Restaurant Storage Buying Guide

Restaurant Storage Materials

What storage or shelving is made of is an incredibly important factor in choosing the commercial storage option best suited for your restaurant.

Finding easy to clean, durable storage requires consideration of the environment where you will be using this storage:

• Freezer or cooler
• Near water or in a damp environment -- warewashing area
• Dry storage

There are a variety of storage options to accommodate, no matter the environment. Shelving materials include:

• Chrome Wire: Chrome wire shelves are the best for dry storage, and best suited for stockrooms, closets, garages, and warehouses. Chrome wire shelving provide visibility and ventilation for the items stored. Rust can become a problem if these shelves are stored in a humid environment.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel shelving is one of the most durable, and strong options. Stainless steel has lasting power in any environment because it is rust and corrosion resistant. These shelves work well in any commercial environment from restaurants to warehouses.
• Epoxy Coated: Epoxy coated shelves are durable. Epoxy coated shelves can withstand a more humid environment like warewashing stations, and coolers.
• Polypropylene / Polymer: Polypropylene or polymer is a strong coating making these particular shelves perfect for salt water and sea air. These shelves are easy to keep clean, are dishwasher safe, and usually come with manufacturer warranties making these shelves the more expensive, but long lasting option.

These shelves come in a variety of types including:

• Solid: Solid shelves are easy to clean, and keep clean. Solid shelves are also great to store a variety of goods because there are no spaces for items to slip through. These shelves are best for dry storage.
• Vented: While vented shelves are a bit more laborious to clean, they work well for cold storage because they allow air to circulate, increasing shelf life of stored goods. These shelves also provide better visibility.
• Triangle: Triangle shelves maximize your space by turning your corners into additional storage.

Restaurant Storage Assembly, Mobility, and Mounting

Shelving can be stationary or mobile. Many shelving units can be converted into mobile storage making the storage versatile.

Here are some options for mobility of restaurant storage along with best uses for each:

• Stationary Storage: Stationary storage is great for spaces that do not require frequent rearranging.
• Mobile Storage: One of the greatest benefits of using mobile storage is the ability to more easily keep spaces clean. Mobile storage oftentimes makes more sense in small spaces where moving storage can help with staff mobility.
• Mounted Storage: Mounted storage is a great solution for storing spices, canisters, and other important prep station items. These shelves come in a variety of lengths and widths and can accommodate any space. Mounted shelves are also great for storing small appliances.

Budget should always be taken into consideration. Mobile storage is often a more costly investment while stationary options are often cheaper, but less versatile.

Specialty Restaurant Storage

Storage is not limited to shelving there are many specialty storage options that are equally as effective in keeping your space functional.

Specialty shelving and storage for restaurant and commercial spaces include:

• Dunnage Racks: These heavy duty racks are perfect for storing bulk goods such as sugar and flour. Dunnage racks keep these ingredients off of the floor, and come in stationary and mobile models.
• Wire Shelving: Wire wine shelving allows breathability and helps maintain cool temperatures. This shelving also stores wine at angles that help preserve quality.
• Pot Racks: Pot racks are helpful for keeping your pots, pans and cooking utensils organized, and easily accessible.
• Plate and Glass Racks: These are perfect for storing plates and glasses of all sizes. Because glass racks and plate racks are stackable they are great or optimizing storage.
• Pan Racks: Loved by bakers, pan racks are great for making large quantities of baked goods.

Restaurant Regulations on Storage Areas

Reviewing state regulations can help determine which storage makes the most sense for your space.

Most states require food to be at least 4 inches away from the floor and it is important for food to be separate from inedible products like cleaning solutions.

Designing Your Restaurant Storage

With only so much space, effective storage is a business priority. Keep your business organized and efficient in the kitchen by designing your own restaurant storage configuration and storage components.

When things are in reach and visible, your restaurant staff are empowered for efficiency.