What Is a Dunnage Rack?

Why Use a Dunnage Rack?

Dunnage racks are used to keep food, beverages, and supplies elevated off the floor, protecting inventory while helping commercial kitchens meet food safety and sanitation requirements. Many local health departments follow the FDA Food Code, which generally requires food and food-contact items to be stored at least 6" above the floor to reduce the risk of contamination and allow for proper cleaning underneath storage areas. Beyond regulatory compliance, dunnage racks improve air circulation around stored products, minimize exposure to standing water and pests, and help prevent damage to cases and containers in walk-in coolers, freezers, and dry storage rooms. Elevating heavy inventory also creates a more organized storage system, making it easier for staff to clean, rotate stock, and access products efficiently during daily operations.

Are Dunnage Racks Required by Health Code?

Dunnage racks are often required to help foodservice operations comply with health code storage requirements, as the FDA Food Code generally requires food and food-contact items to be stored at least 6" off the floor to prevent contamination and allow for proper cleaning. While health codes don't necessarily require NSF-listed dunnage racks in every jurisdiction, NSF-certified models can help operators demonstrate that their equipment is designed for commercial foodservice environments. Using NSF-listed dunnage racks can also help operators meet sanitation standards by providing equipment designed for commercial foodservice environments, while supporting HACCP programs by reducing contamination risks and improving product organization. Keeping inventory elevated further simplifies FIFO (First In, First Out) stock rotation, making it easier to monitor expiration dates, access products quickly, and maintain a safe, well-organized storage area.

Solid vs Vented Dunnage Racks

Solid and vented dunnage racks both elevate inventory off the floor, but they are designed for different storage conditions. Solid dunnage racks feature a continuous top surface that fully supports boxes, bags, and irregularly shaped containers, making them a good choice for products that could sag or tip between openings. Vented dunnage racks use slotted or open-grid tops that allow air, moisture, and spills to pass through, improving airflow around stored products and making them especially well suited for walk-in coolers, freezers, and other damp environments.

When deciding between the two, consider the type of inventory being stored, the amount of airflow required, and whether maximum product support or improved ventilation is the higher priority for your operation.

Mobile vs Stationary Dunnage Racks

Mobile and stationary dunnage racks serve the same basic storage purpose, but each is designed for a different workflow. Mobile dunnage racks are equipped with casters, allowing staff to transport heavy ingredients or supplies between receiving, storage, and prep areas while making it easier to clean beneath the unit. Stationary dunnage racks remain in a fixed location and typically offer greater stability for long-term storage in walk-in coolers, freezers, and dry storage rooms where inventory changes less frequently.

For operations that regularly move products throughout the kitchen, mobile models can improve flexibility and portability, while stationary racks are often the better choice when maximum load support and dedicated storage space are the primary priorities.

Dunnage Rack Materials

The best material for a dunnage rack depends on factors like the type of items being stored, the environment where the rack will be placed, and the amount of weight it needs to support. Kitchens, warehouses, and foodservice facilities often choose materials based on durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning. Learning the differences between each option can help operators select a dunnage rack that fits their storage needs.

• Aluminum: Light weight yet durable, aluminum dunnage racks are a common choice for walk-in coolers, freezers, and other areas exposed to moisture. The material naturally resists rust and corrosion, making these racks easy to maintain in refrigerated storage environments.
• Plastic: For kitchens that need a rack that can withstand frequent washing and moisture exposure, plastic dunnage racks offer a practical solution. They are non-corrosive and often used for storing food products in coolers, freezers, and prep areas where sanitation is a top priority.
• Steel: When maximum load capacity is the main consideration, steel dunnage racks provide the strength needed for heavy-duty storage. These racks are typically found in dry storage rooms, warehouses, and back-of-house areas where operators need to support large containers, equipment, or bulk supplies.
• Stainless Steel: Built for demanding foodservice environments, stainless steel dunnage racks offer excellent durability while standing up to corrosion, stains, and repeated cleaning. Their sanitary surface makes them especially useful in commercial kitchens, food production areas, and facilities with strict hygiene requirements.
• Metal Wire: Featuring an open construction that allows air to circulate around stored items, metal wire dunnage racks help improve ventilation and visibility. They are typically selected for refrigerated storage spaces because the design allows cold air to move around products while making inventory easier to monitor.

Dunnage Racks Parts and Accessories

Dunnage rack parts and accessories include shelves, casters, frames, and connectors that improve storage capacity, mobility, and organization in commercial kitchens. Additional components allow operators to customize racks for specific applications or replace damaged parts without purchasing an entirely new unit. Accessories can help maximize available storage space, make inventory easier to access, and adapt racks to changing kitchen layouts.

• Removable Shelves: Dunnage rack shelves create additional storage levels, allowing operators to organize more products within the same footprint. They are useful for separating ingredients, containers, and supplies while keeping items elevated and accessible.
• Casters: Adding casters to a dunnage rack allows the unit to be moved easily for cleaning, restocking, or kitchen reconfiguration. Mobile dunnage racks are especially helpful in storage areas where operators need to frequently access floors, walls, or equipment behind the rack.
• Frames: The frame serves as the main support structure of a dunnage rack, providing the foundation that holds stored items above the floor. Replacement frames or modular frame components can help repair existing units or create customized storage configurations.
• Connectors: Used to join multiple dunnage rack sections together, connectors help create larger storage systems that maximize available space. These accessories are commonly used in warehouses, walk-in coolers, and large commercial kitchens where expanded storage areas are needed.