How to select commercial shelving units – Restaurant shelving guide

Proper storage is essential in every restaurant as it directly affects the efficiency of the kitchen staff. The use of commercial shelving units is an intelligent way to arrange the workspace and it works great for kitchens of every size. If your kitchen size is small or medium, the Wall Mounted and Over Shelves can come handy to improve the storage and workspace. Just like any other commercial kitchen equipment, there are different aspects to consider when choosing commercial shelving units and this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Different commercial shelving unit types

Commercial shelving units come in different types and offer unique flexibility to arrange the kitchen area in a restaurant or commercial kitchen. The commonly used commercial shelving unit types include,

Standalone shelving racks

These independent units often come with multiple racks and can be placed at any place, starting from the entrance of the kitchen to beside the Double Sink Benches for storing the washed plates. The number of shelves can be added or reduced as per requirements. These units are versatile and hold high storage capacity.

Castors can be added to these shelves for better mobility. The ones with castors give the flexibility to move the unit easily as per need while the ones without castors are mostly fixed to a specific space. However, the addition of castors can reduce the total holding capacity of the shelf considerably. 

Wall mounted shelving

Wall mounted shelves are ideal to arrange small working spaces. They can be fixed overhead and are best to save floor space. These are available in multiple sizes to meet the exact needs of the business. These units often hold only a single shelf, particularly the ones fitted overhead but can also have multiple racks as per need.

Bench mounted over shelves   

This is the other variety extensively used in commercial kitchens and restaurants. As the name suggests, these shelves are mounted over the benches. You can get single and double tier over shelves from the Wall Mounted and Over Shelves supplier. This top mounting variety comes with specially designed flanged feet for fixing on the benchtops.

Dunnage racks

These are low height, and heavy weight-bearing versions, used for storing bulk items in commercial establishments and kitchens. Dunnage racks are commonly used for storing heavy bags of flour, rice, etc. off the floor.

Apart from the above, there are also a bunch of specialty racks that come with different features to meet some specific storage needs. Let us take a quick look at these commercial shelves.

·         Wine racks – These wire frames are specifically designed to hold wine bottles and promote proper air circulation to maintain a consistent temperature. These are available in the wine bottle and full case configuration, as well as, wall-mounted or floor-stacked versions.

·         High density shelving – This kind of shelving includes multiple units and comes with a track system that helps in moving multiple shelves together. These units can considerably save the storage space.

·         Security shelving – This variety comes with the scope of locking and is used for security purposes mostly.

·         Pan racks – These units combine the features of service carts and shelves. They come with castors and are mostly used for holding multiple pans and moving around as per need. Commonly used in bakeries.

 

The basic design of a shelf can be of two types and you can pick any according to your specific requirements,

Solid racks

As the name suggests these are solid and are best fitted for dry storage. These are often used as undershelves fitted with leg bracing.  This type of rack is easy to clean and can hold almost anything which is a great plus but at the same time, they allow less air movement.

Vented racks

This type of rack supports proper air circulation and is ideal for use in wet areas like for drying wet dishes. They also promote proper air circulation and better visibility which adds to the workability. But these are harder to clean and run the chance of dripping through the gaps. You can place vented racks near Steel Benches with Splashback for quick storage of freshly washed utensils. It can also be made of wires, like the wine shelf.  

The material

The material of the shelf is an essential consideration as it is directly related to longevity. These are available in different materials,

·         Stainless steel – One of the most durable and versatile varieties. Resistant to corrosion, hence suitable for both dry and wet storage. It is perfect for heavy-duty usage and is easy to maintain. Stainless steel is the most used material for commercial Wall Mounted and Over Shelves Sydney, Perth, Melbourne.

·         Chrome wear – Made with chrome-plated wires, ideal for dry storage in hot environments. Offer better ventilation and visibility but prone to corrosion in humid conditions.

·         Aluminium – A lighter material but highly susceptible to corrosion. Best suited for dry use and not ideal for heavy-duty. 

·         Polypropylene -- A thick propylene coating is added over metal for better longevity and corrosion resistance. These can be used even in saltwater areas without the problem of rusting.

·         Epoxy – A thick layer of epoxy resin is added over chrome or other metal. These are resilient to rusting and corrosion.

·         Antimicrobial – This is a specialty shelving, where the shelf comes with an antimicrobial coating to keep growth of bacteria on the shelf at bay.  

For choosing the right shelf material, consider the type of use, area of use, also the type of water (if to be used in a wet area). If you are planning for wet use, a simple option is to go for the material of the Single Sink Bench you have been using in your kitchen. This will also give a balanced look to the room.    

It is a wise decision to buy commercial shelf solution for your establishment only after considering all the above factors. Also, focus more on the quality and longevity than the price, because changing them frequently can be a hindrance to the smooth working of the unit. You can buy the Wall Mounted and Over Shelves for sale from the best suppliers to save money without compromising with quality.