If you work in meat processing, you know just how important a reliable scale is. Accuracy is crucial whether you’re portioning cuts, labeling packages, or weighing full carcasses. But a scale that works great at a deli counter won’t cut it on the processing floor, and vice versa. How do you know which type is right for your operation?

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common types of meat scales, where they may work best, and what to look for if you’re considering upgrading your equipment.

Why Choosing the Right Meat Scale Matters

The right digital meat scale keeps your operation running smoothly. When your equipment is tailored to your workflow, everything gets easier: portioning is more precise, labeling is more accurate, and your team moves faster with fewer errors.

Here’s how investing in the right scale can significantly improve your overall operation:

  • Consistency: Accurate, repeatable measurements help you deliver uniform products, which is key for customer trust and brand reputation.
  • Less waste: Proper portion control means you’re not giving away extra product, which adds up over time.
  • Fewer compliance issues: Scales built for food production help you adhere to regulations, reducing risk and rework.
  • Improved efficiency: Equipment that fits your space and process keeps production moving and minimizes bottlenecks.
  • Reliability: The right scale withstands washdowns, heavy use, and harsh conditions, so you won’t constantly have to deal with breakdowns or replacements.

9 Types of Meat Scales Your Operation Could Use

Not all meat scales are built for the same job. The best choice depends on where you work, what you weigh, and how the product moves through your process. Here are some of the most common types of meat scales and where they make the most sense.

1. Digital Bench Scales

A digital bench is a compact, flat scale with a digital readout for quick, precise weight measurements.

  • Ideal for: Processing areas, portioning, and packaging stations
  • Use case: Weighing cuts of meat quickly and accurately
  • Suited for moderate loads

2. Platform/Floor Scales

A platform or floor scale is a heavy-duty scale with a large surface area to handle high-capacity loads.

  • Ideal for: Processing plants and receiving docks
  • Use case: Weighing large batches of meat or crates during intake or before distribution

3. Hanging Scales

A hanging meat scale is suspended with a hook and used to weigh items that hang. These scales often have a dial or digital display.

  • Ideal for: Butcher shops and traditional meat markets
  • Use case: Weighing carcasses or primal cuts suspended on hooks
  • Saves counter space

4. Label-Printing Scales (Printer Scales)

A meat scale with a label printer has built-in software to create weight-based product labels.

  • Ideal for: Deli counters, grocery meat departments, and retail packaging
  • Use case: Weighing and printing price/weight/ingredient labels directly for customer-facing packaging

5. Counting Scales

A counting scale calculates quantity based on the weight of individual items.

  • Ideal for: Meat processors packaging uniform items like sausages or nuggets
  • Use case: Counting pieces by weight to streamline packaging accuracy

6.Waterproof/Washdown Scales

Washdown scales are waterproof, corrosion-resistant, and built to withstand frequent cleaning and harsh environments.

  • Ideal for: Any area with high sanitation requirements, including USDA-regulated facilities
  • Use case: Frequent washdowns to meet hygiene standards without damaging components

7. Checkweighers (Inline)

A checkweigher is an automated or manual scale that verifies whether a product falls within a specific weight range.

  • Ideal for: Automated meat processing lines
  • Use case: Verifying product weights for quality control and regulatory compliance

8. Compact Countertop Scales

A counter scale is small and lightweight. It’s designed for quick, space-saving use on retail or prep counters.

  • Ideal for: Delis, farmer’s markets, or smaller meat counters
  • Use case: Quick, small-scale weighing of individual portions for direct sale

9. Combination Scales (Weight + Price Calculation)

A combination scale is a multifunctional system that weighs products and calculates pricing.

  • Ideal for: Grocery store meat counters and retail setups
  • Use case: Weighing, pricing, and displaying data to both the operator and the customer

How to Choose the Best Meat Scale for Your Operation

Choosing the right meat scale starts with understanding your daily workflow. You need a scale that fits how and where you work.

Here are a few factors to consider:

  • Your Workflow: Are you portioning individual cuts, weighing bulk product, or labeling packages for retail? The more specific your weighing task, the more important it is to have a scale built for that job.
  • Environment: Is the scale going in a wet processing area that needs daily washdowns? A dry packaging room? A retail counter? Look for features like waterproofing, corrosion resistance, or compact design based on your space.
  • Product Type and Volume: There’s a huge difference between large carcasses and sausages. You want a scale that handles your typical load with room to spare.
  • Labeling and Compliance Needs: If you need to include weight, price, or product details on packaging, a label-printing or combination scale can save time and reduce errors.
  • Ease of Use and Speed: A scale that’s easy to use can speed up training and reduce mistakes. Look for clear displays, responsive buttons, and quick stabilization times.
  • Durability and Maintenance: Meat processing environments are tough. Choose a scale that’s rugged and easy to clean.

When in doubt, talk to a scale specialist who understands the demands of meat processing. The right partner can help you find a solution that keeps your operation running efficiently.

Explore Meat Processing Scales at UniFide CST

Precision is crucial for every step of meat processing, from portion control to product labeling. UniFide CST offers a full range of rugged, high-performance scales built for the unique demands of meat production environments. Whether you need a basic digital bench scale or an integrated label-printing system, our team is ready to help you find the right solution for your workflow. Reach out today to discuss weighing systems that work as hard as you do.