Selecting the Ideal Counter Surface Material for Your Commercial Kitchen; Insights from a Used Restaurant Equipment Supplier in Lemont

August 8th, 2020

Stainless steel countertop in a restaurant kitchen in Lemont, IllinoisRestaurant equipment in commercial kitchens needs to be able to withstand both the demands of constant daily use, as well as the test of time. This is true for cookware such as pots, pans, and knives, and heavy equipment such as ovens, refrigerators, and grills. To add to this list, a good countertop is equally important for handling the everyday rigorous of the kitchen. A countertop aids as a horizontal food preparation surface, and it also offers a lot of versatility for a commercial kitchen.

The countertop surface should be positioned at an ergonomic height for chefs to perform food preparation tasks with ease. It should also have slots for accessory items or built-in appliances, depending on the needs of the restaurant.

A countertop may be made from different materials based on factors such as durability, functionality, or aesthetics. In this post, we’ll discuss a few different types of counter surfaces to help you select the ideal one for your commercial kitchen in Lemont.

Concrete

Concrete has a striking, a bold look. It is a material that is most commonly used to make roads and sidewalks due to its strength and high durability — rest assured, it holds up well in a kitchen setting. Concrete countertops can take up to 28 days to set and dry completely, so it may not be a good choice if you are on a tight schedule. As far as aesthetics is concerned, concrete can sometimes form cracks.

Solid Surfaces

These countertops are made from polyester, acrylic, or a blend of both. Solid surface countertops offer a wide range of choices in terms of colors and patterns available, and they are also low maintenance. Their seams can also be bonded together to create unnoticeable joints, making a longer countertop space. They are non-porous and easily repairable. However, they are non-heat resistant, and are prone to showing scratches.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone with high durability. It is available in a range of dark and light colors, and it can be cut with a variety of edge choices. Granite countertops generally require little maintenance. They can be cleaned with only a little soap and water. Porous granites, however, may require periodic sealing to prevent stains. Granite is also heat-resistant, so hot pots and pans can be placed on them. One thing to note is that you should avoid cutting directly on the granite countertop; because it’s a hard stone, it can quickly dull kitchen knives.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is, by far, the most preferred choice for commercial kitchen countertops. It is corrosion resistant, it resists the effects of food stains and meat juice, and it can withstand harsh cleaning products often used in commercial kitchens. A minor drawback of stainless steel is that it can scratch or dent, and over time, these small damages may become noticeable. But, for the most part, stainless steel is incredibly durable, non-porous, shiny, stain-resistant, sleek, hygienic, and has all the attributes needed for the ultimate commercial kitchen countertop surface.

Are you looking for used restaurant equipment in Lemont, Illinois?

If you’re looking for any used restaurant equipment in the Lemont area, then March Quality is the company to call.

For over 30 years, we’ve been offering an efficient secondary market for restaurant owners who are entering the industry. At the same time, we’ve also been providing a place for current businesses to sell their equipment.

After we purchase a used piece of equipment, we refurbish it until it’s like new, then sell it for a fraction of the price of new equipment.

Contact us today to discuss pricing and information!

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