Introduction

Fast food stainless steel cabinets and shelving are an essential part of any quick service restaurant. They allow you to safely store food, plates, utensils and more, while being easy to clean and sanitize. When outfitting your fast food business, choosing high-quality stainless steel cabinets is important for creating an efficient kitchen.

There are many factors to consider when deciding where to purchase your stainless steel cabinets. Price, quality, delivery timelines, customization options and customer service will all play a role. Doing thorough research and selecting the right supplier can save you time, hassle and money down the road.

This detailed guide will walk you through the pros and cons of various places to buy fast food stainless steel cabinets. We’ll provide tips on getting accurate quotes, deciding on features, and evaluating suppliers. With the insights below, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on where to get the best cabinets for your fast food business.

Purchasing from a Restaurant Equipment Distributor

Restaurant equipment distributors specialize in commercial grade kitchen supplies for foodservice businesses. This makes them a logical place to purchase your stainless steel cabinets. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of buying from a restaurant equipment distributor:

Benefits

Large selection – Distributors offer a huge range of equipment and cabinetry from leading brands. You can find many sizes, configurations and accessories to outfit your full kitchen.
Industry expertise – Sales reps at distributors understand the unique needs of commercial kitchens. They can advise you on the best options for maximizing workflow and efficiency.
All in one place – No need to source cabinets, sinks, tables and accessories from different vendors. Distributors are a one-stop-shop.
Fast shipping – Large distributors have warehouses nationwide and extensive logistics networks. This allows faster delivery times.
New and used – Many distributors offer both new and used stainless steel cabinets. Used can provide big cost savings.

Drawbacks

Higher cost – Distributors may have higher markups than buying direct from manufacturers. Be sure to get quotes from multiple vendors.
Potentially limited customization – Modification options may be constrained compared to custom fabrication shops.
Focus on selling – Some distributors are more focused on making a sale than ensuring you get the optimal items for your needs.

Top Restaurant Equipment Distributors

Some of the best known restaurant equipment distributors include:

WebstaurantStore
Central Restaurant Products
KaTom Restaurant Supply
E&R Food Service Equipment
Ace Mart Restaurant Supply

When comparing distributors, look at their selection, prices, warranties, shipping rates and customer service. Be sure to get quotes from multiple vendors before making your decision.

Buying Directly from a Manufacturer

Another option is to purchase stainless steel cabinets directly from the factory that makes them. Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks:

Benefits

Better customization – Manufacturers can tweak cabinet dimensions and features to your exact specifications.
Lower prices – Cutting out distributor and retailer markups can save substantially on costs.
Quality assurance – Buying direct from the source gives assurance you’re getting authentic products.
Buy in bulk – Manufacturers may offer discounts for bulk purchases of multiple units.
Financing options – Many manufacturers can offer flexible financing for buying cabinets and equipment.

Drawbacks

Minimum orders – Manufacturers may require large minimum orders that are unrealistic for small businesses.
Limited selection – Each factory only makes certain product lines and models.
Direct shipping – Logistics of getting cabinets from factory to your location must be arranged.
No middleman support – You may lack guidance from salespeople on product selection.

Top Fast Food Cabinet Manufacturers

Well known fast food cabinet and equipment manufacturers include:

Avantco
Metro Shelving
Eagle Group
Advance Tabco
Continental Refrigerator

Reaching out to manufacturers directly allows you to cut out the middleman. But be sure to confirm order minimums and logistics before buying.

Purchasing Used Fast Food Cabinets

From restaurants going out of business to facilities updating equipment, there is a robust secondary market for used fast food cabinets and shelving units. Here are some upsides and downsides of going the used route:

Benefits

Major cost savings – Used stainless steel cabinets can cost 50-75% less than buying new.
Availability – Lots of used items are ready to ship immediately from dealers’ inventories.
Environmentally friendly – Purchasing used extends the lifecycle rather than contributing to landfill waste.
Solid condition – Many used cabinets are slightly worn but structurally sound and have years of life left.

Drawbacks

Limited selection – You may need to compromise if unable to find exact cabinet configurations desired.
No warranties – Used equipment is generally sold as-is without any warranty coverage.
Cosmetic issues – Scratches, dents and other wear will be apparent with used cabinets.
Sanitization – Used items may require thorough cleaning and sanitizing beforehand.

Where to Buy Used Fast Food Cabinets

The best places to find quality used fast food cabinets and shelving include:

Online restaurant equipment resellers – WebstaurantStore, BidOnEquipment, Restaurant Equipment World
Restaurant auctions and liquidations – Heritage Food Service Group,JJ Kane, My Restaurant Auction
Classified ads – Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor
Restaurant supply retailers – Check with local stores for trade-in or refurbished inventory

When buying used, carefully inspect condition, measure dimensions and test operation prior to purchasing. Focus on gently used items that have many years of service left.

Using a Custom Fabrication Shop

For completely bespoke cabinets built to your exact requirements, utilizing a custom fabrication shop is the way to go. Here are some potential pros and cons:

Benefits

Fully customized – Get cabinets built to your precise specifications. Choose every dimension, feature and accessory.
Unique offerings – Shops can incorporate customized doors, drawers, shelves, and other flourishes beyond off-the-shelf options.
Durable – When locally fabricated, cabinets can be made from thick-gauge metals for enhanced durability.
Space maximized – Experienced shops can optimize storage and workflow efficiency.

Drawbacks

Higher cost – Custom work is naturally more expensive than mass produced cabinetry. But may be worth it for the customization.
Longer lead times – You’ll likely wait 4-8 weeks for fabrication from scratch rather than quicker shipping of pre-made items.
No warranties – Most smaller shops don’t offer warranties beyond immediate fabrication defects.
Potential delays – Holdups can happen if the shop takes on too many clients at once.

Top Fast Food Cabinet Fabrication Shops

If going the custom route, look for established commercial shops like:

Arizona Metal Fabrication
Texas Custom Stainless
Custom Metal Fabricators (California)
Custom Design & Fabrication (Florida)
Prestige Metal Fabricators (New Jersey)

Be sure to get detailed quotes outlining the costs, timeline, and process. Reputable shops can create cabinets that perfectly suit your business.

Key Features to Look For

Beyond where you purchase, choosing fast food cabinets with the right features is crucial. Be sure to look for:

Thick gauge stainless steel construction (at least 18 gauge)
Adjustable shelving and foot levelers
Sound dampening panels
Reinforced doors and hinges
Compliance with sanitation requirements
Sloped tops and coved corners
Modularity and ease of assembly
Warranties on workmanship and materials

Carefully examine the quality of materials, joining, and craftsmanship during your selection process. Durability under frequent use is vital. Also verify adequate delivery, returns and warranty terms before making a purchase.

Getting Accurate Quotes and Estimates

An important step for any new fast food cabinets purchase is getting accurate written quotes from vendors. Here are some tips:

Provide vendors the exact dimensions, specifications and quantity of cabinets needed. The more precise you are, the better the estimate.
Make sure quotes break down not just cabinet costs but also any associated fees like shipping, taxes, and installation. Hidden costs can quickly add up.
Ask about discounts for bulk orders, payment plans or picking up items directly from a warehouse.
Clarify the timeline from purchase order to delivery. Make sure it aligns with your opening needs.
Request references or examples of past work to evaluate quality.
Get quotes from at least three vendors to compare pricing and service.

Taking the time to get comprehensive, written quotes will prevent surprises and let you get the best deals. Don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions.

Choosing the Right Supplier

With many potential places to buy your fast food cabinets, selecting the right supplier is key. Here are the most important factors to consider:

Price

Compare quotes item-by-item from multiple vendors
Look for bulk order or off-hour delivery discounts
Ask about financing options to offset upfront costs
Weigh cost savings of used cabinets versus new

Quality

Examine in-person or request samples to verify quality
Check thickness of steel, durability of welds and hardware
Review brands, materials and manufacturing standards
Look for reassuring warranties and satisfaction guarantees

Selection

Evaluate size of vendor’s product catalog and variety of options
Consider choices of configurations, accessories and customization
Ensure supplier has items needed for your full scope

Customer Service

Do quick calls to assess responsiveness and expertise
Read online reviews and complaints
Verify locations and availability for maintenance and service
Check supplier’s reputation with other fast food owners

Delivery

Compare delivery time estimates and costs
Understand logistics of curbside versus inside drop-off
Factor ability to inspect items on delivery before accepting

Taking time to vet suppliers thoroughly will help land the perfect stainless steel cabinets for your new fast food endeavors.

Conclusion

Outfitting your fast food kitchen with high quality stainless steel cabinets and shelving is a significant investment. Carefully weighing your purchasing options will pay dividends. Assessing both new and used markets, along with custom or pre-made items, allows you to zero in on the optimal source. Combining attractive pricing, durable construction, and strong customer service ensures satisfied ownership of your new cabinets for years beyond the initial purchase. With the insights above, you can make the best choice on where to purchase fast food stainless steel cabinets.

Questions and Answers

Where to Purchase Fast Food Stainless Steel Cabinets

Here are answers to some common questions about purchasing fast food stainless steel cabinets:

What gauge stainless steel is best?
For durability in commercial kitchens, look for 18-20 gauge stainless steel. Thicker 14 gauge can be prone to denting. Avoid lower gauge numbers, which indicate thinner metal.

What type of hinges should I look for?
Commercial grade stainless steel hinges with reinforced welding are best. Options like full wrap around hinges will withstand heavy use. Avoid less expensive plastic hinges which can break.

Should I buy new or used cabinets?
If on a tight budget, quality used cabinets can provide big savings. For health code purposes, ensure used items are thoroughly sanitized. New cabinets provide longer working life and often include warranties.

Can I get custom cabinets for a fast food restaurant?
Many manufacturers and fabrication shops can provide fully customized stainless steel cabinets tailored to your space and preferences. Expect to pay more than stock models, but with the benefit of optimal function.

What should I look out for with used cabinets?
Carefully inspect for damage like dents and cracks that could harbor bacteria. Test doors and shelves for smooth operation. Measure that cabinet dimensions work for your kitchen layout. Confirm used finish meets sanitation requirements.

How quickly can I get fast food cabinets delivered?
Standard lead times from manufacturers run 4-6 weeks. Distributors often have stock ready to ship immediately. Local fabrication will take longer. Ensure you understand time estimates including design, production and transit.

Should I install the cabinets myself?
Professional installation is recommended, especially for larger orders. Improper assembly can lead to leaks, collapse hazards, and misalignment. Experienced installers have the skills to properly join components and level cabinets.

How do I clean and maintain cabinets?
Use commercial degreasers and stainless steel cleaners. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch surfaces. For longevity wipe down exterior surfaces frequently and inspect for any wear and damage. Apply food-safe sealant if any welds show signs of moisture collection.

Choosing high-performing stainless steel cabinets engineered for commercial kitchens will provide durable and sanitary storage for your fast food restaurant for many years. Focus on quality, materials, and a supplier with excellent service when making your purchase.

Conclusion

Purchasing high-quality stainless steel cabinets is one of the most important investments when starting or expanding a fast food business. Carefully evaluating the range of purchasing options – from big box equipment suppliers to custom metal fabrication shops – is key to getting the best value for your money while also meeting your specific storage needs.

By focusing on heavy gauge materials, reinforced doors and hinges, adjustability, ease of assembly, and compliance with sanitation codes, you can acquire fast food cabinets engineered to perform in the busiest commercial kitchens. Taking time to thoroughly assess vendors on factors like pricing, selection, warranties, and responsive customer service will ensure a smooth purchasing process.

With the insights provided in this guide, you now have a detailed overview of the pros, cons and key factors to consider when deciding where to purchase your fast food stainless steel cabinets. Doing your due diligence on sourcing the optimal cabinets will pay dividends with efficient, safe, and durable assets that withstand high-volume use and promote smooth operations and workflow in your restaurant for many years to come.