Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Commercial Kitchen Equipment

A Beginner's Guide to Commercial Kitchen Supplies

Opening a commercial kitchen can be a daunting task. With a seemingly endless list of supplies needed, it can be hard to know where to start.

That said, this guide will provide an overview of the essential supplies every commercial kitchen must have, helping you get your kitchen up and running quickly and easily. From refrigeration to cookware and utensils to food prep and storage, you'll find the information you need to make the most informed decisions.

Essential Supplies —

First and foremost, outfitting a commercial kitchen with the essential supplies is a key part of any successful food business. It’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary items for commercial cooking before opening your business.

  • The most important supplies include cookware, cutlery, food storage containers, and utensils.
  • You’ll also need to purchase the necessary cleaning supplies for hygiene and safety.
  • Food preparation items such as cutting boards, knives, and mixers are also important for preparing ingredients.
  • Finally, you should consider necessary appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, and deep fryers for efficient cooking. Having the right kitchen supplies is essential for the success of any commercial kitchen.

Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Refrigeration

Building upon the essential supplies previously discussed, refrigeration is an important part of any commercial kitchen. It provides a safe and reliable way to store food items that need to be kept at a specific temperature. Without proper refrigeration, food spoils quickly, leading to a loss of money and resources. Refrigeration also helps keep food items fresh and appetizing for customers.

That’s why when choosing a fridge for commercial use, there are certain considerations to keep in mind.

  • Size and capacity are key, as the fridge must be able to accommodate the items stored in it.
  • It should also be able to maintain a consistent temperature and have proper insulation to keep items cold.
  • Lastly, a reliable warranty and strong customer service are also important to ensure you are covered if anything goes wrong.
Refrigeration

Cookware & Utensils

Next, having the right cookware and utensils is essential for any commercial kitchen.

  • A well-stocked kitchen should include a variety of pots and pans, including saucepans, sauté pans, and stock pots.
  • In addition, you'll need items such as skillets, griddles, and woks.
  • It's also important to include lids, colanders, strainers, steamers, and baking dishes.

For utensils, you'll need a range of tools for mixing, stirring, and serving, including ladles, whisks, spatulas, and tongs. Some restaurants also use specialty utensils like ice cream scoops, vegetable peelers, and cheese graters.

Essentially, it's wise to invest in quality cookware and utensils that are durable and designed to last. Look for products made from stainless steel or aluminum and with comfortable, ergonomic handles. Having the right tools can make cooking and serving easier and more efficient, so be sure to equip your commercial kitchen with the right cookware and utensils.

Food Prep & Storage

Now, let’s talk about food prep and storage.

Frequently stocking your commercial kitchen with the right food prep and storage supplies is critical for efficient food preparation. Having the correct supplies and equipment on hand will help to ensure that food items are properly stored and prepped.

  • Essential storage items include large commercial refrigerators, freezers, and walk-in coolers. These items will help keep food items fresh and safe for consumption.
  • Additionally, food prep items such as cutting boards, knives, food processors, and blenders can be used to quickly and safely prepare meals.
  • Lastly, storage containers and food wraps, such as plastic bags, foil, and cling wrap, should also always be on hand to store food items for later use.

By keeping the right food prep and storage supplies in stock, commercial kitchens can ensure that their food is stored and prepped safely and efficiently.

Food Prep & Storage
Extras & Gadgets

You may also be wondering what other extras and gadgets should be kept in a commercial kitchen to facilitate efficient meal preparation and storage.

  • An array of kitchen utensils, including ladles, spatulas, tongs, and whisks, should be kept on hand to make food preparation easier and less time-consuming.
  • An appliance such as a food processor or immersion blender can also be used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
  • Food thermometers are necessary to ensure food is cooked to the correct temperature and is safe to eat. A deep sink with a draining board is also essential for washing large pots and pans.
  • Other useful items include cutting boards, measuring cups and spoons, and a timer.

With the right gadgets and supplies, a commercial kitchen will be fully equipped to handle the many tasks of meal preparation and storage.

Installation

Lastly, let’s go over the topic of installation. Installing commercial kitchen equipment correctly is essential for achieving optimal performance and longevity. Thus, due diligence in this area is critical, as a single mistake can lead to costly repairs and downtime.

  • Before installation, make sure the equipment is the right size and that it will fit into the available space.
  • When ordering, provide exact measurements and note any configuration changes that may be required. Additionally, check that the equipment is compatible with any existing ventilation systems and electrical connections.
  • To ensure proper installation, always hire a qualified professional with experience in installing the specific type of equipment.

Overall, it’s important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that all safety protocols are met. Taking the time to do things right will pay dividends in the long run.

Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

There may be local government incentives available for businesses that purchase commercial kitchen supplies. Depending on your location, these incentives may be available in the form of tax credits, grants, or other financial assistance. 

It's important to research any available incentives in your area before investing in commercial kitchen supplies. Many local governments have programs in place to support businesses in the hospitality industry, and these incentives may be beneficial for businesses looking to purchase kitchen supplies.
 

Yes, there are special cleaning and maintenance requirements for commercial kitchen supplies. It’s important to regularly clean and sanitize all surfaces of the kitchen equipment, as well as utensils and tools. 

  • Food contact surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized following use, while non-food contact surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized at least once a day. 
  • It’s also important to inspect all equipment and tools for wear and tear and repair or replace any damaged equipment or tools as needed. 

Regular maintenance should also be conducted on all kitchen equipment to ensure it is operating correctly and safely.
 

Purchasing commercial kitchen supplies in bulk is an efficient way to save money and reduce waste. The most cost-effective option is to shop around for the best prices and look for deals. 

  • Bulk purchasing allows restaurants to benefit from discounts that are not typically available when buying smaller quantities.
  • It’s also important to consider the quality of the products when making a purchase, as low-quality products may not last as long and could end up costing more in the long run. 
  • Finally, it’s important to make sure that the quantity purchased will be used before it expires.