For many people, owning and operating a business in the food industry is a dream come true. However, not everyone is prepared for what is necessary. Commercial kitchen equipment is a must-have and is usually a significant (and costly) purchase. So, you need to know what is necessary and what you can do without.
The correct equipment can make or break your kitchen. Whether you are a small corporate company, an institutional kitchen, or an elaborate restaurant, there are several ‘must-haves’ if you want the best chance of success.
The Essentials
While various kitchens will need slightly different specialty commercial kitchen equipment, there are several essentials found in every industrial kitchen. These include:
- Refrigerators and Freezers – All establishments that prepare food need to have reliable storage to ensure the quality and safety of the products.
- Ice Machine – Whether you serve only soft drinks or you have a full-service bar, you will need ice.
- Oven, Range, or Other Equipment to Cook and Heat Food to the Correct Temperature – Not all establishments need ovens or ranges, and others will require several. You should also consider hoods for ranges and cooktops to eliminate odours. If your shop does not sell hot foods, you may get by with a microwave and panini press.
- Single and Double Sinks and Dishwasher – Regardless of what you serve, you will need the right equipment to clean and sanitise your pots, pans, and all other dishware. Additionally, some health codes require a separate sink for handwashing or a sink with sanitiser at the ready. Drying racks go hand in hand with the various ways to wash dishes.
- Cookware – Not all items require commercial kitchen installation. Whatever you serve, you will need a way to prepare the food. Additionally, you will need to serve the food to your customers, necessitating cooking utensils.
- Servingware – Glasses, cups, bowls, plates, saucers and the utensils used to eat are vital. Trays for delivering food to customers are also necessary.
- Food Preparation Equipment – Cutting boards, wooden spoons, spatulas, knives, slicers, strainers, peelers, commercial can openers, and the like are all vital to making food for your customers. Other valuable hand-held prep equipment you should consider include zesters, graters, and mincers.
- Thermometers – Your freezer and refrigerator will require these along with thermometers for any food you hold, such as soup or food held in cold display cases. Your chefs will need cooking thermometers as well.
Higher End
After equipping your commercial kitchen with the essentials, you may want to consider specialised equipment that is frequently found in higher-end establishments. Some examples include:
- Food processor
- Salamander
- Commercial griddles
- Bratt pan
- Espresso machine
- Deep fryers
- Stick blenders
- Dough rollers
- Scales
- Food vacuum sealer
- Dough mixers
- Juicers
- Chargrill tops for gas cooktops
- Blast chiller
- Free-standing boilers
- Rotisseries and Bain Maries
- Steamers
- Commercial mixers
- Pasta machines
Optional Equipment
There are a vast number of cutting-edge kitchen tools many food industry workers would be thrilled to have at their disposal. While not in the must-have category, these pieces of equipment would go a long way to enhance your commercial kitchen. Some examples are:
- Walk-in refrigerator and walk-in freezer
- Conveyor-type dishwasher
- Pot and utensils washer
- Dry aging cabinets
- Convection ovens
- Benchtop griddles
Maintenance Tools
For the most part, equipment for commercial kitchen maintenance could also be classified as cleaning and sanitising equipment. However, there is no place for dirt and grime in a commercial kitchen. To maintain a safe and tidy kitchen, you will need to stock up on:
- Gloves
- Washing and sanitising solutions
- Towels and sponges
- Mops, brooms, and buckets
- First aid kit
- Towels
- Oven mitts
- Back up electrical cords for appliances
- Top-grade dishwasher solution
- Knife sharpeners
- Anti-fatigue mats to maintain your employees’ well-being
Conclusion
While you may be surprised by everything necessary regarding commercial kitchen supplies and equipment, you can rest assured that you can quickly get any assistance necessary. Please feel free to reach out to us at Tob Lab Commercial Kitchens. Our experts can assist you in finding all the equipment needed for your specific kitchen. Our end-to-end commercial kitchen solutions mean you will not waste your time and money figuring out what is next,
