Finding the right worktables for your business is pivotal to your kitchen’s efficiency. Tables come in dozens of sizes with a variety of options, including undershelves and backsplashes, and can have square, rounded, or countertop corners to accommodate virtually every need.
Gauges
18 Gauge stainless steel kitchen tables are often referred to as budget worktables or economy work tables because 18 gauge stainless steel is lighter and less expensive than other types. But depending on what you plan on using the worktable for, an 18 gauge model might be just fine! These kitchen worktables are great for sandwich or salad preparation, sorting items, or just for use as general work space! They are more susceptible to dents and dings, so keep that in mind if you’re going to be tossing heavy items onto them or will be doing a lot of pounding and chopping.
16 Gauge commercial work tables are an excellent solution for food service professionals seeking both quality and affordability when adding a stainless steel kitchen table to their operation. Combining a higher level of durability over an 18 gauge model with a price that won’t break your budget, these tables are a great all-around option. You’ll find that many of our Regency brand tables are made of 16 gauge stainless steel, offering a perfect upgrade from an 18 gauge budget design.
14 Gauge stainless steel kitchen work tables, like the Spec Line Series from Regency or Advance Tabco, are the closest you can get to custom fabrication in terms of durability and quality. 14 gauge tables are often the table of choice for butcher shops because they withstand the repeated heavy blows of a cleaver or meat tenderizer without denting.
Types of Stainless Steel
What Does the Type of Stainless Steel Mean?
Type is another number you’ll often see when looking at stainless steel, and it’s usually used in conjunction with “series.” In this case, they both refer to the same thing – the actual makeup of the stainless steel alloy.
300 series stainless steel is more corrosion resistant than 400 series because it contains nickel, in addition to having a higher percentage of chromium. Since the 400 series stainless steel lacks nickel, it is slightly magnetic. 300 series stainless steel is not magnetic because it contains nickel.
Type 304 is one of the most common types of stainless steel used for commercial worktables due to its high resistance to corrosion and rust. With its low carbon content and high levels of chromium and nickel, this type of stainless steel offers superior durability that can withstand the rigors of daily use in any commercial environment. It is also easy to sanitize, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
Type 430 stainless steel is a lower grade of steel that contains chromium and iron, making it less resistant to corrosion than type 304 stainless steel, yet still ideal for environments with mild corrosion susceptibility. A low-cost alternative to type 304 worktables, type 430 stainless steel prep tables are perfect for performing basic tasks such as preparing fruits and vegetables, mixing ingredients, and plating meals.
Once you’ve settled on a gauge and type of stainless steel, you’ll see there are still a lot of options to consider! Let’s look at some of the most common commercial work table options.
Open Base or with Undershelf?
Whether you want an open base work table or one with an undershelf depends on your specific needs. For example, open base commercial work tables are nice if you’d like to keep a rolling ingredient bin or two close at hand since they’ll roll right under the table. A work table with an undershelf provides a convenient place for small appliances or food storage boxes. Some of our worktables with undershelves also come with a backsplash. Our Regency commercial work tables are available in all of these styles.
Backsplash
If you plan on positioning your commercial work table up against a wall, it’s a good idea to choose one with a backsplash to protect the wall from drips and splashes, making cleanup easier. More economical work tables might come with a 1 1/2″ high backsplash, while higher end, heavier duty tables are available with a 5″ or even 10″ high backsplash.
Casters
If you want to add casters to your work table yet maintain the same working height, or have some shorter staff members where a lower table would help them work more comfortably, we can help! For an extra fee when ordering any of our in-stock work tables, our warehouse workers will cut the table legs down to help you achieve the exact height you are looking for. These items are customizable: Stainless Steel work Table with Undershelf, Stainless Steel Open Base Work Table, and Equipment Stand and Mixer Tables.
