1. Workbenches and Central Islands
These are the core elements of any food technology lab. Workbenches and central islands provide spacious and durable surfaces where students and researchers can perform food preparation, experiments, and practical evaluations. These units often come with integrated sinks, heat-resistant countertops, and gas or electric hob fittings. The worktops are typically made from stainless steel or chemically resistant high-pressure laminates to ensure hygiene and easy cleaning. Central islands support group activities and promote collaboration.
2. Cooking Stations and Demonstration Units
Cooking stations are fitted with essential culinary components like burners, ovens, induction cooktops, and ventilation systems. Penta’s cooking units are designed with both safety and functionality in mind, featuring temperature-resistant materials and strategically placed fixtures. Demonstration units are useful for instructors to showcase techniques, with clear visibility and multimedia integration, enabling students to observe the entire cooking or processing procedure.
3. Sink Units and Washing Stations
Hygiene is crucial in food laboratories. Sink units are built using corrosion-resistant materials and come with deep bowls, splashbacks, and drainage systems to handle cleaning and food waste efficiently. Multiple tap configurations and separate areas for handwashing and utensil washing ensure compliance with safety protocols. Washing stations are often located strategically around the lab for easy accessibility.
4. Storage Cabinets and Ingredient Lockers
Effective storage is essential for maintaining a clean and organized lab. Storage cabinets are designed to store cookware, lab utensils, ingredients, and personal protective equipment (PPE). These are available in wall-mounted, under-bench, and tall cabinet formats. Lockable ingredient lockers help in storing perishables and non-perishables separately and securely, preventing cross-contamination and ensuring proper inventory control.
5. Refrigerated Units and Cold Storage Solutions
To maintain the quality of raw ingredients and prepared samples, food labs require cold storage systems. Penta provides built-in refrigerated cabinets and mobile refrigeration units that comply with modern cooling standards. These units are equipped with adjustable shelves, temperature displays, and energy-efficient cooling technology—ideal for storing dairy, meats, and perishable food samples used in research and culinary experiments.
6. Food Preparation Units
These specialized workstations are designed for tasks such as cutting, mixing, blending, and processing raw food items. The units often include knife holders, cutting boards, waste chutes, and storage for prep tools. Surfaces are built from materials that resist stains, odors, and bacteria, making them suitable for handling both plant-based and animal-based products.
7. Drying and Dehydration Units
These are used for research related to food preservation and shelf-life extension. Penta offers customizable drying racks, dehydrators, and associated furniture components that can be installed in the lab to test moisture removal and air circulation techniques in food processing.
8. Sensory Evaluation Stations
These stations are designed to evaluate taste, smell, texture, and visual appearance of food samples. Penta’s sensory evaluation furniture includes isolated tasting booths, neutral color finishes, and proper lighting. Some setups even feature controlled ventilation and soundproof partitions to avoid distractions during analysis.
9. Instructor and Safety Control Desks
Instructors’ desks are strategically placed for overseeing activities and may include integrated control panels to operate central gas, water, and electrical systems. Safety features such as emergency shut-off valves, fire extinguisher mounts, and first aid kits are part of this category. These desks help maintain a controlled and secure lab environment, especially in school or institutional settings.
10. Waste Management and Disposal Stations
Food technology labs generate significant waste, both organic and non-organic. Penta designs waste stations that include segregated bins, bio-waste containers, compost units, and chemical disposal points. These stations are strategically placed to encourage safe and eco-friendly waste practices.
11. Mobile Lab Furniture
Flexibility is increasingly important in modern food labs. Mobile lab furniture such as rolling prep tables, portable storage units, and mobile cooking carts allow labs to adapt their configuration based on changing class sizes, project requirements, or workflow demands. These are often built with locking wheels and durable frames to ensure both mobility and stability.
12. Seating and Dining Area Furniture
Some food technology labs incorporate a tasting or dining area for culinary presentation and evaluation. Penta provides ergonomic stools, benches, and tables that match the lab’s aesthetic and functional requirements. These areas are useful for final food evaluation, group discussions, and guest presentations.
Each of these categories serves a vital role in ensuring that a food technology lab operates efficiently, hygienically, and in accordance with safety standards. Penta’s comprehensive solutions cover every need from practical training to professional research, making them a trusted provider of food lab furniture in schools, colleges, training institutes, and research centers.