Utility Carts
Utility carts are used to transport everything from newly received freight to laundry and smallwares, so they're available in numerous designs. You have choices of material, weight capacity, and ledge type; several specialty options can help you get the most out of your unit. More
Since they have no edges to contain small items or spills, these are best suited for transporting large items such as equipment.
The slightly raised ledges that surround the shelves on these carts keep minor spills from running over the sides.
With small walls surrounding their shelves, this type of cart is great for transporting small, loose items.
Utility Carts: What You Need to Know
Flat utility carts enable operators to move large amounts of equipment around their establishment with ease. With wire, metal, and plastic utility carts available, you're sure to find a cart material that fits your needs. A flat utility cart can add a temporary workspace for a wide range of activities, including hosting countertop equipment. Metal utility carts can bear heavy loads, so if you have cumbersome equipment that needs to be relocated, or if you have many items that add up, a stainless steel utility cart can help you get them where they're needed.
3-tier carts have additional storage space and are great for restocking shelves, among other tasks. If you have large numbers of small items, additional shelving can help you transport them in fewer trips, which saves time that can be spent on other tasks. These 3-tier carts often are called stock carts for that reason – they're great for restocking your shelves.
Common Questions About Utility Carts
How much can a utility cart carry?
One of the first considerations to make when choosing a utility cart is weight capacity. Plastic utility carts with capacities under 500 pounds are classified as standard or medium duty. They're well suited for transporting light loads, such as bus bins, table settings, and prepared food. Utility carts that can handle weights of 500 to 1,000 pounds are classified as heavy duty; these can handle dense packaged goods, such as frozen products and large, heavy cans. For the heaviest items – things such as kegs and bags of flour or rice – choose an extreme-duty cart that holds at least 1,500 pounds or more.
What difference does a utility cart ledge type make?
Flat utility carts have a ledge that's flush with the shelf. This makes it easy to slide large products and containers on or off. Raised ledges can help secure contents to keep them from sliding off during transit. Marine edges are designed to contain spills. These are useful for transporting bus tubs or other messy items.
What material should I choose for a utility cart?
Aluminum carts are lighter than stainless steel utility carts. Aluminum also is strong, durable, and resists corrosion but is more susceptible to dents and scratches than steel utility carts. Stainless steel utility carts are the sturdier of the two main metal utility cart types. It resists rust unless it's scratched or receives other surface damage. It's durable enough to resist dents and its clean, sleek appearance makes it a favorite for front-of-house applications.
Plastic utility carts don't rust or corrode and their relatively soft texture makes them ideal for busy environments where they run the risk of being jostled or bumped. They're typically lighter than metal utility carts.
What specialty options are available for supply carts?
- If your cart is to be used front of house, consider one with an enclosed cabinet. This conceals the contents of the cart on two or more sides, keeping it out of sight of your customers.
- Drawers can make it easy to keep contents organized, especially small utensils and silverware.
- For a unit that can be folded up and tucked away when not in use, choose a collapsible utility cart.