A good utility cart saves hundreds of trips a week. It moves dishes to the dish pit, stock from receiving to storage and supplies between rooms. The right cart depends on what you move, how far and over what floor. This guide helps you pick a cart that holds up.
Types of Carts
Shelf utility carts have two or three shelves and are the all round choice for bussing, restocking and moving smallwares. Platform carts and flatbed dollies carry heavy, bulky loads such as cases, kegs and sacks from the delivery door to storage. Trolley carts with a work surface double as a small mobile station for catering or plating. Special carts, like a rice warmer stand on wheels, hold one piece of equipment at working height.
CART-TUC-2133 3 shelf utility kitchen metal cart, 33 x 21 x 33
CART-TUC-1524 3 shelf utility kitchen metal cart, 24 x 15 x 33
Express-KitchQuip platform cart, heavy duty flatbed
PWTC-2030 20 x 30 utility trolley cart
ES-1414 rice warmer cart stand with wheels, 14 x 14
Size: Measure Your Doorways
The most common mistake is buying a cart that does not fit through a door or down a line aisle. Measure the narrowest doorway and aisle on the route. A compact cart around 24 by 15 inches moves easily through tight kitchens. A larger cart around 33 by 21 inches carries more per trip but needs wider paths. Check the height too, so the top shelf lines up with the counters you load from.
Wheels and Floors
Wheels decide how a cart feels. Larger wheels roll better over floor drains, thresholds and tile grout. Carts with swivel wheels on all corners turn easily in tight spaces. If you roll heavy loads down a ramp, look for locking wheels. Replace worn or cracked casters promptly, as they make carts hard to push and can cause spills.
Material
Stainless and metal carts handle hot pans, are easy to sanitize and suit food areas. Carts with a wood top give a softer work surface for catering prep but need more care. For dirty dish bussing, choose a cart that can be hosed down or wiped easily.
Load and Safety
Put heavy items on the bottom shelf to keep the center of gravity low. Do not stack bus tubs so high the driver cannot see over them. Push carts instead of pulling them when possible, and slow down at corners and doorways.
Cleaning
Wipe carts daily, especially bussing carts that carry food waste. Once a week, clean wheels and axles, where food and hair build up. Check shelf joints for loose screws.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- What is the main job: bussing, restocking, receiving or catering?
- What is the narrowest doorway on the route?
- How heavy is the heaviest load?
- Are there ramps, drains or thresholds to roll over?
- Does the cart need to hold hot items?
- Do I need one large cart or two smaller ones?
How Many Carts
A small restaurant usually needs one bussing cart and one receiving cart. Larger operations add carts for each station or for catering. Carts parked in walkways become hazards, so plan a parking spot for each one.
Next Steps
Browse carts and trolleys and food service carts and match cart size to your doorways. 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.
3 Shelf Utility Kitchen Metal Cart 33″x21″X33″ Commercial (model CART-TUC-2133)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- 3 Shelf Utility Kitchen Metal Cart
- Strong 18-gauge steel
- Spacious 3 shelves
Commercial 3 Shelf Utility Kitchen Metal Cart 24″X15″X33″ (model CART-TUC-1524)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Durable stainless steel platform cart designed for easy transport of heavy loads in commercial kitchens, warehouses, and storage areas.
- Features a spacious flatbed, smooth-rolling swivel casters, and an ergonomic push handle for effortless maneuverability and reliable everyday performance.
PWTC-2030 20″ X 30″ Stainless Steel Utility Trolley Cart (model PWTC-2030)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- 20″ X 30″ Stainless Steel Utility Trolley Cart
- Wood Top Work Cart
- Durable Genuine Hevea Hardwood Top
Commercial Rice Warmer Cart Stand with Wheels 14″ x 14″ (model ES-1414)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial Rice Warmer Cart Stand
- Durable Long-lasting steel
- Stable Lockable wheels
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.