Compare POS & SAVE

Get the answers you need

I am planning on

It Only Takes a Minute

Top choices for cash registers among small businesses and restaurants

Written and reviewed by:

Mike S.

Nancy

Compare free web design prices and save

A diverse selection of cash registers is available in the market, tailored to suit the requirements of small enterprises. Some models are crafted for specific sectors like catering, while others cater to retailers dealing with bar-coded merchandise.

Choosing the ideal cash register hinges on factors such as your business’s nature and financial resources. Here, we examine five top contenders for small business cash registers.

Alternatively, if you seek a comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) system, explore our compilation of the finest POS systems currently available. Prices commence at a modest $80 per month


Top Five Cash Registers for Restaurants and Small Businesses

We reviewed, rated and compared the leading cash registers for restaurants and small businesses.

The top five systems are:

  • Sam4s ER 940
  • Casio SE-C3500
  • Sharp XEA207
  • Casio TE4500
  • Sam4s ER-380

Find out more about each one by reading below.

1Sam4s ER 940★★★★★Best for restaurants
2Casio SE-C3500★★★★★Best for fast food
3Sharp XE-A207★★★★★Best for bars and cafes
4Casio TE-4500★★★★★Best for small retail
5Sam4s ER 380★★★★★Best budget buy
 

Sam4s ER 940

Best for: Restaurants

sam4s-er-940

This heavy-duty cash register fits the bill and settles it


In the realm of efficient transactions, this register reigns supreme. Boasting a spacious, spill-proof keyboard adorned with 150 keys, it stands ready to tackle any menu permutation with ease. With capacity for up to 20,000 PLUs, bolstered by an included SD card, its capabilities are truly limitless. Plus, it offers seamless integration with your PC, allowing for the effortless exportation of sales and product reports. Nestle the sleek top unit atop your counter, discreetly tucking the cash box below, and embark confidently on your business journey.

Overall Rating: 

Price: $300*

Pros

  • Spill-proof keyboard
  • Lots of storage space
  • Exportable sales reports

Cons

  • Underdeveloped SD card support
 

Casio SE-C3500

Best for: Fast Food

casio-se-c3500
Casio’s SE-C3500 is an excellent option for the fast food space

Experience seamless service with Casio’s SE-C3500, the pinnacle of efficiency in fast-paced environments like fast food, concession stands, and take-out spots. Revel in its sleek design, featuring a compact 2×2 rear-facing LCD display that keeps customers informed about their orders. With a 10-line LCD screen capable of showcasing up to five items simultaneously, you’ll effortlessly manage customer requests. Say goodbye to spills with its innovative spill-resistant keys, ensuring durability even in the face of beverage mishaps. Connect effortlessly with two RS232 ports, enabling integration with receipt printers and credit card readers or barcode scanners as per your requirements. Versatile enough for retail outlets, consider enhancing its capabilities with an SD card to expand the default 3,000 PLU barcode storage capacity. Transform your operations with the Casio SE-C3500 – where efficiency meets excellence.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Price: $350*

Pros

  • Bright LCD displays
  • Tactile buttons
  • Simple to set up

Cons

  • Low PLU capacity
  • Not as customizable as other CRM systems
 

Sharp XE-A207

Best for: Bars and Cafes

sharp-xe-a207
Staff punch in the numbers while your customers pull the pints

The Sharp XE-A207 is a beacon of innovation, brimming with features that set it apart from its peers. With the capacity to store identification details for up to 25 clerks, it empowers teamwork and efficiency. Moreover, its expansive 2,500 PLU storage ensures seamless management of your diverse range of barcoded goods. In every aspect, it’s a testament to the power of technology to streamline and elevate everyday operations.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Price: $350*

Pros

  • Advanced clerk identification
  • Ample online support materials
  • Quickbooks Pro link

Cons

  • Sharp not reknowned for their phone support
 

Casio TE-4500

Best for: Small Retail

Casio-TE3000s
The ideal system for fast and easy access to items in your inventory

Unlock the potential of your business with the Casio TE-4500 cash register, a powerhouse designed to elevate your operations. Boasting a memory capacity of up to 25,000 PLUs, this register is tailored for businesses with diverse stock lines, ensuring seamless management of your inventory. With its intuitive keyboard controls, pricing becomes a breeze, allowing you to serve your customers with speed and efficiency.

But that’s not all – immerse yourself in the convenience of a 16-character LCD display and a tilt operator display for optimal visibility. Say goodbye to hassle with a thermal printer featuring drop and load paper functionality, coupled with a spacious ten-compartment cash drawer for organized transactions.

Connectivity is at your fingertips with three ports for seamless integration with other devices like PCs, enabling smooth operations. Harness the power of register-to-register communication capability, ensuring synchronized performance across your business outlets. Plus, safeguard your data with optional memory cassette backup for added peace of mind.

And the cherry on top? An integrated barcode scanner, streamlining checkout processes and enhancing customer experience. Elevate your business with the Casio TE-4500 – where innovation meets efficiency, and success knows no bounds.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Price: $560*

Pros

  • Huge memory (25,000 PLUs)
  • Intuitive to use
  • Ships with an integrated barcode scanner

Cons

  • Pricier than some POS systems
 

Sam4s ER 380

Best Budget Buy

sam4s-er-380
The ideal system for fast and easy access to items in your inventory

If you’re a small business striving for success, the ER 380 is your beacon of hope. Embrace its empowering features: 12 dynamic departments, insightful financial reports, a robust capacity of 200 PLUs, illuminating cash-in-drawer reports, and a secure 5 bill/5 coin cash register drawer. With four tax tables to guide your journey, this till is not just a tool but a catalyst for your flourishing enterprise.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Price: $300*

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Non-existent learning curve

Cons

  • Lacks many useful features

Next Steps

Let’s dive into the unsung heroes of our daily operations: cash registers. These steadfast companions tirelessly support small businesses, yet their significance often goes unnoticed. With minimal upkeep costs and immense potential for enhancing financial management and customer care, cash registers stand as pillars of success.

Selecting the right cash register is pivotal, and armed with insights from this piece, you’re better equipped for the task. But why stop there? Consider elevating your operations with integrated point of sale (POS) systems. These marvels streamline reporting, amplify marketing efforts, and seamlessly connect your storefront to your online presence.

Imagine effortlessly translating raw sales data into actionable strategies or effortlessly syncing your in-store transactions with your digital outreach. Modern POS solutions unlock these possibilities and more. For fledgling ventures and seasoned retailers alike, they’re not just investments but catalysts for growth, often recouping their costs within mere months.

So, before settling on a mere cash register, dare to explore the boundless potential of POS systems. Embrace innovation, and watch your business soar to new heights.

Fill in the short survey, and GET your answers… 

Talk to Point-of-sale expert...

It only takes one minute to get free quotes

FAQs

Cash registers are more affordable, starting at $100 compared to $400 for entry-level POS hardware. Over ten years, cash registers end up being less expensive due to no subscription fees.

Electronic cash registers have longer lifespans, typically lasting 15 years, compared to POS hardware needing replacement after 10 years.

POS systems offer targeted customer marketing by collecting email addresses for e-receipts and sending targeted messages based on recent purchases.

They automate inventory management by sending low-stock alerts and streamline staff management with built-in time tracking software.

POS systems integrate with other systems, automating processes like plugging daily sales data into accounting software or sharing staff hours tracking data with HR software.

Cash registers are suitable for small businesses needing basic sales processing, priced from $90+.

POS systems are ideal for retailers managing various business functions, starting from $80/month+.