What should you look for in sandwich and salad prep tables?
Pan capacity is one of the first things to check, since it determines how many toppings and ingredients the rail can hold at once. Door and drawer configuration below the rail affects both storage volume and how the unit fits into a kitchen line, while the choice between a standard-depth rail and a Mega Top style affects how much additional pan storage is available above the cutting surface.
Empura's current sandwich and salad prep table collection includes models from 29 to 72 inches wide with door and drawer configurations. Published refrigerated capacities range from 6 to 15.6 cubic feet, and selected Mega Top models hold up to 15 pans. Current product pages list a 33°F to 41°F operating range, digital temperature displays, electronic thermostats, automatic defrost, R290 refrigerant, and stainless steel construction, with exact materials and features varying by model. Kitchens that need dedicated dough and topping space can also compare Empura's pizza prep tables.
Who uses sandwich and salad prep tables?
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Catering Operations
- Schools
- Healthcare Facilities
- Cafeterias
- Convenience Stores
Frequently asked questions
What is a sandwich and salad prep table used for?
A sandwich and salad prep table gives kitchen staff refrigerated ingredient storage and a cutting or assembly surface in one station, commonly used for building sandwiches, salads, wraps, and other cold or made-to-order menu items.
What's the difference between a standard prep table and a Mega Top prep table?
A standard prep table uses a smaller ingredient rail, while a Mega Top table provides additional pan capacity above the cabinet. The exact difference in pan count depends on the model, so operators should compare the rail layout together with cutting-board space and refrigerated storage below.
How many pans does a sandwich prep table hold?
Pan capacity varies by model and configuration. A current 36-inch Empura Mega Top model holds 15 pans, while other standard and Mega Top models use different layouts. The right capacity depends on menu size, ingredient variety, and how often pans are replenished.
What temperature should a sandwich prep table maintain?
Empura's current prep table product pages list an operating range of 33°F to 41°F. Staff should still monitor food temperature during service and follow applicable cold-holding requirements, since cabinet settings and actual food temperature are not always identical.
Do sandwich prep tables come with drawers instead of doors?
Some models are available with refrigerated drawers instead of swing doors, which can make it easier to organize backup ingredients by type and access them without opening a full cabinet door.