking needs. If you'll be measuring large quantities of ingredients, look for a scale with a higher capacity.
Accuracy: Look for a scale with high accuracy, typically to at least 1 gram or 0.1 ounces.
Units of measurement: Consider whether you want a scale that can measure in grams, ounces, pounds or a combination of units.
Digital or analog: Digital scales are more accurate and easy to read, while analog scales can be simpler to use and don't require batteries. If you are considering baking by weight, I highly recommend a digital scale.
Display: Look for a scale with a clear and easy-to-read display, especially if you have vision difficulties.
Tare function: A tare function allows you to reset the scale to zero after placing a container or bowl on the scale. This is a useful feature if you'll be measuring multiple ingredients in the same container.
Size and design: Consider the size of the scale and whether it will fit in your kitchen. Some scales have a compact design for easy storage, while others have a more decorative appearance.
Ultimately, the type of kitchen scale you should buy depends on your individual needs and preferences. By considering these factors, you can choose the right kitchen scale to help you achieve accurate and consistent results in your baking and cooking.
Recommended Kitchen Scales
Are you ready to start baking by weight and for once and all ditch the measuring cups? Yes? Great! Here are a few digital kitchen scales I recommend checking out.
KitchenTour Digital Kitchen Scale - 3000g/0.1g (affordable option)
ZWILLING Digital Kitchen Food Scale (pricier)
Can I just use an online converter to convert your recipes?
No. My recipes have been developed by weight and the only way they will turn out picture perfect is by following the recipe and using a digital kitchen scale. If you must convert them, I will not be able to trouble shoot since they recipe will be 100% off to begin with.
Conclusion - Why Baking by Weight is the Correct way to bake
Baking by weight is a reliable and accurate method of measuring ingredients that can lead to consistent and successful baked goods. By using a kitchen scale, you can ensure that you're using the correct amount of each ingredient, leading to baked goods that are uniform in texture and flavor. Baking by weight eliminates the inconsistencies that can arise from using measuring cups, which can be affected by variations in the way ingredients are packed or the type of measuring cup used.
In addition, using a kitchen scale is a convenient and efficient way to measure ingredients, as it eliminates the need to dirty multiple measuring cups and spoons. Baking by weight also simplifies the recipe-following process, as many recipes are written with weight measurements, making it easy to measure and convert ingredients to the appropriate units.
In short, if you want to achieve consistent and successful baked goods, consider using a kitchen scale for measuring your ingredients. With its accuracy and convenience, you'll be on your way to becoming a baking pro in no time!
FAQ - Baking by Weight
Professional bakers typically measure their ingredients by weight, as this is the most accurate and efficient method. By using a kitchen scale, bakers can accurately measure the exact amount of each ingredient needed for their recipes, leading to consistent and successful baked goods.
Using a digital kitchen scale is the proper way to measure flour or any other ingredients used in a recipe.
Aside from baked goods being more accurate and consistent, using a digital kitchen scale will eliminate piles of dirty measuring cups. A digital scale also takes up less space to store.
Lisa says
Thanks for this. I get so frustrated when I see an awesome recipe that I want to make and the ingredients are by volume and not weight. i will usually go an try to find a different similar recipe, or convert it to weight if I can't find anything I like. I would follow so many more sites if they only put the weight of the ingredients on their recipes.
Daniela says
Thank you for your comment, Lisa. I am always surprised to learn how many people actually prefer baking by weight because they are so frustrated with the inconsistency of recipes using cups.
J an T says
My baking has noticably improved since I've starting using a scale. I only wish more recipes listed weight amounts. I'm sure that's why you're recipes are always so good.