One of the instrumental components that ensure you have a functional kitchen is the stainless steel table. The cornerstone of any commercial kitchen, irrespective of its size, should be, first and foremost, functionality. An ease-of-accessibility promotes efficiency, which further translates into better quality food cooked swiftly.

Choosing the right stainless-steel tables can be a meticulous task as one has to keep an eye for various features proportioning to their kitchen’s unique requirements. Below mentioned are some guidelines that could aid in making your choice easier.

Understand Your Space

The first step is to assess the space available in your kitchen. By calculating the floor area, you can estimate the optimal size of your stainless-steel table. Not only size, but the shape also matters; rectangular tables are the most common, yet round or square tables may suit better in some scenarios.

Size and Dimensions

Stainless steel tables are available in a wide range of sizes. In order to select the right one, you need to consider the area of your kitchen and the workspace needed.

For smaller kitchens, a table in the range of 760mm to 915mm (length) x 610mm (width) would be ideal given these offer ample work surface without consuming too much floor space. Restaurants or commercial kitchens with larger spaces can consider tables reaching up to 2438mm in length.

Gauge Your Usage

Scrutinize the daily operations and identify your specific needs. If your kitchen’s primary task involves chopping or other such activities, a butcher block stainless steel table could be ideal. On the other hand, poly top tables would be a better choice for handling raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.

Mobility – Castor Wheels

Having the option to move your stainless steel table can come in handy for cleaning and reorganization. Stainless-steel Tables equipped with castor wheels provide this flexibility. Make sure to opt for lockable castor wheels to ensure stability when needed.

Check for Adjustability

Choose tables that offer the flexibility of adjustable heights. This aspect not only provides yours staff with a customized comfortable working height, but it also aids when the floor is not level.

Table Types

There are various types of tables catering to different needs:

Standard Work Tables: These are the most basic types without any additional features. Perfect for simple tasks like chopping and assembling ingredients.
Work Tables with Undershelves or Overshelves: These come with additional storage spaces. Whether underneath for equipment or overhead for ingredients, these tables are ideal for compact kitchens where maximization of space is crucial.
Work Tables with Drawers: These are perfect for storing smaller kitchen tools, napkins, or ingredients that need to be quickly accessible.
Equipment Stands: These are heavy-duty tables designed to hold heavy kitchen appliances like griddles, mixers, or slicers.

Opt For Additional Features

Additional features like undershelves or backsplashes can be priceless add-ons. Undershelves offer extra storage space, ensuring a clutter-free workspace. A backsplash, on the other hand, prevents spills and keeps the surrounding walls clean.

The Right Steel Type

Stainless steel tables are generally made from either 304 or 430 types of stainless steel.

The 304 type is the industry standard, being resistant to most types of corrosion and easy to clean. It’s excellent for any food preparation or cooking area.

The 430 type, on the other hand, is cheaper, magnetic, and less resistant to corrosion. This type is ideal for dry storage areas.

Quality over Cost

The temptation to go for the cheaper tables might be strong, but remember, a commercial kitchen requires durable and robust tables. A good quality 304 stainless steel table would be resistant to corrosion, easy to clean, and can withstand frequent use without warping or bending.

Stick to Your Budget

Last but not least, keep in mind your budget. While quality should not be compromised, remember that there are good tables available at all price points. A thorough market survey will surely lead you to your perfect fit.

In conclusion, choosing the right tables for your commercial kitchen involves detailed assessment of your operations, environment and budget. A carefully chosen stainless-steel table can improve the overall functionality of your kitchen, and can stand the test of time.

Remember, it’s not just a table but a workstation where your chefs conjure their culinary magic. So take your time, do your homework and you will have a commercial kitchen that’s efficient, hygienic and user-friendly.