Freezer Safe Storage Bins
Walk-in Cooler and Freezer Shelving
Optimizing Your Restaurant’s Footprint: A Guide to Commercial Shelving
Every square foot of your restaurant costs money. Whether you are running a fast-casual bistro or a fine dining establishment, efficient storage is the backbone of a profitable operation. Our heavy-duty shelving units are designed to go beyond the kitchen, providing versatile solutions for your dry pantries, dish rooms, wait stations, and bar areas.
Choosing the Right Material for Every Zone
Not all racks are created equal. To pass health inspections and ensure longevity, match the material to the environment:
- Epoxy Coated (Black & Green): While often associated with wet environments, epoxy is an excellent, cost-effective choice for dish rooms, janitorial closets, and bar areas. The protective coating prevents rust caused by steam from dishwashers or spilled liquids at the bar, lasting significantly longer than standard chrome in humid conditions.
- Stainless Steel: The gold standard for durability. Stainless steel is non-porous and naturally resistant to corrosion and bacteria. It is the ideal choice for high-traffic prep zones, pass-through windows, and expedite stations where food contact is possible and frequent harsh cleaning is required.
- Polymer & Plastic: These units feature removable shelf plates that are dishwasher safe. They are perfect for soiled dish drop-off stations or areas prone to heavy spills, as they will never rust and are incredibly easy to wipe down.
- Chrome: The classic choice for dry storage and Front-of-House (FOH) displays. If you are storing linens, paper goods, #10 cans, or creating an "industrial chic" look for a bread station in the dining room, chrome offers a clean, bright aesthetic at an economical price point.
Beyond the Line: Shelving Applications for the Whole Restaurant
1. Bulk & Dry Storage Organization
Your dry storage room is the hub of your inventory. Heavy-duty wire shelving allows for proper air circulation around flour sacks, rice, and non-perishables, preventing dust buildup and pest harborage. High weight capacities ensure you can safely stack heavy bulk ingredients and liquor cases without bowing.
2. Beverage & Bar Service
Space behind the bar is notoriously tight. Use narrow-depth epoxy shelving to organize glassware racks, syrups, and spirits. The open-wire design allows spilled liquids to fall through to the floor for easy mopping, rather than pooling on the shelf and creating sticky rings.
3. Warewashing & Chemical Storage
The area near your 3-compartment sink or commercial dishwasher is harsh on metal. Epoxy or Polymer shelving helps organize dish racks, drying pots, and harsh cleaning chemicals without succumbing to immediate corrosion from the humidity and chemical exposure.
4. Front-of-House Aesthetics
Visible storage doesn't have to be ugly. Many modern restaurants utilize wire shelving for wait stations to hold cutlery, napkins, and water pitchers, or as retail displays for merchandise and coffee beans. The sleek look of stainless or black epoxy fits seamlessly into industrial interior designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this shelving meet health code requirements?
Yes. All our restaurant-grade shelving is NSF-certified, meaning it meets the specific sanitation requirements for commercial food service environments. The open-wire design minimizes dust accumulation and allows for easy visual inspection by health officials.
Can I adjust the shelf heights?
Absolutely. Flexibility is key in a changing restaurant environment. Our wire shelving utilizes a split-sleeve system, allowing you to adjust shelves in 1-inch increments to accommodate tall stock pots, liquor bottles, or bulk packaging changes.
What is the difference between this and "Cooler" shelving?
While many of these materials (like Epoxy and Polymer) can be used in coolers, this collection is curated for ambient, dry, and general humid environments (like dish rooms). For shelving specifically guaranteed to withstand the freezing temperatures and constant condensation of Walk-Ins without voiding warranties, please visit our Walk-In Cooler & Freezer Shelving page.