Deli Scales 101: What To Look for & Top 7 Options

Hardware & Software

Deli Scales 101: What To Look for & Top 7 Options

Aug 21, 2025 • 7 min read

Is your deli scale costing you customers?

If your current solution takes forever to calculate prices, prints labels incorrectly (or struggles to print at all), and ties up the processes so your lines stretch across the produce section during your weekend rushes, you might not like the answer.

Luckily, the right deli scale changes everything. It cuts out pricing errors that cost you money, speeds up service during your busiest hours, and integrates with your point of sale (POS) system. But we’re left with a key question: How do you find the right deli scale for your delicatessen counter?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect deli scale. We’ll cover essential features, then dive into our list of seven incredible deli scales that have the features and reliability you need.

Why Every Grocer Needs a Quality Deli Scale

Every ounce matters in the deli business. When your scale isn't accurate, you're either losing money by undercharging customers or frustrating them with overpriced items.

Inaccurate weighing also prevents you from maintaining consistent portion sizes and pricing, which will cut into your profits sooner or later. A quality deli scale eliminates these costly mistakes and protects your margins.

Another reason you need a quality deli scale is for efficiency. Long lines at the deli counter can frustrate your customers to the point that they’ll check out your competitors for shorter lines.

A reliable scale speeds up your deli ordering and checkout lines and helps your team spend less time struggling with technology and more time providing great customer service.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the deli scale needs for different types of grocery stores and markets:

Independent grocery stores handle everything from slicing deli meats and weighing specialty cheeses to portioning prepared salads, pricing bulk items like nuts, candy, and spices, and accurately weighing fresh seafood and specialty cuts.
Butcher shops rely on scales for custom meat cuts and ground beef prepared to order, crafting specialty sausages and marinated items, and managing portion control for catering orders.
Specialty markets need accurate weighing for international foods sold by weight, imported cheeses and charcuterie that require precise pricing, and organic produce and bulk grains.
Co-op markets depend on scales for trustworthy member pricing calculations, bulk bin transactions, bring-your-own-container options, and fair trade products where accurate weighing ensures proper supplier payments.

Regardless of what type of grocery store or market you operate, the right deli scale can help boost profits and minimize customer (and staff) frustration.

Now, let’s examine some of the essential features to consider when choosing the right deli scale for your operation.

1. POS System Integration

Your scale should talk directly to your POS system. When your deli scale and point of sale systems integrate, you can cut out double data entry that wastes time and creates errors.

A POS system integration helps with inventory management, too. Your scale will automatically update inventory as items are weighed and sold. This integration is what separates professional grocery stores from small-time operations still struggling with manual processes.

2. Label Printing Capabilities

Next, you want a deli scale with a built-in thermal printer. This feature lets you create professional labels instantly, complete with product information, weight, price, and scannable barcodes.

When your cashiers can simply scan instead of manually entering weights and prices, you’ll speed up the checkout process and reduce manual errors.

3. Weighing Capacity and Precision

First, choose a deli scale that can handle your heaviest items. A typical max capacity is 30–60 pounds.

Next, consider precision — 2–5 gram precision works fine for standard deli products. If you want a little more flexibility, consider a scale with multiple measurement units (ounces, pounds, grams).

4. Display Options

When selecting your deli scale, consider your display needs. Do you want a dual display to let the customer see exactly what they’re paying for? Is your store brightly lit enough that you need stronger-than-average backlighting? You should also consider whether your team prefers touchscreens or traditional buttons.

5. Durability and Food Safety

Food safety is a must for any equipment in your store — particularly the deli and butcher areas.

Select a scale with food-grade stainless steel construction that’s NSF-certified to ensure your scale meets health department standards. You should also pick a scale with easy-to-clean surfaces, a waterproof design, and removable components to make sanitization easier.

When it comes to durability, consider your sales volume. Be sure to invest in a solution that maintains accuracy even after heavy use.

6. Network Connectivity

What type of network connectivity do you need from your solution? Ethernet connectivity can be more reliable, but Wi-Fi capabilities give you more options when it comes to store layout and scale placement.

7. Programming and Memory

Finally, be sure to select a scale with enough price lookup (PLU) capacity to handle your deli inventory.

You may also want to select a scale with programmable hotkeys so staff can easily key in your most popular items during busy periods. Custom tare weights for different containers are handy, too, if you have multiple containers or packaging options.

Top 7 Deli Scale Options

Now, let’s dive into our top seven picks.

1. Brecknell 6700U Series

Best for: Budget-conscious operations

Key features:

COM connection for stable data transfer
Proven reliability in retail environments
Simple operation for quick staff training

Why we recommend it: If you need a reliable solution at a low price point, consider the Brecknell 6700U deli scale. It's straightforward, dependable, and gets your team up and running quickly.

Ideal use cases: Small independent markets, startup operations

2. CAS PD-II

Best for: Medium-volume operations

Key features:

30 lb maximum capacity
COM connection
Precise measurements for accurate pricing

Why we recommend it: This reliable midrange option has the precision needed for standard deli operations without adding unnecessary features.

Ideal use cases: Independent grocery stores, neighborhood markets, co-ops

3. Datalogic Magellan Series (8400/8500Xt/9800i/9300i/9400i)

Best for: High-tech operations

Key features:

Multiplane scanning technology
Integrated weighing and scanning capabilities
COM connection for reliable data transfer
Advanced imaging technology for difficult-to-read barcodes

Why we recommend it: The Datalogic system is fully integrated, making it a solid option if you want to reduce counter clutter by combining your scanner and scale. But, as a heads up, it can be a little more challenging to implement if your team isn’t very tech-savvy.

Ideal use cases: Busy checkout counters, self-service areas, tech-forward stores

4. Zebra MP7001 Scanner/Scale

Best for: USB connectivity

Key features:

USB connection for plug-and-play setup
Multiplane scanning
Durable construction for heavy use
Advanced scanning capabilities

Why we recommend it: This scale’s USB connection makes setup simple. It also offers integrated scanning and weighing features that make operations efficient without the hassle of a complex implementation.

Ideal use cases: Checkout integration, high-volume weighing

5. CAS CL-5500 Deli Scale

Best for: Professional deli operations

Key features:

Ethernet connectivity for network integration
Professional deli scale designed for food service
Eplum software integration for advanced features

Why we recommend it: When you're serious about your deli operation, you need professional-grade equipment. The network integration keeps all your systems in sync, and the design is durable enough to handle high-volume sales.

Ideal use cases: Established delis, butcher shops, specialty food markets

6. CAS CL-7200 Deli Scale

Best for: High-volume deli operations that need advanced features

Key features:

Ethernet connectivity for centralized management
Eplum integration for deli management
Professional-grade durability and precision

Why we recommend it: This top-tier CAS option delivers everything the CL-5500 offers, plus enhanced features for more demanding environments. If your operation is too fast-paced and advanced for the 5500, consider this alternative.

Ideal use cases: Large delis, high-volume butcher shops, grocerants

7. Hobart Professional Deli Scales (Quantum/Ultima/Access/HLX/HT Series)

Best for: Operations that need advanced features

Key features:

Multiple model options to fit different needs
USB connectivity
Comprehensive feature sets including programmable functions
Eplum integration for advanced deli management

Why we recommend it: Hobart's reputation speaks for itself. These scales are reliable and have some of the most advanced features on the market. Basically, these scales are the Cadillacs of the deli scale industry — but remember, they’re priced accordingly.

Ideal use cases: High-end butcher shops, gourmet delis, premium grocery operations

How To Choose the Right Deli Scale for Your Business

Now that you understand your options, it’s time to make a decision — but how can you choose the right scale for your business? Start by taking a close look at your business.

First, take a look at your volume needs. Count your daily transactions, consider your average item weights, and identify your busiest hours.

Next, evaluate your physical space. Measure your available counter space and decide whether an in-counter installation or countertop model works better for your layout.

Integration is the next crucial consideration. Make sure your chosen scale works with your current POS system and network infrastructure. Think about staff training needs, too — complex systems might offer more features, but they’ll take longer to get your staff up and running on.

Finally, consider your budget. While initial investment matters, focus on long-term value rather than only upfront costs.

Factor in ongoing expenses like labels and maintenance, and be sure to calculate the potential ROI of a major efficiency boost in your deli. A scale that speeds up service by even 30 seconds per transaction can serve dozens more customers daily, directly impacting your bottom line.

The Importance of POS Integration With Deli Scales

Your deli scale is the backbone of your deli operations. When you choose the right scale, you can speed up your workflows, keep customers happier, and boost your profits.

But a scale alone can’t change the game for your business — what you really need is an all-in-one solution. Your scale should work as one unified system with your point of sale, not as separate tools that create more work for your team.

With Markt POS, you get complete deli scale integration through our certified hardware partnerships, ensuring your scale communicates with every part of your operation. The setup is straightforward, staff training is simple, and the results speak for themselves — faster service, fewer errors, and more time spent growing your business.

Ready to see how the right scale and POS integration can transform your grocery store or market? Build and price your ideal hardware and software package with Markt POS today.

Table of Contents

Deli Scales 101: What To Look for & Top 7 Options