Back to School Stainless Steel Essentials
It might be July, but school will be returning quicker than you know (for better or worse). With that said, it’s time to take a quick look over your equipment & prepare for the Fall right now. What does that mean? Checking for the essentials & making replacements if necessary. Luckily, IMC is here with a handy list to help you out.
In this article, we briefly run down the most essential stainless steel products for your school & give you some IMC items to aid you. Let’s start the journey.
Hot & Cold Food Counters
Lunch is served & this wouldn’t be possible without hot & cold food counters. In fact, cafeteria line equipment is the backbone of any stainless steel school equipment.
Hot Food Counters allow you to warm or keep food which has been freshly cooked at serving temperature. Hot food counters can accommodate full size pans or heated drop-in pans (dry or wet), so all bases are covered.
For hot food counters, IMC offers model #SHF & #SHFC. Model #SHF is your standard hot food counter that is suitable for any buffet operation. The unit is constructed from Type 300 series stainless steel with a 16-gauge top, 14-gauge frame & an 18-gauge apron. The unit can hold 2-6 wells & provided with a thermostat & casters for mobility. Here’s a quick look:
For those who need something a little extra, Model #SHFC is the next step up. The unit has all the features of the standard model #SHF but includes a heated compartment as well. The heated compartment has a heated base with a pan slide assembly for back-up storage. The unit can hold 2-5 wells to round out the package. Have a look:
Worktables
Worktables have two functions in school environments: the cafeteria side & the classroom side.
a. Worktables as Prep Tables – Let’s start with the cafeteria side where worktables will mainly be used as prep tables. Cafeteria prep tables can help to prepare meals for lunch sessions by chopping, mixing & assembling ingredients into a completed product. Prep tables are also useful for temporary storage or organizing utensils if the need arises.
b. Worktables as Class/Lab Tables – Science labs require sturdy & chemical resistant tables for experiments & collaborative work. Stainless steel worktables are just the ticket to achieve this.
For schools, IMC offers Models #WT, #WTB, & #WT1.
Model #WT is IMC’s standard worktable available in 14- or 16-gauge type 300 series stainless steel. Model #WTB is the same as above except it has the addition of a 6″ high backsplash to protect your walls from damage. Model #WT1 features a 1½” backsplash. Here’s a breakdown:
Dishtables
If your school has reusable trays, plates, or silverware, dishtables are a must. You’ll need a set of clean & soiled dishtables to get the entire job done.
All used wares are placed on the soiled dishtable where scraps & other waste are removed before heading into the commercial dishwasher. Once the wares are through the dishwasher, they are stored on the clean dishtable temporarily. This is to avoid any cross contamination & maintain hygiene.
IMC offers a number of clean & soiled dishtables. 3 different configurations exist – straight, corner & island to fit into any existing layout. Here’s a glance:
Hand Sinks
Hygiene in schools is paramount, so most state codes actually mandate hand sinks to be installed to promote handwashing. Hand sinks are useful in labs, art rooms & restrooms of course. With that said, you’ll need to set up a wide roster of hand sinks to meet these codes.
The type of hand sink you install will depend on your preference, but the most common are wall mounted & free standing types.
For the ultimate hygienic option, most hand sinks can be converted to be hands-free operated. Faucets, soap dispensers & towel dispensers can be operated by a simple wave of your hand. Have a look at a few select IMC hand sinks:
Cabinets
School supplies are rampant, so you’ll need a secure, safe spot to hold these items. Stainless steel cabinets are the perfect choice. Available with sliding or hinged doors, cabinets can easily keep your valuables out of sight when not in use.
IMC offers a variety of cabinets: wall cabinets, base cabinets & storage cabinets, to name a few. Custom sizes allow our cabinets to fit any space. Each cabinet can be configured with several options such as sliding doors, extra shelves & door locks.
Take a quick peek at IMC’s cabinet offerings:
IMC/Teddy is ready to go back to school – are you? Armed with the right stainless steel equipment, you’ll be ready to tackle any upcoming challenge in the cafeteria, classroom or the restroom. Enjoy the remainder of the summer & see you back in school in the Fall. To learn more about how IMC can cater to your stainless steel needs, click here.
