Commercial stainless steel table for your restaurant: benefits, cleaning, selection criteria

Sinks, cabinets, a wall-mounted metal shelf, cooling bakery racks, dunnage racks made from stainless steel are extremely durable and cost-effective.  Stainless steel is the only choice that has high tensile strength, is long-lasting, aesthetically-pleasing, non-susceptible to high temperatures, high humidity, mildew and mold, staining. For example, picking a stainless steel table for your food establishment, you will comply with sanitary standards since the biggest advantage of stainless steel furniture is low-maintenance and hassle-free cleaning. It is easier to remove dirt from the steel surface, applying the right methods.

How to clean stainless steel restaurant equipment

Equipment made of this material does not require special care. But nevertheless, some rules are recommended to be followed. Thus, stainless steel furniture will retain its original appearance, ensuring the smooth operation of the kitchen staff. Tips on how to care for a stainless steel table include:

• regular care: it is much easier to constantly wipe metal products than to waste time and money on removing old stubborn dirt. When it comes to commercial spaces, the wisest strategy is to create a cleaning schedule for your employees and make sure that they stick to it.
• instant care for a stainless steel table: food debris and spills should be washed off immediately with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. After the procedure, be sure to wipe the countertop dry.
• use only appropriate cleaning tools: remember to apply only a soft sponge or cloth, avoiding steel wool scrubber, as it can cause scratches. In addition, it is not recommended to use products that contain chlorine or abrasive components.
• it is easy to get rid of small scratches: for this, there are special pastes for polishing the surface of stainless steel furniture. In general, steel is impervious to scratching. Moreover, a non-porous surface will enhance cleanliness, as no bacteria or germs will accumulate on the stainless steel. But nevertheless, proper care is essential to prolong the lifespan of restaurant equipment.

How to choose a commercial prep table?

Configurations. Pick a metal table with your commercial needs in mind. For increasing storage capacity, you can purchase a customizable option with an under-shelf to keep all frequently used items/products/utensils within the reach. If your personnel need a waste bin at hand, then an open base table can solve this issue. Such accessories as backsplashes will protect the wall from drips, dirt, moisture, enhancing cleanliness. Be sure you are aware of all edge types. For the installation of several stainless steel tables next to each other, consider square edges. For more simplified washing procedures, the rounded edge will be an excellent choice. The range of equipment also includes tables with casters to move around easily, adding mobility to your kitchen.

Thickness. For a more budget solution, you can invest in less expensive food-grade 18-gauge stainless steel. It is the lightest and the cheapest type. However, it is prone to dents and deformation. Thus, you won’t be able to perform all food prep procedures. 16-gauge tables are more sturdy and can serve longer. But to be sure that equipment can withstand heavy use, choose 14-gauge steel – the costliest solution, but ideal for busy restaurants.

Size. Prep tables are available in standard sizes. However, some manufacturers offer custom-made options and fabrication of exact dimensions to fit the area perfectly.