A Guide to Commercial Stainless Steel Benches

When it comes to equipping a commercial kitchen, the stakes are high. You have to invest in high-quality items that will most likely stand the test of time. Whether we’re talking about the kitchen appliances you choose or workbenches, quality should be your fundamental concern. Simply put, a restaurant’s kitchen would be basically incomplete without a decent kitchen bench.

With that in mind, in this article, we will focus our attention primarily on stainless steel benches, which are oftentimes preferred by restaurant owners due to several reasons.

What are the things you should note during the shopping process, though? Let’s find out!

Different Types of Stainless Steel

First, we will talk about the construction of the stainless steel benches. That being said, we would have the following alternatives: 18 gauge stainless steel, 16 gauge stainless steel, 14 gauge stainless steel, type 430 stainless steel and type 304 stainless steel.

• 18 Gauge Stainless Steel

This type of working table is oftentimes referred to as a budget choice. This is specifically due to its affordability, so to speak. The 18-gauge stainless steel is more conveniently priced than its counterparts, but it is not as durable – something to bear in mind. Still, this doesn’t mean that you should exclude this option altogether – for specific uses, an 18-gauge stainless steel work table will do perfectly fine.

That being said, such a table is great for prepping salads, sandwiches, sorting items, or even providing the necessary space for general work. As a potential drawback, these tables are a bit more prone to dents and dings. This is why you should refrain yourself from tossing heavy items on the surface of the workbench, to avoid chopping.

• 16 Gauge Stainless Steel

Let’s move on to the second alternative you have at your disposal – namely the 16-gauge stainless steel benches. This is a good option especially for commercial units that seek a balance between affordability and quality.

The price is quite affordable, whereas the durability element is higher than in the case of the 18 gauge stainless steel workbench. At the same time, their versatility is an unmatched advantage, meaning that such a workbench is compatible with most applications.

• 14 Gauge Stainless Steel

Furthermore, if your priority is getting a higher degree of durability and quality, then this alternative should most likely meet your needs. Many times, butchers choose this type of worktable because it can resist heavy-duty use, being suitable for rough applications, without having to worry about denting or anything of the kind.

• Type 304

We could argue that the type 304 stainless steel is one of the most popular types of stainless steel used in the manufacturing of commercial grade workbenches. This is specifically due to its high degree of resistance against rust and corrosion. More specifically, restaurant owners should note that the levels of nickel and chromium are high, whereas the levels of carbon are low.

This combination is excellent, as it results in a high resistance to heavy-duty utilisation. In other words, such a workbench can successfully fit into any commercial environment and be the perfect fit. Sanitising such a table is effortless, as well as maintaining it in top form. This is what makes it ideal for busy commercial kitchens.

• Type 430

And finally, when it comes to type 430 stainless steel, we are talking about a lower grade of steel, which includes a degree of iron and chromium. This means that this type of stainless steel isn’t as resistant to corrosion as other types.

Still, it would be a decent option for environments with mild susceptibility to corrosion. Plus, it is quite low-cost while being a good option for working with veggies and fruits, plating meals and combining ingredients.

Design Particularities

• Drawers

Having some extra space at your disposal can come in handy, allowing you to keep tools such as knives, gloves, and labels at hand. This will make working in the kitchen much more time-efficient, which is crucial in a commercial environment.

• Casters

Stainless steel benches that come equipped with caster are really convenient, allowing your staff to move the workbench freely as they please. This is particularly useful for cleaning purposes. Nevertheless, note that the casters will increase the height of the workbench.

• Under-shelves

Another design particularity that many commercial grade workbenches come with is under-shelves. When you have a small commercial kitchen, this means that you should maximise all the space you have at your disposal – otherwise, chaos will sink in. A bunch of under-shelves attached to your workbench can be life-saving for storing small ware and extra equipment.

To conclude, these are some of the most important things to carry in mind when shopping for stainless steel benches. It’s always best to assess different alternatives and characteristics before making such an investment – this way, you’ll make sure that it addresses your specifications and needs.