Scales control food cost. Every extra half ounce of cheese or protein adds up over thousands of plates. Kitchens also use scales to check deliveries, scale recipes and price items sold by weight. Picking the right scale starts with what you weigh and how precise you need to be.
Shop the equipment in this article: Thunder Group SCSL001 2 lb flat platform portion scale, Thunder Group SCSL002 5 lb flat platform portion scale and Prepline PSP20 20 lb digital portion control scale. Freight is included on every order.
Types of Scales
Portion scales weigh individual servings on the line, from a few ounces up to several pounds. Receiving scales weigh cases and deliveries, often up to 100 pounds or more. Price computing scales calculate price by weight for delis, meat counters and produce, and are often used where items are sold by the pound.
Digital scales show exact readings and often have a tare button. Mechanical dial scales need no power or batteries and are simple and durable.
Thunder Group SCSL001 2 lb flat platform portion scale
Thunder Group SCSL002 5 lb flat platform portion scale
Prepline PSP20 20 lb digital portion control scale
Prepline PSP40 40 lb digital portion control scale
Prepline PSPT40 40 lb digital price computing scale
Thunder Group SCSL007 100 lb flat platform receiving scale
Capacity and Graduation
Capacity is the maximum weight. Graduation is the smallest step the scale shows. For portioning sliced meat and cheese, you want fine graduation, such as tenths of an ounce. For receiving cases, larger steps are fine. Choose a capacity a bit above your heaviest item, but not far above, because high-capacity scales often read in bigger steps.
Platform Size and Bowls
A flat platform suits plates, pans and packages. Bowl scales help with loose items such as shredded cheese, salad and produce. Check that the platform fits the containers you use.
Legal for Trade
If you sell food by weight, most states require a scale that is legal for trade, often called NTEP approved, and may require inspection and sealing by a local weights and measures office. Check the product page for approvals and confirm requirements with your local weights and measures office. Portion control scales used only in the kitchen usually do not need this.
Power and Placement
Digital scales run on batteries, an adapter or both. Place scales on a level, stable surface away from fans and vibrating equipment, which can affect readings.
Cleaning and Care
Wipe the platform after each use and sanitize food contact surfaces. Do not submerge digital scales or spray water into them. Check accuracy regularly with a known test weight. Avoid dropping heavy items onto the platform, which can damage the load cell.
How Many Scales Do You Need
Most kitchens need more than one. A typical setup is one portion scale at each station where protein or cheese is portioned, one scale at the prep table for recipes, and one receiving scale at the back door to check deliveries against invoices. A scale at the back door often pays for itself the first time it catches a short case of meat. Keep a small scale at the bar too, if you batch syrups or cocktails by weight.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Am I portioning, receiving or selling by weight?
- What is my heaviest item?
- How precise do readings need to be?
- Do I need a bowl or a flat platform?
- Does my use require a legal-for-trade scale?
Next Steps
Browse portion, receiving and price computing models in our commercial food scales category or see all scales. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Thunder Group SCSL001 2 lb Flat Platform Portion Scale (model SCSL001)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- 2 lb capacity flat platform scale.
- Zero-adjust dial for consistent readings.
- Coated iron construction.
Thunder Group SCSL002 5 lb Flat Platform Portion Scale (model SCSL002)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- 5 lb capacity flat platform scale.
- Zero-adjust dial for consistent readings.
- Coated iron construction.
Prepline PSP20 20 lb. Digital Portion Control Scale (model PSP20)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline PSP40 40 lb. Digital Portion Control Scale (model PSP40)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline PSPT40 40 lb. Digital Price Computing Scale (model PSPT40)
- Brand: Prepline
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Thunder Group SCSL007 100 lb Flat Platform Receiving Scale (model SCSL007)
- Brand: Thunder Group
- 100 lb capacity flat platform scale.
- Zero-adjust dial for consistent readings.
- Coated iron construction.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.