Commercial kitchen work tables are large and sturdy equipment designed specifically to withstand the demands of a commercial kitchen environment and used for multiple tasks in a commercial kitchen, such as food preparation, storage, and serving.
Commercial kitchen work tables may have flat surfaces, built-in cutting boards, sinks, storage compartments for holding ingredients, tools, and adjustable shelves or undershelves for additional storage space. Commercial kitchen work tables are an essential piece of equipment in any restaurant or food service establishment, as they provide a stable and hygienic workspace for preparing and serving food.
Commercial Kitchen Work Table Types And Usage Areas
Commercial kitchen work tables serve as a worktop and can be used for multiple tasks, such as a serving rolling table or a storage shelf. There are several types of commercial work tables, each designed for specific purposes and functions.
1. Work Tables
Stainless steel work tables are the simplest yet the most common type of kitchen work tables. They are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for any commercial setting. They can be used for a variety of tasks, from prepping and storing to serving food. They are often equipped with adjustable shelves or undershelves for additional storage space.
2. Prep Tables
Prep tables are work tables typically used for preparing ingredients and assembling dishes. They are efficient members of a commercial kitchen, providing a work surface. They may include additional tools and parts, such as built-in cutting boards, sinks, or storage compartments for holding ingredients and tools. Such as pizza or sandwich prep tables come with multiple compartments to place the ingredients and offer an easy working process. You can opt for a refrigerated prep table to keep the ingredients at safe temperatures, which provides extra efficiency. They are often made of stainless steel or other durable materials to withstand frequent use and cleaning.
3. Equipment Stands
Equipment stands are designed to hold the heavy kitchen equipment that occupies the floor space of your kitchen, providing an organized environment. They typically have a lower height and sturdy construction to support the weight of the equipment. For easy reach, you can place your mixers, ovens, and fryers to keep them tidy and at hand height. They may even have built-in electrical outlets for using the equipment without moving it.
4. Kitchen Work Tables with Shelving Units
Kitchen work tables are versatile equipment that can even be used as shelving. Shelving units are ideal for organizing small kitchen items such as pots, pans, and serving dishes. These tables have open shelving on top for larger items and kitchen wares and may have additional storage space below the shelves.
5. Work Tables With Drawers
Some commercial kitchen work tables have built-in drawers making them useful for storing utensils, linens, and other small items in an organized environment or for keeping frequently used items within easy reach.
6. Mobile Work Tables
Mobile commercial kitchen work tables are designed with wheels to be easily moved around the kitchen, which is ideal for carrying dishes between the kitchen and dining area for serving or for tasks requiring mobility or temporarily expanding the workspace. Portable work tables may have various features, including built-in sinks, cutting boards, and storage compartments.
7. Enclosed Base Work Tables
Enclosed base work tables provide both a cabinet and a work table. They have a fully enclosed base for storing ingredients and supplies and a worktop. They also may come with drawers and doors for extra functions.
8. Dish Tables
Dish tables are specifically designed for washing dishes and utensils. They may have built-in sinks and drainboards and are often made of stainless steel to withstand frequent washing. Dishwashing tables may also have splash guards to save liquid or food crumbs from falling off the table and other features to help keep the area clean and safe while dishes are being washed.
Kitchen Work Table Surface Materials
In a commercial kitchen, the preferred surface for work tables may vary for many reasons. Here are some of the most popular kitchen work table surfaces with their key features.
1. Stainless Steel
- Easy to Clean: Stainless steel is a nonporous material resistant to bacteria, stains, and odors. It is easy to clean and maintain, making it a hygienic choice for a kitchen work table.
- Durability: Stainless steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen. It is resistant to scratches, dents, and other types of damage, making it a long-lasting choice for a kitchen work table.
- Resistant: Stainless steel work tables are resistant to high heat, making them suitable for use in areas where hot items may come into contact with the table surface.
- Additionally, stainless steel is nonporous, which means it will not absorb liquids or bacteria, making it a safe and sanitary choice for food preparation.
2. Wood
- Versatility: Wood can be used for a variety of tasks in the kitchen, including chopping, slicing, dicing, and more. It is a versatile material suitable for a wide range of kitchen tasks.
- Durability: Their sturdy design and handling of thousands of knife work make them ideal for butchers.
- Resistant: Wooden work tables are resistant to heat, making them a choice for use near stoves and other heat sources in the kitchen without hesitation.
- Non-slip Surface: Wood has a non-slip surface that can help to prevent accidents and spills in the kitchen.
- Aesthetically: Wood has a warm and natural appearance that can enhance the look of a kitchen.
3. Poly
- Durability: Poly work tables are another option for work tables made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), making them a durable material that can withstand heavy use.
- Affordable: Poly tops are generally less expensive than other materials, such as stainless steel or wood, making them a cost-effective choice for a kitchen work table.
- Lightweight: Poly tops are lightweight and easy to move, making them a convenient choice for a kitchen work table.
Commercial Kitchen Work Table Edge Types
Commercial kitchen work tables have three types of edges with different functions and look.
1. Square Or Flat Edge
A straight edge is a simple, flat edge flush with the table’s surface. It is easy to clean and provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing food. The flat edges make them convenient for placing tables next to each other to expand the working surface.
2. Rounded Edge
They mostly have square side edges, which makes them perfect for side-by-side placement at the same time. A rounded edge is a smooth, curved edge that is easy to grip and less prone to damage than a straight edge. It is also easier to clean and helps to prevent spills and splashes from running off the table.
3. Countertop Edge
The countertop edge has a drip-catching ridge surrounding the work surface, saving liquids from falling off the table.
Commercial Kitchen Work Table Accessories
Adding several accessories can turn your commercial kitchen work table into the exact equipment you want in your kitchen. The specific accessories that are added to a commercial kitchen work table will depend on the needs and preferences of the kitchen staff. Here are the kitchen work table accessories you can purchase and add extra efficiency and versatility to your work table.
- Cutting Boards: Cutting boards are necessary to avoid scratching your work table surface. Many commercial kitchen work tables have built-in cutting boards or can be added as an accessory. Cutting boards can be made from various materials, such as wood, plastic, or rubber, providing a hygienic surface for chopping and dicing ingredients.
- Shelves: Table-mounted or side shelves can provide additional storage space for pots, pans, and other kitchen tools. Adjustable height and single or double deck options add high functionality to work tables.
- Drawers: Add drawers to your work table for extra storage space for small kitchen tools or cleaning items.
- Casters: If you have a work table but want a mobile one that can move, you only need to add casters. Tables with casters can be easily moved around the kitchen, which can be helpful for tasks that require moving the table from one location to another.
- Splash Guards: Splash guards or backsplashes can be added to the back of the table to protect the wall from spills and splashes.
To Sum Up
Commercial kitchen work tables are functional pieces of commercial kitchen equipment with various usage areas. From prep tables to equipment stands, they are designed to handle the heavy usage of commercial kitchens with different shapes for different functions. Knowing what you will use it for and which material is right for you, you can choose the right commercial kitchen work table and add functionality and ease to your staff’s work.
