When purchasing a scale for your kitchen or restaurant, the options can be overwhelming. At Yamato, we offer a range of models that can be used for a variety of weighing needs including portion control, batching, and counting. In order to determine which scale is best for you, start by asking yourself the following questions.

Application Questions

First, start with basic application questions about how you will be using the commercial kitchen scale.

  1. What do you want to do with the scale? 
  2. What weight capacity are you looking for?
  3. What weight increments will you need the scale to read in? (0.01lb, 0.02lb, 0.5lb, 1lb, etc.)
  4. Will you need the scale to read in pounds, ounces, kilograms, grams, or pounds and ounces?
  5. Will you be buying or selling over this scale? If so, your scale will need to be NTEP-approved (legal for trade). 
  6. Will your scale need to be NSF-certified?

Product-Specific Questions

Then, ask yourself more product-specific questions about what requirements your scale will need to meet.

  1. Do you need a stainless-steel scale?
  2. Will you be washing the scale down? If so, how often?
  3. How large of a platform will you need?
  4. Will the scale need to be readable from a distance?
  5. Are there any other functions you’re looking for? (Checkweighing, grading, piece counting, etc.)

Other Questions

Other questions to ask yourself:

  1. Are you looking for a scale with communication? (USB, RS-232, Bluetooth, etc.)
  2. Will the scale be picked up and/or moved frequently?
  3. Is speed a factor in weighing your products?
  4. Would a bowl on your scale make weighing easier? If so, do you want the bowl permanently attached? Or do you need it to be removable?

Are Mechanical or Digital Kitchen Scales Better?

Yamato offers a variety of mechanical and digital scale models. Choosing between mechanical and digital often comes down to personal preferences, yet there are distinct advantages to each option.

  • Mechanical Scales: Mechanical scales operate without power, cords, or cumbersome setups. This makes them effortlessly portable. These scales are durable and can withstand regular washdowns. Additionally, if you need to increase the speed at which you’re weighing, air dashpots can be integrated into these scales to minimize needle oscillations, ensuring quick and precise weight readings.
  • Digital Scales: Digital scales are renowned for their accuracy and rapid measurement capabilities. While they require power, they offer versatility with multiple measurement units such as lbs, oz, kg, g, or lb/oz modes. Furthermore, they often come equipped with advanced features like checkweighing, grading, and batching to cater to more diverse needs. Water-resistant and water-submergible options are also available. 

Answering the questions outlined here and considering if you prefer a mechanical scale or a digital scale is a good place to start when shopping for a new commercial kitchen scale. Yamato Corporation’s commercial weighing experts can help guide you to the right scale model that will best meet your needs. Contact us today to start the process.