Afruimwagens: The Complete Guide to Clearing Trolleys in Hospitality and Catering

Keeping a restaurant, café, or catering area clean and efficient is very important. One of the most useful but often forgotten tools in hospitality is the afruimwagens, also known as a clearing trolley or service cart.

This simple cart makes daily work faster, safer, and more hygienic. It helps staff clear tables, move used dishes, and transport trays easily. In this complete guide, you will learn what an afruimwagen is, how it works, what types exist, and how to choose the right one for your business LessInvest

What Is an Afruimwagen?

An afruimwagen is a mobile cart with multiple shelves or trays used for collecting and moving used plates, glasses, cutlery, and trays from dining areas to the washing or kitchen area, it usually has two to five shelves, four wheels, and sometimes includes buckets, bins, or trays for waste and utensils.

Common Names

• Afruimwagen (Dutch)

• Clearing trolley

• Dish collection cart

• Restaurant service cart

• Bussing trolley

Main Purpose

The main goal of a clearing trolley is to make cleaning up faster, safer, and more hygienic. Staff can move many dishes at once without carrying heavy trays or walking back and forth, it saves time, protects staff from lifting injuries, and keeps the dining area tidy for guests.

Why Are Afruimwagens Important?

An afruimwagen improves efficiency in many ways:

• It helps clear tables faster.

• It reduces noise and mess.

• It lowers physical stress for workers.

• It improves hygiene and workflow in kitchens.

In large restaurants, catering halls, hotels, and hospitals, these carts are used all day. They are a small investment that saves a lot of labor over time, for example, one stainless steel trolley can carry 200 kg of plates, so fewer trips are needed between tables and the dishwashing area.

Main Features of an Afruimwagen

Materials

Afruimwagens are made from strong, easy-to-clean materials that ensure durability and hygiene. The most common material is stainless steel (RVS), which is resistant to rust, heat, and moisture—perfect for professional kitchens and catering environments. Plastic (polypropylene) trolleys are also popular because they are lightweight, quiet, and cost-effective, making them ideal for schools, hospitals, and offices. Some modern models combine aluminium frames with plastic trays for extra strength and reduced weight. Each material offers different benefits: stainless steel for long life and food safety, plastic for mobility and simplicity, and aluminium for a balance of strength and lightness.

Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of an afruimwagen depend on its purpose and working environment. Most standard trolleys have two to five shelves and can hold between 50 and 200 kilograms of dishes, trays, or cutlery at once. Smaller plastic models are lightweight and ideal for cafés, offices, or schools, while medium-sized stainless steel carts fit perfectly in restaurants and catering setups. Large professional tray racks, often used in hospitals or canteens, can store up to 20 GN 1/1 trays and stand more than 1.5 meters tall. Choosing the right size ensures that the trolley fits doorways, moves easily through aisles, and carries enough load for daily use without being too heavy to handle safely.

Wheels and Brakes

Every afruimwagen comes with four wheels. Two of them often have brakes to stop the cart safely when it is loaded.

• Swivel wheels make the cart easy to move in narrow spaces.

• Rubber wheels reduce noise on hard floors.

• Ball-bearing wheels improve movement with heavy loads.

Good wheels mean smoother handling and less effort for staff.

Accessories and Extra Features

Many modern clearing trolleys come with useful accessories:

• Waste bins (usually 30 L) for leftover food.

• Cutlery containers (about 10 L).

• Edge bumpers to prevent wall damage.

• Handles for pushing from both sides.

• Removable trays or shelves for easy cleaning.

Some suppliers even offer custom designs (maatwerk) to fit special spaces or tray sizes.

Typical Use Areas

Afruimwagens are used in many environments, not just restaurants. Below are some of the most common examples.

Restaurants and Cafés

Staff use the cart to clear multiple tables quickly. Plates, glasses, and napkins can all be transported at once. This keeps tables ready for new customers.

Hotels and Catering

During events or buffets, a clearing trolley helps move large numbers of dishes between banquet halls and kitchen areas.

Hospitals and Care Facilities

Hospitals use afruimwagens to collect food trays safely and hygienically from patient rooms. Easy cleaning and quiet wheels are important here.

Company Canteens and Schools

In self-service restaurants, staff use these carts to gather trays from return points to the washing area. This reduces waiting time and keeps areas clean.

How an Afruimwagen Improves Hygiene and Workflow

A good trolley improves hygiene because:

• It separates dirty dishes from clean workspaces.

• It keeps waste covered and contained.

• It allows quick cleaning of large dining areas.

Workflow also becomes faster:

• Staff carry more items per trip.

• They walk less distance.

• The dishwashing area stays organized.

These benefits together increase efficiency and staff satisfaction.

Key Buying Criteria

When choosing an afruimwagen, look at the following points carefully. These help you select a model that matches your space, usage, and budget.

Basic Checklist

General buying tips

1. Size and layout — Will it fit through your doors, aisles, and elevators?

2. Material — Do you need stainless steel (for hygiene) or plastic (for light use)?

3. Load capacity — How heavy are your plates, trays, and utensils per trip?

4. Number of shelves — 2–3 for small cafés, 4–5 for restaurants, 10–20 for tray trolleys.

5. Wheels and brakes — Are they strong, quiet, and safe for your floor type?

6. Accessories — Do you need bins or cutlery holders?

7. Cleaning and maintenance — Can it be washed easily and disinfected?

8. Budget — Compare purchase price and long-term durability.

9. Warranty and service — Check for replacement parts and after-sales support.

Technical Factors

Technical details to check

• Material grade (for RVS, prefer AISI 304).

• Shelf distance and tray format (GN 1/1, EN 600×400).

• Maximum load per shelf and total capacity.

• Wheel type (swivel or fixed) and diameter (100–125 mm typical).

• Handle position and ergonomics.

• Presence of bumpers or corner protectors.

• Optional accessories like bins, lids, or racks.

Example Specifications from Suppliers

Proper maintenance ensures that your trolley lasts longer and stays hygienic.

Daily Care

• Empty bins and remove waste after each use.

• Wipe all surfaces with warm water and mild detergent.

• Disinfect using food-safe cleaning spray.

• Check that wheels move smoothly and brakes work.

Weekly Care

• Inspect for rust or cracks (especially on joints and welds).

• Tighten bolts and wheel screws.

• Wash removable trays in the dishwasher if possible.

Long-Term Tips

• Replace wheels when they squeak or roll unevenly.

• Avoid using strong acids or abrasive cleaners on stainless steel.

• Keep the trolley stored in a dry place to prevent corrosion.

Safety and Ergonomics

Safety and comfort for staff are as important as efficiency.

• Choose ergonomic handle heights (around 90–100 cm).

• Ensure two wheels have brakes to prevent rolling.

• Use non-slip mats on shelves if carrying glasses or bottles.

• Push rather than pull the cart to protect back muscles.

• Do not overload — follow the load limit on the product label.

Types of Afruimwagens

Different environments need different cart types. Here are the main ones found in the market.

Trends and Innovations

Modern hospitality equipment is improving all the time. Afruimwagens are also evolving.

• Custom designs: Suppliers now offer carts built to exact customer needs (tray size, color, handle height).

• Eco-friendly materials: More brands use recycled plastics and low-energy production.

• Better ergonomics: Lightweight frames and improved handles reduce worker fatigue.

• Noise-reduction wheels: Important for hotels and hospitals.

• Smart tracking: Some systems start adding RFID tags or QR codes to track trolley location.

These developments make the humble clearing trolley smarter and more sustainable.

Environmental and Hygiene Standards

Modern afruimwagens are designed to meet strict environmental and hygiene standards in the hospitality and catering industry. Most professional models use stainless steel (RVS) or recyclable plastic, which are easy to clean, durable, and resistant to bacteria. These materials help meet HACCP food safety regulations, ensuring that dishes and utensils are transported in a safe and sanitary way. Environmentally friendly production methods, such as using recycled materials and energy-efficient manufacturing, are also becoming more common. This combination of hygiene and sustainability makes afruimwagens both safe for food service and better for the planet.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even high-quality carts can face wear or usage issues over time. Here are some common ones and how to fix them.

FAQs

What is an afruimwagen used for?

An afruimwagen is a clearing trolley used to collect and transport used dishes, trays, and cutlery from dining areas to the washing or kitchen area. It helps restaurant and catering staff clean faster and more efficiently.

What materials are afruimwagens made from?

Most afruimwagens are made of stainless steel (RVS) or strong plastic. Stainless steel is durable and hygienic, while plastic models are lightweight and easier to move in smaller spaces.

How many shelves does a typical afruimwagen have?

A standard afruimwagen has two to five shelves, depending on size and use. Smaller models are great for cafés or schools, while larger tray trolleys may have up to 20 levels for GN trays.

Why should I use an afruimwagen in my restaurant or hotel?

Using an afruimwagen saves time, reduces heavy lifting, and keeps dining areas tidy. It also supports better hygiene and workflow, which improves service quality and guest satisfaction.

Can I clean an afruimwagen easily?

Yes. Stainless steel afruimwagens can be wiped and disinfected daily with warm water and mild soap. Plastic trolleys can also be washed easily. Always dry the trolley after cleaning to prevent damage or rust.

Conclusion

An afruimwagen is more than just a simple cart — it is an essential tool that keeps hospitality operations clean, organized, and efficient. Whether used in restaurants, hotels, catering services, or hospitals, a well-designed clearing trolley saves time, reduces staff effort, and ensures high hygiene standards. Choosing the right model — with the right material, capacity, and accessories — can greatly improve daily workflow and customer satisfaction. In short, investing in a quality afruimwagen is investing in smoother service, safer work, and a more professional environment.