Do I need Vented or Solid Shelving?
When purchasing a storage system it is important to consider whether you need vented or solid style shelving. The different types of shelf plates have different advantages and disadvantages based on what you need to store and where it will be.
Solid Shelving
- Easy to clean and sterilize.
- No nooks or crannies means cleaning these shelves takes less time and effort.
- Ideal for messy areas like food prep and warewashing.
- Messes don’t spread as easily.
- Solid shelves contain drips and spills.
- Ideal for wall shelving above cooking areas and storing wet items.
Vented Shelving
- Good circulation around stored items.
- Quick drying surfaces prevent wastage.
- Helps regulate temperature in cramped areas.
- Ideal for storing packaged dry goods like flour and sugar, keeping items cooler in hot kitchens and reduces frost build up in freezers.
- Easy lifting and sliding.
- Grooves and ridges in these shelves facilitate moving heavy or very large items.
- Ideal for low racks storing large items like bulk canned goods.
Shelving Material Options
Plastic ShelvingDurable, sanitary and safe; plastic shelving will hold up for years. Pay attention when purchasing to ensure your plastic shelving will resist warping and cracking in extreme temperatures.
See Plastic Shelving
Wire ShelvingWire shelving is more affordable than plastic vented shelving, but is also susceptible to rust. Wire shelves come in attractive stainless steel or chrome finishes, or coated with epoxy to help prevent rusting.
See Wire Shelving
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