Which best describes the purpose of a baker's scale?

The purpose of a baker's scale is to measure ingredients by weight for consistency in baking, making the third choice the best description. In baking, precise measurements are crucial, as the chemical reactions involved in mixing, rising, and baking depend heavily on the ratios of ingredients. By using weight rather than volume, bakers can achieve accurate and repeatable results, ensuring that recipes yield the same quality product each time.

Baker's scales are specifically designed for this purpose, providing a reliable and consistent method of measuring ingredients such as flour, sugar, and fats, which can vary greatly in density. This accuracy is important in professional settings where consistency in taste and texture is paramount, as even small deviations can lead to significant differences in the final product.

The other choices do not encapsulate the primary function of a baker's scale, as they either pertain to specific aspects of measurement that are not its primary focus or mention finished products, which are beyond the initial ingredient measurement phase that a baker’s scale is designed to address.