Bags of flour and beans. Cases of bottled water. And the cans…a towering pyramid of cans. The contents of an average foodservice pantry or walk-in cooler can seem overwhelming. There are so many food products, and so few places to store and organize them.
Enter dunnage racks: one of the industry’s favorite storage solutions. Those who work in restaurants, cafeterias, and other commercial kitchens may already know about this rack with a funny-sounding name, but the average customer might yet not. So for the average layperson, we’re here to answer the question, “What is a dunnage rack?”
The answer is simple. A dunnage rack is a low-to-the-ground rack that’s used to store food products and protect them from dirt and contamination. You may have also heard the terms ‘pallet racks’ or ‘warehouse racks.’ The main difference between a dunnage rack and these other named racks is that dunnage racks offer specialized ventilation and support. To maintain proper sanitation, most health codes require that restaurants and other cooking establishments keep their ingredients at least 6 inches above the ground in storage areas. Dunnage racks provide this half-foot buffer, as well as a convenient and durable space for kitchen crews to stockpile bulk ingredients and other supplies.
5 Benefits of Dunnage Racks
Dunnage racks can be used in many operations, commercial kitchens, warehouses, shipping, schools and more. In addition to keeping food supplies clean and off the floor, dunnage racks offer several other advantages. Incorporating dunnage racks into your space also helps free up additional space in storerooms and walk-ins. The top 5 benefits of dunnage racks are:
- Food Safety – By keeping food and supplies off the floor, there is a reduced risk of contamination from dirt, pests and moisture.
- Increased Storage Space – Elevating goods off the ground helps free up floor space and keep goods organized.
- Air Circulation – This is especially important in walk-in refrigerator applications and when storing perishables. Eliminating direct contact with water, moisture or condensation will keep food fresh and reduce the likelihood of mold growth.
- Cleanliness – With a 6” or greater gap between the rack and the floor, it is easy to clean beneath them and meet sanitary requirements.
- Durability – Dunnage racks can hold hundreds to thousands of pounds, reducing the risk of crushing or spilling precious goods. Because of their squat, durable construction, dunnage racks are ideal for storing heavy objects—from 50-pound sacks of rice to entire crates of potatoes— that would otherwise be unsafe or difficult to store on taller shelving structures.
Types of Dunnage Racks
Chances are good that there’s a dunnage rack out there that’s perfectly suited for the unique needs of your commercial kitchen. Dunnage racks are available in a multitude of sizes and strengths, and they’re made of various materials. Here are some of the most popular options:
Whether constructed of polymer or composite plastic, these racks typically have smooth surfaces and rounded edges that prevent the tearing or ripping of any food packaging. Plastic dunnage racks also resist both rust and corrosion, making them a long-lasting option. This variety of dunnage rack is available in an array of colors and styles.
Pro Tip : Metro BowTie Dunnage Racks offer a unique design allowing racks to be joined together in various configurations for a customized layout – think ‘corners.’
These heavy-duty dunnage racks are built from durable metals that are also resistant to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel dunnage racks are easy to clean and maintain, as well. In most cases, these racks are constructed with large slats that allow air to circulate and keep your product the optimal temperature.
Wire dunnage racks generally have smaller weight capacities than stainless steel or plastic racks. However, their lightweight design makes them incredibly versatile and easy to transport. Plus, many options come with integrated wheels for enhanced portability.
Mobile dunnage racks offer the benefit of easy mobility, allowing items to be quickly transported between storage areas, workstations, and shipping zones. This mobility improves workflow efficiency, reduces the need for heavy lifting, and enhances space optimization. Additionally, the ability to move racks makes cleaning and organizing spaces much easier.
Pro Tip : CenPro dunnage racks can stack together for even more organization or space saving capabilities.
Our Top Dunnage Rack Vendors
Since 1951, Cambro Manufacturing has been creating high-quality products for the foodservice industry. They produce diverse products from Food Bars, Food Trays, Shelving, Tabletop Supplies, Food Storage, Food Transport, and more. Through the years, the guiding vision of the Campbell brothers has remained unchanged— to create the most innovative, durable, and highest-quality products for the foodservice industry.
Since 1929, Metro has been the world’s leading manufacturer storage and transport products for the foodservice industry. They focus on providing you solutions to help you optimize space, improve workflow and ensure safety. From wire and polymer shelving to revolutionary food storage and transport systems, you can count on Metro to provide the best environmentally-friendly, cost effective and innovative products.
CenPro offers best-in-class solutions for storage and organization, and food preparation. CenPro product lines feature storage containers, food processing essentials, and readily customizable chrome and epoxy-coated shelving. All CenPro solutions are available at highly competitive prices.
