Workbench with Sliding Doors

A workbench with sliding doors — the sliding door system provides access to the lower cabinet without requiring additional space in the opening direction, which is the main advantage in narrow HoReCa kitchens and cramped kitchen layouts.

Advantages of sliding doors compared to hinged doors

A workbench with sliding doors — the main difference between sliding and hinged doors is the efficiency of space usage. Space-saving when opening — a workbench with sliding doors requires 40–50 cm of free space in front for hinged doors to open; sliding doors glide along the façade itself, taking up practically no additional depth; in cold kitchens, where every centimetre counts, this difference is decisive. Safety in narrow aisles — when working in a narrow kitchen, open hinged doors pose a risk of accidental collision; sliding doors always remain within the plane of the table’s façade and do not create such a risk. Ease of opening — sliding doors open with a horizontal movement, rather than pulling towards you; in a kitchen environment where hands are often occupied, sliding with an elbow or forearm is more accessible. Position of open doors — sliding doors remain within the table’s profile even when fully open; hinged doors, when open, create a protrusion that can obstruct movement.

Sliding door mechanism and construction

A workbench with sliding doors — the quality of sliding doors depends on the durability of the track system. Track system — sliding doors rest on upper and lower tracks; the upper track (or roller system) supports the doors and allows them to glide; the lower track or guide prevents the doors from sagging. Doors with rollers — high-quality sliding doors use stainless steel or plastic rollers; quality rollers glide effortlessly and withstand the kitchen environment’s impact for a long time. Door handle — a stainless steel handle is an integral part of the door; it must be ergonomically comfortable and securely attached; a loose handle is a sign that maintenance is needed. Impact of the kitchen environment on tracks — kitchen moisture, grease and food particles can accumulate on the track; regular cleaning ensures smooth door operation; periodic lubrication with food-grade lubricant is recommended. Also explore Table with 3 Drawers and 2 Sliding Doors.

Lower cabinet and storage organisation

A workbench with sliding doors — the lower cabinet with sliding doors is a full-fledged storage area with protected contents. Storage capacity — the lower cabinet is typically 400–600 mm deep and 400–700 mm high (depending on the table’s overall height and shelf position); sufficient for storing GN 1/1 dishes or large pots upright. Hygiene in a closed cabinet — a closed cabinet with doors protects contents from kitchen atmosphere contamination: steam, grease splashes and dust; contents remain cleaner compared to an open shelf. Inventory organisation — the cabinet can be equipped with an internal shelf or unstructured space; an internal shelf helps organise items of different sizes; choose according to the types of inventory being stored. Locking option — some models offer a locking option for sliding doors; useful if the cabinet is intended for storing more valuable inventory or clothing.

Cleaning and maintenance in the kitchen environment

A workbench with sliding doors — regular maintenance of both the table surface and the door mechanism ensures a long service life. Table surface cleaning — clean the stainless steel work surface after each use; disinfect at least at the end of each shift; HACCP requirements apply to all food contact surfaces. Door façade cleaning — the door’s exterior is often a hand-contact zone; daily cleaning with detergent and water; stainless steel does not harbour bacteria, but surface cleaning reduces the risk of contamination. Track cleaning — during weekly maintenance, check and clean the tracks; use a brush or damp cleaning aid to remove accumulated deposits; wipe dry with a soft cloth before lubricating. Cabinet interior — clean the cabinet interior once a week or more frequently if food contact dishes are stored; remove contents, rinse with hot water and disinfect. Also explore Work Tables with Drawers and Doors.

HoReCa usage scenarios

A narrow restaurant kitchen with limited aisle width — a workbench with sliding doors; hinged doors would obstruct the aisle; sliding doors solve the problem; kitchen workflow improved. A café with a compact preparation area — a workbench with sliding doors; the table surface for preparation, the lower cabinet for accessories; sliding doors open to the side without obstruction. Hotel buffet preparation rooms — several workbenches with sliding doors arranged in a row; contents accessible from the front without blocking the aisle. BHS supplies workbenches with sliding doors.

Frequently asked questions

How much space do sliding doors save compared to hinged doors? A workbench with sliding doors — hinged doors require at least 40–50 cm of free space in front (half the door width); sliding doors — only a few millimetres of door thickness; in a narrow kitchen with a 80 cm aisle, sliding doors keep this aisle free, while hinged doors would block it; also explore Table with 2 Sliding and 1 Hinged Doors.

Are sliding doors more or less durable than hinged doors? A workbench with sliding doors — both systems are durable with regular maintenance; sliding doors may accumulate more deposits on the track and require more frequent cleaning; hinged doors may lose precision in the hinge mechanism over time; high-quality stainless steel rollers ensure a long service life for sliding doors. Explore Work Tables with Drawers and Doors.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.