Setting up your dream of owning a commercial kitchen is both exciting and challenging. In addition to creating a top-notch menu and designing the best décor to suit your unique brand, you will also need to shortlist the most effective pieces of equipment, appliances and gadgets that not only create quality food but are also budget and user-friendly.
Whether you’re keen on investing in blast chillers, cook chill equipment, or undercounter space savers, it’s essential to assess the value that each appliance adds before investing. This post shares a few key pointers to keep in mind as you start separating the nice-to-haves from the must-haves.
Planning Makes All the Difference
Choosing the best equipment for your new commercial kitchen is about a lot more than picking your favourites out of an online catalogue. Factors such as space, food type, and storage requirements all need to be considered before you make the final decision. Our team of commercial kitchen experts have compiled a list of tips to help you choose the best equipment for your needs.
Assess Your Available Kitchen Space
Our experts advise that the most significant factor to consider when you’re choosing any kitchen equipment is space availability. You may have the budget for the biggest and best appliance, but that will mean nothing if there’s no space in the kitchen!
Start by measuring the space you would like the appliance to stand in so that you can get a more accurate idea of what to look for when you go shopping. Check factors such as height as well, especially if you’re ordering an upright freezer with a top-mounted compressor.
Keep in mind that some appliances may also have specific ventilation requirements, which means they may be able to fit flush with the wall. Think outside the box and don’t assume all appliances must fit on the floor. Look for counter options or those small enough to fit on shelves or stands.
Establish all your Kitchen’s Food Prep, Cooking, and Storage Needs
After making a note of all the space you have available, the next step is to make an accurate list of what you need. Do this by checking for the appliances that make food preparation, cooking and storing simple for all the items on your menu. When setting up your kitchen, it’s essential to start with what you truly need.
You can always expand as your business (and your menu) grows. Don’t only look for items that make kitchen work easier. Be sure to include serving and storage solutions in your planning. Keeping your plans in mind will ensure that you don’t have to purchase new equipment as your business grows.
Look for Energy-Efficient Options
One of your business goals will undoubtedly be to save costs wherever possible. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to look for energy-efficient options. The more energy-efficient your appliances are, the more likely you are to see a reduction in your overall energy bill.
Most modern appliances have been designed with energy efficiency in mind. However, it’s still a good idea to review the spec lists of all items to be certain that they will offer maximum energy savings.
Assess the Overall Maintenance Processes
A busy commercial kitchen can’t always accommodate downtime while machinery and equipment are being serviced, repaired, or cleaned. Check for appliances that come with warranties and service plans, as these will be more cost-effective in the long run.
It’s also always a good idea to speak to your manufacturer for the contact details of a registered repair service that has been authorised to do maintenance on their products. Doing this will ensure that your appliances are maintained by skilled people who also know how to source genuine parts when they’re needed.
Review and Compare Different Product Brands
No matter what your brand preference is, it’s always a good idea to review other speciality brands that cater to your specific kitchen requirements. It’s essential to point out that cheaper brands tend to look more appealing, but may not handle the volume of your kitchen.
Speak to a local supplier that specialises in commercial and industrial kitchen equipment. They will not only be able to advise you of the best brands to consider, but will also have necessary maintenance and service plans on offer. It’s also a good idea to consider using one specific supplier, as this will minimise the hassle of scheduling maintenance.
Having one or two technicians servicing all your equipment on one day is a lot more cost-effective than scheduling a series of suppliers to come in on different days to check different appliances.
Final Thoughts
Using the tips we’ve shared is an effective way to ensure that you invest in the right equipment for your kitchen type. Always opt for quality, ease of use, durability, and simple maintenance. This will ensure that you not only minimise downtime but also have equipment that anyone can use. Modern, energy-efficient equipment is the cornerstone of your brand’s success and longevity!