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The majority of scales used in the food service industry are top loading scales. Also referred to as bench scales, they’re named for the simple fact that the object to be weighed is loaded from the top. Quality bench scales can accurately measure just about everything involved in food service. Some specific bench scales common to the food service industry are checkout, deli, and ingredient scales. There are also more general models available if you’re looking for a versatile, all-in-one scale.
Apart from top loading scales, the food service industry is served occasionally by hanging scales. They typically feature a platform suspended by either a crane or cable. This design places all the weight on the load sensor and, as a result, they can provide extremely accurate results.
In either case, digital scales are favored over analog versions for the additional features they offer: label printers, automatic calibration and tracking, built-in calculators, multiple pricing capabilities, pushbutton tare, computer connectivity, the ability to save information. Digital scales, in other words, perform more tasks and with more efficiency than their analog counterparts.
Digital scales are more practical and reliable, despite requiring a power source. The majority can run on batteries, and will indicate when power is running low so you aren’t left short-handed by a sudden outage. Scales that can operate on rechargeable batteries can easily be transported from one station to another. They are great for all business sizes, and they are an especially good all-in-one selection. After all, a scale that is fixed in one place is difficult to fully integrate.
Regardless of the type of scale appropriate to your business, there are some features every scale coming into contact with foodstuff should have. Stainless steel construction is probably the most fundamental common aspect. Stainless steel results in a scale that is easy-to-clean, is water (and food) resistant, and is more sanitary. Furthermore, stainless steel load cells are rugged. Since they can withstand shock (e.g., aggressively being loaded), temperature changes, condensation, and general wear better than any other material, they provide you with a longer life and higher accuracy. The display screen is the other important part of the scale’s design. You want a display that features a large LCD display. Easy-to-read displays are an asset particularly if your scale has an interface the customer can view.
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