To replace a Salter kitchen scale battery, open the back cover, swap the cell (often CR2032), match +/−, then close the lid firmly.
You’re here because the display faded, flashed “Lo,” or the unit won’t switch on. The fix is usually a simple battery swap that takes a couple of minutes. This guide shows the safe, correct way to do it, points you to official manuals, and helps you avoid the hiccups that trip people up—like mixing up polarity or trapping the platform on a soft surface during reassembly.
What Battery Your Salter Scale Uses
Most slim platform models run on a 3-volt coin cell such as CR2032. Some earlier or bulkier units use AAA cells, and a few current lines are USB-rechargeable. The fastest check is on the product label or inside the compartment. If you can’t see a label, the user manual for the exact model covers the power type and capacity. Salter hosts manuals on a single support page, so you can look up your model there (Salter user manuals).
Common Power Setups Across Popular Designs
| Design Style | Typical Battery / Power | Compartment Access |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Slim Glass/Steel Platform (most 5 kg models) | CR2032 coin cell (3 V) | Slide cover or twist cap on the underside |
| Compact Plastic Platform / Arc-style | CR2032 coin cell (3 V) | Small round hatch; may have a tiny screw |
| Chunkier Bodies With Raised Feet | Two AAA alkaline | Rectangular door with clip tabs |
| Rechargeable Range | Integrated cell via USB | USB port; no removable battery |
Many product pages mention the included CR2032 pack, and recent manuals repeat the same advice: match the polarity and remove flat cells promptly to avoid leakage. You can verify care notes in a typical Salter kitchen scale manual PDF, which lists battery replacement cues and warnings (sample Salter manual).
Changing The Battery On Salter Scales: Tools And Prep
Grab a CR2032 coin cell or two AAA cells, depending on your unit. Keep a small Phillips screwdriver handy in case the hatch uses a micro screw. Work on a firm, clean table so the platform stays flat. Before you start, press the power button to confirm the screen is dead or dim, then turn the scale over and set it upside down so you don’t press on the platform while opening the cover.
- Battery: CR2032 coin cell (3 V) or AAA alkaline as per model label.
- Driver: Mini Phillips for tiny hatch screws.
- Cloth: For wiping crumbs or oil from the compartment.
- Safety: Store coin cells out of reach of kids; these small cells are hazardous if swallowed (see UK guidance on button battery safety).
Step-By-Step Replacement
Method A: Coin Cell Models (CR2032)
- Open the hatch. Slide or twist the cover. If there’s a tiny screw, loosen it a turn or two and lift the cap. Don’t force a stuck cover; a gentle quarter-turn usually releases it.
- Note the + side. The metal face stamped “CR2032” is usually the positive side. Look for the + symbol inside the bay.
- Remove the old cell. Use a fingernail at the notch. If it’s snug, press the spring contact slightly and tilt the battery out. Avoid bending contacts.
- Insert the new cell. Slide the new CR2032 under the contact and press it flat with + facing the + mark. It should sit flush without wobble.
- Close and test. Refit the cover, tighten the screw if present, set the unit upright, then tap ON/ZERO. You should see a crisp display.
Method B: AAA Models
- Open the door. Press the tab and lift the rectangular cover.
- Check the diagram. The springs usually touch the negative ends. Follow the +/− map in the tray.
- Swap the cells. Pop two fresh AAAs into the bay in the shown direction.
- Close and test. Snap the door, flip the scale, and power on.
Method C: Rechargeable Lines
Plug in the supplied USB cable until the charge indicator shows a full level, then unplug. There’s no removable cell on these models.
If You Don’t Know The Model
Look at the label under the base, then search that code on the manuals page linked earlier. Many manuals repeat the same steps: open the compartment, match polarity, and close the hatch securely. If you meet resistance from a tiny screw or cap, a precision driver set helps. A community tip some owners mention for very tight hatches is to use a coin in the slot to get better leverage, but stop if the plastic flexes. Official manuals should be your first reference point (find your manual).
Polarity, Messages, And Quick Resets
If the display shows a faint flicker, random characters, or nothing at all after a swap, the first checks are polarity, seating, and cover fit. Many manuals show basic messages like LO for a flat cell, ERR for overload, and a prompt to press ON/ZERO to reset. A representative Salter instruction sheet lists those cues along with storage and cleaning advice (sample Salter manual).
- No power: Flip the battery, clean contacts with a dry cloth, and check that the hatch fully closes.
- Random reset: Remove the battery for 30 seconds, press ON/ZERO once to discharge, then reinstall.
- Weight drift: Place on a hard, level counter and zero the unit before loading. Soft mats or uneven tiles cause drift.
Care Tips That Extend Battery Life
Short, regular weighing sessions sip power. Long idle periods with food residue on the underside can press against the platform and stop auto-off from kicking in. Keep the base clear, press ON/ZERO only when the platform is empty, and wipe spills promptly. Manuals also advise removing the cell during long storage to avoid leakage and corrosion, and keeping coin cells dry and away from heat (care notes in manual).
Fast Fixes After A Battery Swap
| Symptom | Likely Cause | What To Try |
|---|---|---|
| No display | Wrong polarity or loose contact | Reinsert with +/− matched; reseat cover; try a second cell |
| “LO” still shows | Flat replacement or poor contact | Use a fresh CR2032/AAA; clean contacts; check expiry date |
| “ERR” on screen | Overload or platform pressure | Remove load; start on a rigid surface; press ON/ZERO |
| Readout drifts | Soft countertop or residue under feet | Move to hard counter; wipe feet and base; zero again |
| Buttons unresponsive | Static or firmware hang | Remove battery 30–60 s; reinstall; power on |
Battery Safety Around Children
Keep coin cells out of reach and store spares in their blister until use. If a child may have swallowed a cell, seek urgent medical help. UK guidance gives clear steps and background on the risks from small lithium coin cells (UK button battery safety).
Disposal And Recycling
Never bin spent cells with household rubbish. In the UK, many supermarkets and civic sites take small batteries. Products and batteries often carry the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol that signals separate collection rules. The government page on recycling batteries and electricals explains the symbol and where to take items (recycling batteries guidance).
- Tape the faces of button cells before transport to reduce short-circuit risk.
- Drop off at a supermarket collection tube or a local recycling centre.
- Don’t crush, heat, or mix with metal scraps in a drawer.
When A New Unit Makes Sense
If the hatch is damaged, if contacts are corroded beyond a light clean, or if the unit still resets at random even with a fresh cell, a replacement might save time. Salter’s range includes USB-charged models, which skip removable batteries entirely while keeping the same 1 g readability you’re used to (Salter kitchen scales).
Quick Reference Checklist
- Confirm the power type on the base label or inside the hatch.
- Swap the cell with + facing the + sign in the bay.
- Close the hatch fully so the contacts stay pressed.
- Power on, zero on a firm counter, then weigh.
- Recycle the old cell at a drop-off point; keep spares away from kids.
Mini FAQ-Style Notes Without The FAQ Section
Where Is The Compartment?
Under the scale. Look for a round twist cap or a small rectangular door. Some caps use a tiny screw for tamper resistance. A precision driver helps if it’s tight, and a coin works on twist caps. If the cap doesn’t budge, don’t pry the platform edge.
What If The Screen Shows “ERR” After Reassembly?
Lift all items off the platform, power off, then press ON/ZERO. If the error persists with no load, the platform may be touching a crumb or mat. Move the unit to a hard surface and try again. Many manuals list this message for overload conditions, not for battery faults.
Can I Mix Brands For AAA Units?
Use two cells from the same pack to keep voltage and age matched. Mixing fresh and old batteries shortens life and can trigger odd resets.
How Long Does A Coin Cell Last?
Usage varies with session length and auto-off timing, but many home cooks see months of service from a CR2032 in a typical 5 kg platform. Cold storage and long idle periods with weight on the platform can shorten life. Remove the cell if you’ll store the scale for a long spell.
Good Habits After The Swap
- Zero before loading: Tap ON/ZERO with the bowl on the platform to tare the container.
- Use flat counters: Level surfaces keep readings steady.
- Wipe the base: Oil and sugar granules under the feet add micro-pressure that looks like drift.
- Store upright: A drawer divider stops other tools from pressing the platform.