20 Years, and Stainless Steel Excellence Continues On

Together, We Have Made a Truly Impressive Sandwich.

20 years ago, I ordered the first container of stainless steel benches and Brayco was born.
That container had 8 stainless benches in it, no sinks, just benches. When it arrived, I wasn’t disappointed with the quality, so I shoved a few ads in the local papers, and put up a few auctions on eBay to see how these few products would sell. Well, bugger me, the phones starting ringing and within 6 weeks, I was back ordering the second container. I drafted my brother in law Dan in to help sell them. This container had 15 products. I was going out on a limb now. Now we had some wall shelves and a single cabinet crammed in. What recklessness! My wife and a few of my friends started asking whether I would saturate the market.

Who would want that many stainless steel benches? Why are they so popular?
These are disturbing questions. When you’ve found something you like doing and it’s going well, you don’t like to think it’ll just fizzle out. The fun part of business is the growth. The connection with colleagues and customers. So, I started asking the customers why the hell they were buying so many benches from us. If I didn’t know the answer, maybe they would. Could we do even better? Could we grow?

The customers said it basically came down to 4 simple things:
1. Quality — the benches had to be good quality — sturdy, built for purpose and durable.
2. Price — we were priced well below the lazy competitors who’d been price gouging for decades.
3. Availability — customers liked being able to get their stuff same day, not wait for weeks.
4. Range — we had an OK range of sizes, but they would have bought more if we had more to offer.

So, armed with this knowledge, we decided to make sure we followed these 4 ideas. We call them the 4-Pillars.
And now, 20 years later, you can see the result.
• Those 8 products have turned into a mind boggling range of over 1,200 products. Benches, sinks, shelves, cabinets, chairs, tables, wheels, taps in a vast assortment of sizes, styles, materials. So, range is covered.
• In 2003, we had a 96 square metre warehouse in Perth. Pokey. Now, we have over 20,000 sqm of warehousing across Australia and New Zealand — we are available. Pick it up same day. Buy online. Ring. Whatevs.
• And price? Well, in 2005 our smallest bench was $199. Today, despite a pandemic, a global financial crisis, and rampant inflation across wages, warehouse costs, freight and everything else thrown up at us, that same bench is $249. And we’ll bring the price down if we can.
• As for quality, we have tirelessly worked to improve the strength and quality of the products we sell. Crap doesn’t sell for long. And if something goes wrong we’ll fix it.

The result of all this? Each year now, we expect to sell over 24,000 shelving units, over 50,000 benches, sinks and cabinets and 60,000 chairs. That’s a lot. Hard to visualise, but let’s give it a go..

Let’s imagine that we got all of our customers together to make a sandwich, the biggest sandwich in the world. The current world record for the biggest sandwich is 74 metres. But I think we can do better.

Let’s put all the benches together that you guys have bought in one long line to form the longest bench. If we started building it on the outskirts of Newcastle, then it would wind its way down the coast through Sydney and end up somewhere in the middle of Wollongong. The bench would be 255,000 metres long. That’s quite a big bench. And we’d need a lot of butter. And a lot of people. And let’s hope there isn’t a shortage of lettuce when we do it.

But luckily, we have a lot of customers that might pitch in to help. There are 140,652 current customers of Brayco and Chairforce, enough to fill both the MCG and the SCG. If we all pitched in, I think the sandwich wouldn’t take long to make at all. Wouldn’t take long to eat it either.

So, thank you lovely customers. The Brayco team are wholly reliant on your goodwill and continued custom. We hope to earn it. We are committed to the 4-pillars approach — and hopefully, together, in another twenty years time, we can make a sandwich to stretch from Sydney to Melbourne and beyond.

304 Versus 430 Stainless Steel

What a steel – 304 or 430?
Are you in the market to set up or upgrade a café or restaurant kitchen? There are so many elements to consider and throw in huge price variations for what looks like the same product, you might be rocking in a corner wondering what you got yourself into. When it comes to stainless steel products, it’s important to be aware of the difference in quality when you’re faced with cheap price tags.

For those of us with untrained eyes to the specificities of metals, you might have thought stainless steel was all one and the same. However, there are a variety of stainless-steel grades on the market depending on the desired usage, which mainly include 304 (for commercial kitchens) and 430 (lower grade for domestic kitchens and mechanical purposes).

At Brayco, we highly recommend that our customers investing in quality kitchen equipment (particularly commercial kitchens), choose 304 stainless steel over 430 because of the key difference – non-porous versus porous properties. Some of our competitors (don’t ask us to name names, we’re classy) are producing cheaper stainless-steel products due to the similarity in look, feel and touch of the two alloys. Here’s what you need to know when choosing your equipment.

What are the key differences between 304 and 430?
304 stainless steel is made up of around 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This combination creates excellent corrosion resistance from most oxidising acids, it’s highly durable and easy to sanitise (just soap and water will do it). The key attribute of 304 is it’s non-porous or impervious (councils love this word, fair warning), which makes it safe to prepare food on as it doesn’t absorb grease, food particles or water.

430 is a plain chromium ferritic stainless steel with no nickel content which makes it a cheaper option, but it’s also less resistant to corrosion, less durable and porous in nature. 430 is fine for residential sheds, arts and crafts, and some home kitchen appliances (such as knives) but for commercial kitchen use, we recommend paying more for the 304 options.

This non-porous nature of 304 versus 430’s porous surface is critical in a kitchen environment where you want the most hygienic surface possible to prevent food bacteria. Call us crazy, but the last thing you want for your business is to be the source of salmonella or other nasty foodborne bacteria. A side of food poisoning with your carefully prepared special of the night? It’s a risk we wouldn’t be willing to take, that’s for sure.

How can I tell which grade steel is used in a product?
Spend three years at university and score yourself a metallurgy degree. Don’t have that much time? Neither do we. Visually, it’s hard to tell the difference but there are some quicker ways than adding ‘metallurgist’ to your vast list of qualifications.

For those of you who carry a magnet in your back pocket, whip it out and check it against the surface of the stainless steel. If it drops to the ground, you’ve got yourself a high quality 304 stainless steel. If it clings to the table, say hello to a lesser grade 430.

Another option is to be brazen – ask the seller outright what grade they’re using. Many companies don’t disclose the grade of stainless steel upfront (particularly if it’s 430), so be savvy and ask. They might use the word ‘ferritic’ which simply means iron-based, aka 430, which you know because you’re a clever cookie who did your research.

But I really like cheap things… can I use 430 in my commercial kitchen?
We hear you, finding a bargain is a great victory. Once upon a time, food regulations stipulated all commercial operations must have non-porous surfaces for food preparation. Food Standards Australia maintains the guideline of an ‘impervious’ surface in its criteria. Local council’s standards now vary so you must confirm which grade is required before purchasing. It’s worth remembering, regardless of your council’s requirements, that it’s a lot more costly to have a hygiene incident and lose customers than to set your kitchen up with the highest standard stainless steel surfaces right from the start.

What does Brayco do?
It’s a philosophical question for the ages, alright… but sharpening our focus to stainless steel, we are currently 100% 304 stainless steel in all of our benches, cabinets, shelving and sinks. Bring your fridge magnet and test us at one of our stores across Australian and New Zealand.

Client Profile – Rio’s Margaret River

At the end of 2021, Margaret River’s iconic main street was lit up with a new bar, fizzing with good vibes and edgy design. Just over a year into business, Rio’s Margaret River has become well-loved for its delicious bar bites, seasonal cocktails, carefully curated wine and beer list, and the rotating list of local DJs to help guests shake the week off and welcome the weekend.

Rio’s slick look and ambience is all down to its owners, who completely overhauled the space and built it from scratch back in 2021. The upstairs venue was created with a modern décor in mind and to make the most of the balcony overlooking ‘the strip’.

To best serve customers and create more space for them, the owners chose a u-shaped bar with the help of a selection of high-quality Brayco products. Brayco splashback benches and sink benches formed the base of the bar, before encasing it with a beautifully contrasting timber bar.

 

 

The splashback benches are industry standard, ready for all the pummelling of a pumping bar, and easy to assemble and clean. Rio’s fitted the timber bar over the splashback component for a seamless look, while underneath power points, taps and wiring were cut and concealed within the splashback. A Brayco rail kit was used to stabilise and reinforce the benches, while storing a well-used dishwasher.

 

 

Beyond the cocktail shakers’ post (aka the bar), the contemporary and industrial look of Rio’s continued with Chairforce supplying chairs, stools, and tables. Rio’s chose a selection of Replica Tolix items, inspired by French designer Pauchard, which are brilliant for commercial venues with their stackable and sturdy design. At Rio’s, you’ll see in the bar area Replica Tolix bar tables, with steel bases and solid timber tops, complemented by the lightweight and durable Replica Tolix bar stools with back rest. In the dining zones, the smaller Replica Tolix dining tables and Replica Tolix chairs create a seamless backdrop for the seafood platters and coconut margaritas adorning them.

 

 

Next time you’re lucky enough to explore our South West, make sure you pop in and experience the great space and menu at Rio’s Margaret River for yourself. If you’re looking for your own commercial venue fit out, come and visit our friendly staff at one of our warehouses across Australia – Call us now!

Client Profile – Smokey Joes Rubs

Smokey Joe’s Rubs originated in the home kitchen of its passionate owner Joe two years ago. Joe loved preparing healthy food, full of flavour, and wanted all-natural spice mixes to transform his own meals. Like many good businesses, when you see a gap in the market, you create the product yourself!

So, Joe worked with local suppliers to source a vast array of herbs and spices that he personally dries, roasts, grinds and blends to create his award winning range of rubs and loaded salts. Two years in, Smokey Joe’s Rubs has expanded exponentially, and the old home kitchen was no longer cutting the mustard seed. The variety and volume of spices needed a bigger home due to the building clientele and a large selection of IGA supermarkets, butchers and BBQ stores across the country stocking the rubs.

Smokey Joe’s Rubs has now opened a beautiful shopfront with commercial kitchen at the back, at 306 The Strand in Dianella, WA which displays the full range of spices and loaded salts, plus a selection of sauces, dips and glazes.

For his commercial kitchen, Joe came to Brayco to choose good quality, steel storage solutions to maximise the space and continue making the spices in small batches to maintain product integrity. Epoxy Wire Shelving was an ideal choice to store the myriad tubs of spices, which are a popular choice for kitchens due to the thick, sturdy steel supporting its four shelves (with the option for additional shelves).

Stainless steel flat benches are loaded up with further tubs of spices and the grinding machinery, perfect for commercial kitchens and ready for grinders to test their strength. Joe also selected some wall-mounted stainless steel shelves, positioned above the benches to keep items handy when working.

Brayco provided its expert advice on how to lay the shelves and benches out to maximise the space and Joe’s selection shows how well these products can support a busy, productive kitchen.

If you’re looking for help with good quality (and value) storage solutions for your commercial kitchen, contact us for a chat. Brayco has seven locations across Australia and New Zealand, stocked to the brim, so we can have products ready for dispatch or pick up within 24 hours of your order.

Client Profile – Farooj Charcoal Chicken

When a queue forms half an hour before doors open, you know the cuisine being served is something special. Langford’s Farooj Charcoal Chicken only opened in June 2022 but already draws crowds from far and wide for its mouth-watering Lebanese charcoal chicken recipe.

The family business was created when the owners moved to Perth and missed their unique charcoal chicken flavour – an old family recipe that was a favourite with anyone they cooked for. So, they decided to open Farooj Charcoal Chicken so the smoky, authentic flavours of Lebanese chicken could be enjoyed by their new community.

The shop is bursting with family-inspired recipes and family members, who cook and serve the charcoal chicken across various methods (think whole chickens, burgers, wraps and loaded fries), fresh from the spit roast. While customers are from all over Perth, the family particularly loves seeing its regular patrons.

Brayco and Chairforce were the supplier of choice for Farooj owners, who needed to maximise space in the small kitchen with plenty of sturdy and efficient storage, while providing its café section with a sleek, industrial look that aligned with its branding.

Farooj chose pipe shelves to line the kitchen above the triple bowl sink to keep utensils and pots easily accessible. Wall shelves tower above them with excess containers and products kept neatly out of the way until required. Brayco’s two tier overshelf is perhaps the hero of the kitchen, providing an island bench with space for both food preparation and storage, and everything within arm’s reach.

The triple bowl sink is well used within this fast-moving kitchen with options for rinsing food and washing dishes, plus a handy rail built beneath for efficient storage of spray bottles. Farooj chose two sinks with large, pre-rinse taps and one with a hands-free tap for hygienic hand washing.

The logo and shopfront are just as spicy as Farooj’s chicken with bold red flames dousing the windows. Farooj was able to perfectly complement its style with Chairforce’s red Replica Tolix stools (which come in a kaleidoscope of 11 colours, so palette matching is a cinch for any of our clients), plus they’re stackable for a fast pack away. The Miguel round and square folding dining tables are hygienic and lightweight, so they’re easy to clean between the constant flow of Farooj’s customers and fold up at closing time.

Brayco and Chairforce loved helping family business Farooj Charcoal Chicken create a harmonious workplace and enjoyable customer experience. Contact us to discuss how our products can elevate your business.

Designing Your Commercial Kitchen

The kitchen should be considered the heart of your restaurant or cafe. Factors that can determine the success of your restaurant/café, such as food quality, lead time and order efficiency rely heavily of the strategic design of your kitchen’s layout.

To optimise the flow of food production, commercial kitchens should not be using the same design principles of domestic kitchens, as they serve a completely different set of criteria.

Of the many fundamental aspects to consider when designing or refurbishing your commercial kitchen, we recommend first considering what your commercial kitchen will require. In most cases, you will need:

• Dry storage
• Refrigerated storage
• Freezer storage
• Food preparation station
• Designated cooking space
• Service area
• Dish pit/wash-up area

Helpful Tips

1. Research Local Health Codes

By obtaining the required permits for your food service operation, you’ll ensure your business has a firm foundation. Every state and local area has its own codes, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with them prior to designing your space. Topics such as ventilation, waste storage and lighting should be addressed in this stage of planning. A good starting point is the Australian Food Standards Code, which can be downloaded here. Alternately, you may enquire directly with your local public health department to find more information on applicable regulations for food service industries.

2. Know Your Menu

Creating processes to execute each dish will help shape your design in that it will determine which appliances and tools your kitchen requires. In this stage of planning, you can ensure your staff has ample counter space to work. For example, food preparation should be positioned between storage and the cooking area to achieve the ideal flow. When space permits, you should segregate preparation into different processes. Meaning, raw meat/fish prep, vegetable prep, poultry and desert will each have different preparation stations. Understanding the space and tools your kitchen requires will allow you to streamline food preparation processes. But if you find yourself in a tight situation and need help to create extra work space (most of us do), not to worry! Check out Brayco’s Stainless Steel Over Bench Shelves – .

3. Involve the Chef & BOH Staff

A haphazardly designed kitchen ultimately creates obstacles for your chef and back-of-house team. When possible, involve your team in the design process so their skills and expertise may be utilised. Input from the kitchen and BOH staff will help you determine the ideal placement of appliances and kitchen tools, therefore creating a smooth kitchen flow that will make your cooking and clean-up routines seamless.

Choosing Your Layout

Different layouts suit different types of restaurants. Here we’ll look at the suitability standards for each type.

Which Floor Plan is Best for Fast Food?

Fast food outlets work best with a centralised strip serving the assembly line. The assembly-line configuration is ideal for kitchens that need to serve a large quantity of people quickly. Under this model, kitchen equipment is situated in a line with the food preparation station at one end and the service station on the other, which encourages the quick production of food by sending it down the line. This layout works particularly well for restaurants with a limited menu, such as pizza or sandwich shops.

Which Floor Plan is Best for Catering Businesses?

Kitchens used to cater events generally have varied menus comprised of multiple courses. The zone-style layout typically works best. Under this blueprint, each station has its own space which allows BOH staff to divide and conquer. Restauranteurs can simply employ a specialized chef to tackle each station. Each workstation should have its own allocated area which usually requires a large and open working kitchen space, so this model does not suit small kitchens.

Café: Small spaces with few staff members benefit from an open design. An open kitchen layout allows your team to maximise a small space. An increasingly popular model consists of a glass partition between the service area and guest seating, which allows guests to see all the action. You can even create a chef’s table by placing bar stools by the kitchen. This gives your guests a unique and special experience while you are maximizing your venue’s potential. It’s no surprise that small spaces can be tricky to fit out, which is precisely why Brayco carries such a wide range of products in a large number of sizes, with speciality ranges to fit corners and the narrowest spaces.

Which Floor Plan is best for Large Restaurants? The island-style commercial kitchen layout features a central “command centre” or passthrough point for all dishes, which facilitates constant communication between the chef, cooks, and BOH staff. The island-style design is typically comprised of cooking equipment at its centre, while storage units, food prep and washing stations are located along its perimeter. This set up is ideally suited for restaurants with lots of kitchen space.

Where to buy Commercial Kitchen Furniture

Brayco supplies commercial kitchen benches, sinks, cabinets, shelving systems and much more. Products are supplied flat pack for easy delivery. Assembly is a breeze and sales staff are on hand to give advice if needed.

With over 450 products, Brayco is sure to have what you need, as most products come in a variety of shapes and sizes with many customisable to suit your requirements.

It’s not hard to understand why so many restauranteurs are opting for stainless steel cabinetry, countertops and accessories – it’s super sleek, ultra-hygienic and enhances the overall look of your kitchen.

As seen on TV – CH9 Space Invaders

With the increasing popularity of industrial interior style, stainless steel surfaces are no longer reserved for the commercial kitchen, and why should they be? They’re hard-wearing, high quality, and hygienic, making them a family friendly surface.  Stainless steel benches are also highly versatile – you can add castors to the feet for a mobile option – a great alternative to an inbuilt kitchen island bench. You can also adjust the undershelf for additional storage, add extra shelves or even a set of drawers.

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your kitchen/entertaining area indoors or outdoors, stainless steel benches are a timeless choice. The attractive steel will compliment most interiors and will give your kitchen an effortless facelift without the huge price tag.

On the 7th  episode of Channel 9’s Space Invaders, Peter Walsh heads up the team, alongside the queen of house flipping Cherie Barber and the king of trash and treasure Lucas Callaghan.

We see a well deserving family turn their cluttered, unusable outdoor patio, into a functional and stunning outdoor entertaining area.

 

The transformation saw the addition of an outdoor kitchen, with two Brayco Stainless Steel Flat Benches sitting centre stage. The clever use of the benches separates the cooking and living zones, and provides a large food prep and service area, that also proved to be a gathering point on the show.
Cherie really was thinking outside the square on this reno, and used Brayco benches to their full potential, showing just how versatile they really are.

To read more about this lovely couple and their transformation, plus other episodes the Space Invaders team have completed recently, view here.

Product Used: Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Flat Bench, 1829 x 610 x 900mm high

 

Tolix Chairs – Classic Industrial Design History

The practical design concepts of Tolix are founded on five aspects that determine the atmosphere of a place, whether it’s a restaurant, cafe, or public space. The experience is reinforced by factors such as stability, comfort, convenience, performance, and aesthetics. To build a dynamic, effortless space, one principle flows into the next.

Xavier Pauchard, a Frenchman, invented the famous Tolix chair, dating back to the 1930s. His knowledge of industrial design combined with his practicality resulted in a high-quality product. The guiding principles of design and durability that define a Tolix chair remain today at Brayco AU, where we are committed to quality. Visit Replica Tolix range for more info.

What are Tolix Chairs

Tolix Chairs are a type of chair that has been around for quite some time. You’ve probably sat in a Tolix chair in your favourite pub or restaurant, both at home and abroad. Tolix chairs are used in restaurants and cafes, offices, hospitals, auditoriums, and outdoor activity centres, and the US Army trusts them. Tolix chairs have been published in interior design journals worldwide and are a standard in designer kitchens.

Who came up with the Tolix Chair

Xavier Pauchard, a sheet metal worker by profession, set out to design chairs that would survive the outdoors while also appealing to store and restaurant owners as a stylish addition to their establishments. In the mid-1930s, “Chaise A” debuted, and “Monsieur X,” as Pauchard was known, developed the prototype to produce the stackable chair with a few tweaks. He’d discovered a ready answer to a real problem, in addition to offering restaurant and cafe operators sturdy, balanced, and appealing cafe chairs furniture. Tolix is now synonymous with simplicity. Tolix’s original chair design, the “Chaise A,” has been updated. The iconic stool, the “Fauteuil D,” has endured the test of time as a timeless design that can be used in any location.

What is Tolix Style, and how does it differ from other styles?

A Tolix chair, or any Tolix design that seats people, is composed of high-quality, hard-wearing metal galvanised by dipping it in molten zinc to protect it against rust. Pauchard’s nickname comes from the “X” design that serves as a structure for the chair’s seat. As a result, you’ll have a solid and stable frame. A single chair was manufactured using 100 laborious processes in Pauchard’s day. The production process has, of course, been changed by developments in machinery and technology. Xavier Pauchard’s ideas were never patented, which was a regular omission at the time. Despite ups and downs, the Tolix design has been replicated for decades all over the world.

How the Tolix Chairs is Manufactured

Even while good design never fails, reproductions that do not adhere to the highest standards of quality materials do not hold up in busy culinary establishments. Depending on where you shop, a Tolix chair can cost up to three times what you’d expect to pay to improve your living area. That distinguishes Brayco AU from the competition. We strive to provide the most exceptional quality items at the most affordable prices, all of which are built to last in busy restaurant settings. Brayco AU sources tolix dining chairs from trustworthy manufacturers who follow stringent criteria. Brayco AU can offer you the highest quality at the best price since they cut out the middlemen.

Is it Possible to Use Tolix Chairs Outside?

Tolix chairs are simple to clean and maintain, however, they are not designed to be used outside.
The air chair is made from durable plastic and is a better choice as outdoor cafe chairs furniture.

Is it possible to sit comfortably in a Tolix chair?

Tolix chairs offer the right amount of comfort for the job. If their function didn’t meet customer need, their popularity would have dwindled long before now. New design elements that don’t jeopardise the chair’s longevity include various colour options, various materials, such as wood, and rounded corners for child safety.

What is the most comfortable Tolix chair?

The user’s or the business owner’s comfort level is determined by the amount of time it takes to serve a customer. Tolix chairs are available in various styles and materials for use in domestic settings, including kitchens, living rooms, and home offices.

What is a Tolix Stool, and how does one use one?

Tolix bar seats were well-known in hotels, bars, and outdoor bars for their commercial use around bar areas. They blend space with an ambient look in industrial kitchens, home bar areas, and modern interiors. The solidity and balanced form of a Tolix stool set it apart from others.

What Colors and Designs of Tolix Chairs Are There?

From chairs to tables and stools, Brayco AU has a large selection of Pauchard Tolix designs. Many of our chairs are available in up to eight different colour combinations, ensuring that you will discover the perfect Tolix chair to complement your cafe or restaurant. All three categories include other chair and barstool heights that you can select to meet your needs. There are many different table tops to choose from to give your location that special touch. Find out more at Chairforce Tolix chairs.

I’m looking for Tolix Chairs, but I don’t know where to get them. Visit our store at:

• Cafe Chairs Melbourne
• Cafe Chairs Perth
• Cafe Chairs Sydney
• Cafe Chairs Brisbane

Brayco AU director, Harry Bray, guarantees his clients a top-notch, cost-effective experience with no sacrifices on quality or pricing. Brayco AU keeps its warehouses filled, and both corporations and individuals are welcome to shop there.

Visit one of their warehouses in Australia’s and New Zealand’s major cities. Shop online or phone one of their friendly customer service representatives to talk about your requirements. With confidence, choose your Tolix furniture from our vast selection, which will be delivered to your home. You might have your Tolix chair this week with Australia-wide shipping and in-store pickup.

Epoxy vs Chrome shelving – which is best for you?

For both businesses and homes, wire shelving units are a visually appealing and cost-effective choice. Because of their longevity, flexibility, and high load size, chrome and epoxy wire shelving units are the most common. However, determining which solution is better for you can be difficult. When shopping for shelving units, it’s crucial to remember and determine your primary need for the product before deciding which choice is better for you. When selecting racking, keep the following factors in mind:

·         Load capacity – what is going to be stored on the shelf?
·         Environment of your space, cold, dry/wet, outside / inside?
·         Size /shape of the room – e.g. display, coolroom, garage
·         Assembly – can i do it myself?

So what’s the difference?

Chrome Wire Shelving 
Although chrome shelving is normally the more costly choice, it is widely regarded as the most aesthetically appealing. The smooth texture and shiny silver surface are the main reasons for this. The poles that reside inside the shelving add to the streamlined look by making a streamlined appearance. Chrome shelving is suitable for places where it would be on sale, such as showrooms or department shops, because of this. They’re also popular in a variety of commercial settings, including storerooms, kitchens, and offices. Chrome shelving is not only attractive, but it is also very well-made and durable. It’s also worth remembering that chrome shelving is only appropriate for dry conditions with no humidity or dampness.
See the Brayco range of chrome shelving here.

Epoxy Wire Shelving
Epoxy shelving is less expensive and has a sleeker appearance than chrome shelving. It has a temperature range of 0°C to 300°C and can be used in both wet and dry conditions, making it very flexible. Water resistance is provided by the rubberised coating, which also protects against rust and corrosion. Epoxy is ideal for conditions that are rainy, cold, humid, or have frequent temperature fluctuations. Coolrooms, garages, sheds, food storage, and warehouses are only a few of the places where epoxy shelving systems are often used. Epoxy also helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria, making it a germ-free storage alternative. Furthermore, epoxy is chemically resistant, which is essential in the food service industry where a variety of chemicals are used.
See the Brayco range of epoxy shelving here.

What do you need to consider before making a purchase?

LOAD CAPACITY

Both chrome and epoxy shelving have the ability to be durable, but the strength of each brand varies greatly. When purchasing shelving, keep in mind the load capacity of each shelf as well as the thickness of the steel used. It is worthwhile to compare brands; even though they seem to be identical at first glance, a closer inspection will reveal a disparity inconsistency.

(We’d like to point out that Brayco uses a thicker diameter of steel than other rivals, making them very durable and capable of carrying 150kg per shelf.) It is also vital to remember, as with any shelf device, that the weight is spread uniformly around the shelf to prevent undue tension on the shelf and for protection when used with larger loads storage.

ENVIRONMENT

Choose epoxy shelving with a rubberised coating if you have a lot of moisture or a cool room. These are ideal for garages, coolrooms, and even places like a bottle shop or wine cellar.
Since certain floors are uneven, flexible feet are a handy function that will ensure the shelving’s maximum stability.

Are you looking for a portable unit? Castors are a good option. This provides flexibility and portability, but at the expense of total load size, so think about the use and suitability before going mobile. It’s ideal for storing table linen that can be transferred from the dining room to the storage/delivery unit. Alternatively, with pool towels that can be wheeled indoors at the end of the day, use an epoxy device.

LOCATION / SHAPE OF THE ROOM

With the latest S hook accessory, this shelving can be conveniently customised to each customer’s room and needs. For more room and easier access, create straight, L, or U configurations with no corner posts. No end poles are required; simply attach the S hook onto the end of each shelf and hang the next shelf onto it. S hooks come in chrome and epoxy finishes to complement every form of shelving.

To prevent your load from sliding off the end of each bay, add shelf dividers to the end of each bay – a useful accessory to search for when selecting your unit.

ASSEMBLY

The ease of assembly is a distinct attribute of both chrome and epoxy units. A shelf can be placed anywhere along the length of the pole, and any number of shelves can be attached, thanks to the innovative clip shape.

These best-selling wire shelving packages provide anything you’ll need to easily expand your storage room (4 shelves included). Shelving units can be put together in a matter of minutes. You should get as many shelves as you like!

No tools are required; simply snap the black clips into place on the uprights, then drop the shelf over the clips and push them into place. The most difficult challenge would be ensuring that the four clips are at the same height such that the shelf is level; this is a simple workaround that can be accomplished by counting the strategically spaced grooves in the poles and ensuring that each clip is set at the same height.

Brayco offers a wide variety of sizes in both epoxy and chrome, ranging from 457 to 1524mm wide and 1800mm tall, with optional features such as castors, additional racks, s hooks, and shelf dividers.

For the full range of Brayco wire shelving including all sizes and pricing, click the link

Stainless Steel Cleaning Methods & Recommendations

While stainless steel is a highly-durable material, there are a few simple tips to keeping it clean and in tip-top condition. Well maintained stainless steel benches will last for decades.

At Brayco Stainless Steel we also offer Stainless Steel Sink Benches, at everyday low prices.

General Cleaning Methods

1. Polish or brush with the grain of the stainless steel.
This will help to diminish marks or scratches.

2. Day to Day Cleaning  – mild detergent and cloth or soft brush
(no bleach). Make sure you rinse with clean water and wipe the surface dry. Harsh bleaches can permanently ruin any stainless steel benches surface. Detergent is fine. Specialist stainless steel cleaners are fine, but largely unnecessary.

3. Deep Clean – for a really intense clean, us methylated spirits or turpentine and then rinse with clean water and dry. Follow up with light rub of olive oil and polish with soft cloth.

4. Tea and Coffee Stains – Soak the affected area with boiling water and baking powder. Then rinse with fresh water and dry.

5. Rust Marks – We recommend using a proprietary stainless steel cleaner (such as a phosphoric acid).  Please handle with care and ensure you rinse with clean water and dry carefully.

6. Limescale – Soak in boiling water with 25% vinegar solution, rinse well with baking powder solution and then rinse with clean water.

7.  Paint – Paint stripper or turpentine, with nylon brush. Rinse well with fresh water and dry.

General Tips:

DON’T use concentrated bleach, hydrochloric acid or any cleaning chemical that has Chlorine. Chlorine is a corrosive chemical for all types of stainless steel.

DON’T scrub against the grain of the steel.

DO not use steel wool brushes or scourers which have been used on ordinary steel as these will damage the stainless surface and allow rust to form.

DO use a soft cloth and follow these guidelines for years of great stainless steel!

Surface Rust? Please check the cleaning agent you are using. Stainless steel cleaner will remove surface rust, however we highly recommend to regularly clean with stainless steel cleaner to ensure rust does not return.

Any questions give our team a call on 09 271 5000