When opening up a new
restaurant, one of your most significant investments will be your kitchen. The
kitchen is the heart of your business, and a commercial kitchen needs equipment
built for busy restaurant usage. No two kitchens will operate in the same way,
but there are some basics that all restaurant owners should consider when
outfitting a new kitchen or updating an established one. The restaurant kitchen
equipment list below covers the basic needs of a commercial kitchen.
Ovens
The type of oven you need
will depend on the kind of food you plan to serve. If you are opening a bakery
or are planning to offer house-made bread, you may not need the same type of
oven as an Italian restaurant or pizzeria.
In some instances, you may
need more than one type of oven, it’s critical to know what to look for when
selecting the best oven for your kitchen.
Quality – check out brands, reviews, service agreements, and warranties to make sure you are getting an oven that can stand up to a busy kitchen.
Function – this will be guided by the type of food you are offering.
Types of Commercial Ovens – convection ovens, combination ovens, pizza ovens, and conveyor ovens all have different, if sometimes overlapping uses, so decide which one suits your space and style of cooking.
Ranges
Ranges vie with ovens as one
of the most important elements of your kitchen. There are two choices: gas or
electric.
Gas ranges – heat up faster
and offer better temperature control, they can also be used during a power
outage. However, they have a higher risk of gas leaks or fires and are harder
to clean.
Electric ranges – efficient
and easy to clean, lower risk of fires and gas leaks.
Ventilation
Commercial kitchens are often
hot, crowded, and uncomfortable. A ventilation system helps manage temperature
control and airflow, ensuring it is a pleasant and healthy workplace. Things to
consider when choosing ventilation include:
Static pressure – this ensures the air flows properly and efficiently through the ventilation system.
Energy efficiency – balancing your fan’s horsepower is critical to energy efficiency in the ventilation system. An underpowered fan will burn out fast, and an overpowered fan will waste energy and impact your electric bill.
Size – where your fan is placed will probably be guided by the space available and/or fire code safety regulations. Keep this in mind when planning your kitchen layout.
Noise – fans are often loud, making an already noisy kitchen even noisier. Keep the fan’s loudness in mind when selecting a ventilation system.
Microwave
Even if you are running a
scratch kitchen, a commercial microwave will be useful for steaming, reheating,
and defrosting.
Food Processors
There are many different
kinds of food processors, these are the four main ones you should think about
for your restaurant.
Batch Bowl Processor – this
is the style most often found in home kitchens, built for industrial use.
Continuous Feed Food
Processor – this style allows food to be constantly added while running, and
the processed food is deposited into a separate bowl. These are ideal for busy
commercial kitchens.
Combination Processors –
works as both a batch processor and a continuous processor. Also suitable for
commercial kitchens.
Mixers
A commercial mixer is a must
to make desserts or bread in your restaurant kitchen. Base your selection on
the type of food you’ll be making and how often you plan to use a mixer.
Floor Mixers – high-powered,
high-volume mixers.
Hand Mixers – also called
immersion blenders, these are handheld and used for blending soups and sauces
as well as emulsifying, chopping, or mixing at high speed.
Countertop Mixers – these are
good for small restaurants and bakeries or when you don’t need high output or
have a lot of space.
Slicers
When choosing a slicer,
consider the following, based on the needs of your restaurant:
- Automatic or manual
- Horsepower
- Blade size
- Light, medium, or heavy-duty
Food Prep Counters and
Cutting Boards
How much space you have in your kitchen will guide what type of prep table and cutting boards you get. Since they will be used for a variety of prep work, choose something durable and versatile, such as stainless steel.
Refrigerator and Freezers
Commercial grade
refrigerators and freezers ensure the quality of everything you cook.
Safety Equipment
- Fire extinguishers
- Rubber floor mats
- First aid kits
- Goggles
- Oven mitts
- Wet floor signs
- Aprons
- Hairnets
Storage Racks and
Shelving
When looking for storage and
shelving, consider whether you want mobile or stationary, or a combination of
both. The ability to move your storage when needed can be convenient.
Cooking Equipment
Stock your kitchen with the
right amount of:
- Pots and pans with lids
- Chef’s knives
- Spoons for mixing and tasting
- Mixing bowls
- Spatulas
- Whisks
- Tongs
- Ladles
- Sheet pans
- Roasting pans
- Baking pans
- Towels
- Rags
Storage Containers
Proper food storage helps you
minimize waste and adhere to food safety best practices.
Steam Table
You’ll need equipment to prep
food such as soup or sauces so they remain warm and at a safe temperature.
Depending on your kitchen’s size and the food you plan to serve, there may be some items on this list you don’t need. Or you may need more specialized equipment to go with your restaurant concept. You can find the basics on this restaurant equipment checklist as well as specialized equipment at JES Restaurant Equipment.
