Deli Scale with Label Printer: Torrey W-Label vs CAS LP-1000N and How to Choose
A deli scale with a label printer weighs, prices and labels each item, and our pick for most delis is the NTEP Torrey W-LABEL40L (40 lb x 0.01 lb, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, 500 PLUs), on sale for $963.00 (regular $1,503.00), in stock.
Short answer: a deli scale with a label printer, also called a label printing scale, weighs the item, computes the price from the PLU and prints a label with the weight, unit price, total, item name and barcode. For most delis, meat counters and pre-pack rooms we recommend the Torrey W-LABEL40L (40 lb x 0.01 lb, NTEP, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, 500 PLUs) or its plastic-housing version, the W-LABEL40LP. For larger item files, the CAS LP-1000NP pole scale stores 4,000 PLUs on a 30 lb x 0.01 lb scale. Choose an NTEP model if you sell by weight, and keep the matching thermal labels on hand.
Shop label printing scales Shop scale labels Call (832) 290-3120
Torrey W-Label rolls are the single best-selling item in our store, so we talk to deli, grocery and meat market owners about label scales every week. MNM Scales is one of the largest scale distributors in the country, with over 30 years in business and the largest selection of label printing and price computing scales, labels and parts. Here is how to choose the right scale and keep it printing. See the full range of Torrey scales, labels and parts.
What a label printing scale does
- Price computing: the scale multiplies the net weight by the unit price stored for each item (PLU, or price look-up).
- Printing: a built-in direct thermal printer prints the label, with no ink or ribbon. Labels usually show the item name, net weight, price per lb, total price, packed or sell-by date and a price-embedded barcode that your POS reads at checkout.
- Service counter or pre-pack: at the counter, staff weigh and label each order for the customer. In pre-pack mode, the scale prints a label for each package as it is weighed, so you can stock a self-service case quickly.
- Not every scale needs a printer. If you only need a price display, a price computing scale costs less; to sort packages by weight, see our checkweigher guide.
Torrey W-Label vs CAS LP-1000N at a glance
| Torrey W-LABEL40L / 40LP | CAS LP-1000N / LP-1000NP | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity x readability | 40 lb x 0.01 lb | 30 lb x 0.01 lb |
| PLU memory | 500 PLUs, 35 preset keys | 4,000 PLUs, 54 speed keys |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Ethernet; ScaleLink app for iOS and Android, plus PC software | RS-232 and USB; scale-to-scale and PC data transfer with included software |
| Labels | 2.25 in (58 mm) wide labels and continuous tickets | 58 mm wide labels from 58 x 30 mm to 58 x 100 mm, plus continuous strip |
| Housing | 40L: stainless steel; 40LP: reinforced plastic with stainless platter (15.125 x 11.75 in) | Counter (LP-1000N) or pole display (LP-1000NP) |
| Legal for trade | NTEP, CC 16-107 | NTEP on the LP-1000NP listing |
| Best for | Delis, meat markets and stores that update prices from a phone or PC | Larger stores with big item files and pre-pack rooms |
Torrey W-Label: the networked deli scale
The Torrey W-LABEL40L prints labels and tickets on an integrated thermal printer. Wi-Fi and Ethernet let you update items and prices from a smartphone, tablet or computer with Torrey’s ScaleLink app or the PC software, and the scale is compatible with POS systems. It has a backlit LCD with displays for the customer and operator, 500 PLUs with 35 shortcut keys, sales reports and support for multiple vendors. The W-LABEL40LP has the same weighing and printing in a reinforced plastic housing with a stainless steel platter, at a lower price. Torrey specifies an operating range of 14 to 104 °F (-10 to 40 °C), so it works in a cold meat room.
CAS LP-1000N: more PLUs and label formats
The CAS LP-1000N stores 4,000 PLUs with up to 8 lines of 50 characters each, enough for ingredient text. It offers 30 standard label formats plus 6 custom formats, prints labels with backing paper or a continuous strip, and has a pre-pack mode for automatic weighing and labeling. RS-232 and USB connect it to a PC or another LP-1000N to share PLU files. Choose the counter model, the LP-1000N, or the pole-display LP-1000NP (NTEP, legal for trade), which puts the customer display at eye level.
Labels: match the size, type and scale
Label scales use direct thermal labels, so the only consumable is the label roll. Order by your scale model and label size, and decide whether you need blank labels, pre-printed safe-handling labels or UPC and ingredient formats. Labels for the scales above:
- Torrey W-Label: Torrey blank thermal labels, 56.9 x 40 mm (2.4 x 1.56 in), 750 per roll, 12 rolls per case; Torrey safe handling instruction labels, 58 x 60 mm, 500 per roll, 12 rolls.
- CAS LP-1000N: LST-8000 (58 x 30 mm, non-UPC), LST-8030 (58 x 50 mm, safe handling), LST-8020 (58 x 60 mm, UPC and ingredients) and LST-8040 (58 x 60 mm, UPC and safe handling).
- Browse every size in scale labels. Store rolls in a cool, dry place out of sunlight, because heat darkens thermal paper. Equipping several stores? See buying scales in bulk.
Selling by weight: NTEP and Texas rules
If you price items by weight, the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and be placed in service before you use it for trade. TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models (see what NTEP and legal for trade mean, or check yours with our legal-for-trade scale checker). In Texas, a registered service technician places a new commercial scale in service and files the RWM-780 (see RWM-780 explained), and the business registers the scale with TDA (see TDA scale certification in Texas). MNM Scales is TDA licensed with registered technicians who place label scales in service across the Houston area (see on-site service in Houston).
Setup tips for a new label scale
- Level it on a solid counter, away from fans and the meat saw, and let it warm up before the first sale.
- Load your PLUs from the PC software or app instead of keying them in, and double-check each unit price and tare.
- Set the tare for your trays and film so customers pay only for the product.
- Test the barcode with your POS: print a label, scan it at the register and confirm the item and price match.
- Clean the printhead as the manual describes when labels print faint or streaked. Still faint after cleaning? See scale repair in Houston. If you use the scale in a wet area, see our washdown food scales and our washdown scale guide.
Calibration for label scales
Both the 40 lb Torrey and 30 lb CAS scales fall in our over 6.2 to 35 kg calibration tier. Add calibration with a certificate to your order, or book a visit for several counter scales at once (see calibration pricing and how often to calibrate):
Over 6.2 kg to 35 kg (Torrey W-Label, CAS LP-1000N): In-house calibration + certificate ($250) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($595)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best deli scale with a label printer?
For most delis and meat counters, the Torrey W-LABEL40L is a strong choice: 40 lb x 0.01 lb, NTEP approved, 500 PLUs, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, with a built-in thermal printer. The CAS LP-1000NP pole scale suits stores that need 4,000 PLUs. For the rest of the shop, from counter price computing scales to washdown back-room scales, see our meat scale buying guide.
Do label printing scales need ink?
No. Label printing scales use direct thermal printing, so the only supply is the thermal label roll that matches your scale and label size.
What labels does the Torrey W-Label scale use?
MNM Scales stocks Torrey blank thermal labels for W-Label scales, 56.9 x 40 mm with 750 labels per roll and 12 rolls per case, and Torrey safe handling labels, 58 x 60 mm.
Does a deli scale need to be NTEP approved?
If you sell items priced by weight, the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and be placed in service by a registered technician, and in Texas the business registers it with TDA. TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models.
Can I update prices on a label scale from my computer?
Yes. The Torrey W-Label connects by Wi-Fi or Ethernet to the ScaleLink app and PC software, and the CAS LP-1000N transfers PLU data to and from a PC over RS-232 or USB.
How much does it cost to calibrate a label printing scale?
At MNM Scales, 30 lb and 40 lb label printing scales fall in the over 6.2 to 35 kg tier: $250 for in-house calibration with a certificate or $595 for NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate.