John Boos vs. Advance Tabco
John Boos & Co. and Advance Tabco are stainless steel manufacturers known for producing durable, versatile work tables for commercial kitchens. John Boos is known for heavy-duty wood top tables, while Advance Tabco offers superior customization for prep, service, and warewashing layouts.
John Boos vs. Advance Tabco: Comparison Snapshot
About John Boos
Founded in 1887, John Boos & Co. has grown from a small family-run operation into a leading brand in wood cutting boards and stainless steel kitchen equipment. The company operates out of an 87,000-square-foot plant in Effingham, Ill., and uses premium hardwoods and commercial-grade stainless steel to manufacture durable foodservice equipment.
Key Features:
- Versatile stainless steel fabrication capabilities
- Wood top tables feature northern hard rock maple
- Stallion edge design simplifies table movement
About Advance Tabco
Headquartered in New York, Advance Tabco was founded in 1929 and is one of the leading manufacturers of stainless steel foodservice equipment. Advance Tabco has facilities in seven states, enabling it to produce more than 6,000 unique products, along with custom designs in plumbing, work table, and cabinet construction.
Key Strengths:
- Uses advanced manufacturing tools, including lasers, benders, and presses
- Offers adjustable shelves, sinks, and fixtures
- Produces specialty tables
Key Differences Explained
Design and Performance
John Boos work tables are built for heavy-duty performance. They range from standard-height tables with reinforced bases to custom-built, UL-listed chef's counters featuring extensive sizes and configurations. All work tables come with adjustable bullet feet and options for back risers, casters, and rounded feet. Stallion edge designs provide a comfortable grip on the front and back of tables to make moving easier.
Advance Tabco offers highly configurable work tables with options to add splash guards, service rails, and hot and cold wells. Advance Tabco's configurator lets operators design a custom work table in a 3D model. Undershelves on standard work tables feature "THE PROVEN" adjustable die-cast leg clamps to improve shelf stability and overall rigidity. Specialty units, such as demo, corner, and prep sink tables, are also available in a variety of sizes.
Materials and Durability
Commercial work tables are built with stainless steel or galvanized steel bases and are available with stainless steel, wood, or poly tops. Depending on the model, they use welded or die-cast undershelves or support bars. They're also available in different steel grades depending on budget and application.
John Boos offers tables in 14- or 16-gauge steel with 300 series stainless steel and a satin finish. Legs are made with 16-gauge stainless or galvanized steel. Advance Tabco offers 14- or 16-gauge stainless steel tops and legs with 304 or 430 series steel and optional galvanized bases. Both brands offer wood and poly tops for food prep. Advance Tabco wood tops are 13/4 inches thick and made of laminated maple, offering a hard, smooth surface. John Boos wood tops range from 11/2 to 21/4 inches thick and feature edge grain construction made of sustainably harvested northern hard rock maple treated with an antimicrobial agent and penetrating oil.
Maintenance Requirements
While stainless steel resists corrosion and everyday wear, it still requires routine care. Wipe stains with a damp cloth and mild soap, working along the grain. John Boos offers its own stainless steel cleaner, and a properly diluted bleach mixture may be used for tough stains, but it shouldn't be left on steel or used with less corrosion-resistant grades such as 430 series stainless. Steel wool should never be used to scour stainless steel because it can scratch the finish or leave metal shards that rust on the surface.
Wood tops are more susceptible to damage than stainless steel, but they offer a restorable surface and can last many years if cared for properly. John Boos offers Board Cream and Mystery Oil, which penetrate wood tops and butcher tables to provide a protective finish. John Boos work tables can also be coated with a clear Varnique finish that makes oiling unnecessary. The laminate surface on Advance Tabco tables can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. It will wear more quickly when ingredients are cut directly on it and will eventually require refinishing.
Price and Value
Both John Boos and Advance Tabco are competitively priced on standard work table models and sizes, offering premium 14-gauge 304 series stainless steel options as well as entry-level units with galvanized steel bases and 16-gauge tops. Both brands also offer project-specific pricing on configurable designs, which vary by project.
Which Work Table Is Best for Your Operation?
When choosing a work table, consider where it will be positioned in the kitchen, what equipment or ingredients it will hold, and what tasks it will support. Advance Tabco and John Boos both offer equipment stands for heavier loads and dish tables to create an efficient dish pit.
Shop John Boos & Advance Tabco at KaTom
KaTom offers standard tables from John Boos and Advance Tabco with stainless steel or wood tops. Compare steel gauge, bottom design, and table size to find the right option for your operation.
