What is a Dunnage Rack for Anyway?
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 support food products. 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.
Other Benefits of Dunnage Racks
In addition to keeping food supplies clean and off the floor, dunnage racks offer several other advantages to commercial kitchens. Because of their squat, durable construction, dunnage racks can often hold thousands of pounds of weight each. This makes them 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. Incorporating dunnage racks into your kitchen’s layout also helps free up additional space in storerooms and walk-ins.
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 different materials. Here are some of the most popular options.
Plastic Dunnage Racks: 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.
Aluminum and Stainless Steel Dunnage Racks: 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: 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.
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.
Related Reading
- Storage Organization 101: Make Your Shelving Work for You
- Plastic Food Storage Containers: Your Organization Solution
- Cambro Food Storage Solutions & Tips to Protect Your Bottom Line
- Affordable Storage Solutions with Central Exclusive and Value Series Shelving
- Choosing the Best Walk-In Cooler or Walk-In Freezer for Your Kitchen
Adriane works as a Content Specialist at Central Restaurant Products. She has more than a decade of experience as a copywriter and e-commerce strategist, with most of that time spent focusing on the restaurant industry. When she’s not writing about foodservice, Adriane enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her dog.
