Refrigerated Salad/Sandwich Prep Tables

Ancaster Food Equipment has been supplying commercial kitchens with refrigerated prep tables for over 30 years. We offer several different brands and sizes of prep tables to meet your unique needs and budget. Contact us today!

Refrigerated salad and sandwich prep tables are essential equipment for any commercial kitchen. These tables, also known as prep stations or counters, are designed to keep ingredients and finished products at a safe, refrigerated temperature while allowing chefs and other kitchen staff to access and prepare them easily.

Whether you run a restaurant, deli, or any food establishment, these versatile pieces of equipment can greatly enhance your food preparation process.

What are Refrigerated Salad/Sandwich Prep Tables?

Refrigerated salad/sandwich prep tables are specialized commercial kitchen equipment designed to streamline the preparation of salads and sandwiches. They are a combination of a refrigerator and a workspace. These tables come equipped with a refrigerated base where you can store ingredients at the ideal temperature and an upper workspace that typically includes a cutting board for food preparation.

Components of a Refrigerated Salad/Sandwich Prep Table

A refrigerated salad/sandwich prep table is vital equipment in any commercial kitchen, especially in restaurants, delis, and food preparation establishments. It’s designed to enhance food preparation efficiency while ensuring ingredients’ freshness and safety. 

Refrigerated Base

The refrigerated base is the lower portion of the prep table and serves as a dedicated refrigerator. It’s where you store ingredients at a consistent and safe temperature. This base typically features a series of compartments or drawers that allow you to organize various ingredients separately. Some common components of the refrigerated base include:

Compartments/Drawers: These are designed to hold ingredient pans or food containers. They provide separate storage for ingredients such as vegetables, meats, cheeses, and sauces.

Refrigeration System: This includes a compressor, evaporator, condenser, and refrigerant, all working together to maintain a controlled and even temperature within the compartments.

Temperature Controls: These controls allow you to adjust and set the temperature to keep ingredients at optimal storage conditions. Some advanced models may have digital temperature displays and programmable settings.

Fan System: A fan circulates cold air evenly throughout the compartments, ensuring consistent cooling and temperature distribution.

Workspace/Cutting Board

The upper portion of the prep table is designed as a workspace for food preparation. It typically includes a cutting board that spans the length of the table. This workspace is where you assemble sandwiches or prepare salads. The cutting board is a crucial component, and its size and material are important considerations:

Cutting Board Material: Prep tables usually have cutting boards made of food-safe materials like polyethylene. These materials are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture and bacterial growth.

Cutting Board Size: The cutting board size varies, but it should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your food preparation needs.

Lid/Cover

Some refrigerated prep tables come with lids or covers for the refrigerated base compartments. These lids help maintain the temperature inside the compartments when you’re not accessing them. By keeping the compartments covered, you can reduce energy consumption and maintain the freshness of ingredients.

Casters/Wheels

Many prep tables are equipped with casters or wheels, allowing easy mobility. This feature is particularly useful when you need to move the table for cleaning or reposition it in your kitchen to optimize workflow.

Shelves and Storage Space

In addition to the refrigerated base compartments, some prep tables may have shelves and additional storage space for items like condiments, utensils, or pans not immediately used in food preparation. This extra storage helps keep your kitchen organized and efficient.

Controls and Indicators

Modern refrigerated prep tables often come with user-friendly control panels and indicators. These controls allow you to adjust temperatures, set timers, and monitor the status of the refrigeration system. Digital displays provide real-time information, making it easy to ensure ingredients are stored at the correct temperature.

Benefits of Using a Refrigerated Salad/Sandwich Prep Table

Refrigerated salad/sandwich prep tables offer a multitude of benefits that can greatly enhance the operations of any commercial kitchen. Let’s explore four key benefits in detail:

Freshness

3. Ingredient Preservation: Perhaps the most significant benefit of using a refrigerated salad/sandwich prep table is its ability to maintain the freshness of ingredients. By storing items like vegetables, meats, cheeses, and sauces at the ideal temperature, these prep tables prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of ingredients.
4. Temperature Control: Refrigerated bases in these prep tables allow precise temperature control. You can set and maintain the temperature recommended for specific ingredients, ensuring they stay crisp, flavorful, and safe for consumption.
5. Reduced Food Waste: With ingredients staying fresh for longer, there is a reduction in food waste. This saves money and contributes to a more sustainable kitchen operation.

Efficiency

1. Streamlined Workflow: A refrigerated salad/sandwich prep table provides an efficient workspace. It eliminates the need for kitchen staff to constantly move between refrigerators and prep areas, streamlining the food preparation.
2. Time Savings: The convenience of having all ingredients at arm’s reach on the prep table reduces the time it takes to assemble sandwiches or prepare salads. This efficiency is particularly valuable during busy service hours.
3. Improved Productivity: A more organized and efficient workflow means kitchen staff can prepare more orders in less time, improving overall kitchen productivity.

Food Safety

1. Temperature Compliance: Maintaining ingredients at safe temperatures is critical for food safety. Refrigerated prep tables ensure that ingredients are stored within the safe temperature range, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses.
2. Cross-Contamination Prevention: These prep tables’ separate compartments and organizations help prevent cross-contamination between ingredients. This is especially important when dealing with allergens or sensitive foods.
3. Sanitary Design: Many refrigerated prep tables are designed with easy-to-clean surfaces and removable components, making maintaining a hygienic food preparation environment easier.

Organization

1. Ingredient Separation: The compartments and drawers in the refrigerated base of these tables allow for the organized separation of ingredients. This makes it easier to find what you need and helps prevent ingredient mix-ups.
2. Reduced Clutter: By providing dedicated storage for ingredients, prep tables reduce clutter on countertops, creating a more organized and efficient workspace.
3. Improved Inventory Management: Managing inventory with a clear view of ingredient levels is easier. This helps kitchen staff plan for restocking and reduces the risk of running out of essential items during service.

Key Features to Look for in a Refrigerated Salad/Sandwich Prep Table

When considering the purchase of a refrigerated salad/sandwich prep table for your commercial kitchen, it’s essential to pay attention to key features that will ensure the equipment meets your specific needs and provides optimal performance. Here are the key features you should look for:

Temperature Control and Consistency

1. Precise Temperature Settings: Ensure the prep table allows you to set and maintain precise temperature levels within the refrigerated base. Look for units with digital controls and displays for accuracy.
2. Consistent Cooling: Check that the refrigeration system provides consistent and even cooling throughout all compartments. Uneven temperatures can lead to ingredient spoilage and safety concerns.
3. Fast Recovery Time: A good prep table should have a quick recovery time, meaning it can return to the set temperature rapidly after the door has been opened and closed. This helps maintain ingredient freshness during busy service hours.

Storage Capacity and Organization

1. Adjustable Shelving: Look for prep tables with adjustable shelves and compartments. This feature allows you to customize the storage space to accommodate various ingredient sizes and quantities.
2. Adequate Compartments: Ensure the table offers enough compartments or drawers to meet your ingredient storage needs. Having a variety of compartment sizes is beneficial for organizing different types of ingredients.
3. Easy Access: Check that the design of the compartments allows for easy access to ingredients. Sliding drawers or hinged lids should be user-friendly and not obstruct food preparation.

Cutting Board Material and Size

1. Food-Safe Material: The cutting board material should be food-safe, durable, and easy to clean. Common materials include polyethylene, which is resistant to moisture and bacterial growth.
2. Sufficient Size: The cutting board should be large enough to accommodate food preparation tasks comfortably. It should offer ample space for chopping, slicing, and assembling sandwiches or salads.
3. Removability: Some prep tables feature removable cutting boards for easy cleaning and replacement. This can be a valuable feature for maintaining hygiene in the kitchen.

Maintenance and Care

2. Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Look for prep tables with surfaces that are easy to clean and sanitize. Stainless steel exteriors and interior surfaces are commonly used for their durability and ease of cleaning.
3. Removable Components: Consider units with removable drawers, shelves, and cutting boards. These components can be cleaned separately and more thoroughly.
4. Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient refrigeration system can save you money on operating costs. Look for prep tables with energy-efficient features like LED lighting and high-efficiency compressors.
5. Warranty: Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind and may cover parts and labor for an extended period.

Special Features of Refrigerated Salad/Sandwich Prep Tables from Ancaster Food Equipment

When it comes to refrigerated salad/sandwich prep tables, Ancaster Food Equipment stands out as a trusted supplier known for providing top-notch equipment with a range of special features. Here’s an in-depth look at what sets their prep tables apart:

1. Commitment to Quality

Ancaster Food Equipment is renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality. Their prep tables are built to last, featuring durable materials and craftsmanship that can withstand the demands of a commercial kitchen. Investing in a high-quality prep table means you can expect long-term reliability and performance.

2. Innovative Features

Ancaster’s prep tables often come equipped with innovative features beyond basic functionality. These innovations are designed to enhance the efficiency and convenience of food preparation. These features make kitchen operations smoother and more efficient, whether it’s advanced temperature controls, smart storage solutions, or user-friendly interfaces.

3. Customization Options

One size doesn’t fit all in the world of food service, and Ancaster recognizes that. They offer customization options that allow you to tailor your prep table to your specific needs. Whether you require a certain layout of compartments, special shelving configurations, or unique dimensions, Ancaster can accommodate your customization requests.

4. Energy Efficiency

In today’s environmentally conscious world, energy efficiency is a crucial consideration. Ancaster’s prep tables are designed with energy-efficient components and features. This helps you reduce your environmental footprint and lowers operating costs over time.

5. Exceptional Customer Support

Ancaster Food Equipment prides itself on providing exceptional customer support. Whether you have questions about their products, need assistance with installation, or require maintenance and service, their knowledgeable and responsive customer support team is there to assist you. This support level ensures you get the most out of your equipment.

6. Wide Range of Options

Ancaster offers a wide range of refrigerated salad/sandwich prep table options. Whether you need a compact countertop unit for a small kitchen or a large, multi-compartment table for high-volume food preparation, they have you covered. Their diverse product lineup ensures you can find the perfect table for your kitchen setup.

7. Trusted Reputation

Over the years, Ancaster Food Equipment has built a trusted reputation in the industry. They are known for consistently delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This reputation is a testament to their commitment to excellence and reliability.

8. Comprehensive Warranty

Many of Ancaster’s refrigerated prep tables come with comprehensive warranties. Knowing that your investment is protected gives you peace of mind. Should any issues arise, their warranty coverage often includes both parts and labor, minimizing downtime and expenses.

When shopping for a prep table, consider the size, refrigeration system, layout, and other features to find the best option for your needs. Proper maintenance is also important to ensure the table is functioning properly and keeping food at a safe temperature. Let our customer service team help you make the right choice for your business – call us today at 1-855-888-9644!

Ancaster Food Equipment also supplies commercial glass door freezers, commercial refrigerators, portable sinks, industrial freezers, commercial upright freezers, ice cream freezers, and more!