In a busy commercial kitchen, space is a premium commodity. With chefs, equipment, ingredients, and service happening simultaneously, every inch counts — and that’s where wall shelves come in.
A wall shelf is a space-saving solution that allows you to store kitchen tools, dry ingredients, equipment, and more off the benchtop, keeping your workspace clean, safe, and organized. Whether you’re running a café, restaurant, catering kitchen, or takeaway shop, the right shelving system can make a huge difference in workflow, efficiency, and hygiene.
The Benefits of Wall Shelving in Commercial Kitchens
- Maximize Vertical Space: Utilize wall space to reduce clutter on benches and workstations.
- Improve Workflow: Keep essential items within arm’s reach without taking up valuable prep space.
- Boost Hygiene: Off-bench storage helps maintain food safety standards by making surfaces easier to clean.
- Organize Better: Create designated zones for spices, utensils, containers, and smaller appliances.
- Customize to Fit Your Kitchen: Choose shelf lengths, depths, and types that work with your kitchen’s size and layout
Common Types of Wall Shelves
At Hospitality Connect, we supply a wide range of commercial wall shelving systems, including both stainless pipe shelves and rack shelves — each with their own pros and cons.
1.
Full Stainless Steel Wall Shelves
These are your classic solid wall shelves, made from high-grade stainless steel, built to last in high-demand kitchens.
Pros:
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Strong and durable
- Great for storing heavy kitchen gear or containers
- Resistant to corrosion and heat
Cons:
- Solid surface can limit airflow (not ideal for drying items)
- Fixed shape — not adjustable like racks
Perfect for: Dry storage, prep equipment, small appliances, bowls, and containers.
2.
Pipe Wall Shelves
Pipe shelving uses stainless steel bars or rods, offering an open-style look and better airflow.
Pros:
- Allows for ventilation — ideal for drying pots, pans, or dishes
- Sleek and minimal appearance
- Lighter weight and easy to clean
Cons:
- Not suitable for small items that may fall through
- May require additional support for heavy loads
Perfect for: Dish drying, storing pots and utensils, and open kitchen designs.
3.
Rack-Style Wall Shelves
Rack shelves are wire or slotted shelves that provide excellent drainage and visibility of stored items.
Pros:
- Great airflow and drainage — ideal for drying stations
- Adjustable options for different kitchen needs
- Lightweight and often modular
Cons:
- Less suitable for storing small or loose items
- Can accumulate grime if not cleaned regularly
Perfect for: Cleaning stations, dry goods storage, and ingredient bins.
What Types of Walls Can I Install Shelves On?
Wall shelves can be installed on various surfaces, but it’s important to ensure they’re securely anchored for safety and weight distribution.
- Brick or Concrete Walls: Ideal for heavy-duty shelves. Use masonry anchors and bolts.
- Stud Walls (Gyprock): Suitable with proper reinforcement and wall anchors — perfect for lighter shelving.
- Steel Framing: Requires specific hardware and installation knowledge, but possible with the right support system.
Our team can advise on the best mounting options depending on your kitchen’s structure.
Popular Sizes and Custom Options
Most wall shelves come in standard commercial lengths, including:
- 900mm
- 1200mm
- 1500mm
- 2100mm
Depths can vary depending on what you need to store, typically ranging from 300mm to 450mm.
At Hospitality Connect, we also offer custom-made wall shelves to fit your exact specifications — whether you’re working in a tight corner or need a unique depth or finish.
Trusted Brands We Offer
We proudly stock premium wall shelf systems from the most trusted brands in the industry:
- Simpler Stainless Modular Systems – Built tough, highly modular, and customizable for any kitchen space.
- Mixrite – Reliable, cost-effective shelving for everyday use in hospitality settings.
- Vogue – Stylish and durable shelving options with a professional finish.
No matter your kitchen’s layout, our range ensures there’s a wall shelving solution that fits your space and budget.
Final Thoughts
Installing wall shelves is one of the smartest ways to optimize space, improve safety, and streamline operations in your commercial kitchen. Whether you’re adding a single stainless shelf or designing a full modular system, these small upgrades can deliver big returns in terms of efficiency and cleanliness.
Looking to upgrade your kitchen with high-quality wall shelving?
Contact Hospitality Connect today for expert advice, brand recommendations, and custom options tailored to your space.
