Commercial kitchens are chaotic spaces with high equipment standards. They usually have stainless steel benches pressed into the walls to carry tools and ingredients. These have wide surfaces to make work easier for the staff. Consider the following when buying benches for a new kitchen:
Sturdy Construction
Check the specifications of these products. How thick are the materials used for shelves and legs? Thicker galvanized steel offers greater carrying capacity. You can load these up with heavy items without worrying about dents and failures. There is no room for error when you are handling large pots of boiling stew and other dangerous objects. Study the product images to check the construction details. The joints must be sturdy and the legs balanced. Find online reviews if available. Learn from the experience of previous buyers and heed their advice regarding equipment selection. They might provide information you never considered before.
Food-grade Material
Stainless steel comes in many variants. For commercial kitchens, you want equipment rated as 304 food-grade steel. This metal alloy has 10-11% chromium which forms an oxide film upon exposure to air. This passive film is non-toxic. It prevents rust by protecting the surface from moisture. If scratched, the oxide forms again in no time.
It has specific properties that make it ideal for food preparation, such as high tolerance to heat. Its melting point is 1,400 degrees Celsius, so it can shrug off hot objects it comes into contact with. It is also non-reactive to acidic chemicals, unlike iron and aluminum. You can use as much vinegar and other acidic liquids without worries. The material is also present in many pots, pans, and other cookware.
Ease of Assembly
Most metal benches ship with their parts in a flat package. You need to assemble everything once you receive them. Some are easier to assemble than others. Cheap products may even arrive with missing parts and screws. Poor precision may lead to misalignment and assembly difficulties. Check for customer feedback.
Extra Features
Consider whether you need extra features with your bench. These depend on the intended application. If you are working with wet materials, you might want a surface with a backsplash. If you need a mobile workstation, look for legs with wheels. If you prefer a fixed counter, get a bench with screw-down feet. Others have drawers, undershelves, over shelves, and more.
Conclusion
Stainless steel benches are not created equal. Look for products with excellent construction, food-grade material, precision engineering, and essential features.