Restaurant businesses are cost-intensive. The start-up cost of a new restaurant can run into thousands of dollars. Equipping your restaurant with the right commercial kitchen equipment that does the job perfectly would be best.
This article discusses seven essential things to consider when buying restaurant equipment and the list of essential commercial kitchen equipment needed for your restaurant business.
7 Things to Consider When Buying Restaurant Equipment
Restaurant kitchens need various speciality equipment. Purchase kitchen equipment that will help you deliver delicious dishes consistently. Here is a list of the most essentials things to consider when buying restaurant equipment:
1. Get the restaurant equipment you need
Purchase commercial kitchen equipment depending on your food menu and the dishes you want to serve. Bakeries and cafes rely on high-quality convection and combi-ovens. At the same time, restaurants need durable and efficient commercial ranges.
2. Choose the equipment that provides the highest energy efficiency
Choose commercial kitchen equipment that is highly energy efficient. With efficient kitchen equipment, you can save thousands of energy bills annually.
3. Consider your kitchen space
For small restaurant kitchens, choose compact restaurant equipment. Measure the available space in your kitchen before purchasing commercial ovens, commercial ranges, commercial refrigerators, and commercial ice machines. The turnaround time of dishes and your kitchen’s efficiency depends on space availability.
4. Always prioritize a quality product over cost
Research before purchasing any commercial kitchen equipment. Choose quality products that offer superior service and are easy to maintain. Invest smartly in high-quality products for a hassle-free user experience. This may be a struggle if you’re working with a certain budget, so always look out for deals, check out an online reseller site, or even visit restaurant liquidation auctions for some amazing pieces of equipment at great prices.
5. Inspect and check the warranties of restaurant equipment
It is essential to inspect and check all commercial kitchen equipment after delivery. Check if the equipment is working efficiently after installation. Also, pay close attention to all warranty-related details while purchasing commercial kitchen equipment. It will help you save thousands of dollars in the long run.
6. Ask about the maintenance required for restaurant equipment
Regular maintenance is essential for equipment longevity. With proper care, restaurant equipment works efficiently. Before making a purchase, always ask the dealer about the service and maintenance-related requirements.
7. Ensure that it is simple to use and clean
Easy to use and clean commercial kitchen equipment lasts longer. Your staff can handle simple commercial kitchen equipment and clean it easily when required. Purchase equipment that even the least experienced staff can handle and ensure you have adequate restaurant cleaning supplies to keep your kitchen in line with health and safety standards.
What Equipment is Needed In A Restaurant?
Choosing the right type of restaurant equipment is essential to provide a positive return on investment in the long run. Choose the perfect kitchen equipment for your restaurant, cafe, diner, and bar. Here is a list of essential equipment needed in a restaurant:
Commercial Ovens
Ovens are highly essential for small to large-scale restaurants. You can opt for radiant ovens, convection ovens, steamers, combi-ovens, and conveyor ovens or ovens with CVap technology. You can cook, roast, and bake delicious food with high-quality commercial ovens. Grill steak, bake pizzas and cook veggies with commercial ovens.
Cooking equipment & supplies
When opening a restaurant, you must ensure you have the right equipment. This means finding the right countertop charbroiler. There are three main types of charbroilers: gas, electric, and induction. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
The vulcan countertop charbroiler is a popular choice of gas charbroilers. They’re also the most affordable. However, they can be challenging to control. Electric charbroilers are more expensive, but they’re easier to control. Induction charbroilers are the most expensive, but they offer the best temperature control.
So, which type of charbroiler is right for your restaurant? It depends on your budget and your cooking needs. If you want the best temperature control, go with an induction charbroiler. A gas charbroiler will do the job if you’re on a tight budget.
Ice Machines
Commercial ice machines are ideal for restaurants, bars, and cocktail places. You can serve chilled mojitos, LITs, and Margaritas with ice from highly efficient ice machines. Full-dice ice machines are ideal for most commercial restaurants and food service establishments.
Refrigeration equipment
You can store raw and cooked food items for longer periods with high-quality refrigeration equipment. Opt for your restaurant’s walk-in, reach-in, countertop, and under-counter refrigeration solutions. Additionally, you can purchase wine and beer coolers for special requirements depending on your needs.
Food holding equipment
Food warmers, holding cabinets, steam tables, and racks are perfect for storing food warm for hours. Additionally, with a bain-marie, you can keep sauces, stew, and soups warm.
Beverage equipment
Food service establishments need high-quality beverage equipment. With beverage equipment, you can serve patrons hot and cold beverages. Purchase beverage dispensers, coffee dispensers, and espresso machines for your establishment.
Food preparation equipment
You will need a place to prepare various dishes for high-volume restaurants and cafes. You can quickly prepare subs, pizzas, and salads with food-prep tables. Most prep tables come equipped with under-counter cooling and storage solutions. Additionally, you can purchase a dough mixer, food processors, slicers, and cutting boards for preparing various dishes.
Display Cases
Food display cases are perfect for bakeries and cafes for displaying and merchandising food items. You can purchase refrigerated display cases, unrefrigerated display cases, and display warmers for your merchandising needs.
Commercial Sinks
With commercial sinks, you can keep your kitchen area clean and hygienic. You can opt for one compartment or a multi-compartment sink, depending on your cleaning needs.
Dishwashing equipment
Commercial dishwashers are ideal for medium to large restaurants. With commercial dishwashing equipment, you can spotlessly clean multiple dishes quickly. Commercial dishwashers reduce the turnaround time for cleaning dishware. You can opt for bar sinks, disposal sinks, drop-in units, mop sinks, and portable sinks.
Looking for the perfect restaurant equipment that suits your needs is essential. Cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and bars have specific requirements. Purchase kitchen equipment that is energy efficient, economical, easy to maintain, and reliable. With the correct type of commercial kitchen equipment, you can easily scale your business.
Author BIO
Damon Shrauner, Senior Sales Consultant and VP of B2B Sales at CKitchen, has worked in the foodservice equipment sector since 1994. With his expertise in market analysis, product placement, sales and project management, he will always tell you what to do for the best of your business.
