| Prep tables for restaurant kitchens can transform | | | | wall, typically a splashback is effective to keep |
| the work flow from a jumbled mess to a highly | | | | items on the prep table. |
| productive, efficient production center. Staff who | | | | 4. Casters. Where the table is moved on a regular |
| have worked in cramped conditions often show | | | | basis, casters with a simple locking mechanism are |
| improved morale when provided with effective | | | | very effective. They also assist when cleaning. |
| work space that these tables can provide. | | | | 5. Storage. Well designed prep tables often have |
| Prep tables should have the following features: | | | | under bench storage for preparation utensils. They |
| 1. Made from a material that is easy to keep | | | | may also have cupboards and draws which are |
| clean. Stainless steel and aluminium are preferred | | | | customizable to make the most efficient use of |
| materials. | | | | the space below and remove clutter from the |
| 2. Size. Determine the best fit size to suit the | | | | table. |
| kitchen and the workflow. A greater surface | | | | 6. Specialised. There are other preparation table |
| area is preferred, however, sometimes can be | | | | features that are designed for specific roles. |
| too big. If food products or food utensils are | | | | These include adding a sink, adding refrigeration, |
| pushed to the rear of the table, and left there, it | | | | see through doors on cupboards, cupboard doors |
| can be unhygienic or unsightly and show signs of | | | | on both sides of the table. |
| disorganisation. | | | | One aspect often overlooked is not a feature of |
| Height should also be considered. A very low or | | | | prep tables but is strongly recommended to |
| very high table will need to be modified to be | | | | enhance the usability. This is the amount of light |
| effective in the kitchen. | | | | over the work area these tables provide. For a |
| 3. Design. Identify where the extra work | | | | small outlay, the work environment can be |
| space will be located - against an immovable | | | | improved by the simple addition of well located |
| object such as a wall or free standing with traffic | | | | lighting above a prep table. |
| passing by on all sides. When located against a | | | | |