ess really isn’t more when it comes to kitchen space. Effective storage solutions can help solve spatial limitations, but with endless considerations and possibilities, this function must be given customized attention. The resulting improved work environment makes it well worth the effort.

"Everyone has limited space, and it’s always getting worse,” says Russell Stillwell, founder of Next Step Design in Annapolis, Maryland. “The main goal is to improve the density of storage, and there are several ways to accomplish this.”

In his 25 years of foodservice experience, Stillwell, a former CIAtrained chef, has improved spatial limitations for hotel clients like the Delano, the Mondrian South Beach, the Inn at Little Washington, and Rock Lobster Café at Mandalay Bay, to name a few. He is also credited with developing the horseshoe kitchen layout with restaurateur and chef Robert Kincaid.

Working the height is one way to improve the density of storage, Stillwell points out. With 9 to 10 foot ceilings, adding a shelf provides an additional 25 percent storage. In the average 7’6” standard walk-in, make it 8’6” or 9’6”, and put seldom-used items on top.

High-density shelving can also be accomplished through a library system, where shelving slides from left to right on a track. Shelving is stationary on the left and right sides, while the middle slides back and forth.

A component system consists of a rack, shelves, and poles. Analyze what it will be used for, Stillwell emphasizes, and get what you need. “Tray slides can be added. I like shelving with a removable top section that lets you add baskets for vegetables or cans,” he says. “Slats are good for coolers...and anything that is removable is good for cleaning. Cleaning is a huge issue.

“Pop-out inserts that can be put in the dishwashers were not available 10 years ago. In addition to shelving being easier to clean, casters are better now. Made of urethane, they don’t rot or wobble. And there is much more diversity. A speedrack, for example, offers storage space for small tools used for pastry.”

Shelving materials have improved as well. The standard for 20 years was wire shelving coated with chrome or stainless steel. Extruded aluminum is very durable. And the plastics available now are much more versatile. In refrigerators, shelving coated with plastic doesn’t rust. But plastic is the most expensive material.

Another consideration, reminds Stillwell, is that the health department gets involved with storage. One important requirement is that shelving be six to eight inches above the floor. Again, newer plastics, now often made of anti-microbial materials, can play a role here.

Ron Murray, senior VP of global business development for the Storage Products Group, Leggett & Platt, also emphasizes the importance of optimization and maximization of space. “Multiple tasks often must be performed in one location, especially in smaller boutique hotel kitchens,” says Murray. When designing and purchasing shelving, he says to ask:

• How can a space be best utilized?
• Does it increase productivity?
• Does it help organize the space?
• Does it increase storage capacity?
• Does it organize material flow?

Here are highlights of just a few popular systems.

LEGGETT & PLATT’S FREESTYLE SYSTEM
This system offers the durability and strength of fabricated stainless with the convenience and adaptability of wire shelving. It is strong, stable, rustproof, fully adjustable, easy to clean, and easy to customize. It employs a cantilever design that eliminates front uprights, reducing obstructions and increasing usable storage and work space by up to 40 percent within the same square footage. Features include:

• Service counter. Beyond fully adjustable shelves, FreeStyle offers the flexibility to place and plug steamers, microwaves, and other heated equipment, making it easy to take advantage of new menu applications.
• Prep station. With a typical fabricated stainless system, the ability to maximize kitchen space or make changes is extremely limited. This modular system offers more room to maneuver.
• Drive-thru.FreeStyle can work in all types of environments: drive-thru areas, dry storage, cooler, freezer, food prep/assembly, and warewashing. A wide array of accessories is available, including hanger bars/rails, shelf dividers, shelf covers, and wire overlays.
• Storage with add-on units.The patentpending Freestyle cantilever storage system is adjustable, flexible, versatile, and NSF certified. Various shelf types and accessory options configure to uprights that maximize useable kitchen and storage space.

To learn more about the FreeStyle system and other offerings from Leggett & Platt, visit www.leggettspg.com.

METROMAX Q™ SHELVING
Featuring MICROBAN® antimicrobial product protection, this technology is built into removable polymer shelf mats and inhibits the growth of bacteria, molds, mildew, and fungi that cause odors, stains, and product degradation. Shelf mats lift off the shelf frame for easy cleaning. MetroMax Q assembles in minutes, without tools. Posts have numbered grooves at 1-inch increments, and a unique corner design makes shelves easy to adjust. Its “open architecture” design allows this shelving to adapt from one application to another as needs change. To learn about the numerous ways to employ and configure popular MetroMax shelving systems, visit www.metro.com.

CAMSHELVING
This system makes storage easy in wet or dry environments. Ideal for walkin refrigerators and freezers, it withstands temperatures as cold as -36°F. Camshelving consists of:

• Stationary shelving starter units.These are preconfigured shelving units that are easy to assemble and adjust.
• Stationary shelving add-on units. When adding on to a starter unit, traverses on the first and second unit share the middle post. As a result, only two additional posts, instead of four posts or add-on clips, are needed. This simplifies assembly and reduces costs without losing weight-bearing capacity.
• Mobile shelving starter units. Preconfigured shelving units with casters, mobile units allow ease of moving shelving in storage areas.
• Individual components and accessories. As a modular system, camshelving uses post kits, shelf kits, fence systems, dunnage stands, and casters for mobile units. Components are available in a variety of dimensions that provide the flexibility to custom build shelving in any configuration or to fit in any size area.
• Wall shelves.Wall shelves feature I-beam shelf supports with reinforced polypropylene shelves that snap on and off for easy cleaning. This snap-fit rail design allows flexible placement of supports to facilitate installation into wall studs.
• Dunnage racks. Dunnage racks keep frozen, cold, or dry inventory 12 inches off the floor. Available with solid or slotted tops for maximum air circulation around perishable products stored in coolers and freezers.

To learn more about Camshelving options, visit www.cambro.com.