When you’re choosing butchers’ equipment for your shop, there are a number of things to consider. What tools will help you work efficiently? What do you need to produce quality cuts? What equipment will work best for your space? Here at Butchers Equipment Warehouse, we’ve been providing butchers with a comprehensive range of knives, equipment and machinery for nearly 35 years now, and we’re here to help you find the right supplies for your business. So, what will work best – a butcher’s table or a butcher’s block table? Here’s what you should think about when making your choice. 

What is the difference between a butcher’s table and a butcher’s block table?

First off, let’s look at the difference between the two pieces of equipment. As the name suggests, a butcher’s table is a table used to prepare and process meat. Here at Butchers Equipment Warehouse, for example, we supply polytop tables, made with a combination of a stainless steel frame and a 500-grade polyethylene surface. In comparison, our butcher’s block tables are a thick slab of interlocked acacia mounted on a stainless steel or aluminium stand. But which will be better suited to your shop layout?

Consider how manoeuvrable each option is and how often you rearrange your space

When you’re choosing between a table and a block table, it all comes down to the needs of your space. If you’re constantly rearranging your preparation area to experiment with different layouts and accommodate a growing number of staff, then you may be better off with a polytop table, as they’re typically significantly lighter than block tables and can be moved around easily. On the other hand, if you work in a kitchen that has a fixed layout, with little change and a designated place for everything, then a heavier block table would be ideal. But don’t worry – we also offer wheels for both our polytop tables and block tables, so that if the time comes to reshuffle your space, you can do so without struggling.

How much available space do you have? 

When choosing between a butcher’s table and a block table, it helps to consider how much available space you have. For example, if you’re working in a larger shop, then you have the room to create fixed preparation stations. Our polytop tables are available in a range of colours, so you can have a clear, dedicated system for separating products like raw meat, cooked meat and fish. This enables you to work efficiently and prioritise food safety.

On the other hand, if you’re working in a smaller space, then every surface counts, and you may not be able to have a station for every type of product. Our wooden butcher’s blocks are designed with hygiene in mind. As long as you and your team properly disinfect it between product types, you can conserve space and enjoy the convenience of preparing everything all on one designated block. 

Consider how your choice can affect the look of your space 

It's arguably not quite as critical as the other factors we've covered so far, but it’s also good to consider aesthetics, as the two options can create very different looks in your shop. A polytop table can make a space look more modern and practical – in comparison, butcher’s blocks are often chosen by our customers for their classic, traditional appearance. If your preparation space is at the front of the shop, then choosing a wooden butcher’s block can be a great way to impress your customers, as it creates a sense of craftsmanship and class.

If you’re looking for a new tool or piece of equipment for your business, you’re in the right place. From bandsaw blades to knives, we’ve got exactly what you need to produce quality cuts of meat and keep your customers happy. Stocking a range of renowned brands at competitive prices, you can count on us to provide durable and reliable butchery solutions for any job. For more information or advice on making the right choice, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01254 427761 today – we’re always happy to help!