How to choose the most suitable pizza counter for your venue
The pizza counter is not just a place to knead, bake and stuff. It is a true workshop where everything must be customised to create each pizza to perfection and to make work easier and faster. The layout and organisation of the workstation allows the pizza chef to work in an orderly and versatile environment, managing timing and preparation in the best possible way. When choosing a pizza counter, several factors must be considered, such as the available space, the characteristics of the environment and the choice of quality materials.
The choice of pizza counter materials
The pizza counter is fundamental for furnishing and managing the space in your pizzeria and has a dual function: it allows the dough and filling ingredients to be stored correctly; it also serves as a work surface for preparing, spreading and topping the dough.
The ideal material for the pizza counter must be resistant to oxidation and corrosion since pizza is a food that contains water and other moist ingredients.
The best solution is to use a stainless steel table and a granite top that facilitates working and spreading the dough.
Stainless steel has the characteristic of resisting oxidation and corrosion, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.
Granite has a smooth, polished surface that does not stain or stick to the dough. Hot kitchen utensils can also be placed on this material. Marble, on the other hand, absorbs stains and is more easily scratched when using metal tools such as spatulas and leaf peelers.
The dimensions of the pizza counter
Understanding the available space is very important when choosing the right pizza counter. When opting for a refrigerated counter, it is recommended to place the motor compartment as far away from the oven as possible to consume less energy.
In any case, the best solution is to opt for a pizza counter made to measure for the kitchen, so as to have adequate space for the pizza chef’s movements. The size of the counter may depend on the quantity of pizzas to be prepared per day, so that adequate equipment can be purchased according to demand. Choosing counters with drawer units facilitates the pizza chef’s work, as it allows the dough balls to be conveniently placed and left to finish rising without having to move them.
The refrigerated display window and its accessories
There are also other elements to take into account when furnishing the pizzeria to make it perfectly functional. The refrigerated display window is in fact an element that guarantees the freshness and proper preservation of the pizza toppings. It is usually positioned above the work counter in such a way as to make the filling efficient and fast. Refrigerated display units are composed of basins of various sizes and perform the difficult task of respecting the maximum food display temperatures required by European health authorities and HACCP regulations.
Finally, a suitable pizza counter has rounded internal corners to facilitate cleaning and avoid unpleasant knocks. Adjustable feet allow the pizza counter to be set up at a customised height for each pizza maker.
The ILSA pizza counter
ILSA offers versatile and effective solutions that guarantee space optimisation and work simplification. After carefully studying the needs of pizza makers and working environments, it has developed a complete line of equipment designed for pizzerias and professional kitchens. From workbenches of various sizes to refrigerated elements, from drawer units to food display cabinets, ILSA offers a range of options and solutions to furnish the pizzeria and guarantee the customer a high quality product.
The pizzeria equipment line consists of three types of work tables in different sizes: with a depth of 70, 80 and 86 cm. The ILSA pizza counter can also be customised with a variety of neutral and refrigerated elements. The equipment, in compliance with hygiene regulations, is made of AISI 304 Cr-Ni 18/10 stainless steel, while the worktops are made of Sardinian granite or stainless steel. The choice of drawer units is also very wide.
They are suitable for PVC containers 60×40 cm, which can hold 15/18 balls of pizza dough. The refrigerated display cabinets are available with a depth of 32 or 38 cm, can be fitted on request with Gastronorm containers and are available from 120 cm to 250 cm in length.
