Cambro Shelves: The Smarter, Safer Choice for Modern Commercial Kitchens

At Hostservice, we know that every square metre in your kitchen counts—and so does every decision you make about storage. While wooden shelves have long been the industry default, and metal shelving is still common, both present significant challenges in today’s demanding foodservice environments. Cambro Shelving, with its advanced design and materials, sets a new benchmark for durability, hygiene, and flexibility.

Here’s why upgrading to Cambro’s vented shelving systems is a game-changer for your operation.

Why Cambro Shelving Outperforms Traditional Wood and Metal Shelving

Cambro Shelving: The Modern Solution

Cambro Shelving is engineered to overcome every shortcoming of wood and metal:

• Lifetime Guarantee Against Rust and Corrosion: Cambro’s composite materials are impervious to rust and corrosion, even in the most humid environments. This means no more costly replacements or health code violations.
• Antimicrobial Protection: Camguard® antimicrobial technology is permanently moulded into every shelf plate, inhibiting the growth of mould, fungus, and bacteria for superior food safety.
• Easy to Clean and Adjust: Cambro shelves are modular—each shelf plate lifts off for quick cleaning (even in the dishwasher) and effortless reconfiguration. No tools, no downtime, no hassle.
• High Weight Capacity and Durability: Cambro units support up to 816.5 kg per unit, with shelves rated for 226.8–317.5 kg, and are built to withstand heavy, daily use without warping or breaking.
• Optimised Airflow: Vented shelf designs ensure maximum air circulation, keeping perishables fresher and reducing spoilage.
• Flexible, Modular Design: Cambro shelving can be configured in L, U, or T shapes, and expanded with add-on units to fit any space or workflow.

The Hidden Risks of Wooden Shelving

Wooden shelves may look traditional, but they come with significant drawbacks:

• Compliance: Non-compliant for chiller shelving.

• Porous Surface: Wood absorbs moisture and food particles, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
• Difficult to Sanitize: Cracks, splinters, and grooves in wood trap debris and are hard to clean, increasing food safety risks.
• Structural Weakness: Over time, wood can warp, crack, or break under heavy loads, leading to instability and potential injury.
• Chipping and Splintering: Damaged wood can contaminate food and create hazards for staff.

The Pitfalls of Metal Shelving

Metal shelving, especially wire or epoxy-coated types, is initially strong but quickly succumbs to the harsh realities of commercial kitchens:

• Prone to Rust and Corrosion: Metal shelves, particularly in moist environments like walk-ins and washing areas, are notorious for rusting and corroding. Once rust appears, it’s nearly impossible to remove, and flakes can contaminate food.
• Chipping and Physical Contamination: Epoxy coatings can peel, and rust or paint chips can fall into food, posing serious health risks.
• Difficult to Clean and Adjust: Metal shelves are often welded or bolted, making them hard to disassemble for deep cleaning or reconfiguration. Cleaning requires significant downtime and labour, diverting staff from more critical tasks.
• Limited Hygiene: Crevices and sharp edges can trap food debris, fostering mould, bacteria, and pests.

At-a-Glance: Cambro vs. Wooden vs. Metal Shelving

The Hostservice Advantage

Choosing Cambro Shelving through Hostservice means investing in a solution that’s as tough and adaptable as your team. Our experts will help you design a storage system tailored to your kitchen’s unique needs, ensuring you maximise space, maintain food safety, and streamline your workflow.

Ready to upgrade? Contact Hostservice today to discover how Cambro Shelving can transform your kitchen’s storage—making it safer, cleaner, and more efficient for years to come.

Hostservice is your go-to in New Zealand for commercial kitchen equipment and food production solutions. We help you design and build commercial kitchens that work as hard as you do.

Get an Accurate Quote: Measuring Your Cool Room/Walk-In

To help us provide you with the most accurate quote for your Cambro Shelving needs, please follow these steps to measure your cool room, walk-in fridge, freezer, or chiller:

Step 1: Sketch Your Space

• Roughly sketch the layout of your room, including any doors, obstructions, or existing features that might affect shelving placement.

Step 2: Measure the Length of Each Wall

• Using a measuring tape, measure the length of each wall in millimetres (mm). Refer to the diagram below for measurement points (A, B, C, D, E, F). Be as precise as possible.

Step 3: Measure the Height

• Measure the height of the room from floor to ceiling in millimetres (mm). Note any variations in height.

Step 4: Note the Position of the Motor Unit

• Indicate the location of the motor unit (compressor/evaporator) on your sketch. This is important as it may affect shelving placement.

Step 5: Capture It All

• Take clear photos of the interior of your cool room/walk-in from multiple angles. This helps us visualise the space and identify any potential challenges.

Step 6: Send Us Your Information

• Email your measurements, sketch, and photos to sales@hostservice.co.nz. The more information you provide, the more accurate your quote will be.

Chiller Size Diagram

Example Measurements to Send:

• A) _________mm
• B) _________mm
• C) _________mm
• D) _________mm
• E) _________mm
• F) _________mm
• Height) _________mm
• Position of motor unit: Describe location

By following these steps, you'll provide us with the information we need to create a tailored Cambro Shelving solution that maximises your space and meets your specific requirements.