If you are running a food business, especially a pizzeria, sandwich shop, salad bar, or bakery, one of the most essential pieces of equipment you can have in your kitchen is a commercial prep table. The problem, however, is that there are so many types of prep tables, and to many people, the differences between them are not so apparent.
Now, if you are going for a prep table, you need to get it right. A prep table is not just a convenient work surface in your kitchen: it quickly becomes the backbone that supports efficient, hygienic, and fast food preparation.
So, with so many types available, how do you know which one you need? Let's take a look at prep tables, their features, and characteristics, and help you decide which one you need
What are the Main Types of Prep Tables?
There are six main types of prep tables: pizza prep tables, sandwich prep tables, mega top prep tables, worktop prep tables, and chef base prep tables. To tell one apart from the other, examine the size and design of the cutting surfaces, check whether it has top ingredient storage space, and whether it has a space underneath for refrigerated storage.
1. Pizza Prep Tables Refrigerators
A pizza prep table is easily identified by its sizable cutting surface, which is wide and deep, such that it can easily handle pizza dough.
Pizza prep tables are ideal for pizzerias and other businesses that prepare large dough-based items. Pizza prep tables also feature refrigerated topping rails for storing ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables within easy reach. Beneath, you usually get a refrigerated cabinet to store extra ingredients.
Why Choose a Pizza Prep Table Refrigerator?
If your menu revolves around pizzas or other large baked items, a pizza prep table refrigerator is what you need. It gives you the depth and storage you need to prep quickly and keep toppings fresh.
Recommended Pizza Prep Table Refrigerator
Consider this 70-inch 2 Door Commercial Pizza Prep Table Refrigerator from Wilprep. It features a 20.4 cu. ft. volume, a full-length cutting board, and 9 GN 1/3 pans, offering ample space for smooth pizza preparation and backup ingredient storage.
The shelves are height-adjustable, each capable of holding up to 88 lb, helping you store and organize assorted ingredients and supplies. Doors close at 90° or less and stay open beyond 90°, with an LED illuminating your way whenever the doors are open.
2. Sandwich and Salad Prep Tables
The second type of prep tables is sandwich prep tables. These are common in sandwich shops, delis, salad bars, or cafes, and they are primarily used for quickly putting together and serving a variety of food items.
A sandwich prep table is easily identifiable by its medium-depth cutting boards and shallow top pans for toppings like deli meats, vegetables, and dressings. They also have refrigerated storage underneath.
Why Choose a Sandwich/Salad Prep Table?
If your menu focuses on quick assembly items, like sandwiches or salads, a sandwich table allows fast, organized prep and keeps ingredients at the right temperature.
Recommended Sandwich Prep Table Refrigerator
This 72-in commercial sandwich/ salad prep table refrigerator features three doors with a total capacity of 18.2 cu. ft., a full-length cutting board, and 18 GN 1/6 pans. You get ample space for smooth sandwich and salad preparation as well as backup ingredient storage.
Shelves are also height-adjustable, holding up to 88 lb. each, and the interior is lit with LED lights so you can easily find your items.
3. Mega Top Prep Tables
Mega top prep tables are designed for high-volume sandwich or salad operations, and they are designed for larger businesses receiving multitudes of customers regularly.
Mega top prep tables are similar to standard sandwich prep tables, except that they are noticeably larger, with more rows of ingredient pans, allowing you to handle a larger variety of toppings simultaneously. They also have refrigerated cabinets underneath to keep extra ingredients ready.
Why Choose a Mega Top Table?
If your business offers a wide variety of menu items or has a high daily volume, you might want to go for a mega top table. It will help you keep everything organized and accessible.
4. Worktop Prep Tables
Commercial worktop refrigerators are the types of prep table refrigerators that combine a flat prep surface with refrigerated storage below, but usually don’t have top ingredient rails. What distinguishes them from other types of prep tables is that they are highly versatile and can basically be used for all kinds of prep work. They are great for general food preparation in multi-purpose kitchens.
Why Choose a Worktop Table Refrigerator?
Go for a worktop table if your menu is varied, or your kitchen space is limited. It will provide the flexibility you need for different types of food prep.
Recommended Worktop Prep Table Refrigerator
The 28-inch Commercial Undercounter Worktop Refrigerator is a solid and reliable worktop prep table choice for small food businesses that may not have a large budget or are looking to economize kitchen space. It is a single-door undercounter refrigerator, with a 6.2 cu. ft. capacity and a temperature range of 32 to 50°F. With this unit, you can properly store eggs, milk, and fresh produce while simultaneously preparing your dishes on the worktop.
For larger businesses, Wilprep offers larger models, including a larger 72-inch unit.
5. Bakery Prep Tables (Refrigerated)
Bakery prep tables are specifically designed for bakeries and businesses handling dough and pastry items.
They have wide, smooth surfaces for working dough and often come with refrigeration underneath to maintain ideal temperatures for dough handling. What separates bakery prep tables from pizza prep tables is that they usually do not include top ingredient rails: they are designed for baking only.
Why Choose a Bakery Prep Table?
If your business is focused on bread, pastry, or other dough-based products, a bakery prep table is what you need. It will help maintain product quality and consistency, even as you bake in large batches.
6. Chef Base Prep Tables
A Chef base prep table refrigerator features a flat top that can support other cooking equipment (like a grill or a griddle), and has refrigerated drawers underneath for ingredients. They typically do not have top ingredient rails.
Why Choose a Chef Base Table?
If you need prep space that doubles as a cooking station while keeping ingredients close at hand, a chef's base table is a great fit.
Recommended Chef Base Commercial Refrigerator
This 72-inch Commercial Chef Base Refrigerator features four drawers, a 4.8 cu. ft. volume, a full-size countertop, and 12 stainless steel GN pans. You get ample space for ingredient storage and hassle-free placement of countertop cooking equipment.
Prep Table Types: Main Differences
The main differences between the different types of prep table refrigerators come down to three factors: surface size and depth, top ingredient storage, and refrigerated storage below.
- Surface Size/Depth: Pizza tables are deeper for dough prep, bakery tables are wider for rolling and shaping, while sandwich/salad tables are medium-sized for quick assembly.
- Top Ingredient Storage: Only pizza, sandwich, and mega top tables have dedicated top ingredient rails for easy access during assembly.
- Refrigerated Storage: All types typically include storage below, but chef base tables focus on drawers under equipment, and worktop tables may be more general-purpose.
Types of Prep Table Refrigerators at a Glance
| Prep Table Type | Primary Use | Cutting Surface Size/Depth | Ingredient Storage (Top Rail) | Storage Below | Unique Feature |
| Pizza Prep Table | Making pizzas | Deep and wide (fits pizza doughs) | Yes, deep pans for toppings | Refrigerated cabinet | Extra depth for large crust prepping |
| Sandwich/Salad Table | Assembling sandwiches and salads | Medium depth | Yes, shallow pans | Refrigerated cabinet | Compact and efficient for quick assembly |
| Mega Top Prep Table | Expanded sandwich/salad prep | Medium depth | Yes, more rows of pans than standard | Refrigerated cabinet | Extra ingredient capacity on top |
| Worktop Prep Table | General food prep | Standard surface (flat worktop) | No top ingredient rail | Refrigerated cabinet | Versatile for multiple prep tasks |
| Bakery Prep Table (Refrigerated) | Dough preparation in bakeries | Wide and smooth | Optional (usually none) | Refrigerated cabinet | Temperature control for dough handling |
| Chef Base Prep Table | Cooking line storage and prep | Flat and sturdy | None (equipment sits on top) | Refrigerated drawers | Supports heavy cooking equipment above |
How to Decide Which Prep Table Refrigerator You Need
1. Consider Your Menu
- Pizza-focused? Go for a pizza prep table.
- Sandwiches or salads? A sandwich or mega top table works best.
- Bakery items? Choose a bakery prep table.
- Cooking line with prep? Opt for a chef base.
2. Think About Volume
- High-volume sandwich or salad shops benefit from mega top tables.
- Smaller or multi-purpose kitchens may prefer worktop prep tables.
3. Consider Your Space and Layout
Measure your kitchen carefully: deep or wide tables take up more space but may save time during prep.
4. Ingredient Access Needs
- If you need quick access to many toppings, look for tables with top ingredient rails.
- If most prep is done on the counter with storage underneath, a worktop or chef base table is ideal.
Final Thoughts on Prep Table Refrigerator Types
Again, when you invest in the right prep table, you are not just buying kitchen equipment: the right prep table refrigerator will play a pivotal role in the success of your business. Take the time to match the table to your needs, and you’ll notice the difference in prep speed, ingredient organization, and overall kitchen workflow.
