Different cuisines have different steam table needs. Configuring for your cuisine optimizes service and quality.
One model to look at: our bain marie food warmer.
American Casual Dining
Standard items work well with 1/2 size pans. Limited depth variety needed. 4-inch depth suffices for most items. Straightforward configuration serves well.
Italian Restaurants
Pasta service benefits from multiple smaller portions. 1/6 or 1/9 sizes enable variety. Sauces in dedicated pans. Pasta quantity control improves presentation.
Mexican Service
Rice, beans, proteins in separate pans. 1/3 sizes work well. Toppings in smallest sizes. Organization supports service flow.
Asian Cuisine
Small portions in various preparations. 1/9 sizes maximize variety. 6-inch depth for saucy items. Precision portions support presentation.
Braised Meat Specialty
Heavy reliance on deep-cooked items. 6-inch depth predominates. Fewer size variations needed. Depth takes priority.
Seafood Service
Fresh preparations require frequent refreshing. Multiple 1/3 or 1/6 sizes. Variety and freshness both matter. Smaller portions change frequently.
Vegetarian Focused
Plant-based items vary widely. Multiple size options serve variety. Minimize waste from improper sizing. Flexibility supports specialty items.
Fine Dining
Smaller portions, more items. 1/6 or 1/9 sizes dominate. Precision and presentation critical. Quality over quantity.
Buffet Service
Extensive variety benefits from mixed sizes. Multiple 1/6 and 1/9 sizes. Visual interest through variety. Flexibility enables buffet appeal.
Outfitting a commercial kitchen? Browse our Work Tables, Commercial Refrigerators, Cooking Equipment and Bar Equipment.
Popular models in these categories
These are the most popular models in the categories this guide links to, with the main points from each product page. Open a category above to see the full range.
ALL Stainless Steel Work Table 35″ Height – Stainless Legs & Undershelf, Heavy Duty NSF
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial-Grade Construction: Built from heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant stainless steel to withstand scratching, denting, and harsh chemical sanitizers.
- NSF Certified for Food Safety: Meets strict public health and safety standards, making it fully approved for commercial restaurant inspection requirements.
- Ergonomic 35-Inch Height: Engineered to provide an optimal working height that reduces back strain during long hours of food preparation or workshop assembly.
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Durable stainless steel prep work table with double overshelf , designed for busy commercial kitchens.
- Provides a strong prep surface with convenient storage to keep tools, ingredients, and supplies organized.
Coldline SPN-60 60″ Narrow Depth Sandwich Prep Table (model SPN-60)
- Brand: Coldline
- Narrow Depth Table
- Cutting Board and Food Pans
- Pre-installed Casters
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
Westlake WKSR-48B 48″ Sandwich Prep Table Refrigerator (model WKSR-48B)
- Brand: Westlake
- Precision Temperature Control: Maintain food safety with a digital temperature system ranging from 33°F to 40°F .
- Eco-Friendly Performance: Utilizes R290 Hydrocarbon refrigerant , which is environmentally specialized for high efficiency and low GWP (Global Warming Potential).
- Automatic Defrost: Minimize maintenance and downtime with a fully automatic defrost cycle .
- Warranty: 6-Year Compressor / 2-Year Parts & Labor
Dukers Gas Fryer – 3, 4 or 5 Tube Burners, Natural Gas or Propane (model DUKERS-DCF)
- Brand: Dukers
- DCF3-NG Natural Gas Fryer
- High BTU Fast frying
- 40 lbs Tank Durable
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
HCVE-16-120 23″ Half Size Electric Convection Oven, 120V (model HCVE-16-120)
- Brand: Cookline
- HCVE-16-120 23″ Electric Countertop Convection Oven
- Holds Up To (4) 1/2 Size Sheet Pans
- 150-500 F Temp Range
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
22″ x 18″ Mixology Station Bar Sink with Glass Rinser – NSF (model UMS-2218)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- The 22″ x 18″ Mixology Station Underbar Hand Sink is a compact, all-in-one beverage prep station designed for busy bars and restaurants.
- Overall Dimensions: 22.
- 5″ x 18″ x 33″ with 3″ backsplash.
Underbar Hand Sink with Cabinet Base – NSF Stainless Steel
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Compact stainless steel underbar hand sink with built-in cabinet storage, designed for commercial kitchens and bars.
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.