A buyers guide to commercial kitchen equipment

Published: 13-01-2025

When it comes to investing in fitting out a commercial kitchen, it’s important that you choose the right equipment and the right setup to allow your business to run as smoothly as possible. Plan carefully and make efficient use of the space you have. 

In this guide, we’re going to look at the equipment that every commercial kitchen needs and things you need to consider before buying. 

The Different Types of Commercial Kitchen Equipment

  • Cooking: Includes combi ovens, convection ovens, ranges, microwaves, fryers, griddles, steamers, rice cookers, and more.
  • Food Prep: Includes food processors, mixers, graters, slicers, grinders, chippers and peelers, and more.
  • Cookware, Bakeware, and Utensils: Includes mandolins, spatulas, rolling pins, funnels, timers, can openers, chopping boards, pots and pans, and more.
  • Filtration and Extraction Canopies: Keeps working environment clean, safe, and comfortable.
  • Catering Fabrications: Includes stainless steel tables, shelves, racking, sinks, and more.
  • Warewashing: Includes glasswashers, dishwashers, cutlery and utensil washes, and more.
  • Serving and Display: Includes heated merchandisers, buffet displays, and more.
  • Front of House: Includes tableware, beverage equipment such as coffee and espresso machines, drink dispensers, and more.
  • Safety and Hygiene: Includes cleaning chemicals and janitorial equipment.

What You Need To Consider When Choosing Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Some things to consider when searching for commercial catering equipment include the type of business you operate, the size of your kitchen, the number of covers you expect to serve, the style and intricacy of the menu, and the budget you have available. 

Your Menu
Depending on your restaurant’s menu and your style of cooking, the cooking equipment you will need will differ to another. A fast-food restaurant might require larger, heavier duty equipment, whilst a café could get by with only small countertop appliances. You should also consider what dishes on your menu are the most popular and invest in reliable equipment to ensure consistency for these dishes. 

Powering Your Equipment
This might already be determined for you by the power source that is installed in your kitchen. However, this will still influence which type of cooking equipment will be compatible and how much energy and money is requires to run, factor in your budget here. 

Space Available
The space available in your kitchen will help to narrow down options when choosing appliances. As well as considering smaller equipment, you can also opt for multi-function cooking equipment allowing you to maximise your space without compromising on effective equipment. 

Capacity
You need your equipment to be able to deal with the level of orders at your restaurant’s peak times. Equipment that is too small or too slow for purpose will lead to longer wait times for customers and unhappy diners. This doesn’t mean getting the biggest option available to you, this would just be a waste of money and have higher power costs. 

Budget
Starting up in the hospitality industry is not cheap. To fully set up a kitchen, you’re looking at a cost in the tens of thousands at least. Consider cost vs quality and weigh up catering appliances and supplies hold more importance to your operation. Dedicate a greater part of your budget to the equipment you know you will be using most frequently, whilst cutting back and choosing cheaper options for the equipment only occasionally used. 

Remember that buying equipment with the lowest initial price doesn’t always mean it will be the cheapest in the long run. Remember to factor in the costs over the appliance’s lifespan, this can include power consumption, likelihood of breakdown, expected lifespan, and maintenance.

If budget is an issue for you, you might consider leasing. Leasing will allow your business access to top quality equipment without the big initial spend, you can spread the costs whilst already having the rewards from quality equipment.

We recommend reading this guide about buying vs leasing.


Conclusion
Investing in the right commercial kitchen equipment is key to a successful restaurant or café. You want to focus on getting quality, and reliable equipment to enhance your kitchen’s efficiency, safety, and overall performance. Consider your business’s needs and make informed decisions to support your company’s future and growth.