Reimagining the commercial kitchen does not need to be difficult, nor does it need to break the bank. Commercial kitchen designs shift to practical, efficient, and technology-assisted workspaces as times and trends change.
Heavy focus on safety in the kitchen is always at the front of mind when working to create modern industrial kitchens. In many cases, expert efficiency and commercial kitchen safety go hand in hand.
The commercial kitchen has never been in the spotlight more than in 2023. As diners demand more from their experience eating out, the pressure will be on the kitchen staff to deliver. The design and layout of the kitchen play a significant part in meeting consumer demands.
There are dozens of exciting and innovative trends in commercial kitchen equipment and designs. With a focus on functionality, here are the top five trends in commercial kitchens for 2023 and beyond.
Colours, Layouts, and Styles
While the majority of commercial kitchens are all about stainless steel, adding a bit of colour can go a long way, improving not only design but staff mentality as well. A touch of mint or sage green brings a natural feel, as does blue in anything from royal to light baby blue. The same colours of nature that make our homes feel welcoming are subtly added to commercial kitchens with positive results. While this is not advocating excessive use of décor, which would impede the flow of the kitchen, adding colour can create a less dull workplace.
Depending on size and equipment, the layout of your kitchen will always be personalised but if you are looking for ideas the five most frequently used commercial kitchen layouts are,
- The assembly line
- Island
- Zone-style
- Galley
- Open kitchen
Styles of commercial kitchens do not lean heavily on trends but depend on your restaurant. A casual and laid-back style would work well if your restaurant is a pub that serves snacks and finger food. However, a structured manner would create the right atmosphere for your employees if you run a fine dining establishment.
Equipment
The commercial kitchen equipment offerings resemble science-fiction appliances. The kitchen assistant robot is an excellent example of cutting-edge technology. These robots can do repetitive tasks like kneading bread or chopping vegetables. Robots with more advanced AI can cook and create recipes. Automated systems reduce energy costs, improve efficiency, and enhance kitchen safety. Connectivity and cloud-managed solutions can monitor all linked commercial kitchen devices. This allows for improved safety and quality control. As technology continues to grow, this trend will become must-have equipment.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Both energy efficiency and sustainability have grown increasingly important. This trend will continue as people notice the importance of reducing the harm humans cause to the environment. Appliance makers who specialise in commercial kitchen equipment are rolling out models that are energy efficient, reducing operating costs and the carbon footprint.
Sustainability impacts a number of commercial kitchen issues. From how the food is grown and shipped to packaging and serving methods, restauranteurs must consider the greater good as they serve their customers. There will be a rise in eco-friendly equipment, such as composting on-site. Farm-to-table and locally sourced food will continue to grow in popularity as diners demand responsibly sourced foods.
Safety
Ensuring you responsibly maintain a safe work environment for your employees in a commercial kitchen will always be important. Equipment such as cut-resistant gloves, blade guards on slicing equipment, instant-read thermometers, and other items go a long way to ensure your employees are safe.
Here are the top three safety concerns in commercial kitchens,
- Overloaded electrical outlets- Often, several appliances are plugged into a power strip, or multiple extension cords are used in a single outlet. This can lead to overheating and electrical fires. Avoid this by using dedicated outlets for high-powered appliances and knowing the power ratings of regular appliances.
- Improper placement of flammable items- In a busy kitchen, putting something flammable like a paper towel too close to a heat source is easy. To avoid such mishaps, enforce a safe zone of about half a metre around all cooking surfaces. Also, have a commercially rated fire extinguisher on hand.
- Trips, slips and falls- Considering the spills, uneven flooring from floor mats, and flurry of activity, it is easy to see how these accidents can happen. Educate employees to clean any spills immediately, take time to navigate the kitchen, and work in an orderly fashion.
Food and Health Hygiene
The modern industrial kitchen is about breaking with the conventional and stepping away from the same old way of doing things. You can create a commercial kitchen that increases efficiency and safety and improves food preparation times, health, and sustainability. All of this while looking great.
If you want to revamp your commercial kitchen or are beginning a business and need help getting started, feel free to contact Top Lab Commercial Kitchens. Our expert staff can assist you in deciding what you need to create an optimal work and storage space. We are highly regarded for our commercial kitchens in Victoria and nearby areas. Reach out to us for more ideas and make your commercial kitchen a top kitchen.
