A commercial kitchen serves as the central hub of your food business or restaurant. It is a place where your staff will spend the entire day. They will be responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving food in the restaurant throughout the day, ensuring that all necessary steps of food preparation are executed.

Know that a restaurant with a prime location but lacking the necessary equipment is essentially useless. Selecting the appropriate commercial kitchen equipment for a restaurant is an essential aspect of establishing a restaurant.

Let’s explore the comprehensive commercial kitchen equipment list here.

Commercial Kitchen Equipment Tips

Even though it’s a place to prepare and cook food, a residential kitchen and a commercial kitchen are different in many respects.

The equipment in the kitchen should be of commercial and industrial standards to meet the food preparation requirements of a restaurant.

Heavy-duty appliances should be installed in commercial kitchens suitable for a high volume of work. Its appliances are designed to bear heavier workloads. The cookware used also needs to be able to tolerate a high volume of work.

Unlike a domestic kitchen, a commercial kitchen has several customers and staff coming in and out, so its equipment should be maintained and able to cater to the customer’s needs accordingly.

Professional kitchen equipment has less powerful compressors as compared to domestic kitchen equipment.

As food in a commercial kitchen is prepared and served to customers, they need to have big storage units to meet food safety standards. It usually has massive pantries, huge freezers, and other big storage units and areas.

Ultimate Commercial Kitchen Equipment List

Equipping a commercial kitchen requires a well-planned restaurant equipment list to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with food safety standards. Below is the list of commercial kitchen equipment for cooking and refrigeration that almost all restaurants require to make a restaurant operational.

Restaurant Cooking Equipments

Cooking equipment is essential for the smooth functioning of any commercial kitchen in a restaurant. When selecting cooking equipment for your restaurant, it is important to identify the pieces of equipment that will be used most frequently.

While small equipment may have a lower upfront cost, it may not have the capacity to meet the daily cooking needs of a restaurant. This can end up costing your business more in the long term.

Here is an in-depth overview of the restaurant equipment list.

Cooking Range

High-end commercial kitchen equipment like a cooking range is one of the most powerful pieces of restaurant kitchen equipment, providing the means to cook a variety of items.

A range can be either electric or gas, depending on your preferences, requirements, and kitchen setup. Cooks use ranges to bring water to a boil, fire up food in pans and skillets or simmer sauces. Gas ranges offer immediate temperature control, while electric ranges maintain consistent heat. Ranges and ventilation are critical, not only for efficient cooking but also for preventing gas leaks and maintaining air quality.

Our Alturas HVAC technicians provide efficient commercial kitchen hood installation Los Angeles and repair services. We are your trustworthy HVAC contractors. We have been providing installation and maintenance services for different types of restaurant equipment.

Oven

When it comes to running a restaurant, the first piece of equipment that comes to mind is an oven. Commercial ovens, as opposed to residential or domestic ovens, are constructed with higher power outputs and massive capacities for cooking all day, every day. This multi-purpose appliance can be used for baking, roasting, stewing, braising, and much more.

Cutting Boards

Restaurant kitchens need cutting boards for several purposes. First and foremost, they are necessary for the cleanliness of food. Restaurants reduce cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for meat, vegetables, and poultry, protecting consumers and their reputations. In addition to this vital purpose, cutting boards help kitchen knives last longer by reducing blade wear and tear. These boards also provide a strong and safe platform for precision cutting, chopping, and slicing, which is essential in a restaurant kitchen.

Mixers

Mixers are workhorses in a restaurant kitchen, considerably improving culinary operations. Their primary responsibility is to ensure consistency in food preparation.

Furthermore, mixers increase kitchen production by automating labor-intensive operations such as beating egg whites or kneading large batches of dough, freeing up chefs and kitchen workers to focus on other vital components of meal preparation. This increased efficiency not only saves time but also allows eateries to serve their customers more quickly.

All these cooking in your commercial kitchen produce a lot of smoke and odour. A proper ventilation system is important for every commercial kitchen.

Contact Alturas HVAC contractors for your commercial ventilation system installation and repair services in Los Angeles. Our professional technicians provide all types of ventilation system installations for restaurants.

Grill

A commercial grill is used to prepare a restaurant’s menu food, from breakfast to dinner.

It is a form of cooking that involves emitting dry heat on the surface of food from above, below and from the sides. Grilling uses a significant amount of direct, radiant heat, that is used to cook meat and vegetables quickly.

Most restaurants use gas grills. They are available in a variety of widths i.e 24″ to 48″, or 60″.

Deep Fryer

A deep fryer is a kitchen appliance that is designed to heat cooking oil into which food is immersed for frying.

It deep fries large quantities of foods such as french fries, chicken, nuggets, appetisers, mozzarella sticks, meat tenders, and other varieties of foods.

Holding or Storage Equipment

Holding and storage equipment are widely used in commercial restaurants and help in keeping the cooked food either hot or cold or as required.

It is useful if the food has to be served to a large number of people at the same time. It keeps the food at a specific temperature required.

Salamander or Broiler

Salamanders are specialised commercial kitchen appliances specifically used in restaurants.

They are designed to achieve perfect grilling, browning, finishing, melting cheese, and toasting in half the time that a standard oven broiler takes. Salamanders have high heat output to broil salmon or cook foods.

Griddles

A griddle, like a grill, has a flat metallic surface. A commercial gas griddle is a rectangular metal plate that collects heat from underneath burners or other components.

The griddle’s design facilitates shallow frying of delicate foods and a variety of other delicacies. Griddles are restaurant centrepieces that can be used for a variety of cooking procedures.

Toaster

If your restaurant will provide breakfast, a commercial toaster is required to toast bread, bagels, muffins, buns, and a variety of other bread products. There are commonly three types of toasters: pop-up, conveyor, and bun grilling.

Microwave

Microwave ovens are commonly used in restaurants and commercial kitchens. These ovens operate like that of a regular residential microwave but with numerous notable changes.

Microwaves are an easy method to heat sauces, defrost frozen foods, and reheat items.

Coffee Brewer

Coffee is a popular beverage that can help your food and beverage business.

A coffeemaker, often known as a coffee machine, is a kitchen equipment that is used to brew coffee. While there are many various types of coffeemakers, gravity and pressure are the two most frequent brewing concepts utilized in coffee brewers to help flow hot water through coffee grinds.

Also Read: Restaurant Equipment Cleaning Checklist

Commercial Kitchen Storage Equipment

Efficient storage plays a crucial role in maintaining a well-organized and efficiently operating restaurant kitchen. Ensuring the proper storage of ingredients, supplies, and equipment is crucial for both food safety and overall kitchen productivity. Here is a list of commonly found essential storage equipment items in restaurant kitchens:

Shelving

Shelving units play a crucial role in kitchen storage by providing flexible space to keep ingredients, cookware, and utensils well-organized and easily accessible. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials to accommodate different requirements.

Racks and Its Types

Racks are extremely useful for storing and transporting various items such as sheet pans, trays, and dishes. Wire racks, sheet pan racks, and drying racks are different types of kitchen racks that serve specific purposes. They are designed to maximize space utilization effectively.

Food Containers

Food containers ensure the safe storage of both prepared and unprepared ingredients. These containers are available in a variety of sizes and materials, such as plastic, stainless steel, and glass. They are designed to help maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.

Dough Boxes

Dough boxes are containers that are specifically designed for proofing and storing dough in bakery and pizzeria settings. These devices regulate temperature and humidity levels, which helps maintain consistent dough quality and achieve the perfect crust in bread and pizzas.

Vegetable Crispers

Vegetable crispers are compartments specifically designed for storing fresh produce, and they are commonly found in refrigerators. Controlling humidity levels, they assist in preserving the crispness and flavor of vegetables.

Kitchen Canisters

Kitchen canisters are essential for storing dry ingredients like flour, sugar, coffee, and spices. These containers are available in different sizes and styles, which help with organizing ingredients and protecting them from moisture and pests.

Commercial Refrigeration Equipment

For a commercial kitchen to function, large commercial kitchen equipment like refrigerators and freezers are just as crucial as stoves and ovens.

They maintain optimal storage temperatures for components and food items. Keeping perishable goods like food and drinks at just the right temperature to prevent spoilage and contamination is an expensive investment for any business.

The safety of your clients and the viability of your company are both at risk if your refrigeration equipment breaks down.

Refrigerator

A commercial refrigerator is a basic necessity if you are the owner of a restaurant or working in the food industry. It is installed in manufacturing industries, bakeries, supermarkets, shopping malls, high-end clubs, restaurants, food and beverage industries, and commercial kitchens.

There are different refrigeration equipment available in the market but the one you choose will depend on your requirement. Some common types of refrigerators include walk-in coolers, reach-in refrigerators, refrigerated prep tables, serve-over-counter refrigerators, counter refrigerators, and display refrigerators. It is also likely that your restaurant will require a combination of different types.

Also Read: How To Choose The Best Commercial Refrigerator?

Freezer

Commercial blast freezers are used to rapidly bring down the temperature of food that needs to be refrigerated quickly to maintain the desired temperature. It chills the food much faster than a domestic freezer.

Like refrigerators, freezers come in various sizes and styles to suit your needs and storage requirements. They are widely used in the frozen food industry to freeze and store ice cream, pre-prepared meals, vegetables, or fish.

Ice Machine

Commercial ice machines are a vital part of restaurants, bars, hotels, and a variety of other business settings. Cafes, bars, and grocery stores may use ice to make smoothies or blended cocktails.

It is also a very useful kitchen appliance dedicated to making large amounts of ice in the comfort of your own home.

Beverage Dispensers

A refrigerated beverage dispenser carries out a refrigeration process to keep products at an optimum drinking temperature. Food businesses like fast food, bakery shops, wait stations and casual restaurants usually install self-service beverage dispensers.

They are used to hold and dispense pre-made drinks, such as iced tea, mixed drinks, juices, and lemonades.

A commercial refrigerator equipment installation is more than just a purchase, it’s an investment for your future. An Improper refrigerator service and installation can reduce its efficiency by up to 30%, cost you more on your electricity bills, and shorten the equipment’s life expectancy.

Therefore, you’ll want to choose the perfect refrigeration installation Los Angeles service at your place. If you are seeking an accomplished and skilful HVAC company that specialises in all kinds of refrigeration system installation, then contact Alturas Commercial HVAC Contractors.

We are experts in various types of commercial refrigeration installation in the Los Angeles, CA area.

Our team of Los Angeles HVAC contractors is trained and has exemplified proficiency in not only design and installation but also refrigeration preventive maintenance service. So you may focus on your business rather than equipment upkeep. We provide you with a trustworthy walk-in refrigerator repair and installation service that works around your schedule.

Factors To Consider When Purchasing Restaurant Equipment

When purchasing restaurant equipment, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure that you make the right investment for your business. Here are four key factors to consider:

Quality and Durability:

Choose equipment made from high-quality materials like stainless steel.
Research brands known for reliability and longevity.
Ensure comprehensive warranty and good customer support for maintenance and repairs.

Cost and Budget:

Compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal without compromising on quality.
Consider long-term costs, including maintenance, repairs, and energy consumption.
Look into financing options such as leasing or payment plans if the upfront cost is a concern.

Functionality and Size:

Measure your kitchen space to ensure the equipment fits well without crowding the area.
Select equipment that can handle the volume of food you plan to produce, considering current needs and potential future growth.
Opt for equipment that can serve multiple functions to save space and reduce the need for additional purchases.

Compliance and Safety:

Ensure the equipment meets local health and safety regulations and industry standards.
Look for equipment with built-in safety features to protect your staff.
Choose equipment that is easy to disassemble and clean to maintain hygiene standards.

Essential Safety Requirements for Restaurant

Every restaurant’s success hinges on having the right combination of safety and cooking equipment to support its kitchen staff. From reliable stoves and ovens to ensure efficient meal preparation, to essential safety equipment like fire extinguishers that protect against emergencies, it’s crucial to equip your kitchen for both performance and safety. A well-functioning point of sale (POS) system also plays a vital role, streamlining orders and payments to enhance workflow and communication between the front and back of the house. Together, these elements create a safe, efficient, and productive restaurant environment.

FAQs About Commercial Kitchen Equipment List

What is the Average Lifespan of Restaurant Kitchen Equipment?

In most cases, under ideal conditions, the average lifespan of any commercial kitchen equipment ranges between 10-12 years.

Can I Buy Used Restaurant Equipment?

Yes, you can buy used restaurant equipment from various sources including online marketplaces, restaurant supply stores, auctions, and classified ads. Purchasing used equipment can be a cost-effective way to equip your restaurant, especially if you’re starting a new business or expanding.

Pros and Cons of Buying Used Restaurant Equipment

Pros:

Cost Savings: Used equipment is typically much cheaper than new, allowing you to save money or invest in other areas of your business.
Immediate Availability: Often, used equipment can be purchased and put to use immediately without waiting for manufacturing and delivery times.
Sustainability: Buying used is an environmentally friendly option as it reduces waste and the demand for new manufacturing.

Cons:

Warranty Issues: Used equipment often comes without a warranty, meaning you might have to cover repair costs yourself.
Unknown History: There might be hidden issues or wear and tear that aren’t immediately visible, potentially leading to unexpected repairs or replacements.
Limited Selection: You may have fewer options in terms of models, features, and customization compared to buying new.