Before purchasing kitchen equipment for your restaurant, consider how you’ll use it. Consider capacity, size, and features. If space is an issue, opt for a walk-in cooler or reach-in refrigerator. These are both safe and convenient for your staff. The freezer and refrigerator should have temperature-regulating condensers. Ensure that they are built for the kitchen environment. Some food businesses sell equipment for a fraction of its retail price.
To ensure that the food you serve is as good as it possibly can be, consider the type of oven you need. What types of meals are you offering? A commercial oven is the best option for most foodservice establishments, while a convection oven is great for bread. For grilling, roasting, and frying, opt for a combination oven. In addition to ovens, you’ll also need refrigeration equipment. A good way to make sure you have the right amount of inventory is to read restaurant blueprints to determine where each piece of equipment will fit in the space.
A well-functioning kitchen includes a point of sale system. These units let waitstaff enter orders and communicate with the kitchen’s data system. Some systems even interface with a cash register so you can keep track of customer orders and tally their payments. When it comes to keeping food warm during the service, steam tables are a great choice. They heat water, which allows food to stay warm for hours. If you serve a wide range of dishes, this piece of equipment will keep them at a constant temperature.
Investing in new storage containers is another essential purchase. Whether it’s hotel pans or plastic liters, restaurant workers love new containers for storage. Sharpies and good tape are essential for labeling. And of course, a sink is a must-have for any restaurant kitchen. A sink allows you to clean produce, defrost meat, and wash cooking utensils. A dishwasher also helps prevent accidents while washing dishes and preparing food.
A multi-functional sink is a crucial piece of kitchen equipment for a restaurant. The 3-compartment sink is ideal for most restaurant kitchens. It has multiple compartments and a separate rinse sink and sanitizing sink. Some sinks have additional features like a water tank and a sink drain. A portable sink is an option for a restaurant that’s on the move. It’s best to check the specs of each item before purchasing.
Shelves are essential for keeping non-perishable items. Shelving allows you to keep the kitchen organized and accessible. Shelves also help you store your dinnerware and other cooking utensils. Shelving comes in various materials and sizes. Heavy-duty shelving is durable and can hold many items without buckling. Also, epoxy coatings are often used for shelves, which protect them against rust and damage. Choosing the right shelving for your restaurant is essential for a successful food business.
If you don’t have enough budget to buy all the kitchen equipment that you need for your restaurant, you can always opt to rent the necessary equipment. Leasing equipment is usually affordable and flexible, with payments paid monthly. You’ll save money on other expenses and you can end the contract whenever your business grows. Many rental companies will give you the option to purchase certain items after the lease term has expired, so if you’re not satisfied with a particular piece, consider a rental.
