The essential commercial benchtop catering equipment

For any food service business, spending on the right type of equipment is essential as it is directly related to the productivity and success of the business. While everyone is quite aware of the importance of the bigger appliances like the upright fridges and freezers or ductless hood systems, the comparatively smaller, benchtop catering tools and devices are often overlooked. However, just like the bigger appliances, the benchtop equipment also makes an essential part of commercial kitchen and catering services.

 

The essential benchtop catering equipment most commonly used in the foodservice industry include but are not limited to,

 

Bain Marie – This small and compact appliance has some specific applications in the food and catering business. Some specialized items like a few types of custards, cheesecakes that need gentle heating are best prepared in this appliance. However, it is mostly used for keeping the items at a ready-to-serve temperature for longer without losing the quality or the taste.

 

The device uses the ‘water bath’ principle, and the vapor generated from the bath prevents the broth or curry from drying out, ensuring the right quality and taste. Bain-marie is also available in a dry heat variant, which uses no water but while it is easy to operate and move, the food kept in it can dry out over time. A bain-marie is typically a gastronorm compatible device and is used widely in display, kitchen, or canteen.

 

Soup Kettle - This commercial kitchen equipment is a must-have if your business serves hot soups or beverages. This versatile appliance uses the bain-marie principle to keep the soup and curries warm for a longer period. This appliance makes it possible to keep a pot of soup at the ready to serve temperature for a whole day without engaging the burner or a staffer to heat it repeatedly. The soup kettle is a simple device with easy operations.

 

Just like the bain-marie, all you need to do is fill the outer container with water as mentioned by the manufacturer. Place the inner container within it and then fill in the soup or curry in the inner container. Once you close the lid, set the right temperature and the food in it will stay at the same temperature for the whole day.

 

Benchtop glass cake displays - For small restaurants, patisseries, delis, and cake shops the benchtop glass cake displays are perfect. These units are available in compact sizes and two shape variations – square glass and curved glass. While the curved glass variety looks more aesthetically pleasing the square glass variety will give more space. 

 

If the positioning is suitable, you might also be able to use the top of the square glass cake display for serving. Countertop glass cake displays maintain a temperature range between 2-8 degrees, keeping the displayed items fresh for longer. The removable back doors, stainless steel wire shelving racks, and LED lights promote proper presentation and ease of use.

 

Chaffing dish – Any catering business cannot do without proper chaffing dishes. These dishes are designed to keep prepared delicacies warm while serving, but they should not be used for storing the food for longer. Chaffing dishes are available in different shapes and sizes, and if you are planning to present the dishes in front of your customers, which is quite obvious, it is only wise to spend on quality items. Pick a chaffing dish that is suitable to meet your needs.

 

Gastronorm pans and trays – No commercial kitchen or catering business can run without the gastronorm pans, trays, and lids. These small items are used thoroughly in every kitchen for preparation, cooking, and serving. You can get the GN pans, trays, and lids in various gastronorm compatible sizes and shapes from your commercial kitchen equipment supplier.

 

While buying commercial benchtop catering equipment always make sure that you spend on a quality product and buy from a reputed supplier.