Specifications
| Brand | OXO |
|---|---|
| Maximum Capacity | 5 lb |
| Readability | 0.125 oz |
| Measurement Units Supported | g, oz |
| Tare Function | Yes |
| Display Type | Backlit LCD |
| Power Source | AAA Batteries |
| Product Dimensions | 8 x 1.8 x 9.2 in |
Pros
- Consistently spot-on
- Quick tare, easy reading
- Solid construction, stable base
Cons
- Limited capacity
- Battery type inconvenience
- Low-weight display quirks
The Verdict
The OXO 5-lb kitchen scale reads with 0.125 oz increments, so small-portion recipes stay precise without constant rounding. It also tarries quickly and shows weight clearly, but AAA batteries add maintenance, and very low readings can feel a bit inconsistent.
Who it's for: Home bakers and meal preppers who weigh spices, flour, or small add-ins often, and who accept battery swaps to keep readings repeatable.
Who should skip it: Anyone who wants a higher-capacity scale or prefers battery-free convenience, since AAA power and low-weight display quirks can be annoying.
In-Depth Review
Accuracy
With a pillar score of 8.3, this scale lands in the “Consistently spot-on” range. Part of that comes from how it measures. The scale reads in 1/8-ounce steps, which equals 0.125 oz. For recipes where the difference between “about right” and “right” matters, those finer increments help you avoid rounding too early.
OXO also supports 1-gram steps, so you get consistent behavior whether you cook in US or metric units. That shows up in the supported measurement units: g and oz. For baking, tare accuracy matters as much as raw accuracy. The scale includes a tare function that “zeros” the display before you add ingredients, so your measurement starts when you actually begin loading the pan or bowl.
One more number that shapes expectations is the maximum capacity: 5 lb. If you stay within typical kitchen workloads, the scale has a clean range to work in. If you often weigh large roasts or big batches, you can run into the ceiling sooner than you might want.
Usability
OXO scores 8.5 here, which fits the “Quick tare, easy reading” description. The main reason is the display type. The scale uses a backlit LCD, and the readability is built around small increments. You can see 0.125 oz changes clearly as you fine tune portions.
Operation stays simple because you do not need to switch through a long list of modes. The scale supports both g and oz, so unit switching aligns with what most cooks actually use. Tare also sits at the center of day to day use. When you zero the bowl, you avoid doing mental math or subtracting container weight later.
Physical use matters too. The product dimensions are 8 x 1.8 x 9.2 in. That slim footprint helps it fit on crowded counters. It also stores in less space than wider models, which matters if you keep it near your baking station.
Build Quality
With a build score of 8.0, OXO lands in the “Solid construction, stable base” zone. The recurring theme is stability. A kitchen scale has one job, and it should not rock when you add flour or stir ingredients mid-measure. In real use, this model aims for that steady behavior.
You can also infer practical durability from the overall form. The scale’s size is 8 x 1.8 x 9.2 in, which suggests a compact body designed for consistent placement. A solid base also helps keep readings repeatable when you are weighing in small increments, since you are less likely to introduce movement while you adjust.
Still, not everything is perfect. Some users report “Low-weight display quirks.” That points to how electronics and sensors behave near the bottom of the scale’s usable range. Even a well-built scale can show odd display behavior when the weight is very close to zero.
Features
OXO’s features pillar scores 8.1, matching the “Decent features, limited extras” description. This is not a scale that tries to do everything. It focuses on the basics you use most often: tare, clear digital output, and measurement units that cover common kitchen systems.
The display type is a backlit LCD. That matters for kitchens with uneven lighting, since you can still read fine changes at 0.125 oz increments. The scale also supports g and oz, with step detail called out as 1-gram increments. Those two details make it easy to follow recipes without changing your measuring habits.
There is also a clear power choice. The scale uses AAA batteries. That is convenient if you already keep AAA on hand, but it also means you manage battery changes rather than plugging in. The scale’s power source is listed as AAA batteries, and that becomes a real part of daily ownership.
Value
Value gets an 8.0 score, and that lines up with “Great performance for cost” in the pillar template. The best way to judge value for a kitchen scale is not just whether it reads numbers. It has to read them well, stay stable, and remain easy to operate while you cook.
On that front, OXO stacks a few key spec points. You get 0.125 oz readability, a tare function, and a backlit LCD display. It also measures in g and oz, so you are not forced into one measuring system. Together, those specs reduce friction during baking and portioning.
The main value trade-off is power convenience. It runs on AAA batteries, so battery replacement can become a periodic task. Some users also point to “Low-weight display quirks,” which can affect how confidently you interpret near-zero readings when you weigh very small amounts often. If your routine stays within everyday portions and you want quick, repeatable readings, this scale’s spec set supports that use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum weight the OXO Good Grips 5-lb Kitchen Scale can measure?
It supports up to 5 lb total capacity. That works well for most home baking and portioning, but it may feel tight if you regularly weigh very large batches or big roasts. If you often exceed 5 lb, you will need a higher-capacity scale.
How fine is the measurement on this OXO scale?
The readability is 0.125 oz. That is about 3.5 g in metric terms, so it gives fairly detailed readings for recipes that use grams or ounces. For ultra-precise lab-style measuring, you may still want a dedicated lab scale, but this one is solid for cooking.
Does it let me switch between grams and ounces?
Yes. The scale supports g and oz. This makes it easy to follow recipes without converting everything in your head.
Is there a tare function for weighing ingredients in a bowl?
Yes, it includes a tare function. You can place the empty bowl on the platform, tare to zero, and then add ingredients without doing manual calculations. This works well for repeated additions like flour, sugar, and butter.
How does the display work, and is the backlit LCD easy to read?
It uses a backlit LCD, so readings show more clearly in dim kitchens. Some users notice quirks with low-weight readings, so very small amounts can take a moment to settle. If you weigh tiny spices or powders, allow the display to stabilize before you record the number.
What batteries does it use, and is the battery type annoying for everyday use?
It runs on AAA batteries. You will need to replace them occasionally, since this model does not use a rechargeable USB power setup. If you prefer never thinking about battery swaps, this is the main drawback to consider.
Final Verdict
OXO delivers an 8.2 out of 10 overall for home cooks who weigh small portions often. It is a recommended buy if you want accuracy you can trust. One clear strength is how consistently it reads right after quick tare. The main drawback is limited capacity, plus battery handling that can feel inconvenient. The display also shows minor low-weight quirks.
If you mostly portion spices, baking ingredients, or meal add-ons and do not need heavy capacity, this scale will serve you well. If that matches your kitchen, this is a sound pick.
