Pan Rack
Pan racks, which provide efficient holding and cooling space for baked or cooked items, are essential for bakeries, cafeterias, hotels, banquet halls, and other high-volume operations. More
Bun Pan Racks: What You Need to Know
Whether your operation serves hundreds of pastries each morning, prepares fresh bread throughout the day for sandwiches, or keeps pans full of prepared ingredients in the roll-in refrigerator, pan racks are an essential part of an organized, efficient kitchen. Although sheet pan racks are a simple piece of equipment, there are several factors to consider when choosing the correct one for your business.
Common Questions About Pan Racks
What is a sheet pan rack?
Pan racks, also called speed racks, are metal or plastic shelving units that accommodate multiple full- or half-size sheet pans. They can be stationary or mounted on wheels for mobility. Options range from supplementary bun pan racks that can be placed in a reach-in or on a shelf to full-size units that can be rolled through your facility.
How do I use a sheet pan rack?
Sheet pan racks are available in end-load or side-load designs. End-loaded bun racks require pans to be loaded and unloaded from the front, while side-loaded models are accessed from the side of the unit. Many establishments prefer the end-load design because that style of commercial pan rack is generally easier to load and unload. However, you may choose a side-load model if you wish to place the long side of the unit against a wall to save space. These are often used to store empty pans as well as pans loaded with product.
Why is slide spacing important?
Interchangeably called bun pan racks or sheet pan racks, these units can be used with different pans depending on how they're configured. Slide spacing – the distance between each pan slide on the rack – dictates how close pans will be placed next to each other and affects which products your restaurant speed rack can be used with.
The deeper the pans you're using or the taller the items you'll be preparing, the further apart your slides should be. There are some wide variations between individual pan racks that might not be obvious at first glance, so it's crucial to consider the slide spacing your applications require and ensure the model you're considering meets your needs.
What's the difference between lip-load racks and bottom-load racks?
You can purchase bun pan racks with either a lip-load or bottom-load slide type, which indicate how the pans are supported while stored on the rack.
On a lip-load model, the rack holds the pan solely by the lip that flares out around the top of the pan. While this is the most common type, not all pans have lips; a baking pan, for example, has a very minimal lip that may not be compatible with this type of speed rack.
To accommodate these types of pans, choose a bottom-load model, which supports pans by the bottom instead of the lip. Neither type of rack can be used to accommodate the other type of pan, though there are combination units that can.
How many pans can a storage rack hold?
You can purchase a pan rack with as few as five levels or one with as many as 40, which may stand almost 6 feet tall. If you need space for a particularly high number of racks, consider purchasing a double-section model that holds two trays per level.
Do pan racks arrive preassembled?
You can purchase these models assembled or knocked down. Assembled units are ready to use when they arrive at your door and will generally provide a stronger and more stable unit. Knockdown models require some assembly but can save you money on shipping costs since they fit in a smaller box.
What specialty options are available?
Corner bumpers and perimeter bumpers are available to prevent damage to walls of storage rooms or walk-ins. No matter how you plan on using your unit or where you intend to take it, these can be a valuable option.
Many models offer pan stops. These prevent pans from sliding off the opposite rack side from where they are being inserted. This makes transport easier and can be especially useful for side-load models where the open side is larger. However, you won't be able to load the unit from the side that has the stops installed.
Units with a work surface on top are also available. This option is only available on racks with a low profile, such as half-height models. They enable you to store pans beneath the surface while giving you a broad, flat work area on top that can be used to prep additional ingredients.