Restaurant Shelving Buying Guide

Whether you're running a small family diner or an industrial-size cafeteria, ample storage is crucial for organizing the numerous ingredients, prep tools, and appliances found in any commercial kitchen. Large-scale operations need plenty of kitchen storage to serve guests effectively and keep track of inventory. In this shelving guide, we'll walk you through the most important aspects of foodservice storage, common shelf styles, and leading brands, so you can find the restaurant shelving units for your ideal storage setup.

Top Considerations When Purchasing Shelving

Before purchasing a back-of-house shelving unit, consider the following factors:

Weight

Depending on the material, storage shelves can hold 600 to 800 pounds per shelf; however, many shelving units have a 2,000-pound overall limit. Check the specifications on each unit before purchasing and distribute the weight evenly across each shelf, placing heavier items on the bottom. Use dunnage racks for extra heavy items.

Volume

Most upright shelving units are roughly the same size and have four or five tiers. Their footprint can span up to 72 inches long by 24 inches wide, and they are usually between 60 inches and 80 inches high. Before purchasing any shelving units, ensure you have enough floor space and vertical space to fit the models you want.

Temperature

Most shelving units can withstand wide temperature fluctuations and are suitable for most indoor, outdoor, or cold storage environments. Some metal models can withstand a temperature range of -100 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, while polymer units can usually take between -36 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity

Not all shelving units are designed for the wet environments of cold storage. Metals like zinc and chrome will eventually rust and corrode over time. Polymer shelving performs best in humid environments, though stainless steel and epoxy-coated wire can also be used.

Durability

Strong shelving material is important if you're storing heavy items that can scratch the shelves. Make sure you find materials like stainless steel and polymer that won't rust or corrode if scuffed or scratched.

Product Storage

Consider what you'll store on each shelving unit. Tableware shelves need proper ventilation so wet dishes can dry. For food storage, select NSF-approved shelving, maintain food safety practices—such as First In, First Out (FIFO)—and label items for easy access.

Mobility

While some shelves are designed for stationary, mounted use, others can be positioned to accommodate different storage needs. Some shelves come with casters for easy mobility.

Types of Shelving

Upright shelves – These standard shelves are ideal for everyday use. They're most often used in dry or cold storage to store ingredients or medium- to large-sized equipment. They're usually made of polymer or wire.

Security cages – These enclosed cabinets are fitted for locks. They commonly live in dry or cold storage and are used for securing valuable items, such as alcohol bottles or expensive ingredients.

Dunnage racks – Squat stands made for holding heavy equipment, dunnage racks are solidly built and can hold well over 1,000 pounds of equipment or product. They maintain compliance with health department regulations by keeping food at least 6 inches off the ground.

Keg racks – These durable units are designed to store large beer kegs. They usually come with two shelves, and the largest models can hold up to 16 full-size kegs.

Wine Racks – Wine racks are designed to securely hold wine bottles. Open racks promote airflow to keep each bottle fresh, while wall-mounted and wood racks provide attractive displays.

Lockers – Lockers help securely store personal belongings or uniforms. Use them in break rooms to ensure your employees have a safe, efficient working environment.

Mounted shelving – These single or double shelves can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or atop tables to make the most of your kitchen space. Mounted shelves work well for storing cookware or prep tools within easy access of work stations.

Cantilever shelving – With no vertical supports on the front, these units operate like wall-mounted shelving. They enable easier access from the front and sides and simplify shelf height adjustment.

Choosing the Best Storage Shelving Materials

Chrome Wire

This is a standard wire shelving unit plated with chrome to resist corrosion. It's suitable for dry storage.

• Pros: Durable construction, wire design promotes airflow, professional finish, and inexpensive
• Cons: Rusts in wet environments

Chromate Wire

Chromate has a special coating for added protection, giving these units an iridescent sheen.

• Pros: Less susceptible to corrosion than chrome, wire design promotes airflow
• Cons: Not fully corrosion or rust proof, coating can scratch

Zinc Wire

Zinc has a higher corrosion resistance than other metals but still shouldn't be used for extra-humid environments, as it can rust or corrode if the surface is scratched.

• Pros: Durable finish with medium corrosion resistance and airflow
• Cons: Vulnerable to rust if scratched, not suitable for long-term use in humid environments

Epoxy-Coated Wire

Often designed as a green plastic coating, epoxy covers a metal wire surface, adding protection and enhanced sanitation.

• Pros: High corrosion resistance, non-slip surface, and enhanced airflow
• Cons: Coating can chip and expose metal to corrosion and rust

Stainless Steel

A common metal among kitchen appliances, stainless steel is durable and can withstand various temperatures and humidity levels.

• Pros: High corrosion and rust resistance, durable, and easy to clean
• Cons: Expensive and difficult to maneuver

Polymer

Polymer units are usually made of polypropylene with added antimicrobial agents. They sometimes have metal interiors for structural support. The surface is non-reactive, making it resistant to corrosion and easy to clean.

• Pros: Very high corrosion resistance and rust proof; ideal for wet conditions, removable shelf mats, and easy to clean
• Cons: Expensive, bulky, and less airflow than wire

What to Look for in Restaurant Shelving

The best storage shelves have materials suitable for your needs, sufficient weight capacities, and are health code compliant. Beyond these basics, helpful features include adjustable shelves, designs that ease cleaning around the unit, and compatibility with accessories, like dividers or drying racks, for further customization.

Accessories for Commercial Shelving

To make your shelves even more versatile, use accessories that improve organization, mobility, and storage space.

• Dividers: Help segment shelves for better organization
• Casters and feet: Ensure shelves remain level or can move freely
• Totes and shelf bins: Store ingredients for convenient access
• Label holders: Create spaces for product labeling
• Hooks: Add options for hanging pans, pots, or other tools

Leading Restaurant Kitchen Shelving Brands

• Cambro: Specializes in robustly built polymer shelving and removable mats
• Quantum Food Service: Provides affordable chrome and epoxy wire shelving for adaptable use
• Metro: Offers polymer and wire shelving with numerous accessories
• Advance Tabco: Manufactures a wide selection of dunnage, wall-mounted, and freestanding racks

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