Why might some people feel that measuring by weight is “slower” or “more work” than measuring by volume, and what tips could help make using a scale more convenient and speedy during meal prep?

Question

Think using a scale is slower? Get simple tips that can make measuring by weight more convenient and even speedier than using cups.

Answer 1

Some find weighing ingredients slower due to the perceived extra step of using a scale and the need to tare it. Streamlining your scale setup and pre-portioning ingredients can significantly speed up the process.

Detailed Explanation:

The perception that weighing is slower often stems from a few key factors. Firstly, many people are more accustomed to using measuring cups and spoons, making volume measurements feel more intuitive and faster initially. Secondly, using a scale involves the extra step of placing a container on the scale, taring (zeroing) it, and then adding the ingredient. This can seem like more work compared to simply scooping an ingredient into a measuring cup. Finally, some recipes are traditionally written with volume measurements, requiring conversion if you prefer to weigh.

However, weighing is often more accurate, especially for dry ingredients like flour, where volume can vary significantly depending on how tightly packed it is. To make weighing faster and more convenient:

1. Set up your scale strategically: Keep your scale readily accessible on your countertop, not tucked away in a cupboard. Ensure it has fresh batteries.

2. Use the tare function: Get comfortable with the tare function. Place your bowl or container on the scale, tare it to zero, and then add your ingredient. This eliminates the need to calculate the weight of the container.

3. Pre-portion ingredients: If you frequently use certain ingredients, pre-portion them into containers or bags and label them with their weight. This saves time during meal prep.

4. Use a large bowl: Using a larger bowl can prevent ingredients from spilling over the sides while you're weighing them.

5. Convert recipes in advance: If you prefer weighing, convert your favorite recipes from volume to weight measurements and keep a record of the conversions. Many online resources can help with this.

Pro Tip:

Invest in a digital scale with a quick response time and a large, easy-to-read display. A scale that takes too long to register weight or is difficult to read can significantly slow down the process.