Running a busy commercial kitchen is all about organization, speed, and safety. Whether you are working in a restaurant, a hotel, a bakery, or a catering business, storage plays a key role in how smoothly things run. One of the most overlooked but most important tools in any professional kitchen is the commercial kitchen storage rack. These racks help keep ingredients fresh, equipment in order, and supplies easy to reach.
Here we talk about different types of commercial kitchen storage racks, how they are used, and what makes them useful in different foodservice settings. By the end, you'll know which racks might be right for your kitchen and why investing in the right system can improve workflow, food safety.
Why Storage Racks Are Important in a Commercial Kitchen?
In a commercial kitchen, every second counts. If a chef can't find ingredients or if pans are stacked in an unsafe way, it slows everything down. Worse, poor storage can lead to cross-contamination, food spoilage, or even accidents.
Storage racks keep everything visible and off the ground, which is critical for food safety regulations. They also help kitchens maximize limited space. In fact, many foodservice businesses say that upgrading their storage racks was one of the most cost-effective ways to boost efficiency without major renovations.
Heavybao Commercial Kitchen Storage Racks
Different Types of Commercial Kitchen Storage Racks
1. Wire Shelving Racks
One of the most common types of storage racks in commercial kitchens is the wire shelving rack. These racks are usually made from chrome-plated or stainless steel wire and are perfect for general storage.
Key Benefits:
Air circulation: The wire design lets air flow freely, keeping ingredients and supplies dry and reducing the chance of mold.
Adjustability: Most wire shelving racks are adjustable, so you can change shelf heights to fit large pots, food containers, or cleaning supplies.
Durability: Stainless steel versions resist rust and can handle heavy loads.
Where They're Used:
You'll see wire racks everywhere—from walk-in coolers and dry storage rooms to prep areas where chefs keep pans and mixing bowls. They're also popular in bakeries for cooling baked goods.
2. Dunnage Racks
A dunnage rack is a low, heavy-duty platform that keeps food and supplies off the floor. They usually sit just a few inches high but are strong enough to hold hundreds of pounds.
Key Benefits:
Food safety compliance: Most health codes require food and supplies to be stored at least 6 inches off the floor. Dunnage racks make this easy.
Heavy load capacity: Perfect for bulk items like bags of flour, cases of bottled water, or canned goods.
Durable materials: Often made from aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic.
Where They're Used:
You'll find dunnage racks in dry storage areas, walk-in refrigerators, and freezers. They're also common in warehouses connected to large catering businesses.
3. Wall-Mounted Shelving
When floor space is tight, wall-mounted shelves are a lifesaver. These racks attach directly to the wall and provide storage for lighter items.
Key Benefits:
Space-saving: Free up valuable floor space.
Easy access: Perfect for spices, utensils, or small appliances that need to be within reach.
Customizable: Can be placed at any height, depending on staff needs.
Where They're Used:
Wall-mounted shelving is especially common in small commercial kitchens, coffee shops, and bakeries where counter space is limited.
4. Pan Racks (Sheet Pan Racks)
In bakeries and restaurants, pan racks (also called sheet pan racks or bun pan racks) are essential. These tall racks are designed with multiple slots to hold sheet pans.
Key Benefits:
High capacity: Can hold dozens of pans at once.
Mobility: Most come with wheels, so they can be moved around easily.
Cooling function: Great for cooling baked goods or staging food trays.
Where They're Used:
You'll see them in bakeries, pizzerias, hotels, and banquet halls. Caterers also rely on them when prepping large quantities of food for events.
5. Can Racks
Restaurants that buy food in bulk need can racks to stay organized. These racks are specifically designed to hold #10 cans and smaller sizes in a neat, accessible way.
Key Benefits:
FIFO rotation: Many can racks are angled to encourage “first in, first out” rotation, which prevents expired food.
Space efficiency: Keeps heavy cans stacked securely without wasting shelf space.
Accessibility: Staff can grab what they need without digging through boxes.
Where They're Used:
Dry storage rooms, prep kitchens, and institutional foodservice settings like schools or hospitals.
6. Glass Racks and Dish Racks
In bars, hotels, and restaurants, fragile items need special storage. That's where glass racks and dish racks come in.
Key Benefits:
Protection: Prevents glassware and dishes from chipping or breaking.
Sanitation: Designed for easy washing and safe drying.
Stackability: Many racks can be stacked to save space.
Where They're Used:
Bars, banquet halls, and catering companies rely on them to transport clean glasses and dishes.
7. Mobile Storage Racks
Mobility is a big advantage in a fast-paced kitchen. Mobile racks come with casters so they can be rolled wherever they're needed.
Key Benefits:
Flexibility: Move supplies between storage areas and prep stations.
Efficiency: Cuts down on staff walking back and forth.
Versatility: Available in wire, solid, or specialty designs.
Where They're Used:
Hotels, catering kitchens, and large restaurants with multiple prep zones.
8. Pot and Pan Racks
Big commercial kitchens deal with oversized pots, pans, and skillets. A pot and pan rack keeps them organized and off counters.
Key Benefits:
Visibility: Staff can see all cookware at a glance.
Space-saving: Frees up shelves for other supplies.
Durability: Built to hold heavy cast iron and stainless steel pots.
Where They're Used:
Restaurants with high-volume cooking, hotel kitchens, and catering businesses.
9. Specialty Racks (Wine, Bread, Meat, and More)
Not every kitchen uses the same setup. That's why there are specialty storage racks designed for unique needs:
● Wine racks for bars and restaurants.
● Bread racks for bakeries and sandwich shops.
● Meat storage racks for butcher shops and steakhouses.
● Drying racks for kitchen tools or pasta.
These racks are designed with specific shapes and materials to suit their purpose.
Choosing the Right Rack for Your Commercial Kitchen
When deciding which commercial storage rack is best for your kitchen, consider:
Space available – Do you have room for mobile racks or just wall shelves?
Load requirements – Will you store heavy bulk goods or light utensils?
Material – Stainless steel for durability and sanitation, or plastic for affordability?
Regulations – Make sure racks comply with local health codes.
It's often a good idea to buy from a reliable commercial kitchen equipment supplier, since quality makes a big difference in daily use. Many restaurant supply manufacturers also offer warranties on heavy-duty racks, which is worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
The right system of commercial kitchen storage racks—whether wire shelving, dunnage racks, pan racks, or specialty designs—helps staff work faster, keeps food safe, and makes the best use of available space.
If you're planning to upgrade or set up a new foodservice project, choosing a trusted partner matters just as much as choosing the right rack. Heavybao, a professional commercial kitchen equipment and supplies manufacturer and supplier, offers a wide range of storage racks along with custom solutions to fit your specific project requirements. Browse our extensive commercial kitchen products or contact us for customization.
