Weigh the various commercial food scales to find the right one

Just because a scale has dozens of different buttons and functions doesn't mean that it's the best for your business. Often, the simple machines are the easiest to use and last the longest, so look for scales that can get the job done and don't take a college degree to figure out.

I recommend: Find a food scale that's easy for your employees to use. The digital portion scale from Global Industrial, for example, has just a few buttons and is great for retail and commercial applications. The one from Doran Scales is also simple to use and comes with a video that can help you train your employees on its use.

Pick commercial scales that are easy to clean

Your scale is constantly coming into contact with food, which over time can lead to some pretty nasty buildup. You need to keep it as clean as possible, but some scales are easier to clean than others. Look for a product that keeps all of the mechanical parts away from water and food, and has a surface that's easy to sanitize.

I recommend: Choose a scale that's made of stainless steel and easily cleanable. Several models from Citizen Scale, Inc., are stainless steel and waterproof; this helps protect your investment and your customers' health. Scalesonline also has a few models that are submersible, which makes them even easier to clean.

Find a commercial food scale that integrates with the rest of your hardware

As a business owner, you're probably looking for a food and beverage scale that not only accurately measures weight, but also integrates with your point of sale system for easier sales. If you're in the market for this type of scale, you need to make sure that the software is compatible with what you already have set up.

I recommend: Buy a scale that fits your needs. Discount Scales has several scales that work with different computer systems and point of sale programs, so that you can ring up purchases instantaneously. NorthShore Care Supply also has a wide selection of products that mesh well with your computer systems.