In any medical or healthcare setting, organisation and mobility are key. Whether you’re in a busy hospital, private clinic, or even a university lab, having the right medical trolley on wheels helps you stay efficient, safe, and stress-free.
At Livingstone International, we understand how important it is to select equipment that fits your daily tasks. A common question we hear from professionals like you is: “What type of trolley should I go for, stainless steel or coated?”
This guide helps you make a confident choice between stainless steel medical trolleys and coated trolleys, so your space runs like clockwork.
Why Choosing the Right Medical Trolley Matters
Before we jump into the comparison, let’s talk about the real purpose of a medical equipment trolley. It’s more than just a storage unit on wheels. A good trolley helps you:
- Move instruments and medications smoothly
- Reduce time spent searching for supplies
- Maintain hygiene and infection control
- Support patient care without interruptions
But here’s the catch: not all trolleys are made equal. What works in one department might be a headache in another. That’s why picking the right material—stainless steel or coated metal—makes all the difference.
Stainless Steel Medical Trolleys: Durable, Clean and Professional
Let’s start with the popular choice, stainless steel medical trolleys. We recommend these if you’re looking for something reliable, hygicenic, and built for the long haul.
1. Hygiene Comes First
In clinical environments, cleanliness is non-negotiable. Stainless steel has a non-porous surface. That means it won’t absorb liquids or chemicals. You can disinfect it easily and frequently without causing damage. This makes it a safe pick for high-risk areas like theatres and treatment rooms. This aligns with the Australian infection control standards, which recommend smooth, non-porous surfaces for hygiene-critical environments.
2. Long-Term Durability
You get what you pay for. Stainless steel trolleys may cost more upfront, but they last longer. They’re resistant to corrosion, heat, and physical damage. In short, they’re the tanks of the medical world.
3. Sleek and Professional Look
Let’s not ignore the aesthetics. Stainless steel gives your workspace a clean, modern appearance. If your space serves patients, this look builds trust and professionalism.
4. Heat and Chemical Resistance
Whether you’re handling sterile equipment or cleaning with strong hospital-grade disinfectants, stainless steel doesn’t flinch. It handles it all without rusting or staining.
Best suited for:
- Surgical departments
- Emergency rooms
- Intensive care units
- Pathology labs
- High-traffic hospital areas
Coated Medical Trolleys: Lightweight, Budget-Friendly and Colourful
Now, let’s look at coated metal trolleys, often powder-coated or epoxy-painted. These are great if you’re seeking lighter, more affordable, and customisable trolleys.
1. Lightweight for Easy Handling
Coated trolleys are usually made from mild steel or aluminium and coated with protective paint. They weigh less than stainless steel trolleys so that you can move them around with ease—ideal for frequent-use scenarios.
2. Cost-Effective Option
If you’re managing budgets carefully (who isn’t?), coated trolleys are a wallet-friendly option. You get decent functionality at a lower price, which is perfect for low-risk areas or non-clinical settings.
3. Colour-Coded for Smart Organisation
Here’s something we love—many coated trolleys come in different colours. This is brilliant for the organisation. For example, blue for clean linen, red for waste, or yellow for infectious materials. You can customise them for your workflow.
4. Resistant to Light Chemical Use
They handle regular cleaning agents well. However, we wouldn’t recommend them for environments where they’re exposed to harsh chemicals or sterilisation processes regularly.
Best suited for:
- General wards
- University labs
- Aged care facilities
- Mobile clinics
- Admin or non-clinical departments
Medical Trolley on Wheels: Mobility Makes All the Difference
No matter which material you choose, mobility is essential. A medical trolley on wheels lets you respond faster, work smoother, and stay productive throughout the day. This also supports safe manual handling practices, as outlined by Safe Work Australia, to reduce physical strain in healthcare settings.
When choosing your trolley, check for:
- Lockable castors: For safety and stability when stationary
- Swivel wheels: For easy movement around tight corners
- Quiet gliding: For calm, undisturbed environments
- Brake system: To park it securely anywhere
At Livingstone, all our medical trolleys in Australia meet these standards. We test for performance, quality, and safety, so you get reliable support every time.
Key Considerations Before You Buy
You might still wonder—what’s right for your workspace?
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.
| Feature | Stainless Steel Trolley | Coated Metal Trolley |
| Hygiene & Cleanability | Excellent | Good (with care) |
| Chemical Resistance | High | Medium |
| Weight | Heavy | Light |
| Cost | Higher | Budget-friendly |
| Aesthetic | Sleek, professional | Customisable colours |
| Durability | Long-term | Moderate |
| Best Use Case | High-risk clinical use | General & support use |
Still unsure? Talk to our product experts. We’re happy to guide you based on your team’s needs and budget.
Why Livingstone Is Your Go-To for Medical Trolleys in Australia
We don’t just sell equipment—we support your purpose. At Livingstone, we supply medical professionals, universities, and care providers across Australia with top-grade medical equipment trolleys and science lab gear.
Here’s what you get when you order from us:
- Trusted quality: Our products are tested and sourced from reliable manufacturers
- Fast delivery: We get your gear to you on time, every time
- Bulk deals: Order for your entire facility and save more
- Expert advice: Not sure what fits your lab or ward? We’ll guide you through
- Online access: Our platform at University Livingstone makes ordering easy
Whether you’re buying your first trolley or updating your whole fleet, we’re here to support you.
Trolley Accessories: Take Function One Step Further
Trolleys become even more helpful when customised with the right extras. Consider these add-ons to suit your day-to-day workflow:
- Drawers for secure storage
- Bins or buckets for waste segregation
- Trays for easy access to commonly used tools
- Locks for sensitive or restricted items
- Handles for better grip and control
We offer a wide range of accessories that match both stainless steel and coated medical trolleys, so you can build the setup that works for you.
Supporting Labs and Healthcare Through Better Equipment
From hospitals and aged care to university labs and mobile clinics—medical teams across Australia count on the right equipment to deliver quality care and results.
A well-chosen trolley might seem like a small thing. But the right one can save you time, improve hygiene, and keep your workspace running without fuss. And when it’s on wheels, you’re always ready to respond.
We’ve seen how our clients work. We know you need tools that move with you, support your tasks, and keep your standards high. That’s why our medical trolleys in Australia are built with purpose, practicality, and performance in mind.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
Let’s keep it simple:
- Go for stainless steel if you need top hygiene, durability, and long-term value.
- Choose coated metal if you need light use, colour coding, or budget-friendly options.
Either way, you’ll find quality, mobility, and support from Livingstone.
Shop Medical Trolleys with Confidence
Ready to choose your medical trolley on wheels? Visit our full range of stainless steel medical trolleys, coated options, and accessories at University Livingstone.
We’ll help you find the perfect match—so your care, teaching, or research never slows down.
Work smarter. Move better. Choose Livingstone.
