Sheet Pan Racks: Essential Commercial Restaurant Equipment

Introduction

In any professional kitchen, efficiency and space optimization are essential. One often-overlooked piece of commercial restaurant equipment that plays a critical role in achieving both is the sheet pan rack. Also known as bun pan racks or speed racks, these mobile or stationary racks are built to hold full-size or half-size sheet pans in a vertical configuration, saving space while improving workflow.

Whether you’re baking, cooling, prepping, or storing, a sheet pan rack is a simple yet powerful tool. In this article, we’ll explain:

1. What a sheet pan rack is and how it functions

2. Why it’s essential in commercial kitchens

3. What types of restaurants need them

4. How to choose the right one

5. Why you might consider used restaurant equipment

6. Where to buy—like a reliable restaurant supply Fort Worth

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1. What Is a Sheet Pan Rack?

A sheet pan rack is a tall, open-frame cart designed to hold multiple sheet pans in a vertical stack. The most common models can hold 10, 20, or even more sheet pans depending on the size.

Each slot is spaced apart (usually 3 inches) to allow for airflow and easy access. Most are made of aluminum or stainless steel, which are durable and easy to clean. Many models come with swivel casters for mobility and some have brakes for stability.

There are two main types:

• Full-height racks – usually hold up to 20 pans

• Half-height racks – ideal for under-counter storage or smaller kitchens

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2. Key Functions of a Sheet Pan Rack

A sheet pan rack is incredibly versatile. Here’s how it's used in commercial kitchens:

a. Cooling

After baking, pans need to cool before storage or packaging. The open-air design of the rack allows for fast, even cooling.

b. Staging and Prep

Chefs and bakers can prep multiple trays of food and store them in the rack before baking or service.

c. Storage

Many kitchens use these racks to store prepped ingredients, dough, or finished goods.

d. Transport

Mobile racks make it easy to move multiple trays of food at once, from prep areas to ovens or walk-in coolers.

e. Space-Saving

They use vertical space, freeing up countertops and work surfaces.

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3. Which Restaurants and Food Businesses Need Sheet Pan Racks?

While they’re most common in bakeries, sheet pan racks are invaluable in many types of food businesses. Here’s a breakdown:

a. Bakeries and Pastry Shops

These businesses rely heavily on sheet pans. Whether cooling croissants or staging cookies for the oven, racks are essential.

b. Pizzerias

Dough trays can be stacked and proofed. Par-baked crusts or toppings can be prepped and held.

c. Cafeterias and Schools

High-volume meal prep means multiple trays of ingredients, baked goods, or hot foods must be staged efficiently.

d. Catering Services

Preparing dozens or hundreds of meals off-site requires mobile storage. Sheet pan racks are perfect for transportation and holding.

e. Restaurants

Even in traditional restaurants, prepped proteins, garnishes, and side dishes can be stored on trays in a rack for line service.

f. Ghost Kitchens and Meal Prep Services

These models thrive on efficiency. Sheet pan racks allow stacking meals, packaging items, and cooling them in tight spaces.

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4. Key Features to Look For in a Sheet Pan Rack

If you’re buying from a restaurant supply Fort Worth or another commercial supplier, here’s what you need to consider: