A dunnage rack is a low, solid platform that keeps heavy, bulky stock off the floor: sacks of flour and rice, cases of oil and cans, kegs and bulk produce. Pick one by the height you need off the floor, the footprint of what you store, the weight it has to carry and whether it lives in a walk-in or a dry storage room.
Our aluminum dunnage racks come in 14 sizes drawn from depths of 14, 20 or 24 inches, lengths of 24, 36, 48 or 60 inches, and heights of 8 or 12 inches, rated from 1,300 to 1,850 lbs depending on size. The rest of this guide explains how to choose among them.
Why food goes on a rack, not the floor
The FDA Food Code says food has to be stored in a clean, dry place, protected from splash and dust, and at least 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. There are narrow exceptions, such as packaged food on case lot handling equipment built for that purpose, and pressurized beverage containers and cased food in waterproof containers like bottles or cans, which may sit on a clean, dry floor. Both of our rack heights, 8 and 12 inches, clear the 6 inch mark. Your local health department has the final say on how it applies to your storage.
Beyond the code, getting stock off the floor lets staff mop underneath, keeps cardboard out of puddles and gives pests fewer places to hide.
Dunnage rack or shelving?
- Choose a dunnage rack for heavy items you do not want to lift: 50 lb bags, oil jugs, stacked cases of cans, kegs.
- Choose wire shelving for cases you pick from one at a time and lighter items you want at eye level.
- Most dry storage rooms and walk-ins use both: shelving on the walls, dunnage racks below or beside it for bulk.
How to choose the size
Depth: 14, 20 or 24 inches
Match the depth to what sits on it. A 14 inch deep rack suits a single row of cases along a wall where the aisle is tight. Deeper racks hold sacks and kegs that are wider than a case. Measure your largest item before choosing.
Length: 24 to 60 inches
Measure the wall run and the door opening. Two shorter racks are easier to move for cleaning than one long one, and they let you split stock by type. A 60 inch rack holds more in one run but is heavier to pull out.
Height: 8 or 12 inches
Both clear the 6 inch storage rule. The 12 inch height leaves more room for a mop or broom underneath and puts the load a little closer to waist height for lifting. The 8 inch height suits stacked cases where you want to keep the top of the stack lower.
Capacity: 1,300 to 1,850 lbs by size
Add up the heaviest load you put on it at once, such as after a delivery, not the average. A pallet of flour sacks broken down onto one rack can be more than it looks. Check the rating for the exact size on the product page.
Aluminum in walk-ins and freezers
Our dunnage racks are welded aluminum, NSF listed, which suits wet walk-in coolers and freezers where steel can rust. Aluminum is light enough to pull out for cleaning. Wash it with a mild detergent and water and dry it before restocking; harsh chlorine cleaners can dull aluminum, which is common guidance for aluminum equipment.
Layout tips
- Run racks along walls so the center aisle stays clear.
- Leave a gap between the rack and the wall so you can sweep behind it.
- Keep raw meat cases on the lowest storage level and away from ready-to-eat items, following your health department’s guidance on storage order.
- Label the wall above each rack so deliveries go to the same spot every time.
- Rotate stock first in, first out.
What goes with it
Bulk flour and sugar you scoop daily belong in mobile ingredient bins; our mobile bin comes in 22 and 27 gallon sizes with a sliding lid. For dry goods and small items above prep areas, commercial kitchen wall shelving keeps the floor clear and the stock in reach.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using wood pallets in food storage. They soak up moisture and are hard to clean.
- Stacking so high on a low rack that the stack can tip.
- Pushing racks tight against the wall.
- Buying one long rack that nobody can move to clean under.
- Ignoring the rated capacity after a big delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How high off the floor does food have to be?
At least 6 inches under the Food Code, with a few exceptions for certain packaged items. Both 8 and 12 inch racks meet that height.
Can I use a dunnage rack in a walk-in freezer?
Yes. Aluminum handles the cold and the moisture of walk-ins and freezers, and a solid rack carries heavy frozen cases that can bend lighter shelving.
Which size do I need for kegs?
Measure the diameter of your kegs and the number you store side by side, then choose the depth and length that fit them with a little space between.
How much weight can a dunnage rack hold?
Ours are rated from 1,300 to 1,850 lbs depending on size. The rating for each size is on the product page.
Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price, and dunnage racks are non-powered items with a 14 day return window.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Commercial Aluminum Dunnage Rack – Heavy Duty Kitchen Storage | Express KitchQuip | NSF Certified
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Extreme Strength: Supports heavy bulk loads from 1,300 lbs to 1,850 lbs depending on size.
- Sanitary Design: Keeps supplies 8–12″ off the floor to meet health codes and prevent contamination.
- Rust-Proof: High-grade, all-welded aluminum is ideal for walk-in freezers and wet environments.
Heavy Duty Epoxy Wire Shelf for Kitchens, Utility Rooms
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Heavy Duty Epoxy Wire Shelf
- NSF Approved Safe & durable
- Storage Solution Home & commercial use
Mobile Ingredient Storage Bin with Sliding Lid – 22 & 27 Gal Capacity
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Mobile Ingredient Storage Bin
- Holds 540–680 cups dry goods
- Sliding lid with clear front
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.