What do you need to know before outfitting your commercial kitchen?

When opening or upgrading a restaurant, you will need many pieces of commercial kitchen equipment to outfit your space. However, before making any purchases, it is essential to understand the different types of equipment and what will be best for your specific business. We will discuss critical factors you must consider when purchasing commercial kitchen equipment.

1) Performance

Kitchen equipment like Hobart ovens for sale, for example, should be able to perform the task it was designed for at a consistently high level. This means that the equipment should be able to quickly and efficiently prepare food without compromising its taste or quality. Not only is this important when preparing large quantities of food, but also when dealing with orders that require specific temperatures or ingredients.

Some performance-related features include:

a) Temperature control: Some equipment may require you to manually adjust the temperature of your kitchen, while others are equipped with digital displays and precise settings.

b) Ease of use: It’s essential that equipment can be operated easily, especially when dealing with larger orders or busy restaurant hours.

c) Power consumption: Certain aspects of kitchen operations can be costly and inefficient if not powered correctly. Look for equipment with energy-saving features that are designed to reduce your overall utility bill. Gas is typically more efficient than electric.

2) Durability

Commercial kitchen equipment needs to be able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use in a busy restaurant environment. This means that all pieces of equipment should be constructed with durable materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron. Look for equipment designed to last with a warranty from the manufacturer.

For example, Hobart dough mixers are made with stainless steel parts and attachments and often have a one-year warranty. Make sure to look for similar warranties covering the entire kitchen equipment you plan to purchase.

3) Efficiency

In a commercial kitchen, time is money. Equipment should be designed to maximize efficiency and reduce labor costs for your business by making tasks easier to complete. Consider factors like the size of equipment and tools and how quickly they can be operated to ensure maximum productivity.

4) Output Capacity

When outfitting a commercial kitchen, it's essential to consider the output capacity of each piece of equipment. This means you must choose equipment that can meet your production needs without being over- or underpowered. You need to choose something with more power to handle the required volume. Conversely, if you go too big, you'll be paying for excess power and features you don't need.

For example, freezers should have enough capacity to store all the items you need. They should also be suitable for the type of food you’re storing, as some freezers have a more excellent humidity range than others.

5) Maintenance Requirements

You should factor in the maintenance requirements when choosing commercial kitchen equipment. It's essential to look into the warranty on each item and the general maintenance required to ensure that you're getting a high-quality product. Additionally, asking about any preventive maintenance checks that need to be done regularly to keep your equipment running smoothly may be beneficial.

6) Space Availability

Before purchasing commercial kitchen equipment, make sure the size of each piece fits in the available space. Many restaurants are designed with limited space available for equipment, so it's crucial to figure out the exact measurements before purchasing. Also, consider any ventilation or piping needed for specific machines, such as deep fryers and ovens. Power source is critical also, electric vs. gas. Propane gas is an option in many remote areas.

Outfitting a commercial kitchen is no trivial matter. It requires careful consideration of size, quality, and durability. Call Cardinal Selling Services for the best commercial equipment for sale. We sell kitchen equipment, bar supplies, and small wares to meet the needs of any commercial kitchen. We also do online restaurant auctions so we often have resources for future restaurants closing.