Commercial Kitchen Countertop

Applications and Benefits of Commercial Kitchen Countertops

The applications of commercial kitchen countertops are diverse for food preparation and cooking in restaurants, hotels, or other public places. Here are some key applications:

Food preparation:

l  Chopping and Cutting: countertops provide a dedicated space for chopping, cutting, and preparing ingredients for cooking.

l  Assembly and Plating: Chefs use them to assemble dishes and plate meals before serving. 

Cooking Surfaces:

l  Placement of Cooking Equipment: It can be used for keeping cooking appliances such as stoves, ovens, grills, and fryers.

l  Hot Pans and Pots: Hot cookware can be placed directly on heat-resistant countertops during cooking. 

Dishwashing: Countertops near sinks are used for washing and rinsing dishes, utensils, and kitchen tools.

Storage and Organization: Countertops provide temporary storage for ingredients, utensils, and equipment during the cooking process.

Display and Service:

l  Stainless steel countertops in commercial kitchens are used to showcase prepared foods.

l  Service Counters: In restaurant kitchens, countertops may be used as service counters where dishes are plated for serving. 

Customization for Workflow: Customized countertops are designed to optimize the kitchen layout, including specific areas for tasks like baking, pastry preparation, or butchery.

Specifications for Commercial Kitchen Countertop

Type: Stainless steel sheet

Standard: GB, ASTM, JIS, DIN

Technique: Cold rolled

SS Grade: 201, 304, 316

Finish: Polished, Brushed, Satin, Mirror, Embossed, etc.

Edge: Mill or Slit

Thickness: 0.8-3mm

Width: Customized

Length: Customized

Application: Commercial restaurants, hotels, catering businesses, etc.

Packing: PVC film + waterproof paper + standard wooden package

Surface Finishes for Stainless Steel Commercial Kitchen Countertops

While selecting a surface finish for SS commercial kitchen countertops, it’s important to consider both aesthetic preferences and practical features as maintenance and durability, which should align with the design and the demands of the commercial environment.

Polished Finish

A polished finish countertop involves a high shine and smooth surface. However, it shows scratches, smudges, and water spots easily. So regular cleaning in proper way is essential to keep it looking well.  Moreover, the cost for polished finish SS countertops is more expensive than some other finishes.

Satin Finish

Satin finish countertops have matte appearance, which makes it as a practical choice for busy commercial kitchens. And satin finish kitchen countertops are more cost-effective than that in polished finish, making them an attractive choice for commercial settings.

Pattern Finish

Pattern finish countertops can add a distinctive and visually interesting element to the commercial kitchens. SS countertops in patterns can hide scratches, dings, and wear over time. However, during the cleaning, pattern countertops may pose challenges. And the cost for pattern involves additional costs in comparation with other standard finishes.

Textured finish

Textured finish countertops can enhance safety, reducing the risk of slips and falls due to enhanced grip. But the level of textured finish should be considered to ensure it doesn’t hinder the ease of food preparation cleaning. It’s mostly chosen by experienced designers and fabricators.

FAQ (frequently asked questions)

1-  What Are the Common Materials Used for Commercial Kitchen Countertops? And What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Them?

Today, we will discuss the common materials for commercial kitchen countertops, which need to be durable, resistant to heat, stains, and easy to clean. There are some materials concerned:

1)    Stainless steel: It is also the most popular choice for countertops in commercial kitchens due to its basic characteristics. Stainless steel commercial kitchen countertops are resistant to bacteria, making it a hygienic option. Despite being durable, they are also quite prone to dents. Kindly remind not cut anything on the countertops directly, as it can be damaged.

2)     Quartz: Engineered quartz countertops is known as artificial quartz countertops, which is highly durable, non-porous, low-maintenance, and extremely tough. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns that show similar look as natural materials. But quartz countertops can not resistant to high temperatures, so it is not recommended boiling pots or pans on them.

3)    Granite: Natural granite provides a high-end look and can be available in various colors and patterns due to its durability and resistance to heat and scratches. Its natural surface makes it a great material for residential countertops. But for commercial countertops, it is not popular as stainless steel due to the cost and other factors.

4)    Laminate: laminated countertops are made by a paper or fabric on top of particleboard, which comes in different patterns or colors. However, they are more susceptible to scratches and heat damage comparing to other materials.

5)    Other materials: Apart from above material mentioned, there are Corian countertops, wooden countertops, concrete countertops or tiles. In summary, while selecting a proper material for commercial kitchen countertop, it’s important to consider both their benefits and drawbacks according to your requirements.

2-  Which Grade is Used Mostly for Stainless Steel Countertops? And Why?

Type 304 is the most common grade for stainless steel commercial kitchen countertops. Its composition makes it highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. And it could withstand exposure to acids, alkaline solutions, and high temperatures. Apart type 304, some applications may call for higher-grade stainless steels as Type 316, which contains additional molybdenum, providing increased resistance to corrosion, especially in environments with exposure to chlorides. While choosing stainless steel kitchen countertops, it’s necessary to consider both specific requirements and budget.

3-   What Finishes Are Used for SS Commercial Kitchen Countertops? And Why?

SS commercial kitchen countertops can have different finishes depending on both functional and aesthetic considerations. It includes:

1)    Brushed (or Satin) Finish: brushed or satin finish has a matte appearance, which helps hide scratches and fingerprints, providing a contemporary and industrial look.

2)    Polished Finish: The polished finish SS countertop has got a reflective and smooth appearance. However, it may show scratches and fingerprints easier than brushed finish.

3)    Textured Finish: Textured finishes such as hammered or embossed patterns provide a unique and decorative look, which can add visual interest and help mask scratches and wear.

4)    Pattern Finish: SS kitchen countertops come in pattern finish also, such as diamond plate or other geometric designs, adding a distinctive style.

5)    Antimicrobial Finish: Some commercial kitchen countertops are treated with antimicrobial coatings to inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, enhancing hygiene.

4-   How Long Do SS Commercial Kitchen Countertops Last?

High-grade SS countertops as Type 304 can contribute to a longer lifespan. SS countertops for commercial kitchen are much thicker than that for residential kitchen due to withstand heavy use. The frequency and type of use, as well as the conditions in the kitchen environment, can impact the lifespan of SS commercial kitchen countertops. In summary, proper care and maintenance can last for several decades.

5-   Are Stainless Steel Countertops Customized?

Yes, certainly. They can be customized to meet the specific required, which allows flexibility in terms of dimensions, features, and finishes. It’s easy to understand why to custom the exact dimensions for countertops in kitchen or workspace. In variety of edge profiles, like square, beveled, bullnose, or custom designs, also can be customized to achieve a specific look or meet functional demands. Sink integration and other fixtures should be considered while making countertops. There are various surface finishes for options, such as brushed, polished, textured, or patterned as well as thickness.