Preparation tables for restaurant kitchens

Prep tables for restaurant kitchens can transform workflow from a mess to a highly productive and efficient hub. Staff who have worked in crowded conditions often show better morale when provided with the effective workspace that these tables can provide.

The preparation tables must have the following characteristics:

1.Made of a material that is easy to keep clean. Stainless steel and aluminum are the preferred materials.

2. Size. Determine the size that best suits your kitchen and workflow. A larger surface area is preferred, however it can sometimes be too large. If food products or eating utensils are pushed to the back of the table and left there, they can be unsanitary or unsightly and show signs of disorganization.

Height must also be considered. A very low or very high table will need to be modified to be effective in the kitchen.

3. Design. Identify where the additional workspace will be located: against an immovable object such as a wall or free standing with traffic passing on all sides. When positioned against a wall, a backsplash is usually effective for keeping items on the prep table.

4 wheels. When the table is moved regularly, wheels with a simple locking mechanism are very effective. They also help in cleaning.

5.Storage. Well-designed prep tables often have under-bench storage for prep utensils. They may also have cabinets and drawers that can be customized to make the most efficient use of the space below and eliminate table clutter.

6. Specialized. There are other prep table features that are designed for specific roles. These include adding a sink, adding refrigeration, clear cabinet doors, cabinet doors on either side of the table.

An often overlooked aspect is not a feature of staging tables, but is highly recommended for usability. This is the amount of light on the work area that these tables provide. For a small outlay, the work environment can be enhanced simply by adding well-placed lighting over a work table.