Countertop cooking equipment needs a solid base. Griddles, charbroilers, hot plates, fryers and countertop ovens are often set on an equipment stand instead of a regular work table. The right stand puts equipment at a safe working height, carries the weight, and gives storage underneath. Here is what to check.
Why Not Just Use a Work Table
A work table is built for prep, not for heavy, hot equipment. Equipment stands are usually lower than a work table so the cooking surface of countertop equipment ends up at a comfortable height. They are also built to carry concentrated weight. Some stands have a raised edge or grill design that fits under countertop units on a cook line.
Equipment stand with undershelf and casters, heavy duty
Equipment grill stand with undershelf
Sizing the Stand
Match the stand width to the equipment on top. A 36 inch griddle needs a stand at least that wide. If two pieces share one stand, add their widths and leave a little space between them if the manufacturer calls for it. Depth should match or slightly exceed the equipment depth so nothing hangs over the front edge. Check each piece’s spec sheet for clearance to walls and combustible surfaces.
Examples of countertop equipment that often sits on a stand:
Standard Range SR-CB24-M 24 inch gas countertop radiant charbroiler, 70,000 BTU
Standard Range SR-CB36-M 36 inch gas countertop radiant charbroiler, 105,000 BTU
Height and Ergonomics
Cooks stand at the line for hours. Add the equipment height to the stand height and compare that to the rest of the line. You want the cooking surface roughly even with adjacent equipment so pans slide across and cooks do not reach up or bend down. If the stand is too tall, a flat top becomes a strain on shoulders.
Casters or Fixed Legs
Casters make it easy to pull equipment out for cleaning behind the line, which is where grease builds up. If you use casters under gas equipment, the gas connection normally needs a flexible commercial connector and a restraining cable. Have a licensed gas fitter do the connection and confirm local requirements. Always lock casters during use.
4 inch caster wheels for work tables and equipment stands, set of 4
Undershelf Storage
The undershelf holds sheet pans, spare cutting boards or backup pans. Do not store paper goods or flammable items under hot equipment. Keep the shelf clean, since grease drips down.
Under the Hood
Gas cooking equipment on a stand typically goes under a commercial exhaust hood with fire suppression. The stand and equipment together must fit within the hood coverage area. Check with your hood installer and local fire marshal before you finalize the layout.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- What exact equipment goes on top, and how wide and deep is it?
- What is the total weight?
- Should the cooking surface line up with the rest of the line?
- Do I need casters for cleaning access?
- Will the stand sit under the hood?
A Quick Layout Check
Before ordering, tape the stand footprint on the floor under the hood. Place a cardboard box the size of the equipment on the tape. Walk the line as if it is a Friday rush. If you bump the corner or cannot reach the next station, change the width now instead of after delivery.
Next Steps
Browse equipment stands and tables and equipment stands to match width and height to your line. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
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.
Equipment Stand with Undershelf + Casters, Heavy Duty
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Equipment Stand with Undershelf
- 430 SS Corrosion-resistant
- Heavy-Duty Commercial grade
Stainless Steel Equipment Grill Stand with Undershelf
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Stainless Steel Equipment Grill Stand
- Heavy-Duty 18-gauge steel
- Extra Storage Adjustable shelf
Standard Range SR-CB24-M 24″ Gas Countertop Radiant Charbroiler – 70,000 BTU (model SR-CB24-M)
- Brand: Standard Range
- 24-inch countertop gas radiant charbroiler with 2 independently controlled burners and 70,000 total BTU.
- Cast iron grates over steel radiants deliver even, high-heat searing for steaks, burgers, chicken and vegetables.
- Stainless steel construction with a pull-out grease tray and adjustable legs.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Standard Range SR-CB36-M 36″ Gas Countertop Radiant Charbroiler – 105,000 BTU (model SR-CB36-M)
- Brand: Standard Range
- 36-inch countertop gas radiant charbroiler with 3 independently controlled burners and 105,000 total BTU.
- Cast iron grates over steel radiants deliver even, high-heat searing for steaks, burgers, chicken and vegetables.
- Stainless steel construction with a pull-out grease tray and adjustable legs.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
4″ Caster Wheels for Work Tables & Equipment Stands | Set of 4 Heavy-Duty Swivel Casters with Brakes (model B0BGYL3G7V)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Set of 4 swivel casters — 2 with locking brakes, 2 free-rolling
- 4″ wheel — rolls over floor drains, grout lines and thresholds more easily than a 3″
- Fits most stainless steel work tables, prep tables and equipment stands with threaded leg sockets
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.