Requiring strength, versatility and dependability, the food service industry is one of the most demanding environments for a caster to perform in. This industry calls for high-quality products that likely require regular maintenance in order to help avoid mishaps in the time-sensitive process of food preparation. With years of experience working with food service companies, CasterDepot can handle the heat of the kitchen and can help you be proactive to ensure your operation stays in motion.

You can find casters on ovens, refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, shelving units and everywhere in between. These casters might be exposed to water, chemicals, oils and a wide range of temperatures on a daily basis and endure wear and tear more often than not. Oh, and don't forget the countless companies that need or want to be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Food service casters need to be tough, but not just any caster will do. Many times, industry specifications need to be met, too.  Below, we’ll explore some of the most popular casters and caster options so that you can make the most informed decision on your next purchase.

Plating

Food service appliances will be exposed to liquids. Whether it’s moisture in the air, wash-downs, or chemical cleaning, your casters WILL be getting wet. In this situation, rust becomes a culprit of caster failure.  Most of these breakdowns involve jammed swivel sections or a bearing that locks because of oxidation. Not only can functionality falter, but rust contaminates food.

Thankfully, there’s a sure way to resist rust. Enter stainless steel. Stainless steel is partly composed of chromium, an element that acts as a self-healing film and allows its alloy to be both non-corrosive and resistant to rust. It’s also impervious to heat and cold, impact resistant and can bear large amounts of weight. The most durable and common option is Grade 304 stainless steel keeping your carts reliable for years to come. If you’re looking for a more economic stainless steel, Grade 430 is an excellent alternative. It is cost-effective yet strong with a little more susceptibility to wear and tear.

Wheel Tread

Kitchen floors are made of varying materials. You’ll want to carefully consider the tread of your caster wheel. Not only can the wheel damage the floor, but the floor can do damage to your wheel. A wheel with hard tread, such as metal, will roll smoother than one with a soft tread, but a wheel with hard tread will make more noise and is likely to damage the floor.

Luckily, softer tread, such as rubber, can help alleviate these concerns, but there is a caveat: synthetic material in food prep areas need to meet specific guidelines set by NSF. For example, your softer tread will need to be unsusceptible to damage from a large spectrum of temperatures in order to ensure it doesn't melt or crack. Also, did you know that any of CasterDepot’s wheels can be injected with an antimicrobial compound that prevents the growth of microbes that cause odor and material decomposition? If you have any sort of specifications, let us know so that we can help!

Wheel Bearings

Bearings are typically the overlooked piece of the puzzle when meeting health codes. See, most bearings require a form of lubrication. The bearing lubrication must be food-grade and non-toxic to be used in a kitchen. A lubricant of this sort is easy to find and buy, but must be reapplied more often in food service than other caster uses. This is due to the regular washing and  exposure to chemicals unique to food service casters.

Bearing options include plain ball bearings (which need regular lubrication) or a Delrin® bearing. Keep in mind that Delrin® bearings, despite operating well in wet environments, cannot handle extreme temperatures. For extreme temperatures, your best best is to use a bronze bearing. However, the best way to eliminate the worry of maintenance altogether is with a sealed precision ball bearing. This bearing is pre-lubricated, sealed and totally maintenance-free. Sealed precision ball bearings also have the option of being made of stainless steel.

Recommended Casters

Colson's 4 Series offers:

• Load capacity up to 1250 lbs. per caster (remember: most dough-mixing equipment requires a minimum load capacity of 900 lbs. per caster)
• Grade 304 stainless steel availability, which includes the bearing, axle, nut, retainer washers and spanner bushing (if needed)
• A swivel section designed with double ball hardened raceways and optional swivel seals
• Multi-temp lubricant that withstands extreme temperatures
• NSF certification

Colson's 2 Series offers:

• Load capacity of up to 325 lbs. per caster (remember: most bakery cart racks have a minimum load of 250 lbs. per caster)
• Grade 304 stainless steel availability, which includes the bearing, axle, nut, retainer washers and spanner bushing (if needed)
• A swivel section designed with heat-treated double ball hardened raceways and optional swivel seals
• Multi-temp lubricant that withstands extreme temperatures
• NSF Certification

Jarvis' 30 Series offers:

• Load capacity of up to 325 lbs. per caster
• Strong, cold-rolled steel design with zinc plating provides improved resistance to rust and corrosion
• Hardened double ball raceways with optional swivel seals

Other Customizations

• Wheel Brakes - our multiple brake options can secure your appliances or carts in place; it's better to be safe than sorry!
• Swivel Lock - a pin that locks the swivel mechanism when engaged; it turns a swivel caster into a rigid caster
• Swivel Seals - upper and lower raceway seals in the swivel section aid help avoid caster failure; the seals prevent exposure to debris and unwelcome wear and tear

There are obvious considerations to take into account before making your next food service caster parts order; every application is different. After reviewing the above options, please note that there is "right" choice: only the choice that best fits your situation and budget. If you’d like to make your decision a little bit less strenuous, contact CasterDepot today and let an experienced team member find you an easy solution with their expert knowledge.