What Is A Cooling Rack?
A commercial cooling rack is a dedicated cart or stationary unit with shelves (typically wire grids or perforated metal) that’s designed to let air circulate uniformly around food products. This prevents condensation and supports safe, efficient heat dissipation and cooling.
Cooling Rack Uses In The Food Industry
Cooling racks have many uses in the food industry, from de-panning (removing baked goods from their pans or molds) and the storage of products prior to packaging, to safe transportation without the worry of condensation and soggy bottoms!
Cooling racks in situ at our client Roskam Food’s facility
In meat processing plants for example, commercial cooling racks are used in the aging and curing of meat products. In bakeries, they’re typically used to cool bread, cakes and pastries, and to provide a safe place for products to rest while their ingredients work (for example, when dough needs to be proofed before baking), or during the controlled staling process where products sit for an extended period of time to ensure complete moisture removal.
For the full lowdown on Schaumburg Specialties 100% American-made cooling racks and why your business needs them, check out this video, from our own Eric Schaumburg.
Cooling Rack Uses In Non-Food Industries
Of course, cooling racks are very useful in many non-food industries too! They’re widely used in the pharmaceutical, aerospace and electronics industries to facilitate a highly effective product cooling process – think products such as medicines, metal components and circuit boards.
In the vertical farming industry, cooling racks are used because their shelving provides optimum air circulation and ventilation for growing crops. The plastics industry also uses commercial cooling racks and wire shelves to encourage even air circulation and cooling after molding, while the automotive industry uses them because they provide the perfect space for drying coated and painted parts.
Types Of Cooling Rack (Commercial, Bakery, Meat and More!)
There are many different types of commercial cooling rack and they can be used in a wide variety of industrial applications.
Schaumburg Specialties has decades of experience in custom building cooling racks – and wire shelves – that are 100% American made and tailored to fit your business’s exact needs and specifications. Contact our expert team today to learn more!
| TYPE OF Cooling Rack | INDUSTRY | INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS | KEY BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakery Cooling Rack | Bread, pastries, cookies | Airflow, prevents sogginess | 100% US-made multi-level bakery rack |
| Meat Cooling Rack | Sausage curing, beef aging | Sanitary, corrosion-resistant | Custom stainless steel rack |
| Proofing Rack | Dough Rising | Controlled airflow | Adjustable rack with removable shelves |
| Staling Rack | Breadcrumb Production | Extended moisture removal | Heavy duty grid racks |
| Industrial Cooling Rack | Plastics, pharma, aerospace | Even cooling of non-food items | Custom high capacity designs |
Cooling Rack Materials (Stainless Steel, Aluminum & Coated Carbon Steel)
Commercial cooling racks can be manufactured from different materials, but they’re typically made from stainless steel, aluminum or coated carbon steel. Stainless steel cooling racks are a popular choice because of their strong, sanitary and corrosion-resistant properties, however stainless steel can be more expensive and heavier and more difficult to maneuver than aluminum. Check out the table below for the pros and cons of each material and the industry they’re best suited to.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Durable, NSF-certified, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean | Heavier, more expensive | Meat plants, larger bakeries needing long-lifespan equipment |
| Aluminum | Lightweight, affordable, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean | Less strong, scratches more easily | Mid-sized bakeries, food plants |
| Carbon Steel (coated) | Low-cost, strong | Coating may wear, not NSF ideal | Non-food industries, dry environments |
Engineering & Design Features Of Cooling Racks
Commercial cooling racks can be designed with a wide range of engineering and design features, tailored to meet the specific demands of your production environment. Read on to learn more about some specific design features and comparisons that may help when it comes to choosing the best cooling rack for your business.
Wired Grid vs Perforated Metal Shelves
Cooling racks with wire shelves in a grid pattern are ideal for ensuring maximum airflow and cooling efficiency. Smaller spacing (typically 0.5” to 1” between grids) prevents small items such as cookies from falling through, but bear in mind that larger spacing improves air circulation for quicker heat dissipation and more uniform cooling.
Wire grid racks
Perforated metal shelves give greater product support and are ideal for handling heavier loads. However, they offer less air exposure than wire grids, so heat cooling and moisture removal is likely to be slower.
Perforated metal shelf rack
Square Tube vs Structural Angle Frames
If you’re using a square tube (i.e, hollow square or rectangular tubing) frame for your cooling rack, then you’re guaranteed a rigid, heavy-duty piece of baking equipment that has fewer exposed edges or crevices – this makes them safer for employee use, easier to clean and more sanitary than angle frame alternatives.
Angle frames (where ‘L’ shaped metal pieces are used for support) are typically lighter weight, easier to maneuver and more cost effective, however they aren’t as strong, so deformity of the metal is more likely to occur.
At Schaumburg Specialties, all our cooling racks are reinforced with double welds, ensuring strength, stability and endurance. The tube ends of our (typically square tube) frames are also welded closed, giving no room for bacteria to thrive and thereby offering crucial protection against contamination.
We employ advanced welding techniques for strong, sanitary equipment
Adjustable & Removable Shelves
Both adjustable and removable shelves are ideal if you need a flexible set-up that can adapt to a wide range of production requirements.
Adjustable wire shelves (for example hook-in shelves) can be repositioned vertically (and sometimes horizontally) to accommodate different sized items or changing production needs. Key advantages of adjustable shelving include flexible storage and the ability to customize workflow depending on product type, batch size or stage in the production process.
Hook-in shelves (such as these that we designed for Rich Products) offer a supportive, flexible solution
Removable (or rolling/sliding) shelves too are ideal for use in industrial food processing. They provide easy access for simple loading and unloading, allow for improved cleaning and sanitation and they can easily integrate with conveyors and carts to maximize workflow efficiency.
Rolling Cooling Racks With Wheels & Brakes
Of course, no cooling rack would be complete without casters, which along with braking mechanisms, play a key role in allowing US industrial food processing plants to transport large quantities of product smoothly, efficiently and safely around their facility.
Casters and brakes keep cooling racks stable yet effortlessly mobile
At Schaumburg Specialties, our custom rolling cooling racks are all fitted with heavy-duty casters that are designed to keep racks – and products – stable, secure and highly mobile, even in the toughest conditions. If you require a braking mechanism (for quick locking and prevention of unwanted movement during loading or unloading), just let us know and we’ll incorporate it into your custom design.
Hygiene, Cleaning and Sanitation Standards For US Businesses
One of the most important things to consider when running an industrial food processing facility is food safety – and it’s imperative that your commercial cooling racks meet the highest standards of hygiene and are FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) compliant.
To ensure top-notch hygiene security at all times, it’s vital to follow best practice in the everyday cleaning and sanitation of your commercial cooling racks.
| Step | ✅ Correct Practice | ❌ Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Rinse | Use warm water to remove debris | Skipping rinse |
| Wash | Apply food-safe detergent | Using non-food soap |
| Sanitize | Use NSF-Approved sanitizer | Using harsh, non NSF-approved chemicals |
| Dry | Air dry fully | Stacking racks while wet |
US Certifications And Compliance For Cooling Racks
To make sure that your industrial baking cooling racks comply with the highest food safety standards, it’s crucial that you follow the guidelines and regulations set out by US certifying agencies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
It’s also critical that preventative programs such as the FDA’s HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) program – which aims to identify and control hazards throughout the food production process – are adhered to.
| Certification | Governing Body | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSF/ANSI | NSF International | Food-contact safe design | Trusted US food standard |
| FDA Compliance | FDA | Approved food-safe materials | Federal Compliance |
| USDA Approval | USDA/FSIS | Meat/poultry approval | Required for US meat plants |
| HACCP alignment | FDA/HACCP | Preventative safety program | Industry best practice |
At Schaumburg Specialties, all of our SHOPCraft range (including cooling racks!) is designed and built to be compliant with the very highest food safety standards and is NSF approved.
For more information on our NSF certification, check out our video.
Heavy Duty Cooling Racks for Industrial Use
When you’re running a large-scale US commercial bakery or meat processing plant, you need cooling racks that are heavy duty – strong, stable and able to withstand rigorous use over time.
Typically made from thick-gauge stainless steel and featuring reinforced welded joints, a heavy duty stainless steel cooling rack will have a high-load capacity and be able to support large batches of food or baking equipment for long periods of time without warping or flexing.
Schaumburg Specialties’ cooling racks are strong, sturdy and mobile
Heavy duty stainless steel cooling racks will normally also feature industrial-grade casters (or wheels), often with locks. These casters ensure that your cooling rack is highly mobile, while the use of locks (such as foot-activated brakes) reduces the risk of employee injury and tipping or accidental rolling during working operations.
Employee health and safety is a big deal in the running of US industrial food processing plants – and there are a number of ergonomic safety features of heavy duty cooling racks that can help mitigate the risk of injury and ensure comfort and ease of use.
Some of these ergonomic safety features – which we can easily incorporate into your custom build design – include: handles (comfort grip or rounded handles can reduce hand strain, while proper handle height avoids bending down or overreaching); high-quality swivel casters that reduce the effort needed to push or turn the cooling rack; optimized wheel positioning for easy steering; foot-activated brakes that are easy to engage and disengage, and adjustable shelves and accessible shelf heights.
With their smooth welds, rounded corners and easy-to-clean surfaces, Schaumburg Specialties’ heavy duty stainless steel cooling racks create a safer work environment where operator comfort, ease of use and productivity is maximized at every stage of your production line.
Cooling Rack Comparisons & Alternatives
A cooling rack is just one of many types of rack – but a key advantage of cooling racks is that they can be used by both food and non-food industries. See the table below for some cooling rack comparisons and alternatives and the pros and cons of each.
| Feature | Cooling Rack | Baking Rack | Sheet Pan Rack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use | Cooling food/non-food | Oven baking | Pan Storage |
| Airflow | High | Minimal | Limited |
| Industries | Food & non-food | Food only | Food Only |
| Pros | Durable, versatile | Oven safe | Efficient pan stacking |
| Cons | Not oven safe | Not for cooling | Poor airflow |
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Cooling Rack for US Businesses
So, how do you choose the right cooling rack for your business needs? If you run a large-scale, high-volume food operation it’s likely you’ll need US-made, heavy duty stainless steel cooling racks that are fully safety certified and are built to last. If your business space is limited, you’ll likely need to consider highly mobile rolling racks that will optimize space and maximize output.
| Factor | ✅ Best Practice | ❌ Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Match rack to bakery, meat, pharma or industrial needs | Using one type for all applications |
| Material | Stainless steel/aluminum for food | Carbon steel in food facilities |
| Mobility | Rolling racks with brakes | Fixed racks in small work spaces |
| Certification | NSF/FDA/USDA approved | Non-certified racks |
| ROI (Return On Investment) | Invest in US-made for long term | Cheap imports, short lifespan |
All of the equipment manufactured by Schaumburg Specialties is 100% American made. All the materials we use are sourced in the USA and designed and built by American workers on American soil at our plant in Schaumburg, IL – that means no cheap imports, no tariffs and no delays, just 100% American manufacturing and professional, friendly customer service.
It also means that you’re buying top quality, precision engineered products that are built to endure and will last a lifetime – guaranteed. So sure are we of the exceptional design prowess and craftsmanship of our team that we offer a Lifetime Guarantee across all our SHOPCraft range – and our other INTELLICraft, MEDICraft and AGRICraft ranges too!
Maintenance And Lifecycle Of Cooling Racks
Proper cleaning and maintenance of commercial cooling racks is crucial in ensuring food and employee safety, and a smooth-running production line. See below for some maintenance dos and don’ts and check out our previous blog for some top tips on keeping your commercial kitchen clean.
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Inspect welds weekly | Ignore loose joints |
| Clean daily | Delay cleaning |
| Dry after washing | Leave wet (rust risk) |
| Replace broken shelves | Continue working with damaged racks |
| Train staff in handling | Overload racks |
Case Studies: US Businesses Using Schaumburg Specialties’ 100% American-Made Cooling Racks
For over 40 years, Schaumburg Specialties has been custom designing and building cooling racks of all types, for a wide variety of clients across a wide range of industries.
Case Study 1: US Bakery – Cloud Boys Bakery
When T Marzetti & its manufacturing partner Cloud Boys Bakery needed custom proofing racks to boost production efficiency in a very tight timeframe, the Schaumburg team delivered. Read all the project details online.
Case Study 2: US Food Processor – Rich Products
Rich Products was having issues with pizza dough products falling off its racks. Our solution? Adjustable hook-in wire shelf racks that kept the product secure and integrated seamlessly into the company’s automated production line. Take a look at the full project story.
Case Study 3: US-Based Meat Processor – Amity Packing
The challenge from Amity Packing was to provide super heavy duty racks that were also effortlessly mobile. The solution was reinforced racks with specially designed casters that could easily carry heavy loads and withstand rigorous and continuous use. Get the full story here.
US-Based Industrial Non-Food Industry – Bowery Farms
Vertical farming pioneer Bowery Farms was experiencing problems with wobbly racks which were wasting crop produce. So we provided stabilized germination racks that ensured soils and seeds were kept safe and secure. Check out the full project details here.
Sustainability and Future Trends in Cooling Racks
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly big deal in the world of industrial food processing and commercial bakery equipment and companies are increasingly using materials – particularly stainless steel – that contain a higher proportion of recycled content. Steel is an extremely eco-friendly material because it’s 100% recyclable – in fact, 60 to 80 million tons of steel scrap is recycled into new products every year in North America.*
There are several reasons why sustainable business practices are becoming so crucial:
- Durable, American-made aluminum and stainless steel cooling racks last longer than cheaper imports, reducing the need for replacements – this means less waste, reduced energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
- Recycling and eco-friendly living is becoming a lifestyle choice for many consumers – and businesses have to cater for consumer demand if they want to be profitable.
- Many food production companies are basing their procurement strategies on whether a supplier is environmentally responsible, certified as eco-friendly and uses recyclable materials in their manufacturing.
- Regulatory pressure from bodies such as the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) often push kitchen operators to choose equipment that allows them to operate and manage materials in a sustainable way.
Sustainability looks set to become an even bigger trend in the future of US manufacturing, with new trends such as modular and repairable rack designs (which enables part instead of full unit replacement) and buy-back programs (where suppliers offer to take used racks for refurbishing or recycling) becoming increasingly popular.
* Source: The American Iron and Steel Institute.
Conclusion: Why US Businesses Should Choose Schaumburg Specialties Cooling Racks
Commercial cooling racks are critical for US businesses because they’re instrumental in ensuring food safety, efficiency and product quality. From industrial bakeries and meat processing plants to aerospace and electronic manufacturing facilities, cooling racks support airflow and ventilation, sanitation and compliance.
Schaumburg Specialties builds 100% American-made cooling racks from the ground up. We only use the highest quality American materials (no cheap imports) and all our equipment is manufactured at our plant in Schamburg, IL.
Our cooling racks are fully compliant with NSF, FDA and USDA standards , durable, ergonomic and tailored to your exact requirements – delivering long-term ROI, whatever industry you’re in.
To find out more about what commercial cooling racks from Schaumburg Specialties can do for your business, please contact our friendly, knowledgeable team via our website or call us at 866 489 1574. We are always delighted to assist!
FAQs
What are cooling racks used for?
Cooling racks are used for a wide variety of applications by many different industries. Typically they’re used by commercial bakeries and food processing plants to evenly cool, transport and store produce, but they can also be used in industries such as aerospace and electronics to uniformly cool and securely store components.
Are Cooling Racks Necessary?
Cooling racks aren’t strictly necessary, because you can bake without them, – however if you want fast, even cooling and great texture, a cooling rack gives consistently better results and is considered essential in most professional kitchens.
Are Cooling Racks And Baking Racks The Same?
Cooling racks are very similar to baking racks, but they have key differences. A baking rack is typically used inside an oven to bake or crisp a product, while a cooling rack is used after baking to cool food by allowing air to circulate evenly around it.
Can You Bake With A Cooling Rack?
You can bake with a cooling rack – but only if it’s oven safe, i.e, it has no coating or plating. If your cooling rack is made from stainless steel and labelled oven safe, then you can use it in an oven. You will need to confirm whether or not your cooling rack is oven safe by consulting the manufacturer’s instructions and labelling.
Can You Use A Cooling Rack In The Oven?
Yes, you can use a cooling rack in the oven, but it’s crucial that the rack is designed and built for oven use. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and labelling to see if yours is oven safe.
Are Cooling Racks Oven Proof?
Whether or not your cooling racks are oven proof depends on the material and construction of the specific rack. If your rack is 100% stainless steel, fully welded and sturdy and labelled ‘oven safe’ then it can be used in an oven. If it’s coated, chrome-plated or not labelled, then it’s very unlikely to be oven proof.