6 Questions to Ponder When Buying a Commercial Work Table for Your Restaurant Kitchen

If you run a busy restaurant, you need quality equipment for food preparation. A commercial work table or food prep table is essential for any restaurant kitchen. If you've never used a kitchen work table before you may be curious about the various types and options available. For instance, some are made of stainless steel or aluminum, some contain a sink, and others have shelves for storing food prep essentials. Here are 6 questions to consider before you make your final decision when purchasing a commercial kitchen work table:

1. What Materials Should You Consider?

Many commercial kitchen work tables are constructed of stainless steel. If you're willing to spend the extra money, stainless still will provide industrial strength and will not be likely to corrode. On the other hand, galvanized steel will typically be less expensive, although it is prone to rust. Aluminum is unlikely to become rusty and is most affordable, although it is not as sturdy as steel and may not provide the heavy weight capacity you may need.

The worktop of your table may be constructed of stainless steel, wood or poly board. A poly board top will be resistant to scratches and scuffs, as well as heat resistant. However, if you prepare Italian food or bakery dough, you may prefer a worktop mad of wood, as it is works well for kneading. If you do a lot of chopping, consider a worktop surface that can be used as a cutting board.

2. Do You Need Storage With Your Work Table?

Many commercial food prep tables are equipped with shelving underneath the top surface. This is a good option for keeping your food preparation items easily accessible. It may also free up work space, as you may not need additional storage units or shelves nearby. In addition, you may find a work table with enclosed storage. These work stations often have swinging or sliding doors that enclose your prep items neatly and out of the way.

3. Where Will You Place the Kitchen Work Table?

You need to consider the location for your commercial work table. Take measurements of the designated space and compare it with the dimensions of the table. If you plan on situating the work table against a wall, you might want to consider a unit that includes a built-in backsplash to protect your wall from splashes and contain food from falling off the table and behind the station.

4. Do You Plan on Moving Your Work Table or Keeping it Stationary?

Not all commercial kitchen work tables are meant to be stationary. While you may be able to move any work table, it may be difficult if you have heavy items on the work surface or storage beneath it. If you plan on moving the table to various areas at different times, you might want to consider one with caster wheels for easy mobility.

5. Will You Need a Practical All-in-One Solution for Washing Foods?

As you are preparing foods on a work table, you might need to wash vegetables and fruit. It may be more time consuming and more of a hassle to take your prepared foods to another area for rinsing. For better efficiency, you might wan to choose a sink work table.

Basically, this is a food prep table with a built-in sink. It will enable you to rinse your food and fill pots with water as needed. Choose a model with a single or double sink. Sink work tables are often equipped with a backsplash as well.

6. Is Additional Work Space Needed for Holding Items or Small Appliances?

If you need additional work space in your food prep area, consider the purchase of a supplementary filler table. This is a narrow table that is often placed between or alongside a standard work table. The filler table is meant to hold small supplies or wares, keeping them accessible as you prepare your food. Equipment filler tables will typically have a shelf underneath as well.

To learn more about your options, contact services like Louis Wohl & Sons Inc.

Share