Utility Cart Showdown: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic

If you are running a commercial kitchen or school cafeteria, utility carts are an essential piece of equipment to have in your lineup.  They allow you to transport items from one place to another & can also act as storage units. Simply put, the utility cart is the definitive solution for a clutter free workplace. But, having the right type of utility cart is an important consideration. 

Choosing stainless steel versus plastic can be a tough task when searching for a utility cart. Below we will outline the key benefits & differences of stainless steel & plastic utility carts:

IMC Stainless Steel Utility Carts: Durability is King

• IMC Stainless steel utility carts provide the best durability when compared to plastic. This means transporting  heavy loads is a breeze.
• The sturdiness & higher resistance to chemicals make the carts suitable for active commercial applications.
• Stainless steel has excellent rust resistance. This means your cart is sanitary & safe for use with just about any item.

Plastic Utility Carts: A Budgetary Solution

• Plastic utility carts are the cheaper solution, often costing less than their stainless steel counterparts.
• Plastic carts weigh much less than stainless steel utility carts. This means that mobility is slightly better.
• They can provide visual appeal to your customers when used in the “front of the house”. 
• However, plastic utility carts simply do not stand up to the day in, day out abuse that many commercial environments see. Therefore, plastic carts may have to be replaced constantly, which will be more expensive in the long run.

Quick Note on Standard Features & Options

Regardless of the type of utility cart you choose, your features & options are plenty. Many utility carts come standard with casters for mobility & handles for easy push/pull operation. Some utility carts also come equipped with front & corner bumpers to protect your walls from scuffing. Lastly, the shelf spacing & sizing can also be customized to fit your application. 

So, Which One is Better?

The truth of the matter is picking the right type of utility cart is about selecting one based on the nature of the tasks & working conditions. It’s also going to come down to how often the cart will be used.

But, be advised that an IMC stainless steel utility cart will be more beneficial in the long run due to its superior durability & rigidity. The bottom line is stainless steel is very hard to beat when it comes to standing up to wear & tear.

At IMC/Teddy, we manufacture utility carts to meet the demands of any commercial environment. The all welded construction provides the best possible stability. Standard non-drip edges and easy cleaning make the utility carts ideal for all sanitary locations. 2- or 3-shelf variants are available, but custom sizes are also offered. For a closer look at our UT utility cart series, click here.

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of IMC/Teddy. Our content is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only. Please contact IMC/Teddy directly if you would like to feature this post on your webpage. Thank you.