10 Must-Have Equipment Items for a Commercial Kitchen

Opening a new restaurant is both exciting and stressful. It’s easy to get so caught up in the location and branding that you overlook the most important part of your business: your equipment.

1. Commercial Refrigerators

One of the first items on any list of equipment inventory is commercial refrigerators. They required by law and needed to keep your food as fresh for as long as possible. When choosing a refrigerator - consider the size and capacity you’ll need.

Depending on the restaurant, a prep refrigerator may be needed. These have countertops mounted to the top. You may also need merchandise refrigerators for your customers.

2. Ovens, Ranges and Microwaves

Ovens and ranges ensure that your dishes are cooked to perfection.

All restaurants will need conventional or convection ovens. But you may also need a pizza, conveyor, brick or deck oven. Make sure that the commercial range you choose will have enough burners to accommodate your guests.

Many commercial kitchens also have microwaves for heating dishes.

3. Ice Machines

Another essential piece of equipment needed for a restaurant kitchen is an ice machine. Ice machines allow you to serve cold beverages on a large scale.

4. Warming Cabinets

It’s impossible to finish all of the dishes for a table at the same time. That’s why many establishments put warming cabinets on their list of equipment needed for a restaurant kitchen.

5. Commercial Grills and Griddles

If your menu includes burgers, steaks or pancakes, your kitchen will need a commercial grill. Griddles and flat-top grills are a great option for most restaurants, as they’re very versatile - both allow you to cook several separate servings at once.

There are also specialty grills and griddles available. Panini grills, for example, may be used to cook Italian sandwiches. Tortilla grills are a staple in Mexican restaurants, and Teppanyaki griddles are used in Japanese restaurants.

6. Deep-Fryer

If you have fried items on the menu, your kitchen may need a deep-fryer. From French fries to calamari, churros and mozzarella sticks, deep fryers are now a staple in most commercial kitchens. When buying a deep fryer, it’s important to consider the temperature range and capacity.

7. Hot and Cold Beverage Equipment

Every restaurant must be equipped to serve beverages — even if you only serve water. Hot and cold beverage equipment will allow you to serve a wide range of drinks.

Most restaurants will need:

• Coffee makers
• Soda fountain
• Hot water dispenser
• Iced tea brewer and dispenser
• Drink dispenser (for other cold beverages)

8. Prep Tables

Prep tables are essential in every restaurant kitchen. They provide a clean and clear space to prepare ingredients for dishes. Many prep tables come equipped with undershelves that can be used as storage. This makes commonly-used items easily accessible.

9. Sinks

Sinks are another necessary item on the list of equipment in restaurants. From rinsing produce to cleaning utensils and washing hands, sinks are just as important as any other piece of equipment in the kitchen. Stainless steel is the most common material used for commercial sinks, as it is easy to keep clean and highly durable.

10. Dishwasher

If you’re running a small restaurant, you may prefer to have your dishes hand-washed in the sink. But for a larger establishment or for mere convenience, a dishwasher is a smart addition to any restaurant kitchen.

When it comes commercial kitchen equipment, this list includes some of the basic items you’ll need to get your restaurant up and running. You may find that you need additional items in the future or specialty equipment to better prepare certain dishes. Creating a list of equipment will help you determine your budget and the costs of outfitting your establishment.

Source: https://mcdonaldpaper.com/blog/10-must-have-restaurant-equipment