Starting a new restaurant can be an exciting yet daunting task, with all the things you need to consider and purchase in order to equip your kitchen. From refrigerators and freezers to storage containers and shelving units, having the right equipment is important for a successful restaurant. In this article, we’ll be exploring 10 must-have pieces of restaurant kitchen equipment that any new establishment should invest in if they want their business to thrive.
Refrigerator/Freezer: Every restaurant needs a reliable refrigerator and freezer to store and preserve food. The right choice of refrigerator and freezer can make all the difference in the success of your business.
When looking into purchasing a refrigerator and freezer, there are a few things you should consider, such as size, cost, energy efficiency, features, user friendliness, and durability. Bigger refrigerators will require more space, but you may find that having more room is necessary for your food storage needs. Make sure to look into energy-efficient models, as they will save money on energy costs over time. Features like interior lighting, temperature control settings, adjustable shelves, and drawers are also great additions that can make storing items easier.
When choosing between a refrigerator or a freezer, think about what type of food you plan on using most often. For example, if you’re running an Italian restaurant, you may want to purchase two separate units: one for refrigerating sauces and other ingredients and another for freezing pizzas or meats. It is important to note that investing in a quality refrigerator or freezer unit will help ensure your food stays fresh longer without any risk of spoiling due to poor temperature control.
Having the right fridge/freezer combo is essential for every restaurant, so be sure to do your research before making your purchase!
Prep Table: A prep table is essential for cutting, slicing, dicing, prepping, and other types of food preparation. Having enough space to work is important for a restaurant’s success because it lets you prepare food quickly and easily.
When choosing a prep table, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration, such as size and weight capacity. If you plan on having multiple people working at the same time, then it would be wise to invest in a larger table or one with an extended top shelf. Furthermore, it’s important to make sure the chosen prep table can handle your kitchen’s workload and not get too crowded or cramped during busy periods.
When choosing a prep table, you should also think about the materials it is made of, as this will have a big effect on how durable and long-lasting it is. Stainless steel tables are very popular since they last longer, while wood may provide better insulation against cold temperatures but won’t stand up against heavy use. Additionally, look into features like built-in spice racks, adjustable shelves, removable cutting boards, and drawer inserts that can make prepping easier and more efficient.
A good-quality prep table is an invaluable asset for any restaurant, so make sure to do your homework before investing in one!
Grills and fryers: Cooking up savory burgers and fries is an essential part of any restaurant. To do this successfully, you need two important pieces of equipment: grills and fryers.
When selecting a grill, think about the type of food you plan to cook on it most often. For example, if burgers are your specialty, a flat-top grill would be advisable, as it will deliver consistent results every time. Charcoal grills are also popular in burger joints because they give food a great flavor, but they may take more work to keep up with than gas or electric grills.
Fryers are primarily used for cooking fried foods like chicken, chips, and french fries but can also be used for other types of food, such as shrimp or fish. There are two main types of fryers: deep-fat fryers, which use oil to cook food, and air fryers, which rely on hot air for cooking. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to research each one thoroughly before making your purchase.
When investing in grills and/or fryers, make sure to select ones that fit both your budget and kitchen needs so that you can serve delicious meals each time!
Range ovens: range ovens provide a multi-purpose cooking method that can cook various items at once. This is why they have become so popular in both residential and commercial kitchens, as they are highly versatile and efficient.
When selecting a range oven, think about the types of food you plan to cook most often and the number of people it will be used for. If you need to accommodate a large number of guests, then investing in a larger model or one with multiple burners would be ideal. Also, look into features like convection, which spreads heat more evenly throughout the oven and makes cooking go faster while using less energy.
A range oven is not only convenient but also essential for any restaurant, so make sure to do your research before investing in one!
Vent Hoods: Vent hoods are an essential part of any commercial kitchen as they help to remove smoke, steam, odors, and grease from the air. This not only keeps the kitchen area safe and clean but also benefits those eating in the restaurant by reducing exposure to unhealthy particles in the air.
When selecting a vent hood, pay close attention to its airflow rating, as this will determine how effectively it can do its job. Also, think about whether you want a wall model or an island model based on how your kitchen is set up. Also keep in mind that some states require restaurants to have certain types of vent hoods installed, so make sure to check local regulations before you make your purchase.
Vent hoods can be expensive, but investing in one is well worth it for any restaurant looking to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for its guests.
Dishwashers: Investing in good-quality dishwashers will ensure your plates are cleaned quickly and efficiently every time. In commercial kitchens, this is particularly important as it can help you save time, money, and energy.
When looking for a dishwasher, consider features like size, as larger models may be needed if you have a high volume of dishes to wash. Additionally, think about the type of water connection your restaurant uses (hot or cold water), as different models require different types of connections. You can also look into features such as the number of rack spaces available and adjustable temperatures depending on your needs.
Blenders and mixers – Blenders and mixers are essential pieces of kitchen equipment used to quickly and efficiently blend and mix ingredients to create sauces, soups, batters, smoothies, and more.
When selecting a blender or mixer, think about the model’s size, as it may need to fit in a tight space in your kitchen. Additionally, consider features like power output, as this will determine how powerful it is and what kind of tasks it can handle. Some blenders come with additional features such as adjustable speeds for blending different types of food items.
For commercial kitchens, look into professional-grade blenders that are designed to deliver consistent results day after day. Investing in quality equipment will ensure that you get the most out of your kitchen tools and save time in the long run.
Food Processors: Food processors are powerful machines designed to cut, shred, or grind large amounts of food quickly with minimal effort on the part of the user. In commercial kitchens, they can save time and reduce labor costs by streamlining food preparation processes.
When selecting a food processor, pay close attention to the power output, as this will determine how much work it can do. Additionally, think about the size and type of bowl that you need for your specific kitchen needs. Some models also come with additional features like adjustable slicing blades and speed settings, which can be helpful for more complex tasks.
Food processors can handle a variety of tasks such as chopping vegetables, making soups and sauces, grinding spices, and preparing dough, so make sure to pick a model that is capable of meeting all your kitchen needs. Investing in a good quality food processor will help your restaurant run smoothly and efficiently!
If you’re looking for a reliable source of ice for your restaurant or commercial kitchen, then look no further than an ice machine. Ice machines come in a variety of sizes and types to suit your specific needs. From compact countertop models to larger, under-counter models, there’s something to fit every kitchen requirement.
Most ice machines have modern features like temperature settings that can be changed, filters that can be changed, and the ability to clean themselves to make sure they work well. Additionally, many models have additional features such as noise reduction technology, making them the ideal choice for busy kitchens where noise levels need to be kept low.
To find out which type and size of ice machine is right for you, consider factors like size requirements and capacity. Investing in high-quality equipment will help keep operational costs down over the long term while also providing a steady supply of fresh ice whenever you need it!
Storage Containers and Shelving Units: Storage containers and shelving units are essential pieces of equipment used to maximize potential storage space while also keeping all food items organized in one spot.
Storage containers help maintain optimal conditions for food by providing airtight protection from the elements. Look for containers made with durable material, such as BPA-free plastic, so they can easily withstand regular use. If you need to store things that need to be at a certain temperature, you might also want to think about temperature settings that can be changed.
Shelving units can be used to keep supplies and ingredients organized in the kitchen or other parts of a business. Choose sturdy metal racks or shelves with levels that can be changed to make the most of your storage space and fit a wide range of items. Investing in quality shelving units is a great way to keep everything neatly stored away and always at hand when needed.
In the end, it’s important for a new restaurant to spend money on the kitchen equipment it needs. With these 10 essential pieces of equipment, all of the tasks needed to prepare and store food can be done easily and quickly. From commercial-grade ovens to high-pressure hoods, each item plays an important role in creating a safe and comfortable working environment, ensuring a superior customer experience.
