Embalming Table Selection Guide™

Selecting the right embalming table for your funeral home preparation room is a decision that will affect every case you handle for the next 15–20 years. The wrong table creates ergonomic strain for your staff, workflow inefficiency, and the risk of handling incidents that compromise the dignity of the families you serve. The Embalming Table Selection Guide™ by American Mortuary Coolers provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating, comparing, and selecting the embalming table configuration that best fits your operation.

Types of Embalming Tables

Hydraulic Embalming Tables

The hydraulic embalming table is the professional standard for modern funeral home preparation rooms. A foot-pump or electric hydraulic system raises and lowers the table surface to any height within the adjustment range, allowing staff to work in ergonomically correct positions regardless of their own height or the decedent’s size. This dramatically reduces cumulative fatigue and musculoskeletal injury risk across a career of funeral service work.

American Mortuary Coolers hydraulic embalming tables feature stainless steel construction, integrated drainage channels, drain port connection points, removable head sections, and optional accessories including arm boards, head blocks, and drainage hardware. Available in standard and bariatric widths.

Fixed-Height Embalming Tables

Fixed-height stainless steel embalming tables offer durable, professional performance at a lower initial investment than hydraulic models. Best suited for lower-volume operations, secondary preparation positions, or facilities where budget constraints require prioritizing other equipment investments. Fixed tables require staff to adapt their working posture to the table, which may create ergonomic challenges over time at higher volumes.

Porcelain Embalming Tables

Porcelain embalming tables are the traditional preparation room surface, durable and easy to sanitize. While many facilities have transitioned to stainless steel, porcelain tables remain a reliable option particularly for replacement of existing porcelain installations where drains and connections are already in position.

Folding Embalming Tables

Folding preparation tables provide additional flexible workspace for dressing, cosmetology, or secondary preparation without permanently occupying floor space. Not typically used as primary embalming surfaces but valuable as supplementary positions in smaller preparation rooms.

Bariatric Embalming Tables

Bariatric embalming tables feature wider table surfaces (typically 30–36 inches) and reinforced frames with higher weight ratings. Every funeral home should have at minimum one bariatric-capable preparation position. American Mortuary Coolers offers hydraulic bariatric embalming tables that combine height adjustability with the wider surface and structural reinforcement required for heavier decedents.

Key Factors in Embalming Table Selection

Weight Rating

The embalming table’s weight rating must accommodate the full range of decedent weights your facility encounters. Standard tables typically rate for 350–500 lbs. Bariatric tables should rate for 1,000 lbs or more. Never select a table rated for less than your realistic maximum case weight.

Table Width

Standard embalming table widths range from 23 to 26 inches. Bariatric models extend to 30–36 inches. Select width based on your case mix and the dimensions of your preparation room door and aisle clearances.

Table Length

Standard lengths are 78–84 inches. Ensure your preparation room can accommodate the table length plus working clearance at the head and foot ends.

Drainage Configuration

Confirm that the table’s drain port(s) align with or can be connected to your floor drain location. Poor drain alignment creates workflow inefficiency and sanitation challenges.

Material and Finish

Stainless steel is the preferred material for modern embalming tables due to its durability, cleanability, and corrosion resistance. Gauge (thickness) affects durability — heavier gauge stainless provides longer service life under heavy use.

Embalming Table Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an embalming table last?

A quality stainless steel embalming table will typically last 15–25 years with proper maintenance. Hydraulic mechanisms may require service during this period.

What is the best embalming table brand?

American Mortuary Coolers manufactures and supplies embalming tables built to professional funeral home standards with factory-direct pricing and nationwide delivery.

Do I need a hydraulic embalming table?

For facilities handling 5 or more cases per week, a hydraulic table is strongly recommended for staff ergonomics and injury prevention. At lower volumes, fixed tables may be appropriate.

What accessories do I need for an embalming table?

Essential accessories include: head blocks, arm boards, drainage hardware, restraint straps, and a body block set. American Mortuary Coolers supplies all standard preparation room accessories.

Can I finance an embalming table?

Yes. American Mortuary Coolers offers financing options for qualified facilities, including bundled equipment packages covering embalming tables, coolers, and supporting equipment.

Why Funeral Homes Choose American Mortuary Coolers for Embalming Tables

American Mortuary Coolers provides funeral homes with professional-grade embalming tables at factory-direct prices, backed by a team that understands preparation room workflows and the demands of daily funeral service operation. We offer standard and bariatric models, hydraulic and fixed configurations, and a complete range of accessories — delivered nationwide with the reliability your operation requires.

Request Your Embalming Table Recommendation

Tell us about your preparation room dimensions, case volume, and staff requirements and we’ll recommend the right embalming table configuration for your facility.

Call: 1-888-792-9315 | MyMortuaryCooler.com | sales@funeralsourceone.com

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