How To Invest in the Perfect Kitchen Equipment for Your Restaurant

3 Min Read By Damon Shrauner

When you’re starting a new commercial food business, you’ll need a range of equipment depending on the nature and type of your business. Choosing the right commercial kitchen equipment for your establishment is essential. With the right equipment, you can control unnecessary expenses, maintain health and safety regulations, and prevent mishaps in your kitchen.

In this article, we discuss the following: 

  • What Equipment Does a Commercial Kitchen Need?     
  • Factors to Consider When Purchasing New Equipment
  • Tips for investing in The Perfect Kitchen Equipment

What Equipment Does a Commercial Kitchen Need?

If you wish to start a commercial kitchen, restaurant, cafe, or fast-food joint, you will need a range of kitchen equipment.

Here are a few essential commercial kitchen appliances that you will need for your food business:

  • Refrigerators or Coolers
  • Freezers
  • Ice Makers
  • Commercial Ranges
  • Deep Fryers
  • Food Processors or Blenders
  • Dishwashers
  • Storage Cabinets
  • Cutlery and Kitchenware 

Factors to Consider When Purchasing New Equipment

When you are planning to purchase a new set of commercial equipment for your commercial kitchen, it is essential to look for the right set of features or qualities. Here are the most important factors that you should consider before purchasing commercial kitchen equipment:

Energy Efficiency:  Save thousands of dollars by purchasing energy-efficient commercial kitchen equipment for your cafe or restaurant. Purchase new kitchen equipment that is EPA or Environmental Protection Agency certified. NSF-certified appliances are designed to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy costs.

Warranty: Even new commercial equipment can falter unexpectedly. When buying commercial kitchen equipment for your establishment, research extensively on the warranty provided by the manufacturer because replacement parts are costly and can eat up your profits.

Size of the Kitchen: New food service establishment owners frequently fail to measure the available space in their commercial kitchen, organizing your kitchen space is essential. Purchasing large kitchen equipment can make the commercial kitchen cramped and make it difficult for you to work.

Tips to Invest in the Perfect Kitchen Equipment

Before purchasing commercial kitchen equipment for your establishment, make sure to go through the following tips: 

Research: Before purchasing any commercial kitchen equipment, you should do thorough research. Read blogs, buying guides, and ask experts before finalizing your purchase list. Your research should be based on various factors:

  • Size and scale of your operations
  •  Available space in your establishment
  • Type of food business, i.e., smoothie parlor, restaurant, or institution
  •  Your proposed food menu
  • Your budget
  •  Check for NSF certification and other certifications. 

Buy New or Used: Brand new equipment can burn a hole in your pocket! The brand new equipment will be more durable but will be costlier than used commercial kitchen equipment. Some equipment like deep fryers, commercial ice machines are better when they are new. With used fryers and ice makers, you can face hygiene and service-related issues. Also, you should know that used gas models are better than used electric models. Purchase a used gas fryer instead of a used electric fryer for greater efficiency. 

Stick to a Budget and Purchase What You Need: While purchasing commercial equipment, there is a high chance of overshooting your budget. Most new restaurateurs purchase unnecessary equipment that they regret later. Before purchasing equipment for your establishment, make sure to compare the prices between the top brands. Though the upfront costs might be higher, the ideal or perfect set of commercial kitchen equipment will be economical over time. 

Starting a new commercial restaurant or foodservice establishment can be a challenging task. If you are planning to purchase new commercial equipment for your commercial kitchen, it is essential to look for the right set of features or qualities. With the right set of equipment, you can control unnecessary expenses, maintain health and safety regulations, and prevent mishaps in your kitchen.