One of the unsung heroes in any commercial kitchen is the humble catering cart. Also known as a “utility cart,” these carts help you cover a lot of ground with ease. Designed to move heavy loads with minimal trouble, caterers and event planners alike often keep a few catering carts nearby—particularly those who work in hotels or large convention areas.
What Material?
Most catering carts are metal or plastic, and sometimes feature a combination of the two. Both options are durable, though once a metal cart becomes dented it can look unsightly in the dining area. Plastic carts, however, aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing either, and though molded-in handles are durable, the fixed height could pose posture issues for workers.
How Many Shelves?
When it comes to carts, more shelves isn’t always better. With each shelf you have, vertical clearance is lost. Consider the types of items you commonly transport to decide how many shelves you need. You might find that two shelves is more than adequate for the type of product you regularly move.
Transporting Hot Food, Cold Food or Both?
For those who need insulated options, consider if you need to transport hot food, cold food or both. The most important thing with transporting food is keeping it out of the danger zone (the temperature range between 40° F and 140° F). Many catering carts are equipped to hold either hot or cold food, but there are some models that are equipped with separate cabinets so that you can safely move both hot and cold foods simultaneously. Manufacturers like Cambro also sell ThermoBarriers® which split a single cabinet into two holding zones.
Replacement Parts?
I’d wager a guess that the first thing to break on your cart is a caster. Carts are only helpful when all four casters are in working order, so pick yourself up a spare set of casters and keep them handy when you need to replace on the fly. Pro tip: When ordering casters, consider if you require brakes, want swivel or fixed, or require non-marking casters to avoid unsightly marks to your hardwood. Questions? Give us a call at 888-388-6372 and we can help you order the right set.