Pizza Pan & Screen Racks

Pizza Stands: What You Need to Know

At locations where whole pizzas are served in the dining room, pizza stands elevate hot pies off the table top, increasing the visibility and accessibility of shared dishes while preventing hot pans from resting directly on its surface. The pizza table stand is a highly recognizable item that adds an authentic feel to the pizzeria experience and creates extra space for diners' plates and cups, making it a common sight at casual Italian eateries all over the country. Useful for enhancing product presentations, decorative stands can also improve the visual appeal of buffets and catered setups.

Common Questions About Pizza Racks

How do I use a pizza rack?

Pizza pan racks typically come in one of two configurations, either holding the pans horizontally or vertically, and each style has its own purpose.

Countertop pizza pan racks that hold pans vertically are primarily used for empty pan storage. They can be placed near a dishmachine or dishwashing sink to hold used pans within close reach of cleaning stations, or they can be kept near prep areas to hold clean pans that are ready to be filled with dough and toppings. Pizza racks that hold pans in a vertical alignment save space, make pans easy for employees to access, and help encourage lingering drops of moisture to roll away and fall off the pan before it's used.

Pizza pan racks that hold pans horizontally can be used for the same purposes, as well as for holding filled pans. Near production areas, horizontal pizza racks can be used to hold pans filled with dough and toppings that are waiting to be cooked, organizing and streamlining high-volume pizza production. In expo areas, this type of pizza rack is good for holding hot, freshly cooked pizzas that are waiting to be served. Using a horizontal pizza screen rack to hold filled pans in this manner saves counterspace by stacking the large pizzas pans up while preventing cross contamination or crushing from pans resting directly on each other. It also creates space between hot pizza pans and supporting surfaces such as table tops and counters, preventing scorch marks or other heat damage.

For pizzerias, buffets, and catering services, using pizza pan holders keeps service organized and efficient.

What are pizza screen racks made of?

Countertop pizza pan racks are designed primarily for functionality, so they're made of durable materials that withstand heavy use and are simple to clean. Most pizza pan holders are made of bend-resistant steel that's either stainless or chrome plated to resist scratches and rust.

To streamline cleaning, pizza screen racks are usually constructed with heavy-gauge wire or metal rods that support filled pizza pans while letting food residue fall through the rack without getting stuck. After use, most rack styles can be wiped clean, and then lifted out of the way for operators to clean the counter.

Which kind of pizza rack should I choose?

For locations that produce a high volume of pizzas, both types of pizza rack can contribute to keeping service organized and efficient. Vertical pan racks keep pans and screens organized as they're used, washed, and returned to service. Horizontal pan racks reduce crowding and protect countertops from heat, as well as promote efficient service. For dishwashing and prep areas as well as buffets and server access points, pizza racks simplify processes and save space.

What is a pizza table stand used for?

Pizza stands can be used on table tops and buffets, or as part of a catering display to increase visibility and accessibility of large dishes. Here are some benefits of using stands:

• Pizza table stands raise shared food items so diners can access them more comfortably and avoid knocking over cups or dishes while reaching for food.
• When serving whole pizzas, stands keep hot pans from touching tablecloths, countertops, or place mats, preventing melting and scorching.
• Pizza serving stands lift large pans up off the table, ensuring diners have plenty of room for their plates and flatware and avoiding a cramped dining experience.
• Stands with open bases create additional space to keep sauces, toppings, shakers for salt and pepper, and parmesan cheese dispensers within easy reach of diners without crowding table tops and buffets.
• For buffet and catering setups, pizza stands increase product visibility, helping diners view available dishes and select food more quickly to avoid congestion.

What kind of pizza table stand do I need?

Stands for pizza come in different styles ranging from utilitarian to ornate. Some can be folded or stacked, while others are more difficult to store. Many styles hold a single pie, while other options can hold two or three pizzas at once. When choosing pizza serving stands for your organization, consider how the stands will need to be used.

If the stands will be used for mobile catering purposes or only for special events, you'll want to consider options that can be folded or stacked for compact storage between uses. If the stands will be used for high-end events or upscale dining purposes, a more decorative option can blend in with table settings and reinforce brand recognition for your eatery. For casual dining, a utilitarian style can fulfill organization needs without added cost.

When shopping for locations without much room available, a stand with an open base adds extra space for sauces and shakers while preventing a cluttered look. When considering presentation for high-volume buffets, tiered pizza stands that can hold multiple pizzas may be the best option.