Choosing a lab balance or scale for a research, pharmaceutical, or medical lab comes down to a few hard trade-offs: capacity, readability, condition, and budget. The four listings in this comparison cover this range well-from a $185 used Mettler Toledo with a 4100g pan to a $1,999 inspected Mettler Toledo precision balance. You need to weigh how much sample mass you typically handle, how fine the readability must be, and whether open-box or used condition is acceptable.
Quick Take
If you need a large capacity without a large outlay, the Mettler Toledo PM4600 at $185 is the entry point, but it is used and carries university asset markings. For a tested, mid-capacity option, the Ohaus SPX2202 at $206.15 offers 2200g capacity and 0.01g readability. The A&D FX300iN at $330 is the only open-box listing and provides the finest readability here at 0.001g. And if you want a Mettler Toledo from the Excellence Series with professional inspection and full testing, the XSR1202S at $1,999 is the highest-priced option.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Relative Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mettler Toledo PM4600 DeltaRange Lab Precision Balance Scale 4100g 0.01g | USD 185.00 | |
| Ohaus SPX2202 Precision Balance 2200g x 0.01g Tested Working Lab Scale | USD 206.15 | |
| A&D Electronic Precision Balance Scale Model FX300iN | USD 330.00 | |
| Mettler Toledo XSR1202S Precision Balance (1210 g / 0.01 g | USD 1,999.00 |
The listed prices span $185 to $1,999. The two Mettler Toledo units sit at opposite ends, while the Ohaus and A&D occupy the middle ground.
Decision Matrix
| Use Case | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large-capacity weighing on a budget | Mettler Toledo PM4600 | 4100g capacity and the lowest listed price among the four |
| Tested mid-range lab scale | Ohaus SPX2202 | 2200g capacity and 0.01g readability with a tested-working listing |
| Finer readability for small samples | A&D FX300iN | 0.001g readability and open-box condition |
| Inspected Mettler Toledo purchase | Mettler Toledo XSR1202S | Excellence Series model with professional inspection and testing noted |
Product Notes
Mettler Toledo PM4600 DeltaRange Lab Precision Balance Scale 4100g 0.01g
This used top-loading balance is the lowest-priced listing at $185 and offers the largest capacity of the group at 4100g with 0.01g readability. The listing notes it was removed from a university lab and that U.C. Berkeley asset markings remain on the housing. If you need to weigh larger vessels or bulk quantities without spending much, this is the most attractive trade-off. The limitation is condition: it is pre-owned, carries visible markings, and it doesn't include the finer 0.001g readability of the A&D or the calibration features of the XSR1202S.
Mettler Toledo XSR1202S Precision Balance (1210 g / 0.01 g)
At $1,999, the XSR1202S is the highest-priced listing here. It's a used top-loading balance with a 1210g capacity and 0.01g readability, and it's described as professionally inspected, thoroughly cleaned, and fully tested. The listing places it in Mettler Toledo's Excellence Series and mentions FACT automatic internal calibration. For labs that want a Mettler Toledo balance with the assurance of an inspected unit, this is the pick. The limitation is the price: it costs far more than the other three, and the 0.01g readability is not finer than the A&D's 0.001g.
A&D Electronic Precision Balance Scale Model FX300iN
The A&D FX300iN is listed for $330 as New - Open box, making it the only listing not in used condition. It's an analytical balance with a 320g capacity and 0.001g readability, and the listing notes a fast 1-second stabilization time. If you work with small samples and need the finest resolution of this comparison, this is the strongest match. The trade-offs are practical: the box and instructions are not included, and the 320g capacity is the smallest in this set, so it's not appropriate for weighing large containers or heavy objects.
Ohaus SPX2202 Precision Balance 2200g x 0.01g Tested Working Lab Scale
The Ohaus SPX2202 is listed at $206.15 and described as tested and working, with a 2200g capacity and 0.01g readability. That puts it between the lower-priced Mettler and the higher-priced XSR in price, while offering more capacity than the 1210g XSR and 320g A&D. It's identified as an analytical balance from the Scout Series and previously used in a research lab with annual calibration. The limitation is that it is used, its most recent calibration date is from late 2024, and it doesn't offer the 0.001g readability of the A&D.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
For a large-capacity lab balance on a strict budget, the Mettler Toledo PM4600 is the clear choice. If you want a tested, mid-capacity balance, go with the Ohaus SPX2202. For analytical work requiring the finest readability among these listings, the A&D FX300iN is the one to pick. And if your lab has more budget and you prefer a Mettler Toledo with an inspected and fully tested listing, the XSR1202S will justify its higher price.
