Essential Commercial Restaurant Equipment Every New Restaurant Needs
Opening a new restaurant can be exciting yet daunting. With so many details to consider, it's easy to get overwhelmed. One of the most important investments you'll make is in high-quality commercial restaurant equipment. Choosing the right equipment for your kitchen and dining area is essential for efficient operations and a successful business. Here's an overview of the most important commercial restaurant equipment pieces every new eatery needs.
Cooking Equipment
The cooking equipment you select will be one of the biggest purchases when opening a restaurant. Invest in durable commercial-grade appliances made for heavy use. Here are some must-haves:
Commercial Ovens
A commercial oven is a workhorse appliance vital for any restaurant kitchen. Options include:
Convection Ovens: Circulating hot air cooks food quickly and evenly. Great for baking.
Deck Ovens: Has separate chambers for baking and cooking with direct heat. Offers versatility.
Combi Ovens: Offers a combination of convection and steam cooking. Allows for various cooking methods.
Pizza Ovens: Reaches ultra-high temperatures for perfect crisp crusts. Ideal for pizzerias.
Rotating Rack Ovens: Rotating shelves cook food on all sides. Great for large quantities.
Choose gas or electric models based on your needs. Invest in adequate oven capacity for your menu offerings and projected sales.
Commercial Ranges
Restaurant ranges provide intense heat needed for fast cooking. Options include:
Restaurant Stovetops: Open burners are essential for sautéing, simmering sauces, etc. Choose gas or induction.
Griddles: Use large flat cooking surfaces for items like pancakes, burgers, and grilled sandwiches.
Charbroilers: Give meats charred flavor from direct infrared heat. A must for steakhouses.
Wok Ranges: Specialized high-BTU burners for stir-frying. Ideal for Asian cuisine.
Select solidly constructed ranges with safety features like auto shut-off valves. Choose an adequate size and power for your menu needs.
Commercial Refrigeration
From walk-in coolers to reach-in refrigerators, commercial-grade refrigeration is a must. Options include:
Reach-In Refrigerators: Front-breathing refrigerators store ingredients at optimal temps.
Reach-In Freezers: Maintain frozen foods like meats at stable, safe temperatures.
Walk-In Coolers/Freezers: Large cooler and freezer rooms offer abundant chilled and frozen storage.
Blast Chillers: Quickly chill cooked foods prior to refrigeration to maximize freshness and safety.
Invest in Energy Star-certified units. Gauge the needed capacity based on menu size and projected ingredient/food storage needs.
Commercial Fryers
Deep fryers cook up crispy favorites like french fries, chicken tenders, and hushpuppies. Options include:
Electric Fryers: Offer instant, even heat with no open flame. Great for safety and energy costs.
Gas Fryers: Provide higher heat output and faster temperature recovery ideal for busy restaurants.
Pressure Fryers: Cook foods quickly while using less oil. Great for chicken wings, seafood, etc.
Go for commercial fryers with safety features like auto shut-off and fast oil drainage/filtration.
Food Prep Equipment
Quality food prep equipment will help your culinary team prep ingredients quickly while maintaining freshness and safety. Here are some key items:
Food Processors
Heavy-duty food processors make quick work of chopping, pureeing, and mixing. Models with multiple attachments add versatility. Important for prep tasks like:
Chopping vegetables for soups and salads
Pureeing sauces and dressings
Mixing/kneading dough
Commercial Mixers
Commercial stand mixers handle heavy mixing tasks like bread dough and cake batters. Look for:
Powerful motors (1+ horsepower)
Multiple mixing attachments
Gear or direct drive transmission
Several speed settings
20+ quart capacity
Meat Slicers
Meat slicers are vital for delicatessens and sandwich shops. Features like:
Removable blades for easy cleaning
Built-in sharpener
Smooth rounded edges for safety
1/2 horsepower or larger motor
12 inch or longer blade
Allow you to quickly and safely slice meats for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, etc.
Commercial Blenders
Heavy-duty blenders puree fruits, vegetables, and more into smoothies, sauces, and soups. Prioritize:
At least 3 peak horsepower motor
Sturdy base that won't tip
BPA-free pitcher
Variable speed settings
For power and versatility.
Commercial Juicers
Fresh juice is a popular menu item. Look for:
Cold press juicers to minimize oxidation
Wide feeds for whole fruits and veggies
Powerful motors
Easy cleaning features
When buying a commercial juicer.
Storage & Handling
Proper storage and handling prevent waste and keep ingredients fresh. Key equipment includes:
Shelving
Sturdy, commercial-grade stainless steel wire shelving units allow for organized storage. Prioritize:
NSF-certified and corrosion-resistant
Various sizes and configurations
Heavy gauge construction that supports weight
Easy mobility with casters
When buying kitchen and dry storage shelving.
Food Warmers & Display Cases
Maintain proper serving temperatures and showcase your offerings with the following:
Heated food warmers
Refrigerated display cases
Heated display cases
Features like humidity controls, air circulation, and temperature adjustability help keep foods fresh and appealing.
Commercial Sinks
Restaurant sinks for washing, sanitizing, and food prep are a must. Look for:
Deep basins
Drainboards for drying
Sturdy construction
Hot and cold water dispensers
Additional prep sink space
When selecting sinks based on tasks.
Serving & Dining Equipment
The right serving and dining equipment enhances customer experience. Must-haves include:
Beverage Equipment
Beverage stations, coffee machines, and bar equipment like:
Soda fountains
Iced tea brewers
Coffee makers
Beer taps
Margarita machines
Bar sinks
Are essential based on your beverage offerings.
Food Serving Equipment
Self-service counters and serving stations allow customers to access food. Consider:
Sneeze guards
Hot/cold buffet units
Salad bars
Heated lamps
Steam tables
Soup/cereal dispensers
To match your serving style and menu.
Point of Sale (POS) Systems
Modern POS systems allow for order entry, payment processing, inventory management, and data analytics. Important features include:
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