My Weigh KD-8000: The Best Baker’s Scale for Sourdough Bread

If you are looking for the best baker's scale to make sourdough bread, let me guide you to the perfect choice. Trusted by thousands of bakers with over 1,000 monthly purchases, the My Weigh KD-8000 is the best-rated kitchen scale.

Why use a kitchen scale instead of measuring cups?

Precise measurements are important in successful baking, but should you rely on measuring cups or use a digital scale for sourdough bread ingredients? Measuring by volume using cups and spoons seems simple, but it often leads to inconsistencies.

For example, measuring flour by cups can be tricky. Do you measure before or after sifting? Sifted flour weighs less than unsifted flour, which could affect your recipe.

In addition, different countries use different cup sizes, such as metric, Australian, or US cups. These variations make a big difference in dough hydration, affecting the bread's texture.

Even water measurements become problematic. A difference of just 30 grams of water could change the dough's consistency and the final result.

That is why a digital kitchen scale is so important. It helps measure the exact quantities of flour, water, sourdough starter, and salt needed for mixing bread dough.

How to choose the best baker's scale

Precision is the most important feature when choosing a baker's scale. The My Weigh KD-8000 stands out for its features specifically designed for the unique needs of sourdough bread baking.

It measures with great accuracy, making sure the hydration ratio, which is key to the sourdough starter and dough consistency, stays just right. It is also durable and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.

I personally have three kitchen scales: a pocket gram scale for feeding my starter, an Escali kitchen scale for making a couple of loaves, and the My Weigh KD-8000 for baking multiple sourdough loaves.

Key features of the My Weigh KD-8000

• It measures in both metric (grams and kilograms) and standard (pounds and ounces) units, as well as baker's percentage, which is essential for sourdough baking.

• It has a large weighing platform (6 ½ by 6 ½ inches) that can handle up to 8 kilograms (about 17.6 pounds) without covering the display. The stainless steel plate is removable for easy cleaning.

• It offers a programmable auto-off function, so it will not turn off while you are weighing multiple ingredients.

• It is accurate to within 1 gram, which is essential for precise baking.

• Its tare function allows you to reset the scale to zero after placing a bowl so that you can measure only the ingredients.

How to use the tare function

The tare function on my My Weigh KD-8000 scale is essential in sourdough baking. It allows for accurate ingredient measurement without including the weight of your container. Here is how to use it:

1. Place the scale on a flat surface and turn it on using either batteries or the AC adapter. Make sure the scale is on a flat, stable surface to avoid inaccurate readings.
2. Put an empty bowl or container on the scale.
3. Press the TARE button to reset the scale to zero. This will ensure that your measurement excludes the container's weight.
4. Add your first ingredient to the bowl. The scale will now display only the weight of the ingredient, not the container.
5. If your recipe calls for multiple ingredients in the same bowl, press the TARE button again after each addition to reset the scale and measure the next ingredient separately.

How to turn off the auto-off feature

The Auto-Off feature is designed to save energy by turning off the scale after a period of inactivity. However, during baking, it can sometimes shut off while you are in the middle of weighing ingredients, disrupting your workflow. Here is how to disable it:

1. Turn the scale off.
2. Press and hold the HOLD button, then press the POWER button. Keep both buttons pressed for about 5 seconds until the scale counts down.
3. When "0" appears on the display, press the TARE button.
4. Use the MODE button to toggle between "off 0" (Auto-Off deactivated) and "off 1" (Auto-Off activated).
5. Then, press the TARE button to save your settings.

How to use baker's percentages

Baker's percentages are a game-changer for sourdough baking. This system calculates ingredient amounts based on the total weight of the flour, making it easy to adjust recipes.

Here is how to use the baker's percentage feature on the My Weigh KD-8000:

1. Place a bowl on the scale and press TARE to reset it to zero.
2. Add all the flour for your recipe to the bowl.
3. Once the scale stabilizes (you see an eye symbol), press the % button to switch to percentage mode.
4. Remove the bowl of flour, and the scale will now show 0%.
5. Add the next ingredient, like water, until the percentage matches your recipe (e.g., 70% for 70% hydration).
6. Repeat for each ingredient, pressing TARE to reset the scale as needed.

My Weigh KD-8000 manual

Read the My Weigh PDF manual to learn more about the KD-8000 digital kitchen scale's other functions and calibration.

How to clean the My Weigh KD-8000 scale

After a day of baking, clean your scale to keep it accurate and last longer. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the scale and unplug it if you are using the AC adapter.
2. Wipe the weighing plate with a damp cloth, or soak it in water if it is especially dirty.
3. Use a soft brush to clean around the buttons and edges, avoiding any openings.
4. Dry the scale with a clean cloth and let it air dry completely before turning it back on.
5. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging the scale in water to protect its electronic components.

Alternative best kitchen scales

If you need a scale with a higher weight capacity, consider the Ohaus Valor bench scale, which can weigh up to 30 kilograms.

• Ohaus Valor 1000 V12P10T: Weighs up to 10 kg in 1 g increments.
• Ohaus Valor 1000 V12P15: Weighs up to 15 pounds in 2 g increments.
• Ohaus Valor 1000 V12P30: Weighs up to 30 kg in 5 g increments.

Another excellent choice for making multiple sourdough loaves is the San Jamar digital scale, which can weigh about 66 pounds. It has a larger weighing platform and is ideal for bakers making 100 loaves at a time.

My tips for using kitchen scales

• Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements, as recipes and starter feedings rely on accurate weight, not volume.

• Weigh each ingredient separately (flour, water, salt, and starter) for the most consistent results.

• Use the tare function carefully. It is helpful but easy to misjudge, especially when baking multiple loaves or if the scale malfunctions.

• Learn baker's percentages to create and adjust sourdough bread recipes and achieve consistent results.

Let's talk sourdough

Now that you have learned about the kitchen scales, which one do you choose?