Equipment for a restaurant kitchen - The Essentials

Having the right restaurant kitchen equipment is an essential part of creating a successful restaurant. Opening a restaurant or renovating your current restaurant comes with a million things to think about and plan for. Compiling an equipment list for your kitchen needs can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

To make it a little easier we have put together a list of all the essentials needed for commercial kitchens to help you plan. We have also added some important things to consider before buying your kitchen equipment.

But let's first start with the basics.

What is restaurant equipment?

Restaurant equipment includes all the tools and appliances that are used in a commercial kitchen. This equipment is used to prepare, cook and serve food and includes kitchen equipment from ovens to plates.

What to consider when buying restaurant kitchen equipment?

Before going out and buying all your restaurant kitchen equipment it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Quality: Equipment for commercial kitchens needs to be very robust as it's in use continuously for many hours. That is why it's essential that the equipment for your restaurant kitchen is of high quality and can handle the workload. Whether you decide to buy new or used equipment ensure it is made by reputable brands and are well-reputed models.
2. Size: The equipment you buy will depend mainly on your kitchen layout and space. It's important that you are aware of the available space in your kitchen and that your measurements are accurate. This will ensure you have no issues with equipment fitting and there won't be issues bringing the equipment into the premises or installing it.
3. Ease: The restaurant kitchen equipment you buy needs to be straightforward for your staff to use, complex equipment can cause you to lose precious time and money. It's also important that the equipment is easy to clean.
4. Cost: Ensure you set a clear budget for your kitchen equipment, and decide which items are of priority and which items can wait. It is also a good idea to assess the energy efficiency of your items as running costs of equipment are ongoing and need to be budgeted for.
5. Installation and maintenance: When buying your kitchen equipment ask the supplier whether or not they assist with the installation as having professionals install the equipment in your kitchen is essential. Also, find out if your supplier offers ongoing maintenance as you may need this at some point.
6. Menu: The food style and the number of people you will serve each day will also be a deciding factor in the size and type of equipment you will need. Consulting with the chef will give you better insight into the equipment you will need.

List of Essential Restaurant Kitchen Equipment

1. Essential Cooking Equipment:

• Oven: An oven is a vital piece of cooking equipment. With many types of ovens, it is important to research and find one that will work best for the food you will be producing
• Range: This combines a cooktop and an oven into a single appliance, allowing you to prepare various dishes at the same time. You have an option of an electric or gas range depending on your kitchen setup and needs.
• Deep Fryer: For all the classic food customers love like French fries, chicken tenderers and fried fish
• Grill: Grills are a great way to add a smoky, charred flavour to meats and vegetables.
• Griddles: With its flat metallic surface it's perfect for making scrambled eggs or grilling a burger.
• Holding Equipment: Keeping food at a specific temperature while it's waiting to be served is important and can be achieved through using holding cabinets.
• Salamander or Broiler: These can be used to finish dishes, toast bread or even melt cheese. Salamanders can also be used to keep food warm.  
• Toaster: Restaurants open for breakfast need to have a commercial toaster.
• Microwave: Using a microwave is an easy and time-efficient way to heat sauces, reheat products or defrost food.

2. Essential Beverage equipment:

• Coffee Machine: A coffee machine is an essential piece of equipment for all restaurants. Your machine needs to at least be able to make basic coffee orders.
• Ice Machine: Ice machines are a necessity for beverage service at any restaurant.

3. Essential Refrigerators and Freezers:

• Refrigerator: There is a variety of fridges some for specific purposes therefore your restaurant will need a combination of fridges. These fridges include options like walk-in coolers, reach-in fridges, pass-through options or prep fridges.
• Freezer: Freezers also come in various sizes and types to meet your food storing needs. It's important to use the right cold storage practices to avoid any cross-contamination.  

4. Essential Storage Equipment:

• Shelving: Shelving for your restaurant's kitchen can be fully customizable ensuring all your storage needs are met.
• Utility Carts: Utility carts are very handy and can be used in all areas of a restaurant for various purposes.
• Sheet pan racks: These racks can be used to store and transport food. Their tall thin frame means they won't take up space and saves you counter space.
• Food storage containers: These multi-purpose tools are essential for all restaurant kitchens. They can be used for storing prepped ingredients, mixing sauces, storing dry food like pasta etc. This is also an easy way to organise your kitchen.
• Drying Racks: Provide you with a place to store dinnerware, glasses etc to air-dry.

5. Essential Food Preparation Equipment:

• Food prep counters: These are needed for prepping ingredients or putting dishes together. They can also be used to place your appliances on.
• Food Processors: These appliances can help reduce your prep time and can be used to make sauces, mix ingredients, chop vegetables and slice cheese.
• Mixers: All restaurants can use this appliance to increase efficiency when prepping food.
• Spice grinders: This is needed if you want to use freshly ground spices and herbs in your dishes.
• Blenders: Blenders can be used for a variety of purposes from mixing drinks to creating marinades and is an essential kitchen appliance.

6. Essential Kitchen Supplies :

• Knives: This is one of the most important tools in the kitchen. A set of good sharp chef knives will make prepping food easier and decrease potential accidents and cuts.
• Cutting boards: There are many types of cutting boards to choose from. Make sure you colour code your cutting boards to ensure there is no cross-contamination
• Mixing bowls: Buy multiple sizes for your kitchen as they will be used for different purposes.
• Pans and Pots: There are various types of each so be sure to buy the necessary ones for your kitchen needs. Also, consider how many of each type your kitchen may need at a time before buying.
• Whisks: You can choose from a variety of whisk types that will suit your needs best.
• Food pans: These are used to prepare dishes in the oven or to keep food in a warmer until ready to be served.
• Kitchen Spoons: These versatile tools are essential for every restaurant's equipment list.
• Turners: If you are using griddles, and grills it's important to choose turners with high-heat handles to protect your staff.
• Tongs: This tool is also very versatile and can be used for many different purposes from serving food to plating.

7. Essential Washing equipment and Sinks:

• Microfiber Cloths: These are essential for all kitchens and can be used to clean spills, wipe down tables, polish glasses etc.
• 3 Compartment Sink: This sink allows you to follow health codes when cleaning and sanitizing products.
• Chemicals and Sanitizers: Look for the right chemicals for cleaning your commercial equipment
• Trash Cans and Recycling Bins: This is essential for all kitchens as all restaurants need somewhere to dispose of their trash.
• Mops and Mop Buckets: It's important to keep your kitchen clean and sanitary, so mopping your floors is essential and can be done during or after service.
• Wet Floor Signs: These signs ensure you are making staff and customers aware of the wet floor and to be cautious.
• Scrubbers and Sponges: Buy a variety of scrubbers and sponges with different abrasiveness.
• Brooms and Dustpans: These are also essential for keeping your kitchen clean and make it easy to clean up messed food etc.

Make sure that before you start buying your restaurant kitchen equipment you have made a list of all the essentials you need so you can budget correctly and don't forget any important equipment.   

Creating a restaurant kitchen can feel overwhelming and requires a lot of planning and that's where Culinary Equipment Company comes in. They are a leading supplier of kitchen and catering equipment. They do it all from designing commercial kitchens to supplying equipment, installation and so much more. They have an extensive range of kitchen equipment to choose from and are the perfect place to start your restaurant kitchen creation journey.