Frequently Asked Questions
Are all parts of the equipment stainless steel?
Yes. Richmond benches and sinks are constructed entirely from 304 grade stainless steel, including the top, legs, splashbacks, undershelves, drawer housings, bracing, and feet.
Why does Richmond only use 304 stainless?
Grade 304 offers a strong balance of corrosion resistance, cleanability, and structural strength. It’s widely accepted by food authorities and is suitable for most hospitality and wet-area applications.
What’s the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
304 is the standard for most commercial kitchens. Grade 316 includes added molybdenum for increased resistance to chlorides (e.g. salt) and is used in coastal or high-acid environments. Richmond can supply 316 stainless equipment by request for specialised applications.
Do you offer custom sink layouts or bench sizes?
Yes. While standard lengths range from 900mm to 1800mm and widths around 600mm, Richmond can supply custom lengths, corner configurations, multi-bowl sink units, and integrated drain boards. Minimum order quantities may apply, contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Are stainless benches and sinks required for food safety?
All surfaces used for food prep or cleaning must be non-porous, corrosion-resistant, and easy to sanitise. Stainless steel meets all of these criteria. Always check and confirm requirements for your organisation.
How do I maintain stainless steel equipment?
Wipe surfaces with warm water and mild detergent, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Always clean with the grain to reduce scratch visibility. Avoid chlorine-based products and use food-grade stainless steel polish to enhance finish if needed.
Stainless Steel Shelving: Reliable Storage for Commercial Kitchens
Richmond’s stainless steel shelving systems are designed to meet the practical demands of Australian commercial kitchens. Whether used in restaurants, coolrooms, or institutional food preparation areas, these shelves offer outstanding strength, hygiene, and long-term value.
Built with thick stainless steel and reinforced for high-capacity loads, Richmond shelves deliver stability in even the most rigorous environments. They’re easy to clean, resist corrosion, and comply with Australian food safety regulations, making them an essential fixture in any well-run kitchen.
Commercial Kitchen Shelving You Can Rely On
Commercial kitchens require shelving that won’t sag, rust, or fail over time. Richmond’s industrial kitchen shelving solutions are engineered to support demanding loads without compromise.
- Load capacity: 50kg per shelf (when evenly distributed)
- Full unit capacity: Typically 200kg, depending on configuration
- Construction: thick stainless steel with reinforced welds
- Design: Rounded corners and adjustable feet for safety and levelling
These stainless steel shelving units are ideal for storing bulk dry goods, cookware, prep tools or heavy cleaning equipment — all while maintaining a clean and organised space.
Commercial Kitchen Shelves Designed for Food Safety and Hygiene
Cleanliness is non-negotiable in food handling environments. Stainless steel kitchen shelves support hygiene by resisting bacteria, moisture, and surface damage. Unlike porous materials that absorb spills, stainless steel is easy to wipe down and disinfect.
All Richmond shelving units meet key requirements for food handling standards, including:
- Non-porous surfaces that won’t harbour bacteria
- Minimum 150mm clearance from floor level for cleaning access
- Smooth joins and finishes for easy wipe-down with sanitising agents
Choose the Right Stainless Steel Shelves for Your Kitchen
Richmond offers a variety of shelving formats to suit different kitchen environments and usage needs:
Solid Stainless Steel Shelving
Designed for heavy-duty storage and easy cleaning, these solid stainless shelves are perfect near prep areas or sinks where spills may occur.
- Fully enclosed surfaces prevent drips reaching lower shelves
- Seamless welded joints minimise bacteria traps
- Adjustable shelf heights for custom configurations
Vented Shelving Systems
Lightweight and breathable, wire shelving is a smart choice for cold storage or high-humidity areas like coolrooms and freezers.
- Open design encourages airflow and reduces condensation
- Available in epoxy-coated or stainless finishes
- Easy to relocate or reconfigure as needed
Fit for Tough Environments
Stainless steel shelving performs in challenging conditions, including high humidity, temperature changes, and chemically intensive spaces.
Richmond supplies shelving in stainless steel grades that are built to last and easy to maintain.
What Richmond Offers
- Grade 201: Practical, cost-effective strength with good resistance. A smart choice for general-purpose stainless steel shelves, stainless steel racks, and commercial kitchen shelves.
- Grade 304: The all-round performer with excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Ideal for industrial kitchen shelving, commercial kitchen shelving, and stainless steel shelving units.
Other Stainless Steel Options in the Market
- Grade 316: Contains molybdenum for superior resistance to salt and chemicals. Often specified for coastal sites and heavy industrial environments.
- Grade 430: A budget-friendly option suited to dry, light-duty applications.
By selecting the right stainless grade, your stainless steel kitchen shelves or industrial kitchen shelves will match the application and deliver long-term value.
Trusted in Kitchens Across Australia
From high-volume restaurants to coolroom fitouts, Richmond’s stainless steel shelving delivers the durability, compliance and functionality needed in busy food environments. Our shelving systems are designed to last – and built to work as hard as you do.
Get in touch with your local Richmond team for help selecting the right shelving for your space.