Hire shelving, trolleys, plate trolleys and glass trolleys for temporary kitchens, banquets and event catering sites.
Storage equipment gives a temporary kitchen the structure that permanent kitchens take for granted. Expo Hire hires stainless steel shelving, wire shelving, 2-shelf and 4-shelf trolleys, plate trolleys, glass trolleys and crates for caterers who need to store, move and protect stock on event day.
Temporary kitchens fail when stock arrives before the storage plan. Shelving, trolleys and crates stop that problem before it starts. A 4-tier or 5-tier stainless steel shelving unit gives caterers a clean place for dry goods, sealed ingredients, serviceware and reserve pans. Wire shelving suits stock that needs airflow or quick visual checks, such as packaged drinks, crates of produce or boxed disposables. A standard temporary kitchen often uses one shelf bay for dry ingredients, one for service stock and one for cleaning or chemicals placed away from food. That split keeps the layout clear for every staff member who walks into the tent or prep room. Trolleys then connect each zone. A 2-shelf trolley suits lighter bar or service work. A 4-shelf trolley carries more pans, dishes or reserve stock across long venue corridors. Plate trolleys matter on banquet jobs because they let staff move 50 to 100 plates in one trip and protect the rim from chips on door frames and loading ramps. Glass trolleys do the same job for stemware and tumblers, which cuts breakage during build and strike. Crates and boxes make the final layer work. They give the team one place for cutlery, one place for service cloths, one place for reserve jugs and one place for return stock. If the event arrives the day before, storage becomes even more important because the kit needs to sit in order overnight without turning into a pile of mixed boxes by morning. Start with the footprint. Measure the kitchen wall runs, mark the delivery door and leave a clear central path for hot food and dirty returns. A good storage plan protects speed, cuts breakage and gives the chef room to think.
Plate and glass trolleys pay for themselves in saved time on large banquets and conference venues. Two staff can move more stock with less lifting, and the stock reaches the room in better condition. That matters when the schedule includes a long corridor, a service lift or a tight loading bay window. Shelving also helps on close-down because staff can stage returned items by type instead of mixing dirty and clean stock in the same corner. If your venue gives you access on the day before, build the storage first, then load the shelves as the delivery lands. That order keeps the rest of the set-up calm and cuts the hunt for missing kit during service.
Most plate trolleys in event use hold about 50 to 100 plates, depending on plate size and the trolley design.
A glass trolley protects stemware and tumblers during transport around the venue and cuts breakage during build and clear-down.
Stainless steel or wire shelving works well for temporary kitchens because it keeps stock off the floor and gives each product type a clear storage zone.
If the venue allows it, get the storage equipment on site the day before so the team can build the kitchen layout before food and service stock arrive.
Expo Hire does not charge a security deposit. A free minor damage waiver covers minor damage and loss. Excessive or negligent damage is charged at 10 times the hire price. Full details in our terms and conditions.
Use the carriage calculator to find your nearest branch and get an accurate delivery quote. Heavy or bulky items may need a second delivery operative — this is shown at checkout when applicable. At checkout we show an itemised delivery cost before you confirm the order.
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For orders over £1,000, you can confirm a booking with a 25% deposit and pay the balance up to 28 days before delivery. The checkout offers this automatically. Full details in our terms and conditions.
