The stainless steel table is an essential piece of equipment in a pizzeria. It provides a sturdy, hygienic, easy-to-clean prep surface while helping organize the kitchen.
It's available in many lengths, generally with 600 or 700 mm depths, with or without a backsplash, with a lower shelf, or as a closed cabinet unit.
Professional stainless steel tables are mainly available in two depths.
The 600 mm depth is particularly suited to:
It keeps circulation more comfortable, but offers a smaller work surface.
The 700 mm depth is very common in professional kitchens.
It offers more room for:
Before choosing, measure the depth of your space, but also the room that will remain available for movement and work in front of the table.
Stainless steel tables come in many standard sizes. It's therefore usually possible to find a length suited to your kitchen without going through custom manufacturing.
Custom-made can still be worthwhile when you need to:
This option, however, often comes with a significant extra cost.
Before ordering a custom table, check whether a slightly smaller standard size might work instead. A few centimeters of extra space can sometimes be filled with much cheaper stainless steel trim.
The backsplash is the vertical rim at the back of the table.
The backsplash is especially useful when the table is placed against a wall.
It helps to:
A table without a backsplash has a completely flat top.
It can be preferable when:
The choice mainly depends on where the table will be placed.
The lower shelf can be used to store:
It makes use of the space under the worktop without fully enclosing it.
Its contents remain visible, however, and more exposed to dust, flour, and splashing.
A table without a shelf leaves the space underneath completely open.
It can be chosen to:
This version is also handy when you want to slide a small mixer, an appliance, or a mobile storage unit under the table.
The table can also come with a closed cabinet featuring sliding or swing doors.
The cabinet can hide items that don't need to be on display, such as:
This gives the kitchen a cleaner, more organized look, especially when the prep area is visible from the dining room or to customers.
Sliding doors are often handy in narrow spaces, since they don't take up extra room when opened.
The word "stainless steel" covers a whole family of steels. Not all of them share exactly the same composition or corrosion resistance.
For a professional prep table, AISI 304 stainless steel, also known as 18/8 stainless, is generally preferred for food-contact surfaces. It offers good corrosion resistance under typical kitchen conditions. AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel is also rust-resistant, but its composition and resistance to certain environments differ.
Ask your supplier about:
Some tables have a good-quality top but use a different stainless steel grade, or even a different metal, for less exposed parts.
A magnet can give you a clue, but it can't tell you on its own whether a stainless steel is good or poor quality.
304 stainless steel is normally only weakly attracted to a magnet. It can, however, show a slight attraction after certain manufacturing or forming processes. Conversely, 430 stainless steel is strongly attracted to a magnet while still genuinely belonging to the stainless steel family.
So you shouldn't automatically conclude:
"The magnet sticks, so it's not stainless steel."
The magnet test can flag a difference in material between the top and the legs, but the best way to check remains asking for the exact stainless steel grade on the spec sheet or quote.
No stainless steel, moreover, can be presented as completely rust-proof. That said, the right grade, proper care, and avoiding harsh products can greatly reduce the risk of corrosion.
It's not always necessary to buy the most expensive stainless steel table on the market.
A stainless steel table has no motor, no compressor, and no electronics. The risk of breakdown is therefore much lower than for a refrigerated table.
That said, it's still important to check:
A table that's too flimsy can vibrate, warp, or lack stability when you're kneading dough, cutting, or placing heavy equipment on it.
High-end equipment becomes especially worthwhile when:
For a simple placement surface or a secondary station, a mid-range professional table can work perfectly well.
A table delivered fully assembled is ready to use right away.
It generally offers good rigidity and avoids assembly errors.
It does, however, take up a lot of space during transport.
A pre-assembled two-meter stainless steel table takes up nearly the same space in a truck as a two-meter refrigerated table. Even though it's much lighter and cheaper, its shipping volume remains significant.
Delivery costs can therefore seem high relative to the price of the table itself.
A flat-pack table is delivered in a much more compact package.
The top, legs, and shelf are assembled after delivery.
This option helps to:
You do need to take the time to assemble it properly, though.
A poorly assembled table can lack stability. Regularly check that the fixings are tight, especially during the first few weeks of use.
Delivery costs don't depend solely on the weight of the equipment.
They also depend on:
A large, pre-assembled stainless steel table can therefore cost almost as much to ship as a refrigerated unit of similar size.
Before ordering just one table, compare:
Grouping several pieces of equipment into a single delivery can sometimes significantly lower the shipping cost per item.
Before ordering your stainless steel table, check:
A professional stainless steel table should be chosen based on how it will be used and how your kitchen is organized.
The 600 mm depth suits tighter spaces, while the 700 mm depth offers a more comfortable worktop.
A table with a backsplash will generally be preferable against a wall. A version without one will work better in the center of the kitchen or as part of a continuous work line.
The lower shelf offers easily accessible storage, while the stainless steel cabinet hides equipment and gives the kitchen a tidier look.
When it comes to stainless steel quality, don't rely solely on the magnet test. Ask for the exact grade used, particularly for the top. 304 stainless steel is generally a solid choice for a food prep surface.
Finally, a high-end table isn't always essential. Focus mainly on a rigid top, a stable structure, clean welds, and a clearly specified stainless steel grade.
Also think about shipping: a pre-assembled two-meter table takes up a huge amount of space in a truck. A flat-pack version can therefore be much more economical and easier to deliver.
Which stainless steel table model interests you? Tell us your needs and we'll get back to you with a tailored offer.
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