As a restaurant owner or manager, it is essential to have the correct equipment to run a successful business.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing restaurant equipment, such as quality, function, and price. This buyer’s guide will help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of commercial restaurant equipment so that you can make the best choices for your business.
Oven
One of the most important pieces of equipment in a restaurant kitchen is the oven. When choosing an oven for your business, there are several factors to consider, such as size, quality, and function.
Additionally, there are different types of ovens available on the market, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The most common commercial ovens are convection, combination, pizza, and conveyor ovens.
- Convection ovens use hot air for cooking food. They are the fastest and least expensive ovens available on the market.
- Combination ovens are best for cooking various foods, such as pizza and non-pizza items. Pizza ovens cook pizza rapidly and evenly.
- Conveyor ovens are popular for baking bread and pastries and can simultaneously cook different types of food.
So, as you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right commercial oven for your business. Choosing the right one requires attention to detail, research, and consideration of your restaurant’s unique needs.
Ranges and Ventilation
Another important consideration for your restaurant kitchen is the type of range you will need. Gas and electric ranges are available on the market, each with pros and cons.
Additionally, you will need to ensure that your kitchen is adequately ventilated to avoid accidents. Gas ranges are the most popular range type for commercial kitchens. They require a professional to install and maintain them as they are natural gas appliances.
- Electric ranges use electricity, so installation and maintenance can be less complicated than gas ranges.
- Gas ranges heat faster than electric ones, making them ideal for fast-paced restaurants.
Finally, when considering a range for your restaurant, you should also consider the type of ventilation you will need.
Depending on your menu items, you will need more or less ventilation. Many different types of ventilation are available to help ensure your kitchen is properly ventilated.
Food Processors
Most catering firms must have a good industrial food processor since they are high-powered, dependable, easy to use, and versatile enough to handle a variety of activities like chopping, grinding, mixing, pureeing, and other duties.
Leading producers of catering equipment like Dito Sama, Robot Coupe, Taurus, and Waring Commercial are intense rivals in the food processor sector. At the higher end of the pricing range, you may anticipate a significantly greater capacity, hourly production, and features like continuous feed, which lets you use the processor continuously until all of your preparation is complete.
But although it might not seem like it initially, spending more on a processor might save you money in the long term. Cheaper might seem more appealing at the checkout, but the expense pays for itself in the long run.
Mixers
Mixers are another essential piece of equipment for any restaurant kitchen. They come in three main varieties: floor, hand, and countertop mixers.
Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on your specific needs.
- Floor mixers are ideal for large-quantity tasks; they are especially good for kneading bread dough and cake batters.
- Hand mixers are compact and portable; they can be carried easily from kitchen to kitchen. They are ideal for light tasks like whipping eggs or whipping cream.
- Countertop mixers are multipurpose and easy to use. They are ideal for mixing small amounts of liquids or dry ingredients.
When choosing a mixer, you must also consider its size and capacity. In general, larger mixers are better equipped to handle larger tasks.
Choosing the right mixer for your business can be overwhelming. But once you have enough information, you can make an informed choice.
Slicers
Slicers are specialised pieces of equipment that are used to slice meat or vegetables evenly. They are available in both manual and electric models.
- Manual slicers require more work than electric slicers but are often less expensive.
- On the other hand, electric slicers are easy to use and clean. They cut out the hard work involved with manual slicers, making slicing more efficient.
Selecting the right slicer for your business is a choice that must be made carefully.
It is important to consider the type of food you slice, the size of your staff, and the space in your kitchen. You also need to consider whether having an electric slicer will mean you need to provide the staff with additional training to use it safely and efficiently.
Depending on the training needed, this could pose an additional cost to your business. Once you have decided, it is important to ensure that it is the right size for your kitchen.
Food Prep Counters and Cutting Boards
Food prep counters and cutting boards are necessary for any restaurant that serves food. They provide a workspace for preparation and a place to chop and dice ingredients.
Many businesses use a combination of prep counters and cutting boards to ensure maximum space efficiency. It is also important to choose the correct size of counter or cutting board for your kitchen.
- Countertop cutting counters are ideal for smaller or commercial kitchens with limited counter space.
- There are also larger countertop counters available.
- Prep counters are larger and can prepare large amounts of food at once. They are ideal for busy kitchens that prepare a variety of meals per day.
- Both counters and cutting boards should also be made of durable materials.
- Look for products that are easy to clean and disinfect to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Make sure your counters and cutting boards are large enough to handle the amount of food you plan to prepare every day.
Freezers and Refrigerators
A freezer or refrigerator is an essential piece of equipment for any restaurant because it allows you to store perishable items safely until they are needed.
A wide variety of sizes and styles are available on the market, depending on your needs.
- Larger freezers might be needed if your business makes large quantities of the same items daily.
- Lower-capacity freezers are ideal for restaurants that prepare fresh food for their customers.
- Some restaurants use a combination of freezers and refrigerators to store their food.
Consider how much food you store in your freezer or refrigerator daily before purchasing a freezer or refrigerator.
Safety Equipment
Safety should be a top priority in any restaurant kitchen because accidents can happen anytime.
Important safety equipment includes fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and signage reminding employees of proper safety procedures. Fire extinguishers should be in every kitchen, including the kitchens of smaller restaurants and businesses that only serve meals to a small number of people.
Smaller restaurants or businesses that only serve food to a small number of people might only need a first-aid kit to ensure the basic safety of their employees. It is important to choose safety equipment that is reliable and durable.
Making safety, a priority will ensure that your employees stay protected and that your customers are kept safe.
Storage Racks and Shelving
Storage racks and shelving provide a place to organise and store your restaurant’s supplies so that they are easily accessible when needed.
Depending on your specific needs, the market offers a wide range of storage solutions. Consider whether your commercial kitchen shelving would benefit from having a wider front to be labelled to make the kitchen more efficient and make it easier to locate the right items.
When choosing storage racks, it’s important to choose durable racks and shelves that withstand the wear and tear of a busy commercial kitchen. Do your research before purchasing equipment for your restaurant. And make sure that it will cater to your special needs.
Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment includes pots, pans, utensils, dishware, flatware, etc. This type of equipment is necessary for any restaurant that serves food. Many restaurants opt for various equipment from the same manufacturer to save money.
Additionally, consider purchasing equipment that will last for many years. It is hoped that you will better understand what commercial kitchen equipment is useful for your restaurant. With this information, you are well on choosing and installing the right equipment for your commercial kitchen.
Servingware
Servingware includes plates, bowls, cups, silverware, etc. Restaurants can have many different serving ware sets. A plate can be rectangular or round, without a rim, and in different sizes.
For this reason, it ultimately comes down to how you want your restaurant to look. Are you going for an overall theme, or are you looking to suit a variety of themes? It mostly comes down to the food you serve and how you want your restaurant to look and feel.
You’ll make better decisions when purchasing serving ware sets. There are decorative serving ware, classic serving ware, and bone china serving ware. Each serving set is important and will give you a specific purpose. The amount required will be determined by the type of serving ware you select.
Smallwares
Smallwares include mixing bowls, measuring cups, strainers, can openers, etc. They are necessary for any restaurant that serves food. Smallwares are essential for food preparation because they allow each dish to be prepared individually.
There are many different types of small wares. There are plastics, metals, fibres, wood, glass, etc. In choosing small wares, consider their usefulness with the type of food you serve and how often that food is served.
Another factor to consider, and one that is very important, is the cost. Smallwares can be very expensive, and because of their importance for your business, it is important to choose small wares economically.
Conclusion
There is a lot to consider when purchasing commercial restaurant equipment.
This buyer’s guide has provided an overview of some essential factors to remember when making decisions. With so many options available on the market, it is necessary to research to purchase the best possible products for your business.
If you would like to speak to us, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to help.