Server Racks For Home & Office – Review & Buying Guide

Servers need a lot of care, and you need to install them properly. It is simply impossible to place the server on a regular shelf and expect it to work as per the standards. You need to have proper server racks installed, and you need to have shelves added to the server rack. We also understand that you might have to increase the capacity of the shelf rack as and when you need to increase the capacity. It is easy to expand the capacity of the server rack by procuring additional shelves. This will help you in adding servers, NAS, or routers. If you have additional space in the server rack, then you must only buy the shelves. We understand that you might have taken professional help while setting up the server rack, but this is not needed when adding the shelf. You can do it all by yourself without much struggle.

Best Home Server Racks Reviewed For 2021

Installing the additional shelf is just a matter of adjusting the hooks and screws. So, if you are looking for server rack shelves, let us help you by sharing some recommendations worth considering. Check out the next section for more details. In this section, we have covered the top 10 best server rack shelves available in the market. You can quickly go through their pros and cons or go through the entire review to understand more about the product. We hope the review shared below helps you select the best possible server rack shelf for yourself.

#1. StarTech.com 2U Server Rack Shelf

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If you are looking for a 2U server rack shelf, you can check out this option from StarTech. This server rack shelf has a weight capacity of 50 lbs. It has a lip direction upward or downward. The vents are strategically located; because of this, you get proper heat dissipation. This keeps your equipment cool, and there are no issues with the heat. The brand also sells 1U and other configurations on the server rack shelf, and you can explore them all. As per the information available, this particular model meets EIA/ ECA – 310 – D standards. Even though it should not matter, it is certainly good to know that the brand offers a lifetime warranty on this server rack shelf. This reassures you of the quality and the capabilities of the server rack shelf. You can use this in the server rooms, offices, warehouses, and even data centers. The model is priced in the middle range, and you are going to love the build quality. We recommend checking out this option from Star Tech, and you will end up buying this server rack shelf.

Pros

• It is available in the depth of 16 inches and 22 inches.
• It has a maximum weight capacity of 50 lbs. It meets EIA/ECA – 310 – D standards.
• The brand offers a lifetime warranty on this server rack shelf.
• It is available at an affordable price.

Cons

• Nothing that we could notice about this server rack shelf.

#2. NavePoint Fixed Rack Vented Server Shelf

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Some of us prefer adjustable lengths for shelves, and if you need such a server rack shelf, this one should solve the purpose. This server rack shelf can be adjusted between 16 inches and 33 inches. The weight capacity is also excellent since it can support up to 242 pounds. The slotted vents are great for passive cooling. Moreover, the quality of M6 screws and nuts is also good. They can easily manage the load. The steel is very heavy duty, and all these things ensure a greater load capacity. The brand powder coats the server rack shelf, and this would nullify any chance of oxidation. There is no need to assemble the shelf since it comes pre-assembled. All you need to do is that you need to mount it in the rack, and your job will be done. While the server rack shelf from NavePoint may appear slightly expensive but the quality is unmatchable, and it will offer you outstanding reliability for all the years to come. Do check out this offering from NavePoint and let us know what you think about it. 

Pros

• The weight capacity of this server rack shelf is 242 lbs.
• The slotted ventilation ensures that the heat dissipates properly.
• This server rack shelf feels very sturdy.
• This server rack shelf is adjustable, and you can adjust the length between 16 inches and 33 inches.

Cons

• We found it to be slightly expensive than the other offerings on the list.

#3. Jingchengmei 2 PCS of 1U Server Rack Shelf

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When it comes to Jingchengmei, you get the maximum possible options in terms of size and configurations. The brand designs a server rack shelf for 1U, 2U, and other types of racks. Before proceeding further, you should understand that this option comes unassembled, and you need to assemble it before mounting. It takes only 5 minutes to build it. The best thing about this shelf is that it offers added flexibility to the user. There are four different ways to assemble this server rack shelf. This model offers you lightweight yet sturdy solutions. You can use lip + back binding, no lip + back binding, lip + front binding, or no lip + front binding for installation purposes. The surface of this server rack shelf has a matte finish which feels very premium. There is no risk of slippage of equipment, and the airflow is also excellent. The sheet metal used while manufacturing this server rack shelf is 1.2 mm, and the maximum load capacity is 44 pounds. The packaging of the brand is also good, and the equipment doesn’t get damaged in transit.

Pros

• The ventilation is fantastic, and the matte surface feels very premium.
• The build quality is solid, and you can also adjust the shelf quickly.
• The customer service is very proactive, and they offer instant help.
• It has a weight limit of 44 lbs.

Cons

• This server rack shelf arrives disassembled, and you need to assemble it before you can use it.

#4. Pyle 19-Inch 1U Server Vented Shelves

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Some server rack shelves have restricted ventilation because of the limited number of vents, which can cause overheating high-power appliances. If you go through the same issue, you can go ahead and purchase this server rack shelf. This has perforations all across the body, and this is what keeps improves the ventilation. Another good thing about this shelf from Pyle is that it is very affordable. Moreover, it is universally compatible with all the 19-inch server racks or 1U server shelves.  In terms of the load capacity, the server rack shelf can handle 110 lbs. This is usually enough for any type of equipment. You can use this shelf with non-rack or half-rack equipment. So, if you are looking for a combination of quality and affordability, then this server rack shelf from Pyle is worth a try. The customer is proactive, and they also offer a free return policy with a 100% refund.

Pros

• This is one of the most affordable server rack shelves on the list.
• The maximum load capacity of this model is 110 lbs.
• This server rack shelf is made of alloy steel, and there are perforations all around for proper ventilation.
• It is universally compatible with 1U racks.

Cons

• Some people didn’t like the quality of this server rack shelf.

#5. Raising Electronics Server Shelf Cantilever Tray

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It can be challenging to find the exact server rack shelf sometimes. For example, you may need 6 inches, 8 inches, or a 12 inches server rack shelf with good quality. If you cannot find the desired configuration, you can also try out this shelf from Raising Electronics. It has a different configuration, and since it is made of cold-rolled steel, the structural integrity remains high. The powder coating and finish offer a significant amount of protection. The ventilation holes are evenly spread, and they are designed to create maximum ventilation. Since the length of the tray is 19 inches, it becomes easy for you to use the rack with almost any equipment. The weight limit of this model is 40 pounds, and it will offer exceptional stability to you. The mounting screws are provided in the kit. We noticed that this server rack shelf is that you may not be very comfortable using this shelf if you have any space constraints in the rack.

Pros

• You have an option to choose the depth, and the available options are 6 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches.
• It is made using cold-rolled material, and there is additional powder coating to prevent oxidation.
• It has a weight capacity of up to 40 pounds.
• You can even use it for keeping monitors.

Cons

• It is not designed for people who have space constraints.

#6. CNA Rack Shelf Deep Steel Vented Rack

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At number 6, we have yet another affordable server rack shelf that is designed with steel. The rack is priced close to $20, and you will like the reliability of this model. It has a 19-inch width, and hence this rack will fit all 19 inches rack. Apart from this, the rack also has 1U height. The ventilation holes are large, and they ensure proper passive cooling. All the nuts & screws are offered with the package, and you would be happy with the quality of the server rack shelf. The equipment is lightweight, and you can use it for mounting servers or even NAS storage. You should use washers while installing this server rack shelf to ensure lightweight. This is especially when you plan to mount heavy equipment on the shelves. The structural strength is excellent, and it can take up heavy loads. We couldn’t find any shortcomings in this particular server rack shelf. So, if you are looking for an affordable yet sturdy server rack shelf, you can opt for this, and the brand delivers what it promises.

Pros

• This server rack shelf is available at an affordable price.
• There are ventilation holes all across the shelf for proper air circulation.
• The design is relatively lightweight, but there is no compromise on the structural strength.
• It mounts easily, and it works well with server racks.

Cons

• Nothing as such that we could notice.

#7. Aeons 2U Universal Server Rack Shelf Vented

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One of the most reputed brands in the space of network appliance storage is Aeons. This brand has been around for a long time, and it has maintained the level of quality. You get 1U and 2U racks from the brand, and the depth available are 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, and 16 inches. The length is standard 19 inches so that it can hold AV equipment and network equipment. Apart from this, the mounting ears are fixed on the shelf, and everything is designed with cold-rolled steel. There is an additional powder coating on the shelf that remains free from electrostatic charges. Some brands add additional ventilation, but on the downside, these ventilation holes may degrade the structural integrity. This is not true in the case of the server rack shelf from Aeons. They use their years of experience to offer a server rack shelf that has excellent structural strength and a good amount of ventilation. 

Pros

• It is available in depths of 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, and 16 inches.
• It is made of cold-rolled steel for a fantastic weight limit and quality.
• AEONS has an excellent market reputation when it comes to networking appliance storage solutions.
• The shelf has 19 inches in length, making it easy to store almost anything on it.

Cons

• The quality of nuts & bolts could have been better.

#8. Echogear Server Rack Shelf 

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If you are looking for a basic server rack shelf, you can check out this option from Echo Gear. This model comes with 1U support, and it also has a standard length of 19 inches. The model is compatible with almost every rack, and you can easily use this for network equipment or AV equipment. The solid steel gives you strength to the server rack shelf, and it can hold a weight of up to 30 lbs. It is also effortless to install. All it takes is to insert the shelf in the rack and mount it with the screws. The ventilation is designed for maximizing the cooling capabilities. The brand also offers 24×7 support, and you can reach out to them if you have any issues. The user reviews and the general perception about this server rack shelf are great. However, you should note that we found this rack to be slightly expensive. You can check this model out and analyze what kind of value it offers to you. Depending on that, you can either purchase or give it a miss. 

Pros

• The shelf is adjustable, and hence you can get the configuration that you like.
• You only need to mount the screws, and the server rack shelf will be mounted.
• The metal build is good, and you won’t face quality concerns.
• It fits most of the 1U racks, and the compatibility is not restricted to Echo gear Racks.

Cons

• The weight limit is only 30 lbs.

#9. Ares Vision Deep, Heavy Duty Wide Vented Shelf

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There are very few server rack shelves that come with a warranty. So, if you are looking for a shelf that offers you a warranty, you might have had some issues in finding one. At number 9, we have a server rack shelf from Ares Vision, and this model comes with a seven-year warranty. The model is designed with steel, and it has been machine welded to improve its strength. This server rack shelf will never have a catastrophic failure. You can easily secure the shelf using the screws offered in the package. Apart from this, the vents on this server rack shelf are placed strategically. This helps you ensure that the excellent airflow is maintained and there is no issue with the heating. The metal used is 16 gauge steel, and the powder coating improves the durability of the metal. You also get 24 hours support for this offering, and the support is based in the US, so the resolution time, return timelines, and language barriers are eliminated effectively. 

Pros

• The brand offers a seven-year warranty on this server rack shelf.
• The equipment won’t fail because of proper ventilation.
• The brand uses 16 gauge steel for manufacturing this server rack shelf.
• The brand offers 24-hour support to help you in case of an issue.

Cons

• It is one of the most expensive server rack shelves on the list.

#10. Seismic Audio Space Vented PA/DJ Rack

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We have almost reached the end of the list, and the last server rack shelf on the list is from Seismic Audio. This is designed for a 2U vented server rack, and it features a front mount for easy installation. The material used for manufacturing this server rack shelf is 16 gauge steel, which offers a significant structural strength. Because of the front mounting, you won’t have to move around the rack before installing the shelf. The brand offers one year warranty on this server rack shelf, and with the help of this server rack shelf, it is easy to maintain the cleanliness of the rack and the equipment. The ventilation holes are placed strategically, which improves the ventilation and passive cooling capabilities. Overall, the design is good, and it is also priced at a mid-range. You can review this product from Seismic Audio, and we are sure that you will love the rack. Also, have a look at the Top 10 Best Server Racks Cabinet before buying Server Rack Shelf.

Pros

• This server rack shelf is also designed with 16 gauge steel that offers unmatched reliability.
• You get one year warranty from the brand.
• It is available at an affordable price.
• Overall, the design and quality of this server rack shelf are good.

Cons

• The information on the weight limit is not available.

Buying Guide To Choose Best Server Rack

Not many of us have purchased a server rack shelf. We understand that you could be in the same boat, and you could be struggling to find a reliable server rack shelf. In such a case, you can go through this buying guide, and this will help you understand the underlying factors that you should consider while buying a server rack shelf. Check out the pointers below.

• Material – The first thing that you must consider while buying a server rack shelf is the material that is used. You should get the server rack shelf that is made of heavy-duty steel. The thickness of the sheet should be enough to give you peace of mind around the reliability of the server rack shelf. The better material would also ensure that you have a higher load limit too.

• Weight Limit – We always recommend planning for the future. This is especially true in the case of the weight limit. You might not need a higher weight limit from the server rack shelf at the moment, but what if you need it at a later point in time? In that case, you would have to upgrade the shelf. To avoid this situation, you can buy a server rack shelf with a higher weight limit today itself, and it will future-proof your purchase. We have shared the server rack shelf with a weight limit between 40 lbs. to 250 lbs. You can choose according to your requirements.

• Size & Depth – The next important thing is to check for the size of the server rack shelf. You can check the length and the breadth, and you should also check the depth. The depth may or may not impact the equipment you are keeping on the rack. It depends on the design of your server rack and the position in which you will be installing the server rack shelf. Consider all these factors while you are looking for the size and depth of the server rack shelf.

• Ventilation – Servers and other network equipment can generate a lot of heat. In such a case, it is important to ensure proper ventilation. When you are buying a server rack shelf, you should check for the perforations of the metal sheet and ensure that it will not restrict the airflow in any way. Having these perforations all across will help you ensure that the server is not overheating and the performance of the network equipment has been maintained. 

• Compatibility – In most cases, compatibility of the server rack shelf would not be an issue, but there can be exceptions. So, go ahead and check out what is being offered, and it would be compatible with the existing server rack. You will get all this information on the product specification page while buying the server rack shelf. While considering the compatibility, you should see if the shelves are compatible with 1U, 2U, or 3U racks.

• Easy to Assemble – There are chances that the server rack shelf is shipped unassembled to you. So, it is imperative to check if the server rack shelf can be assembled easily by yourself. Ideally, this should not take more than 30 seconds since you just need to hook the side walls with the base plate. However, you should still check what assembly level is required for the server rack shelf and if there would be any impact on the structural integrity. You will also come across the server rack shelves designed with pressed steel, which would not require any assembly. 
• Price – The last part of the purchase is looking at the cost of the server rack shelf. We are sure that you would be willing to spend the lower possible amount on this equipment, but you should not compromise on the quality of the server rack shelf. On the list shared by us, you will find server rack shelves priced between $ 15.00 and $ 60.00. You can choose a budget in between according to your needs. While you are considering the price, it may also make sense to review the brand’s warranty policy.

Final Verdict

We have reached the end of this page, and we hope that by now, you will be able to shortlist the server rack shelf that you need to buy. There are many reliable options that we have shared with you. We would like to mention that never compromise on the quality of the server rack shelf. Any catastrophic failure can damage a lot of expensive stuff at your home. In such a case, our recommendation is to buy a top-quality server rack shelf with a higher weight limit. If you still have any questions about the server rack shelves, you can drop in a comment, and we will get you the expert help. Also, do let us know if you prefer using any other server rack shelf. We will review that for our other readers so that they can benefit from your recommendations.

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