Running a successful culinary business requires more than just skill and passion—it also demands the right tools.
Whether you're planning to launch your restaurant or improving the capabilities of your commercial kitchen, having a restaurant equipment list on hand can help you dot your i’s and cross your t’s.
To ensure you equip your commercial kitchen for success, we've compiled a comprehensive list of essential restaurant equipment, including premium appliances and top-tier tools from some of the most reputable manufacturers. If you're a current or aspiring restaurant owner, read on to discover the essentials you'll need for success.
Essential equipment for any commercial kitchen
Before delving into specialized equipment and high-tech appliances, ensure your space is outfitted with these basic kitchen supplies:
• Servingware – Cutlery, plates, bowls, cups, and glasses should accommodate the maximum number of guests your establishment can serve. Always have extras on hand in case of breakage or slow turnover during busy periods.
• Food storage containers – A range of containers, both for plating food and storing it, work to maintain freshness and maximize shelf life. Prioritize durability, stackability, and ease of cleaning.
• Cooking and food prep tools – To execute recipes with precision and finesse, equip your chefs with a variety of pots, pans, whisks, spatulas, ladles, tongs, and other utensils.
When creating your commercial kitchen equipment list, consider working backward from your menu options to determine your exact needs. This will also help you when moving on to the next step: selecting appliances and specialized equipment.
Cooking equipment
The right commercial cooking equipment is the foundation for efficiency, consistency, and quality in every dish. Here are some of the must-have tools:
• Commercial Ovens – Your choice of oven determines the quality of core functions like baking, roasting, and broiling. The iCombi Pro series, for example, combines convection, steam, and grill functions into a single unit for ultimate versatility.
• Range – Beyond the traditional gas and electric, induction ranges are emerging as an attractive option in commercial kitchens. Precise and rapid heating combined with portability and easy one-wipe cleaning make induction ranges such as the Breville Commercial Control Freak a standout choice.
• Specialty equipment – Consider enhancing your menu options with specialty appliances and cooking methods. For example, sous vide immersion circulators like Breville Commercial’s HydroPro Plus, combined with a vacuum sealer such as the MX2 Infuser, equip you to achieve 5-star quality with consistency.
Whether you’re preparing succulent steaks, delicate fish filets, or vibrant veggies, incorporating these essential pieces into your commercial kitchen sets the stage for dishes that impress and delight.
Refrigeration equipment
Equipment like refrigerators, ice machines, and commercial freezers need to match your kitchen’s size, layout, and menu options. Some common questions to consider include:
• What size and capacity do you need? Consider the available space in your kitchen and the volume of food you will need to store to meet peak demand.
• What are the temperature requirements? Ensure equipment can maintain necessary temperatures for food safety and quality.
• How easy is it to clean and maintain? Look for new equipment with easy-to-remove shelves, smooth surfaces, and accessible condenser coils.
The operational and budgeting needs differ between commercial kitchens, so considering questions like these can help determine what solution best supports your success.
Food preparation equipment
Prepping with precision and speed directly contributes to customer satisfaction and efficient turnover. Two must-have pieces of equipment are food processors and stand mixers, introducing smart features and automation to free up chefs for higher-priority tasks:
• Food processors like the Breville Sous Chef Pro enable precision slicing, shredding, mincing, pureeing, and more.
• Stand mixers like Breville’s Bakery Chef cuts mixing time by 60%, powering through heavy doughs and batters to create show-stopping sides, pizzas, and desserts.
In addition, investing in blast chillers and shock freezers (such as from Irinox) enables you to rapidly cool hot foods for safe storage. This saves time and keeps prepped food as fresh as possible—particularly when working with sensitive dishes such as raw fish.
Safety and sanitation equipment
Maintaining a safe and hygienic kitchen environment is the cornerstone of culinary operations. To that end, ensure your kitchen is outfitted with:
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as durable, heat-resistant gloves and aprons
• Medical supplies, such as a first-aid kit and clearly labeled disinfectants
• Commercial dishwashing equipment
• Miscellaneous safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and non-slip mats
• A robust supply of cleaning supplies for messes in the kitchen, dining area, and other areas
As always, it is best to double-check the specific health regulations and standards in your area to ensure compliance.
Choosing the right equipment for your kitchen
Each commercial kitchen has its unique requirements, so it's essential to tailor your equipment selection to fit your specific needs and kitchen layout. In general, consider factors such as:
• High performance to match your intended output volume
• Durability to withstand the rigors of commercial cooking
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance to minimize downtime
Investing in high-quality, reliable equipment is a strategic move for any commercial kitchen. You not only enhance operational efficiency but also set the foundation for a successful, sustainable culinary business.
Maintenance tips for commercial kitchen equipment
Proper maintenance is key to prolonging the lifespan and performance of your commercial kitchen equipment. Follow these tips to keep your appliances in top condition:
• Regularly clean and sanitize equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Train your restaurant staff on proper equipment usage and maintenance procedures to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Schedule routine maintenance and inspections to identify and address potential problems before they escalate.
Outfit your commercial kitchen with Breville Commercial
Building out your restaurant equipment list doesn't have to be daunting. With innovative appliances from trusted brands like Breville, you can outfit your commercial kitchen with the tools and equipment you need to succeed.
Our lineup includes everything from advanced induction ranges and sous vide devices to powerful juicers and blenders, all designed for commercial-grade performance. Embrace Breville's excellence to elevate your kitchen's efficiency and the quality of your culinary offerings.
Sources:
- Lightspeed. The Essential Restaurant Equipment Guide. https://www.lightspeedhq.com/blog/restaurant-equipment-list/
- Toast. Essential Restaurant Kitchen Equipment: The Ultimate Checklist. https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/restaurant-equipment
- Breville. Bakery Chef. https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/mixers/bem825.html?sku=BEM825SST1BUS1
