What is the primary function of a dough scale?

The primary function of a dough scale is to measure ingredients for dough recipes. In baking and culinary arts, precision is essential because small variations in the weight of ingredients—such as flour, water, yeast, and salt—can greatly affect the texture, flavor, and overall success of the final product. A dough scale is specifically designed to provide accurate measurements that ensure consistency in recipes, which is particularly important in professional kitchens. By using a scale, chefs can maintain the balance of dry and liquid ingredients, leading to the desired results in the dough’s structure and taste.

This focus on weighing ingredients rather than estimating or other tasks like calculating baking times underscores the critical role of accuracy in culinary preparations. Knives and portion control can be part of a chef's toolkit, but accurate ingredient measurement is foundational for achieving quality in baking.