Kitchen scales are tools used to measure the weight of food and ingredients accurately. They come in various types, including digital and mechanical models, and can measure in different units such as grams, ounces, and pounds. Using a kitchen scale helps ensure precise measurements, which is essential for baking and cooking. Many kitchen scales feature a tare function, allowing users to subtract the weight of containers, ensuring only the ingredient's weight is measured. This feature is particularly useful for recipes that require multiple ingredients. Overall, kitchen scales are valuable tools for both amateur and professional cooks.