If you’re running a restaurant kitchen then you need to consider what the most essential equipment is; after all you want the chefs to be focused on making perfect dishes not on finding a tool to do the job.
There are enough complications when running a restaurant without struggling to find the right equipment to prepare your food and clean the kitchen. Get the following pieces of equipment sorted to make your life easier.
Cleaning Supplies
This may seem like a surprising starting point but it is potentially the most important part of any kitchen. You need the right washroom supplies to ensure your staff has the very best hygiene at all times. Nothing will shut down a kitchen faster than poor hygiene.
Cleaning supplies also includes products for cleaning your pots and pans. You probably have a great dishwasher; if not you may want to consider this essential equipment. But, there are some pots that can’t be cleaned in the dishwasher and all the sides and other equipment need to be wiped down at the end of every shift. You can’t have too many cloths and cleaning products to handle this task.
Finally, consider keeping the contact numbers of people for less regular cleaning tasks. You might want to call a deep cleaning company every few months or know where to get commercial dumpster rentals, AR for when you decide to do renovations. Having these numbers on hand ensures a quicker process and that you can get in touch if something goes wrong.
Refrigerators
You can’t use the same refrigerator that you use at home, you will be needing industrial refrigeration services. The one in your restaurant kitchen will be opened and closed all day; working much harder. It will also need to be larger and very reliable. Get a commercial rated refrigerator.
Oven
As with the refrigerator and you’re freezer; you need commercial grade equipment to ensure it doesn’t let you down and can handle the amount of cooking you’re hoping to do.
You’ll probably also need a fryer; again commercial grade is essential.
Cookware
It should go without saying that you need a wide range of cookware, from stirring spoons to labels and of course serving dishes. Go with stainless steel whenever possible as it is easier to keep clean and bacteria free.
Slicer
If you’re cooking meat you want to be able to slice it quickly and effectively; this is the way to do it.
Power Mixer
This is not always the preferred option of professional chefs but you will find it is a useful addition to a normal working restaurant kitchen.
Sinks
You may have a dishwasher but you still need sinks for some washing, food prep, draining water and even washing hands. It is essential to have at least two large sinks in your kitchen with taps that can be easily turned n and off via an elbow.
Fire Extinguishers
If something does go wrong in the kitchen you need to have the right fire extinguishers or suppression system to deal with it. If you don’t it could be your whole restaurant that is gone.
You can check with your local regs and insurance company regarding the minimum equipment you need; there is no harm in giving more.
Shelving
Don’t forget that the food products, crockery, pots and even the pans need to be stored somewhere. Make sure you have adequate shelving to meet these needs; it will make everyone’s life easier.
Extra Considerations
There are several other things you should consider when setting up and running your restaurant:
- Quality
You need high quality items that won’t let you down in the middle of a busy shift. It is worth paying a little more to get the right equipment.
- Space
Your kitchen needs enough space for all the essential equipment and for you or your chefs to move round. Make sure you have this before you look at the table space. There is no point in having space to serve 200 diners when your kitchen can only cope with 100.
- Pricing
You must decide which price range you’re pitching your products at and effectively what type of client you wish to attract.
This will help you to choose the right location for your restaurant and decide your budgets.
- Menu
Finally take some time to consider what you wish to put on your menu. The best restaurants are not always those that offer something different. It is often better to keep it simple but to do it very well.