Unfortunately, many restaurants and hotels make the same mistake—choosing the cheapest towels to “get the job done.” However, purchasing just any towel won’t work out as well as you think. It’s crucial to choose the right tools for the job. A good place to start is to look at the differences between bar mop towels and kitchen towels and understand why you need both in your arsenal.
What are bar mop towels?
Named after their original use—mopping up spills at the bar—bar mop towels are thick and absorbent. They’re available in different materials and weaves, depending on your needs. Popular options include ribbed 100% cotton, full terry cloth 100% cotton and microfiber.
Pros
- Highly absorbent
- Durable
- Thick
- Plush
- Available in different weights
Best for: Front-of-the-house activities
We suggest using bar mop towels strictly for front-of-the-house activities. This includes bussing tables, cleaning up spills at the bar and wiping down glassware. When bar mop towels remain exclusively in the front of the house, you reduce any risk of cross-contamination between the kitchen and dining area.
Tips for purchasing bar mops
When buying bar mop towels, pay close attention to weight. It might seem more economical to purchase lightweight towels, but it could end up hurting your business. After all, your guests want spilled drinks removed from their table, not pushed around by a thin, non-absorbent bar mop.
If you’re concerned with longevity, consider microfiber bar mops—they outlast cotton bar mops 10 to 1! Whether you’re an industrial launderer renting towels to restaurants or a buyer for a hotel, you know that longevity is key when it comes to linens. It lowers your cost per use, saving you money in the long run and reducing reordering frequency.
What are kitchen towels?
Compared to bar mop towels, kitchen towels are thinner and less absorbent. However, they’re more versatile. Most are made of 100% cotton for durability and easy cleaning. Also called side towels, kitchen towels fulfill many purposes in a busy restaurant or hotel kitchen—from wiping down workstations to removing hot pans from the oven.
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- Lightweight
- Use as a pot holder or trivet
- Take up less storage space
- Easily fit in a pocket or apron
Best for: Various kitchen activities
Cotton kitchen towels work great for wiping down prep and cooking stations, cleaning up small spills, drying hands and tools, covering bowls of rising dough, brushing flour off the bottom of a pizza, crushing ice and more! You can even slip one underneath a cutting board to keep it from sliding around. When folded, they easily replace the need for trivets or oven mitts. And kitchen towels don’t take up as much storage space. Plus, they comfortably fit in a back pocket or chef coat.
Functionally, you could use a kitchen towel outside a restaurant kitchen, but we recommend keeping them there. Only using kitchen towels in the kitchen will help prevent unwanted cross-contamination. Maintaining a clean, hygienic atmosphere is not only pleasing to restaurant guests and staff but it’s required by law.
Tips for purchasing kitchen towels
Like bar mop towels, kitchen towels are available in different cotton weaves and microfiber. However, you can’t go wrong with classic cotton. It’s versatile, lightweight, easy to clean and commonly found in kitchens.
Stocking large quantities of identical kitchen towels is a good idea, too. Not only will it simplify ordering, but it will also enable chefs, sous chefs and other back-of-house staff to maintain the same routines. Plus, you’ll reduce reliance on paper towels.
Find the bar towels and kitchen towels to meet your needs
Venus Group offers a variety of kitchen towel and bar mop towel options. Whether you’re an industrial launderer hoping to offer your clients different options, or a restaurant hoping to find their next favorite towel, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today by calling 800.421.6599 or by submitting the contact form.