How to Get the Most Out of Your Commercial Shelving

Commercial-grade wire shelving units have long been a standard solution for commercial kitchens. Wire shelf racks are relatively inexpensive and can be built out in a variety of sizes or wall-mounted to fit those odd corners of your kitchen space. However, putting the wrong kind of shelf in the wrong area can lead to costly hazards such as health inspection write-ups, rust, and overloaded units. Kitchen managers must choose the correct type of shelving unit for the correct type of storage.

Why use storage racks in a commercial kitchen?

Wire shelf units are a top choice in commercial kitchens for many reasons. Epoxy and polymer shelves are upgraded versions of the basic wire shelf design, necessary for cold storage environments. Benefits of shelving includes:

• Durability –Most shelves are constructed from high-strength stainless steel, aluminum, or heavy-duty plastic.
• Air circulation –The mesh design of wire shelving allows air to flow freely between shelves, minimizing food spoilage and preventing condensation build-up or stagnant pooling.
• Easy to clean –Most units are chrome plated and easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, some shelves have removable plastic covers that can be tossed into the dishwasher.
• Cost-effective –Wire shelves are inexpensive and last many years compared to other options. Cheap, non-commercial shelving is tempting, but ultimately must be replaced every few years compared to polymer units that have a lifetime warranty.
• Portable –Metal shelves can be disassembled and reassembled in different areas, and the shelves can be arranged at different heights. In addition, many units are compatible with casters, which can quickly transform your storage solution into a rolling cart.
• Space optimization – While store-bought shelving units come in standard sizes, commercial-grade storage brands like Metro come with highly customizable sizes between 24″ and 72″ with 6″ increments and depths of up to 30″, as well as having a variety of options for baking sheets, cutting boards, large cans and cutlery.    

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Where and how to use commercial shelving

1. Dry storage: Wire shelving is ideal for storing dry goods such as cans, jars, and bags of flour or sugar. The open shelves allow air to circulate freely, keeping the food fresh and preventing bacteria growth. Specific can racks can be configured to fit bins under the rack system for maximum space efficiency. They work on a gravity-feed system for first-in, first-out supply.

2. Cold Storage: Plated wire shelves should NOT be used in a walk-in refrigerator or freezer. Plated models are rust-resistant but not rust-proof. A health inspector may fine a commercial kitchen if they spot plated shelving in a walk-in.

The solution is to purchase an epoxy-coated or polymer shelf. These units are rust-proof and sometimes coated with anti-bacterial compounds to make food last longer and prevent cross-contamination. Epoxy shelves are the bare minimum for a walk-in cooler. However, a major disadvantage of epoxy shelves is that over time the finish can scrape off and the exposed metal can rust. Polymer shelving does not have this issue. Another option is to buy a removable polymer or plastic dishwasher-safe rack mat. Health inspectors love these mats and kitchen staff appreciate not being tasked with disassembling and cleaning a commercial shelving unit with a bucket and a wire brush. Additionally, polymer shelving units from Metro come with a lifetime warranty.

3. Dishwashing area: Storage racks can be used to dry and store clean dishes, glasses, and utensils in the dishwashing area. Look at specific drying racks with special features for trays, glasses, plates, and so on. Consider mounting racks to a wall above or around sinks to make the most of tight spaces. The SmartWall line from Metro is designed specifically for this purpose. It utilizes a grid system with many different attachments, like prongs you can hang things on to let them dry properly. This side-steps health inspection violations and sanitation issues from wet nesting, in which dishes don’t have enough space in between to dry. 

4. Food preparation area: Wire shelving can store pots, pans, and other cooking equipment in the food preparation area. The shelves’ open design allows easy access to ingredients, making it easier for staff to quickly grab what they need while cooking.

5. Baking area: Wire shelving is also ideal for storing baking pans, mixing bowls, and other baking equipment in the baking area.

6. Heavy-duty storage: If you need to store heavier items (like sacks of rice or potatoes), consider Dunnage Racks, rated to hold 800+ lbs. Metro shelves are all rated to hold up to 800 lbs with a 50% safety threshold, meaning most shelves can safely hold up to 1200 lbs.

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Why Commercial Kitchens Choose Metro Shelving

In the 1960s, Metro invented the post-based shelving system that has become synonymous with wire rack kitchen storage and continues to be one of the most trusted storage brands worldwide. Kitchen operators love these racks for their durability, high-quality materials, and easy assembly.

Metro shelving units are highly adaptable to your unique kitchen, prep, or storage area. Several product lines, like the Super Erecta models, feature quick-adjust units that save time by changing the shelf height without dismantling the entire unit. Some units also feature a unique corner release system, allowing shelves to be adjusted without using tools. Reclaim up to 25 percent of wasted vertical space by effortlessly repositioning shelves to accommodate different sizes of packages.

Metro has accessories to enhance your storage solution further. Highly resilient castors quickly transform your shelves into mobile units. The MetroSeal line is epoxy-coated and treated with Microban to prevent rust and bacterial growth. Plastic shelf mats help keep your ingredients safe and are removable and dishwasher-safe. Can racks, sheet pan storage, and alcohol storage shelves are also available to meet the customized needs of your kitchen space.

Custom Storage Solutions

Planning and managing storage in your commercial kitchen space is challenging. Talk to your Russell Hendrix rep about custom options of Metro shelving for your restaurant or commercial kitchen. Our experts can provide design recommendations and drawings for your space to optimize storage. A variety of shelving options, like the SmartWall or cantilevered options, means you can maximize surface area in tight spaces.

Additionally, the modular design of Metro shelves means that our team can help you create a “hybrid shelf”—a combination of polymer, epoxy, and wire shelves—that fits into your budget and keeps your staff and health inspectors happy.

Contact us today to get started.