First, why use a digital scale? You may think measuring cups and the like are enough, but it turns out they’re not -- at least not when it comes to dry ingredients. Volume measurements of any ingredient with air in it, such as flour, are unreliable and can vary up to about 50 percent. By using a scale, though, you’ll get the right number every time. Scales are especially useful in baking, where measurements need to be particularly exact. Many recipes recognize this, and give measurements in weight as well as volume. If not, you can always figure out the ratio of each ingredient to the others. (We know, math…)

Start by calibrating your scale. In many cases, a weight comes with the scale for exactly this purpose. If not, you can use a one-pound barbell or something of the sort (i.e. you know the weight of it, and it doesn’t change depending on heat). Since calibration methods differ slightly from scale to scale, simply follow the directions that come with yours. Generally, it involves holding down a calibration button, placing your weight on the scale, and pressing the button again.

To actually measure out your ingredients, we recommend the two-bowl method. You’ll measure each ingredient separately on the scale in a bowl, then pour it into another bowl where you’ll actually do the mixing. Put your measuring bowl on the scale, then zero it out. This way, you don’t have to do any adding or subtracting. Once you have the right amount in the bowl, simply pour it into your mixing bowl and move on to the next ingredient. If you put in too much of an ingredient, you can simply take some out without having marred the entire recipe.

If you’re feeling daring, though, you can simply add an ingredient to the bowl, then zero out the scale after each one and add the next. Or, just use the tare function -- this subtracts the weight of whatever you already have on the scale and just shows the last ingredient added. Most digital scales should come with a tare button. If you go this route, just try to err on the side of less rather than more when you’re pouring into the bowl -- over-measuring will be a real pain.

-- The Nest Editors