When choosing
kitchen equipment, it is important to consider whether it is the right
equipment for your kitchen. Even though both a restaurant kitchen and your home
kitchen are used for preparing meals, you still need different machines.

The most important
difference is the amount of food that is prepared in these kitchens.  While you usually cook for a family of 2-7
people at home, a restaurant or cafe serves dozens or even hundreds of people a
day. Therefore, commercial equipment should be capable of working in conditions
of extreme wear and tear.

Commercial
kitchens are equipped to handle a large number of orders, high turnover, and
different types of ingredients at different stages of cooking. So, the machines
used in such kitchens should be made of high-quality materials, equipped with
proven electrical elements, and be able to serve you for years.

Home kitchens
typically require a smaller size machine because of lack of space and are not
as powerful as commercial kitchens. These cooking appliances
can handle cooking three meals a day for an ordinary family. However,
commercial kitchen items must be heavy enough to withstand much more frequent usage.

Everyone knows
that it takes a lot of planning, budgeting, and determination to open and run
your restaurant successfully. And one of the important factors in the success
of your business is the right equipment. No matter whether you are buying a
dough dispenser or a churro machine, both must be of high quality and last for
years. And what are the important points to consider when choosing equipment
for your future popular restaurant?

First of all, you
should specify the concept of the restaurant and what kind of food you're going
to serve. Maybe you will have a bubble waffle café? Or do you have a burger
restaurant? So, you will see if you need waffle makers or a burger press and
griddle.

Then we recommend
thinking about the space you have and how to use it efficiently. Can you put
all the equipment you need? There are large and small machines. If you have
enough space you can buy a double waffle maker or a 6-tanks chocolate maker.
But if you have a quite cramped kitchen, there are smaller machines with less
capacity.

One more important
factor is the quality of the appliances. Check if the item suitable for
commercial use. If it has a certification. What materials are used for
producing the machine? Is the non-stick coating safe and environmentally
friendly? All this information helps in choosing good equipment.

And the last but
quite important is the customer policy of the company. The machines can have
issues. It is great if the customer support service can help you, provide the
required information or the technical support.

The budget for
kitchen equipment is an important part of the restaurant business. It can vary
from expensive to extremely expensive.

Of course, the
necessary budget depends a lot on the conception of the restaurant.  If you have a food track with bubble waffles
then you need a bowl, dough dispenser, waffle maker, and waffle warmer. But if
your restaurant has a menu with at least 15 different dishes, then certainly
more appliances are required.

You need not only
machines for cooking but also service equipment and storage appliances. From
glasses to fridges and from spoons to mixers should be considered carefully and
listed for purchase. If you make a detailed list, you will notice that the
kitchen equipment takes up a large part of the total necessary things for the
restaurant. From the experience, we can say that the cost of purchasing
equipment is from 60% to 80% of the total investment in the restaurant. But
also, we know for sure that high-quality kitchen equipment is crucial to the
success of your business.

The kitchen is the heart of your restaurant, and it’s
important that it’s organized and equipped well. Depending on your restaurant's
concept and type, you may need different equipment to serve the needs. However,
you should be able to cook food, store food, and clean up afterwards in any
venue. The right and high-quality kitchen equipment will save time during rush
hours and help your staff prepare food to meet your requirements.

Some types of equipment are essential in any kitchen:

- Refrigeration Equipment

- Cooking equipment

- Storage Equipment

- Food Prep Equipment

- Smallwares

Of course, you may need other equipment more specific
to your restaurant's concept. When making a restaurant kitchen equipment list,
consider your menu plan. It may be challenging, but it’s essential for a
successful business.  

Cleaning commercial kitchen equipment may be easier than it seems;
however, you should consider the type of equipment and its finish.

Remember that the equipment should be switched off and plugged out.  Use a dry paper towel to get rid of excess
oil if needed. There may be bits of dried dough. Use a special brush to remove
all the crumbs. Wipe the machine with warm water and soap. If you are using a
detergent, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Avoid getting water
near electrical connections and switches. Let the equipment dry entirely before
using it.

One of the most significant
investments when opening a restaurant is kitchen equipment.

After you have determined
your restaurant equipment needs, you may wonder where to buy everything you
need. Some items may be purchased used, while it’s better not to save money on
others.

There are plenty of online
and offline shops that sell commercial kitchen equipment. Some online stores
offer free worldwide delivery. Read reviews before making an order to avoid any
kind of disappointment and possible problems. Also, online suppliers are a
great place to find gently used or refurbished kitchen equipment. You may
search for used equipment at resale stores and restaurant auctions, which offer
a wide choice at reasonable prices. However, you should bear in mind that such
items don’t usually come with a warranty.