Ultimate Guide To Choosing A Stainless Steel Table For Your Catering Business

We’re sure you’ve heard of the benefits of choosing a stainless steel table for your commercial kitchen: robust, hygienic and long-lasting, to name just some, but perhaps now you want to understand the various styles, steel specifications and general pros and cons when looking to commit to buying – after all, a good stainless steel table will last you years so let us help you to make the correct decision for your business!

Choosing the right stainless steel table for your restaurant or catering business can be challenging; there are several different types of similar-looking but very different materials, not to mention lots of sizes and shapes available on the market today, and these different options are usually suited to slightly different uses or environments so use this guide to help you select the perfect stainless steel table for your business, and we’ll even show you how to care for it properly once decided and purchased!

Choosing a Stainless Steel Table: The Basics

Commercial stainless steel tables are sometimes referred to as workbench or catering prep tables. The different names they’re referred to partly explain why the tables are so versatile! Sometimes kitchen staff call them ‘prep tables’ because food preparation is mostly carried out on them.

Sometimes, they’re called ‘prep stations’. This is because, in line with other stainless steel accessories such as gastronome pans and shelves, this helps create a dedicated area for combining ingredients, and this is an integral part of the kitchen – pizza making, for example.

In other instances, some people call stainless steel tables ‘work benches’ – this shows the truly wide uses for such tables, and indeed, they can and are often used for other purposes beyond food preparation and kitchen use.  Cater Kitchen often sell our commercial work benches to factories, laboratories, schools and kennels – they really are incredibly diverse!

 

A Stainless Steel Table: High Quality and Easy to Assemble

Whatever you call a stainless steel table, a high-quality, catering-grade worktop is key to the food industry, and your commercial kitchen will benefit from those tables that are designed to be durable and long-lasting.

When choosing a stainless steel table, the grade of steel used is an important factor, in addition to the grade of steel used. You want to ensure these are easy to clean and will withstand frequent, heavy use.  Carefully considering which table will suit your needs and kitchen space before buying ensures you make the right choice.

Since there are many different types and styles of commercial stainless steel tables, it can sometimes be overwhelming to find and choose the right one that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing at a price that gives you good value for money.  For this reason, choosing the perfect catering table can take some consideration, which is why we at Cater Kitchen have created an ultimate guide to choosing a stainless steel table!

Types of Stainless Steel Tables

The first and often most popular type of catering table is a stainless steel wall table. These are small or large tables that you can use in commercial kitchens, schools and laboratories that are designed to be situated against a wall as they incorporate a rear upstand to protect your walls from accidental splashing. They are used mainly as prep tables or work benches for food preparation, and they come in different shapes and sizes to suit.

The second type of stainless steel table is known as a centre workbench. This can be used as a prep table or as an extra counter space in the centre of your commercial kitchen. Unlike a stainless steel wall table, a stainless steel centre table does not have a rear upstand and, as such, can be positioned anywhere and is more flexible to fit into your existing layout.

Both stainless steel catering tables feature similar specifications. Prep or work tables are typically 900mm high, so they don’t obstruct movement around them, but some kitchen work benches have higher or lower heights, depending on what you need them for.

Features of Stainless Steel Tables

Stainless steel tables are popular in commercial kitchens and restaurants because they offer a durable surface that is hygienic and long-lasting. These catering tables are also easy to clean, making it simple for staff and customers alike.

To help you find the perfect table, here is a list of features a good choice of prep table should have and for you to look out for:

• Quality of stainless steel – the most important question when choosing a commercial stainless steel table is whether the table is made from catering grade quality.  This is widely considered to be 430 grade, 201 grade, or 304 grade. We have explained the difference between these grades here in our stainless steel comparison guide, along with the pros and cons.
• With or without rear splashback – an upstand or splashback protects the wall, is used for centres of kitchens and is accessible for all four sides.
• Adjustable undershelf – allows you to lower and store larger items or even add an additional second undershelf.
• Depth front to back – this is often 600mm or 700mm to match counter fridges, commercial sinks and other appliances and work surfaces.
• Four strong legs with individually adjustable feet allow them to be placed on uneven floor surfaces.

Cost of a Stainless Steel Table

The cost of a stainless steel workbench will vary based on size, quality and length of time it lasts.  For example, a large, fully welded prep table with a couple of under shelves will be more expensive than a small flat pack table without any under-shelf.  Often, for most, the key is to find the best quality table that provides the best value.

It’s worth considering guideline prices for each type.  A small square 600mm (12″) x 600mm table can cost as little as £99 – this would be a flatpack (self-assembly) design and considered a cheap stainless steel table.

Whereas a same-sized table that is fully welded with the same features but higher specification, such as a more durable grade of stainless steel, could cost in the region of £250+.  For this price, you can expect your table, with a modest amount of care, to last 25+ years.

Larger, flat pack models that some consider a cheap stainless steel table, such as 1200mm or 1500mm, can begin at £169.  Fully welded versions of these tables begin from £300.  Another cost factor when comparing different builds of tables is delivery.

Flat packs, or self-assembly tables, are often cheaper to deliver and, as such, are reflected in the product’s price. Bespoke or fully welded tables that are made to order not only take longer to produce but are often also 4-5 times the delivery price as these may need to be wrapped and carefully delivered on a pallet.

Choosing a Stainless Steel Table – Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a stainless steel table to use in your commercial kitchen, restaurant or catering business, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making your purchase.

First, make sure that the dimensions of your table are adequate enough to fit the space you have – this is worth double checking as often a restocking fee can be imposed by catering equipment providers if you need to send items back purely because it’s the wrong size.

Next is determining what type of surface you want – stainless steel workbench tops provide a durable surface that’s easy to clean and very durable, which represents very good value for money with long-term use day in and day out.

Buy a Cater Kitchen Stainless Steel Table

Whilst less popular, some establishments might prefer different surfaces, such as cutting board tables, which are often made from stainless steel but have a dedicated top board that is designed to resist knife cuts.

Finally, delivery can also be a factor – prefabricated or ‘off the shelf’ items are often much quicker to be delivered to you than, say, a fully welded or bespoke stainless steel table.

In contrast, these can often take weeks, so it’s important to plan ahead and factor this in, particularly if you’re working to a project deadline.  Most of our commercial sinks, stainless steel tables and other kitchen products are held in stock, ready for next working day delivery. However, it’s not always the case with many suppliers, so the advice is to check before ordering.

So remember, take your time and buy a catering table that offers everything you need in terms of functionality and value for money.  Once ordered, you’ll soon be putting it to work, helping you generate profits, so a stainless steel kitchen table is a staple!  Perhaps you’d also find our other complimentary range of stainless steel kitchen equipment, such as Commercial Sinks, Commercial Mixer Taps and Grease Traps.