Check out 5 of the best folding tables for food stalls and market stalls
When you are a mobile caterer moving from event to event, setting up and packing away, you need to be nimble.
This means having food stall equipment that is designed to be portable and can be folded away and put into your van at the end of the day.
Probably one of the most important pieces of equipment you will need for a food stall or market stall is folding tables.
It’s what you use to prep your food, cook, and display your products.
I’ve therefore put together a list of the most suitable folding tables you can use for a pop-up food stall or even a general market stall.
I have personally used all of these types of tables over the years so feel I can give an honest review.
Buyers Guide
There are a few different things to consider when buying the best folding table for a food stall or general market stall.
For example, they will come in a variety of sizes and are made from different materials.
Folding table sizes
Folding tables usually come in three different sizes.
- 4ft x 2ft
- 5ft x 2ft
- 6ft x 2ft
Folding table materials
Folding tables are generally made from two different types of materials – Hard-wearing plastics and stainless steel.
Which one you buy will be influenced by what you intend to use it for – namely a food stall or market stall
Plastic
Pros
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Good for general markets
Cons
- Not suitable for putting hot stuff on the top
- Hard to clean
- Most models do not have adjustable heights
Stainless steel
Pros
- Superior build quality
- More suitable for mobile catering
- Adjustable height
- Suitable height for food prep
Cons
- Heavy – double the weight of plastic folding tables
- More expensive than plastic folding tables
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1. Royal Catering Folding Table
Dimensions: 120 x 60 cm (3.9 x 1.9ft)
Material: Stainless steel worktop & legs
Weight: 18.1 Kg
Load Capacity: 120 kg
Suitable for: Food stalls | mobile catering | restaurants
This folding table is suitable for mobile catering such as food stalls and is good for operating in small spaces.
It is designed to be at the right height for food prep and also has adjustable legs which are good for the lower back.
It is also the lightest out of the three stainless steel folding tables which means it’s good for mobility.
You can buy it here on Amazon at the latest price
2. Vogue Stainless Steel Folding Table
Dimensions: 180 x 60 cm (5.9 x 1.9 ft)
Material: Stainless steel worktop & legs
Weight: 28kg
Suitable for: Food stalls |mobile catering | restaurants
This stainless steel folding table is slightly bigger, which means it offers more surface space for food prep and cooking.
This is a very well-made product probably from the most well-known brand when it comes to stainless steel folding tables.
You can buy it here on Amazon at the latest price
3. BE Furniture Folding Table
Dimensions: 182 x 70 cm (6 x 2.3 ft)
Material: Stainless steel worktop & legs
Weight: 22kg
Suitable for: Food stalls | mobile catering | restaurants
Like the other folding tables, I’ve mentioned this model is suitable for food stalls, mobile catering operations, or even restaurants and cafes where space is at a premium.
It’s the largest in its category at 6ft x 2 ft and offers a good amount of surface space for cooking, preparing food, and displaying food.
And despite being the biggest it’s relatively lightweight compared to the previous folding table.
You can buy it here on Amazon at the latest price
4. Redstone Folding Table
Dimensions: 122 x 61cm (4 x 2 ft)
Material: Plastic worktop & metal legs
Weight: 10kg
Suitable for: Food stalls | market stalls
Plastic folding tables are a cheaper option for food stalls and are good if you are on a tight budget.
These models of tables don’t usually come with adjustable heights which means leaning over to prep food for more than 30 mins can put pressure on your lower back.
However, one of the main features of this folding table, is it has three adjustable height settings.
You can buy this folding table on Amazon at the latest price
5. Gr8 Garden Heavy Duty Folding Table
Dimensions: 183 x 76cm (6 x 2.4 ft)
Material: Plastic worktop & metal legs
Weight: 13kg
Suitable for: Food stalls | market stalls
These folding tables are suitable for both food stalls for prepping or market stalls to display items or as a space for stock.
It is slightly larger than the previous one at 6ft x 2ft which means more surface space.
However, unlike the previous table, it does not have adjustable legs.
So if you are looking for a folding table solely for food prep this may be something you want to consider.
Plastic tables are also not suitable for putting hot items on as they will melt the plastic.
You can buy this folding table on Amazon at the latest price here
Final Verdict
If you are looking to start a food stall I would definitely recommend using the stainless steel folding table.
They are more suitable for mobile catering, look more professional, and have a superior build quality which means they will last longer.
If on the other hand, you need a folding table for a market stall or have a tight budget for your food stall equipment then plastic folding tables will work fine.
The main thing about stall equipment is that it is mobile and easy to transport.
Author
Gavin D is the founder of Street Food Central and Tru Foo Juice Bar Co. and has worked in the mobile catering industry for over 7 years.