Commercial Food Shelving and Storage Basics

Learn commercial food shelving and storage basics to help you minimize lost revenue
By Angela Roe, Freelance Writer Taking the time to learn about commercial food shelving and storage basics can help your business keeps its food products fresher, longer. Food storage racks are designed to hold food products in reserve until they're needed. Since different food products need to be stored in different ways, the more you know about commercial kitchen storage options, the better decisions you'll make for your business.

Evaluate the materials used in the construction of restaurant shelving. You want food storage shelving that is easily cleaned and sanitized, commercial shelves strong enough to support the weight of the food items you'll be storing, and commercial food shelving equipment that can withstand the environment in which it will be used, such as a walk-in freezer.

1. Educate yourself on how to use food storage shelves to safely and legally store food products.

2. Examine metal industrial shelving for restaurants.

3. Evaluate plastic restaurant food storage options.

Learn how to store food so you know what food storage shelves to select

Before you can select the best type of food storage system, you need to bone up on how to safely store the food products you'll be working with. Refresh your knowledge of food storage and safety by checking the rules and regulations governing food storage in your area determined by the Department of Agriculture.
Try:  The Virginia Cooperative Extension spells out how to safely store food products in clear and concise guidelines. Oregon Department of Agriculture provides you with a list of laws and regulations governing how to store all types of food products.

Look at metal industrial shelving for restaurants

Metal shelves can be used in several locations, including pantries, walk-in coolers and walk-in freezers. Metal shelving is known for its resistance and is easily cleaned and sanitized, making it a good choice for food storage.
Try:  Shelf Reliance has several options available when it comes to metal food storage shelves. From automatically rotating systems that dispense the first products in to keep food fresh to freestanding units that can be used in a variety of locations, you're sure to find what you need. IRSG boasts an entire division dedicated to wire food storage options that include freestanding units, movable shelving carts and wall-mounted options.

Explore the possibilities in plastic commercial kitchen storage

Remember to look beyond the shelves and purchase the storage containers that you'll need to hold the food that's housed on those shelves. Choose containers in a variety of sizes to eliminate waste, and make sure the containers are suitable for refrigeration and use in walk-in coolers or freezers. Look for airtight seals to keep food fresh regardless of whether it's in the cooler or in the pantry.
Try:  Global Equipment Company offers several plastic storage options, including buckets and bins to help you keep your food fresher for longer. United States Plastic Corporation has plastic storage containers in several shapes and sizes, ensuring you can find the storage products you need for your business.

• Talk to restaurant shelving suppliers about hidden costs like shipping, delivery or setup fees. Discuss return policies and maintenance policies prior to signing on the dotted line.