How to Choose the Best Commercial Kitchen Equipment
The US commercial kitchen equipment market is worth about $3 billion. With numerous brands and a wide variety of kitchen equipment, choosing the best ones can be quite a daunting task for many restaurants. Once you go online or get into a store, you’re overwhelmed by the variety and have no idea what to choose and whether what you end up with will help.
For this reason, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all the factors you must consider when choosing commercial kitchen equipment. Keep reading to find eight of the most essential considerations.
Decide What You Need and the Size of Your Business
The first step in choosing commercial kitchen equipment is to figure out what you need. Take inventory of your current kitchen supplies and decide which essential items can be replaced. Once you have a list of necessary items, you can research the best commercial kitchen appliances.
Another important factor to consider is the size of your business. If you’re just starting out, it might be wise to invest in smaller appliances that are easier to manage. As your business grows, you can always upgrade to larger pieces of equipment.
Consider Durability and Ease of Use
When selecting commercial kitchen equipment, it’s important to choose products that are built to last. Cheap equipment may seem like a good deal at first, but it’s likely they’ll break down quickly and end up costing you more in the long run. Invest in high-quality appliances that will stand up to daily use.
Moreover, be sure to choose items that are easy to use. Appliances that are difficult to operate can cause frustration and lead to wasted time and energy. Look for appliances with intuitive controls and simple designs and make work easier for you and your employees.
Choose Versatility and Energy Efficiency
When choosing commercial kitchen equipment, it’s important to select versatile items and can be used in a variety of recipes. This will help you to maximize your investment and get the most out of your new appliances.
Furthermore, it’s vital to consider energy efficiency. Appliances that run on electricity use up a lot of power and can cost you significantly over time. Look for appliances with low wattage requirements or ones that work off the gas instead of electricity if possible.
Think About the Size of Your Kitchen and Your Budget
The size and layout of your kitchen can also influence which appliances you choose for commercial use. Some products, like refrigerators, are meant to be placed in specific areas due to their size. When choosing between multiple items that will work well with your current setup, consider how they’ll fit into your space.
Even more crucial is your budget and how much commercial kitchen equipment it can get you. Make a list of the items you need and then research the best prices online or in-store. It’s important to stay within your budget, but don’t be afraid to splurge on high-quality appliances that will last for years.
Shop at a Reputable Company
When choosing commercial kitchen equipment, it’s essential to do your research and shop around for the best deal. Unfortunately, not all commercial kitchen supplies are built to last. Some manufacturers might even use low-quality materials or make products that don’t work well with others.
That’s why it’s crucial to choose a company you can trust when you buy commercial kitchen equipment for your business. Find a brand that offers the best prices and stands by their products 100%, so you know you are getting the most for your money.
Stay away from unreliable companies that fail to deliver quality products. Instead, choose reliable manufacturers with excellent customer service and excellent reviews online.
Think About Convenience When Choosing Refrigerators and Freezers
Commercial refrigerators are super essential to a restaurant and account for one of the most vital decisions you’ll have to make. This is a one-time purchase, and you must ensure you get the absolute best for your kitchen. Choose the right one depending on the size of your business and how much food you need to store.
Some items also come standard with locks to keep everything secure. Others allow multiple compartments so employees can access certain foods without disrupting everything else inside.
If space is tight, consider a chest freezer that takes up less room or a commercial refrigerator with an exterior ice maker. These are just some of the many factors to consider when choosing refrigeration for your business.
Consider What You’ll Be Cooking
When selecting commercial kitchen equipment for your restaurant or catering business, it’s important to think about what you’ll be cooking. Certain appliances work better than others, depending on the type of food you prepare. For example, if you’ll be using gas stoves frequently, make sure the appliance has multiple burners to speed up cooking times.
If you often bake desserts, look for ovens with accurate temperature controls and enough space inside to accommodate large pans. When in doubt, ask an expert at a reputable store for recommendations based on your specific needs.
Don’t Forget About Cleaning
When finalizing your decision about which restaurant equipment to purchase, don’t forget to consider the cleaning process. It may not seem like an important factor at first.
However, the last thing you want during busy service hours is broken dishes, because no one wants to take the extra step in cleaning them. Look for appliances with removable parts and dishwasher-safe materials, so cleaning will be easier.
How to Choose New Commercial Kitchen Equipment: Factors to Consider
When the time comes to purchase commercial kitchen equipment, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety in the market. There are so many brands and many types of appliances that choosing the best is not that easy. However, the whole process will be easier with the factors listed above, and they’ll help you make informed decisions.
Did you find this article helpful? Please head over to our blog for more helpful tips.