Primo Digital Food Scale

Escali

The Escali Primo Digital Food Scale combines exceptional durability with practical functionality. Its sealed two-button control panel and straightforward design have earned it a legendary reputation, with users reporting 10-20 years of daily use without failure. Offering precise measurements up to 11 lbs with 1g accuracy, tare functionality, and automatic shut-off, this scale delivers consistent performance through years of kitchen service.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:8.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches; 15.2 ounces
Lifespan:15+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:China
Manufacturing:Escali Primo Digital Food Scales are manufactured in China under the brand's quality control standards.

Research Summary

The Escali Primo Digital Food Scale earns its BIFL status through legendary longevity, with multiple users reporting 10-20 years of daily use without failure. This deceptively simple, plastic-bodied scale survives abuse that would kill others, maintains perfect accuracy for decades, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty that users confirm is honored. While the small platform and basic design may frustrate some users, its exceptional durability-to-price ratio makes this an easy recommendation for any kitchen that values function over flash.

  • Continues measuring with perfect accuracy for 15+ years, with multiple users confirming identical readings between decades-old and brand new units
  • Surprisingly resilient despite plastic construction—even recovers from complete water submersion after drying out
  • Limited lifetime warranty is genuinely honored with minimal hassle when needed
  • Outstanding value—outlasts multiple generations of competitors at a fraction of premium scale prices
  • Small platform size that obscures display with larger bowls is the only consistent complaint across hundreds of satisfied users

Repairability Notes

7.5

The Escali Primo shows strong repairability potential based on extensive user reports of decade-plus lifespans and successful DIY fixes.

  • Water damage recovery: One user reported their scale came back to life, as good as always after accidentally submerging it and letting it dry for a few days
  • Simple construction: Users praise the single-piece, wipe-clean design and straightforward two-button interface with standard AA batteries, suggesting accessible internals
  • Long-term accuracy: A user replaced their 17-year old Escali and found EXACT weights every time when comparing old and new units, indicating robust sensor design that maintains calibration

Bottom line: While no teardown details or official repair support are mentioned, the scale's proven 10-20 year lifespans, recovery from water damage, and simple construction suggest solid repairability for common issues.

Durability Notes

8.5

The Escali Primo has earned its stripes as a true BIFL kitchen workhorse, with multiple users reporting 10-20 years of daily use without failure.

  • Legendary lifespan: Users report I replaced my 17-year old Escali with the exact same model because the old one still works, and another used theirs daily for 18 years with exact weights every time
  • Survives abuse: One user's scale came back to life after being accidentally submerged in water and left to dry for a few days, while another mentions they've seen them take hard beatings in college and still function
  • Cheap feel, tough build: The all-plastic construction feels flimsy and lightweight, but this perception doesn't match reality — the simple two-button design and lack of unnecessary features means fewer points of failure

Bottom line: Finally, a scale that outlasts your kitchen remodel. The plastic feels cheap and the platform's too small, but when users are replacing 17-year-old units with the exact same model, you know it's built right.

Warranty Notes

8.5

Escali offers a genuine limited lifetime warranty for the Primo Digital Food Scale under normal consumer use. User reports confirm the company honors this warranty with minimal hassle.

  • Coverage Duration: Limited lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects (consumer use only), plus a 30-day satisfaction guarantee
  • Claim Process: Uses a straightforward online warranty form, requires proof of purchase
  • Real-World Validation: Multiple users report scales lasting 10-20 years, with positive experiences when warranty service was needed

Bottom line: Escali's warranty is substantive and backed by strong user testimony of both exceptional product longevity and responsive warranty service when needed.

Social Analysis

8.5

The Escali Primo has achieved cult status on Reddit, with users reporting decades of daily use. Multiple reviewers celebrate replacing their 17-year-old Escali with the exact same model because the old one still works perfectly. The BIFL community specifically calls out Escali as the top brand for kitchen scales.

  • Legendary durability: Users report 10, 15, even 20 years of continuous use with no loss in accuracy
  • Survives abuse: One user's scale came back to life after being submerged in water for days
  • Platform size frustration: Most common complaint is the small platform blocks the display with larger bowls

Bottom line: Despite feeling plasticky and having a small platform, the Primo's proven track record of outlasting multiple generations of competitors makes it a BIFL community favorite.

BIFL Total Score:
8.5Excellent
Primo Digital Food Scale
Crowd Favorite
Amazon
$27.29

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
8.5
Durability Score
8.5
Repairability Score
7.5
Social Score
8.5
Warranty Score
8.5

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Proven lifespan of 10-20 years

Maintains accuracy over decades of use

Survives water damage and harsh treatment

Lifetime warranty with responsive service

Areas for Improvement

Small platform blocks display with larger bowls

Plastic construction feels cheap initially

Runs on disposable batteries only

No sustainability certifications or materials information

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

Image Gallery

Primo Digital Food Scale - Main view

Main product view

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: As Needed / RegularlyClean the Primo Digital Food Scale as needed after use to keep it free of residue. Calibrate regularly for accurate measurements and replace batteries when low.

Step 1

Clean

Wipe the scale gently with a damp cloth; do not submerge it in water or use abrasive cleaners. Avoid exposing the scale to moisture as it is not waterproof.

Recommended Products

  • Microfiber Cleaning Cloth$5-10
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

Maintain precision by calibrating the scale regularly following the manufacturer's instructions. Replace batteries promptly and use only new batteries of the same type to avoid leakage.

Recommended Products

  • Calibration Weights (specific to model)$10-20
  • AA Batteries$5-10
Step 3

Protect / Store

Store the scale in a dry, stable location away from vibrations and rough handling to preserve its precision sensors. Remove batteries if storing for an extended period to prevent corrosion.

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