What Essential Restaurant Equipment Do You Need?
Are you opening a new restaurant? Choosing the right commercial restaurant equipment can be the key to success. A restaurant’s equipment ensures your team can execute the daily culinary tasks needed to survive. However, how do you pick the right commercial appliances? After all, no two restaurants are alike. To help, we have compiled a list of what essential restaurant equipment you need.
Commercial Refrigeration
All commercial kitchens need a refrigeration system. It’s the only way you’ll keep ingredients fresh. The type and size, however, depend on how big your kitchen is, your food capacities, and the type of restaurant. For example, ice machines/makers are crucial for beverage services. But if you own an ice cream store, you’ll instead go for a commercial freezer. Take into account what you’ll be serving and what restaurant appliance is necessary for that. Ideally, every restaurant should have at least one of the following options: a commercial refrigerator, commercial freezer, blast chiller, ice maker, refrigerated prep tables, or bar equipment (bottle coolers, glass chillers, etc.).
Cooking Equipment
A well-equipped, properly planned kitchen provides chefs the necessary environment to create innovative dishes. This means having the correct cooking equipment. When deciding on commercial cooking appliances, take into account what you’ll be predominantly cooking and serving. What equipment will you be using the most? If you’re going to be frying a lot, as opposed to baking, then you should prioritize getting a commercial fryer first rather than an oven. Also, don’t be afraid to buy larger equipment. The smaller pieces may be less expensive, but you’ll be losing money in the long run if they can’t handle your capacity needs. Essential cooking equipment includes commercial ovens, fryers, ranges, grills, and griddles. Each of these pieces of equipment comes in multiple sizes and types. Ranges, for example, can be either gas or electric. If you’re having trouble figuring out what specific restaurant equipment is right for your restaurant, you can call any Restaurant City store or come to a showroom and our experienced staff will work with you to understand the benefits of each option.
Food Prep Equipment
Food preparation equipment is the backbone of any restaurant. They play a large part in the overall kitchen preparation. That’s why it’s crucial to choose commercial food prep appliances that meet your needs. However, which equipment to purchase differentiates from each restaurant, as their recipes are different. That means there’s no true answer on what to buy. Instead, start with the essentials that most restaurants have. These include commercial slicers, mixers, food processors, blenders, big dipper grease traps, and prep tables. After picking up these appliances, figure out what your establishment will be. If you’re opening up a breakfast spot, you can include a waffle maker or coffee brewer. It all depends on the type of restaurant.
Other Back of House Equipment
There are so many appliances that go into a commercial restaurant. Now that we’ve covered the essentials, we’re including other equipment that can be useful. This list isn’t exhaustive, nor do you need everything on it to be successful. But this is a good starting point on fleshing out your equipment list.
- Janitorial Equipment
- Brushes
- Mops
- Sponges
- Kitchen Display System (KDS)
- Servingware
- Dishware
- Flatware
- Glassware
- Linens
- Sinks
- Smallware
- Cutting Boards
- Knives
- Mixing Bowls
- Pots and Pans
- Tongs
- Whisks
- Storage Equipment
- Drying Racks
- Dunnage Racks
- Food Storage Containers
- Sheet Pan Racks
- Shelving
Before starting to purchase commercial kitchen equipment, it’s imperative that you flesh out your equipment list. Decide on what you want to serve and what is essential to serving it. If you need help, our Restaurant City staff is here to help. We’ll go over different appliances with you and help you pick ones that meet your needs. With our showrooms full of all the foodservice equipment and supplies your kitchen could need, you’ll be one step closer to opening the restaurant of your dreams.