What Exactly Are Afruimwagens?
Afruimwagens are special clearing trolleys used in the hospitality and catering world. Think of them as mobile helpers that make cleaning up tables super easy. Restaurant staff and bussers use these carts to collect dirty dishes, glasses, and cutlery quickly.
The name “Afruimwagens” comes from Dutch. It basically means “clearing cart” or “clearing trolley.” These horeca trolleys are essential equipment in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses across the Netherlands and beyond.
Most Afruimwagens have multiple levels or shelves. This lets staff organize different items as they clear tables. Some have dish racks built right in. Others come with cutlery bins or glass racks attached.
Why Do Restaurants and Hotels Need Afruimwagens?
Speed is everything in the restaurant business. Famous chefs like Sergio Herman and Jonnie Boer know that fast table turnover means more customers and higher profits. Afruimwagens make this possible by cutting clearing time in half.
Hygiene is another big reason. These service trolleys keep dirty dishes organized and off the floor. This is especially important in places like Michelin-star restaurants or busy Utrecht cafés, where cleanliness standards are super high.
Staff support matters too. Carrying heavy loads of dishes can hurt waiters’ backs and arms. But with a restaurant dish cart, they can move everything in one trip. This reduces staff fatigue and makes work easier for everyone.
Which Types of Afruimwagens Are Available?
The most common type is the 2-tier afruimwagen. These have two shelves and work great for smaller restaurants or cafés in The Hague. They’re lightweight and easy to move around tight spaces.
For bigger operations like banquet halls or event centers, the 3-tier afruimwagen is perfect. These heavy-duty carts can hold way more dishes. Hotels near Schiphol airport often use these because they serve so many guests.
Stainless steel trolleys are the gold standard. Companies like Hendi and Brabantia make these durable models. They’re dishwasher-safe and resist scratches. But plastic trolleys work well too, especially foldable afruimwagens that save storage space.
How Do Afruimwagens Improve Service Quality?
Better workflow is the biggest benefit. When Herman den Blijker trains restaurant staff, he always emphasizes smooth operations. Afruimwagens creates a professional system for clearing tables that looks good to customers.
Faster clearing means faster seating. A good bussing cart can cut table turnover time by 30%. This is huge for busy places like hospitals or schools with canteens that serve hundreds of meals daily.
The professional appearance also matters. René Redzepi’s restaurants are known for their attention to detail. Clean, organized clearing processes using quality catering trolleys show customers that the restaurant cares about excellence.
What Features Should You Look for in an Afruimwagen?
Lockable wheels are super important. These keep the utility cart stable when loading dishes. Silent wheel trolleys are even better because they don’t make noise in quiet dining areas.
Easy cleaning features matter a lot. Look for removable shelves and dishwasher-safe trays. Non-slip surfaces prevent dishes from sliding around. Scratch-resistant materials last longer and look better.
Ergonomic design helps staff work comfortably. Height-adjustable shelves let different people use the same cart easily. Easy maneuvering features like smooth-rolling wheels make the job less tiring.
Can Afruimwagens Save Costs in the Long Run?
Absolutely. Fewer staff are needed when clearing is more efficient. One person with a good dish-cleaning cart can do the work of two people carrying dishes by hand. This saves on labor costs over time.
Reduced breakage is another big savings. Alain Ducasse’s restaurants track every broken dish because it adds up fast. Organized transport in clearing carts means fewer accidents and less waste.
Time efficiency equals money. Companies like Sligro and Makro sell these carts because they know restaurant owners want to maximize profits. Better operations through proper equipment always pay off.
Where Can You Buy Affordable and Durable Afruimwagens?
Hanos is a top supplier for horeca equipment in the Netherlands. They offer both budget and premium automobile options. Horecaworld.nl also has a great selection of catering carts online.
For online shopping, Bol.com and Amazon.nl have competitive prices. You can compare different brands and read customer reviews. IKEA even sells food service carts that work well for smaller operations.
Professional suppliers like HorecaRama and HorecaTraders specialize in restaurant equipment. They offer expert advice and often have better warranties. Trade shows like Horecava Amsterdam are great places to see different models in person.
Final Tips for Choosing the Best Afruimwagen
Size matters most. Measure your restaurant spaces first. A big heavy-duty cart won’t work in tight spaces between tables. But tiny carts won’t help busy kitchens that need to move lots of dishes.
Material choice affects durability. Stainless steel lasts the longest but costs more. Plastic models from companies like Alpheios are lighter and cheaper but might not handle heavy use as well.
Check the brand’s reputation. Suppliers like Bunzl Foodservice and Catering Equipment Netherlands have been around for years. Good companies offer parts and service support when you need it.
Conclusion
Afruimwagens are game-changers for any restaurant or catering business. These simple clearing trolleys improve efficiency, reduce staff fatigue, and create better customer experiences. From small cafés to large hotels, every food service operation can benefit from the right afruimwagen.
The investment pays off quickly through faster service, fewer broken dishes, and happier staff. Whether you choose a basic 2-tier model or a premium stainless steel version, you’ll see improvements right away.
