According to Merriam-Webster, utility is defined as the state of being useful or beneficial or being fit for some purpose to some end. Aptly named, utility carts are highly useful fulfilling in a wide variety of tasks in food and beverage transport along with many other industries. Like any other equipment purchase, it’s best to put some thought into what you will be utilizing your utility cart for before you begin shopping. Here are some of the primary variables you’ll need to consider as you look for a utility cart for your operation.
Which material will best suit your needs? Utility carts are available in metal, plastic and wire. Each material has its own benefits.
Most plastic utility carts are made of durable polypropylene. These carts are lighter in weight than a metal cart and they won’t rust or corrode, which is highly beneficial in any wet or damp environment. Plastic utility carts are also difficult to dent like a metal cart would be. Typically you will find plastic utility carts with load capacity of 200 to 500 pounds although if you are looking for a higher capacity, you can find heavy-duty plastic carts that will have capacity over 500 lbs.
Metal utility carts are often selected for their durability and strength. You can find utility carts with load capacities much greater than their plastic counterparts. There are some metal utility carts that have capacities as high as 5,000 lbs. and can transport a wide array of very heavy items easily.
The third option available is wire utility carts. Wire carts won’t collect dust or debris because they pass through the shelves, which can help for sanitation. Wire utility carts typically have a good deal of versatility. You can find some wire utility carts with adjustable shelves to accommodate large items easily, or angled shelves which are great for display. There are also basket carts which have deep, basket-like shelves.
Once you’ve decided on a material, you also need to consider how many shelves you need and if you need a particular type of shelf. Two-shelf utility carts are versatile in many different applications because the lower shelf can accommodate taller items, like large stock pots, easily. When you add more shelves to a cart, you can hold more, smaller items.
Shelf type is also an important component when making a utility cart choice. If you will be moving heavy items on and off the cart, a flush shelf may be best. This shelf type has no edge making it easier to slide items on and off without lifting them first to get them off the cart. A lipped shelf, on the other hand is handy to keep items that are on the cart from rolling off the shelves. There are also deep-lipped shelves available which are great for holding many objects that are highly varied and irregular. There are also carts that have a three sided lip. These carts have one side that is flush to make loading and unloading easier, but also have the lip on three sides to minimize having items fall off of the cart. Finally, you can find a hybrid type utility cart that has both a fully flush shelf and lipped or partially lipped shelf.
Whether you are looking for a utility cart to move supplies from the loading dock to cold storage or carry items from dining room to the kitchen, with a little forethought you can find the best utility cart to meet your needs.
