Refrigerated prep tables are essential components of salad and sandwich stations. These tables offer a multifunctional workspace that integrates refrigeration with a convenient assembly area. They contribute significantly to salad preparation’s efficiency, organization, and overall success.
However, there is more to refrigerated prep tables than meets the eye. It is essential to consider various factors before purchasing a new refrigerated prep table, mainly due to their high cost.
In this blog, we explore all there is to know about prep tables, their role in the kitchen, and purchasing tips from a reliable dealer.
What is a Prep Table, and What Are the Different Types of Prep Tables?
Refrigerated prep tables are stainless steel countertop tables with built-in refrigeration systems. They keep ingredients and prepared foods chilled.
These tables are crucial equipment in commercial kitchens and are used for the following reasons:
● Holding perishable ingredients like meats, dairy, and vegetables at safe temperatures before food preparation.
● Assembling cold foods like sandwiches, salads, and desserts for quick servicing and delivery.
● Temporarily storing prepped foods that need to stay chilled before cooking or serving.
● Displaying cold appetizers, salads, and desserts on the service line or at buffet stations.
Critical Parts of a Refrigerated Prep Table
The following are the essential parts of a refrigerated prep table:
Pan Rails
Pan rails are located at the top of the table, where ingredients and toppings are stored and cooled in pans placed in slots. The rail can be flat or raised according to the tabletop.
Lid/Hood
The lid covers the pan rail to protect ingredients and maintain temperatures. It may be stainless steel or insulated. Different lids, such as telescoping, hinged, lift-off, and plexi lids, are available.
Cutting Board
Mounted at the front of the pan rails, the cutting board provides a prep surface for assembling foods. They are often removable and made of polyethene or composite material. Both narrow and wide cutting boards are available.
The Refrigerated Base
An integral part of every refrigerated prep table, the base is beneath the pan rail. It enables the storage of bulk ingredients and containers for quick refilling. It may also contain drawers with pan slots or adjustable wire shelves.
The Cooling System
The cooling system of the table maintains the temperature in the refrigerator. It forces cold air, uses copper lines around the unit, or circulates cold fluid to achieve cooling.
The Role of Prep Tables in Salad Stations
Prep tables play a crucial role in the kitchens of salad and sandwich restaurants, particularly in small establishments. They offer numerous options to allow the commercial kitchen to work efficiently with whatever little space there is.
Here are some essential ways a prep table helps small restaurants and delis:
Controlled Temperature
Refrigerated prep tables are pivotal in maintaining the freshness and safety of perishable salad ingredients.
The refrigeration unit beneath the table’s surface ensures a consistent temperature between 34°F and 40°F (1°C to 4°C). It prevents bacterial growth and preserves the quality of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and dressings.
Precise temperature control helps meet stringent food safety standards and delivers delicious salads safe for consumption.
Well Organized Ingredients
The top surface of refrigerated prep tables is designed to maximize efficiency in ingredient organization. Pans or containers filled with various salad components can be strategically arranged for easy access. Having ingredients like greens, colourful vegetables, different toppings, etc., within arm’s reach streamlines the salad preparation process.
This systematic organization enhances workflow and contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the salad station.
- Efficient Workflow
Refrigerated prep tables eliminate constant back-and-forth trips to the main walk-in refrigerator, allowing chefs and salad preparers to focus on assembling customized salads promptly. In busy kitchen environments, especially during peak hours, the efficiency of salad preparation is crucial. Efficient cooking improves customer service and helps manage kitchen resources effectively.
- Customizable Assembly Workstations
Salad stations must cater to a wide range of customer preferences. Refrigerated prep tables are a centralized location for assembling made-to-order salads.
Customers can easily personalize their salads, from choosing specific greens to proteins, dressings, and toppings.
This customization allows the kitchen to meet individual tastes and enhance the overall dining experience.
- Hygiene and Food Safety
The refrigeration prep tables provide contributes significantly to maintaining hygiene and food safety standards. The controlled temperature inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring salads prepared on these tables are safe for consumption.
Prep table surfaces are designed for easy cleaning, which minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and ensures a hygienic working environment.
- Space Optimization
Refrigerated prep tables are a space-saving solution as they combine refrigeration and workspace in a single unit.
This is particularly advantageous in smaller kitchens where efficient space utilization is essential. Prep tables offer a streamlined and organized kitchen by eliminating separate refrigerators and prep areas.
- Time-Saving
The accessibility and organization provided by refrigerated prep tables reduce the time required for salad preparation. For small salad restaurants and delis, quick service is paramount. Prep tables play a crucial role in meeting customer demands promptly.
Kitchens can allocate this saved time to other activities, like marketing and promotion, to grow their business.
How to Select the Best Prep Tables?
It is vital to consider various factors when investing in a commercial kitchen’s refrigerated sandwich prep table.
A few key factors to evaluate when selecting the most suitable table for a business are as follows:
- Consider Kitchen Requirements
One of the first things to do is list requirements to help understand what type of prep table is needed.
- Set a Budget
The next important step is setting the budget for the table. Based on the requirements and features needed, set the budget. Provide a 10% buffer, just in case.
- Measure for Size
Be sure to measure adequate dimensions to fit the table comfortably within the workspace. Carefully assess the intended usage, kitchen layout and staff workflow to choose the right size.
- Consider Durability
Durability should also be top of mind. Kitchen equipment must withstand the demands of a busy restaurant environment. So, stainless-steel construction is ideal for strength, longevity, and easy sanitization.
- Assess Maintenance Needs
Examine the maintenance requirements of both the table and its cooling mechanism. Enclosed drop-in units are preferable to simplify cleaning. Check for service support and a warranty period.
- Consider Versatility
Customizable prep tables can maximize functionality. Hence, look for configurable shelves, reversible cutting boards, and modular components. Customize the table as needed.
- Consider Refrigeration
Air-cooled systems ensure an optimal balance of effectiveness, cost, and simplicity for any restaurant looking for commercial kitchen equipment.
- Examine the Door Type
Another element is determining if a door, drawer, or combination can store and access ingredients effectively. Consider the types of dishes served when deciding on compartments.
Taking the time to weigh all these elements will provide guidance to the highest-quality and best-suited sandwich and salad preparation table.
How to Care for Sandwich and Salad Prep Tables?
Whether purchasing a True Prep table or any other brand, a prep table needs proper and timely maintenance.
Here are the key factors to know about maintaining and caring for sandwich and salad prep tables to ensure longevity and efficient performance.
Daily Cleaning
Daily care is essential to keep the table clean and working correctly. Wipe up food spills and debris daily to prevent corrosion and evaporator issues. Use warm water to drain and wipe rail units.
Frequent Cleaning
Be sure to clean prep tables thoroughly twice a month in addition to daily cleaning after use. A more extensive bi-monthly cleaning helps maintain all components.
Routine Maintenance Checks
Ensure to clean the evaporator coils, fan blades, condensers, and motors every two months. It is also essential to clear the drain lines and check for refrigerant leaks. Regular cleaning will help to identify and address any problems early.
Compressor Care
Another essential maintenance task is taking care of the compressor. Try cleaning the compressor coils weekly using appropriate chemicals per manufacturer requirements to help prevent dirt/debris from accumulating on the table.
Ensure Safety While Cleaning
When cleaning, always turn off the unit and fans to avoid injury. Use fin brushes for dough bits to clean the table. Use warm water spray and air dry to remove any stubborn residue.
Refurbished Salad or Sandwich Tables
Buying refurbished prep tables is an economical way to obtain high-quality, reliable prep tables that meet functional needs. They offer great value for the investment.
Here are the advantages of buying refurbished salad or sandwich prep tables:
● Refurbished units can cost thousands of dollars less than new equipment, making the upgrade more affordable.
● Many reputable dealers keep refurbished stock on hand for immediate shipping when needed.
● Most dealers offer a warranty for peace of mind on significant parts, typically 90 days to 1 year.
● Dealers rigorously check the units for functionality and defects during the refurbishment process before resale.
● Purchasing refurbished units prevents excellent equipment from ending in landfills and waste streams.
● Many dealers replace outdated components with advanced ones like LED lighting and digital controls during refurbishing.
Refrigerated prep tables are a necessity in a restaurant setup. They serve various purposes and help a small restaurant manage its demands and expenses well. Finding the most suitable prep table, whether buying new or refurbished, may be challenging. Several dealers sell refurbished prep tables. Ancaster Food Equipment is one of Canada’s most reliable and experienced dealers, with diverse new and refurbished prep tables to meet any needs, including True prep tables.
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