Porcelain Embalming Tables: A Buyer’s Guide
Porcelain embalming tables occupy a special place in the prep room — prized for their hard-wearing, non-porous surface and a classic look that many professionals still prefer. If you're considering one, here's what to know before you buy.
Why porcelain?
- Durability. Porcelain (vitreous enamel over a solid base) is extremely hard-wearing and resists the chemicals used in embalming.
- Easy to clean. Its non-porous surface wipes down and sanitizes easily — important for a work surface in daily use.
- Classic appearance. Many porcelain tables have a timeless, vintage look that appeals to traditional funeral homes.
What to weigh before buying
Porcelain surfaces are durable but can chip or crack if struck hard, and older antique tables may lack modern drainage or height adjustment. If you're buying vintage, inspect the surface for cracks, confirm the drainage still functions, and check the frame for stability. For a high-throughput prep room, many facilities now choose modern stainless-steel tables for their adjustability and resilience, while keeping porcelain for its classic appeal.
Modern alternatives
If you love the look but want modern features, compare porcelain against today's stainless options in our embalming tables and prep essentials collection.
Learn more
See why a quality embalming table matters, our prep room supplies guide, and our antique embalming tables collector's guide.
Shopping for an embalming table?
American Mortuary Coolers builds and stocks stainless-steel embalming and prep-room tables for daily professional use, shipped nationwide. Tell us what you need.
Call 1-888-792-9315 or email cool@mymortuarycooler.com
