Can Racks Types and Styles

Compare different styles of canned food racks to use in your food-related business
By Jennifer Ehlenfeldt, Freelance Writer Can racks come in several style options designed to meet the needs of any sized kitchen from a small catering kitchen to a large industrial size kitchen, or on a store or pantry shelf. If you're in the market for a good storage system to organize your canned goods or save space in your staples pantry, compare your options closely before making a decision.
 

The canned food storage rack can be as large as a stationary shelving system or as small as an eight-can rack to set on your countertop. If you'd prefer to keep your storage mobile, there are wheeled options that can easily be transported around the kitchen for convenient access. The key is finding the right size and style can rack to fit your needs. Consider the following when looking for the right canned food storage rack for your business:

1. Measure your available space to see if you can accommodate a large can rack shelving system which can help you organize your canned goods in a larger pantry or corner of the kitchen.

2. Find a mobile rack unit for easy access anywhere in your kitchen or other food preparation area.

3. Consider a front loading can storage rack for easy stocking.

4. Choose a first in/first out rack system so you can easily load and use the oldest canned goods first.

Consider a shelf-style stationary can rack

Can racks types and styles vary widely but most include shelving with areas designed to fit canned goods of varying sizes. Stationary racks should also be constructed with sturdy frames and have stabilization options to secure them in place.
Try: The Mission Restaurant Supply store offers an aluminum constructed shelving system that fits both #10 and #5 size cans. Choose from several styles and designs of racking systems at Shelf Reliance. Their system features a front-loading can rack that rotates cans so the first can in is the first can out.

Consider buying a mobile food storage rack system

If you're constantly running to the pantry for canned goods, consider investing in a rack system on wheels that can easily be brought to your workstation. Mobile rack systems can save you valuable time during a busy service.
Try: Choose the Harvest system at Canning Pantry for your mobile canned good needs. A similar system is available at CPAPC Restaurant Design & Supply. It features a welded aluminum frame with polyethylene work top surface and sturdy wheels.

Find a front loading can goods rack

Front loading systems are ideal for smaller areas with access to only one side. They work better for staples you will be going through quickly unless they are made to be first in first out systems.
Try: The small sized front loading can rack at AlwaysBrilliant.com is an example of a small scale can rack that can be used in home or restaurants. YourFoodStorage.com also offers the front loading smaller sized rack that can be expanded into a larger system.

Utilize a first in/first out can goods storage system

The most efficient of the canned good storage systems is one that controls which cans are used in which order. The roll-down can rack, or any other style of first in first out storage is great for large scale pantries, kitchens or catering businesses that want to make sure their canned goods are being used in a timely fashion. Some systems load from the top, while others load from the back or even the front.
Try: Organize It offers a top-loading storage system good for both home and restaurant use, or consider the industrial size rack at CanRackWorld.com. The cans load from the front and roll down to unload as a first in first out system.