Opening a restaurant involves many start-up costs, including kitchen equipment, licenses, rental leases, permits, and marketing expenses. Restaurant equipment is an essential tool to plan and budget for in advance. Your restaurant staff will need these tools day in and day out to ensure successful operations.
Restaurant equipment comprises all the tools and appliances necessary for any commercial kitchen to prepare, cook, store, and serve food. While the materials to purchase may differ depending on the type of food you do, below is a list of the essential equipment you should buy when opening a restaurant:
1. Dishwashing Equipment
You’ll want to choose a dishwasher for commercial use to handle all your dishwashing needs. Using a dishwasher saves you time and water, eliminating the need for manual dishwashing. Dishwashers come in various types, designs, sizes, and other options. When selecting a dishwasher for your commercial kitchen, consider the interior and exterior dimensions that fit your cleaning needs.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:
· Select a dishwasher appropriate for the size of your commercial kitchen. Use a tape measure to measure the intended space for your dishwasher, then choose one that fits your measurements.
· Choose between freestanding and integrated dishwashers. A freestanding dishwasher is movable, while an integrated dishwasher is incorporated into built-in kitchens. An integrated dishwasher is an excellent choice if you want a streamlined kitchen.
· Ensure the dishwasher has all the cycles you need, such as wash and dry, rinse and hold, delayed wash, quick-wash, wash program, and sanitize cycle.
· Consider an inside tub material that resists stains and odors and facilitates optimal heat transfer for faster drying. Stainless steel is usually more durable, resistant to stains, and withstands heat better than plastic.
· Look for a quiet model, as a loud dishwasher can create excessive noise in your kitchen.
Check various appliance stores for brands and prices. Additionally, reading dishwasher reviews and customer comments can provide effective feedback on the machine you are considering buying.
2. Ovens
An oven is vital cooking equipment required in any commercial kitchen. It’s used for cooking, roasting, baking, heating, and grilling food at specific temperatures. Popular foods prepared using an oven include casseroles, meats, roast chicken, baked tomatoes, bread, cakes, macaroni and cheese, and lasagna.
Fortunately, there are various models and designs to choose from. However, the type of oven you’ll require heavily depends on the food you plan to prepare at your restaurant. Before shopping, list the dishes you intend to serve and research the type of oven that will suit your needs. This can help narrow down your options. Here are some types of ovens to consider:
· Standard oven: This regular oven heats up from the bottom and is usually necessary for any restaurant for baked dishes and even-style cooking. However, it might be slower or may cook inconsistently.
· Convection oven: Unlike the standard oven, this model is equipped with fans that circulate hot air, ensuring consistent cooking. The convection oven is ideal for baked foods such as bread, cakes, pies, pastries, and cookies. It is also essential for roasting, toasting, and dehydrating.
· Combination oven: This type offers versatility by combining the elements of standard and convection ovens. This oven can fry, steam, roast, grill, or bake. Moreover, it can cook faster and more consistently.
· Conveyor oven: This oven moves food through a conveyor belt, where it gets cooked. It is suitable for pizza and sandwiches.
· Steam oven: This oven uses water vapor for cooking specific dishes. While it cooks food evenly, it usually does not make food crispy.
Most importantly, when selecting an oven for your new restaurant, choose a quality piece that can remain functional for its useful life.
3. Cooking And Serving Equipment
Purchasing ample cooking tools and serving ware ensures your chefs can work quickly and efficiently. Ideally, your equipment quantity should enable your staff to execute an entire shift without cleaning a dish. Below are essential cooking and serving equipment to buy:
· Different sizes of pots and pans
· Mixing bowls
· Mixing, tasting, and serving spoons
· Chef’s knives
· Whisks
· Spatulas
· Ladles
· Slicers
· Mixers
· Cutting boards
· Towels and rags
· Dishware, including plates, serving plates, platters, and bowls
· Flatware such as spoons, forks, and knives
· Appetizers and tasting dishes
· Glassware, including water, wine, cocktail, beer, and specialty glasses
· Linens, including tablecloths and cloth napkins
· Food storage containers
Furthermore, it is necessary to obtain dinnerware accessories such as coffee mugs, teacups, saucers, dessert dishes, bread and butter plates, plate covers, and sauce cups.
4. Freezers And Refrigerators
Health is the number one priority in any food business. To keep your food fresh and extend the shelf life of your perishable products, it is crucial to invest in high-quality freezers and refrigerators. The best refrigeration and cooling systems ensure the quality of every meal you prepare for your guests.
Since different kinds of commercial fridges and freezers exist, selecting the units that meet your storage needs is crucial. Vital factors to consider include the size of the restaurant and the number of operations. For instance, a walk-in cooler might be the right choice if you plan to run a larger restaurant. On the other hand, reach-in refrigerators are ideal for smaller restaurants. If you are still deciding what type to buy, it is advisable to consult a professional.
Conclusion
Purchasing efficient commercial restaurant equipment is crucial for your business’s success and growth. The above are some vital materials essential for running a new restaurant. Note that this list is not exhaustive, so further research is necessary to determine other tools you will require to run your restaurant business successfully.