Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I almost did not purchase this item based on a previous reviewer's comment. They noted, correctly, that the scale counts down from 99999 through zero before startup. For people who are concerned about this, as I was, the countdown takes 5 seconds, measured by stopwatch. I have found this not to be a problem at all. By the time I grab some flour, or get a bowl, the scale is ready to go. The tare function on this is a must for me: I love it! The plastic cover over the keypad is a nicer idea than I thought it would be before I used the scale. The one star deduction I gave the scale is due to the slight scuffing of the plastic cover that seems to have occurred in transit. That should not have happened, though it doesn't affect function in the least. The scuffing looks like flour remnants I didn't wipe off. This is something the manufacturer could have avoided by putting a small piece of paper between the keypad and the cover prior to shipment. It was so easily avoidable that I felt a one star deduction was in order. This is a scale that is very easy to use, with all the functions you should expect in a true baker's scale - baker's percentages, gram increments in measurement, conversion between metric and ounce/pounds, and the ability to regulate the automatic shut-down of power. I love that it is battery operated, and don't mind that the scale did not come with the available power cord. I'm extremely pleased with the scale, which has earned a coveted place on my counter. Edit January 1, 2014. I used the scale for all my Christmas baking, and it is still going strong after four years of heavy use. I thought people might like to know that my experience with this scale continues to be excellent. I am definitely getting my money's worth out of it!