For a commercial kitchen that offers catering services to run efficiently, it needs robust equipment that can keep up with the non-stop demands of daily service – whether that’s churning out steaks, baking a mountain of bread or prepping for a banquet. From the high heat of the grill to the gentle heat of the chiller, the right catering equipment for a commercial kitchen is the backbone of every step in food preparation and service. It helps kitchens produce results that are consistent and on point while also making the job easier and less stressful for staff during those crazy busy periods.
When it comes to a kitchen where things are always on the go, you can’t afford to be replacing equipment often. Commercial equipment needs to be built to withstand being used 8 hours a day, 5 or more days a week, helping to cut down on the number of breakdowns, maintenance headaches and costly repairs. And in time, this reliability will start to pay off with consistent output and a better deal in the long run because you will be saving money on things like extended downtime and all the costs that come with it every single day.
Below is a list of key catering equipment that should be in the core of any good commercial kitchen, all laid out and sorted into the categories that make most sense, to give you a well-equipped kitchen that is up to industry standards and can handle the workflow with no fuss.
Cooking and Prep Equipment
The equipment that makes up the heart of your commercial kitchen – the stuff that really makes the menu come alive and service run smoothly. This is the place to start when building your kitchen from the ground up.
Commercial-Grade Ovens and Cooktops
Your ovens and cooktops are the hub of your kitchen, allowing chefs to get the most out of every dish, whether it’s a seared steak or a perfectly baked loaf of bread. Commercial models are built to last, offer the precision and control, and have the recovery times and capacity you need to get the job done on a busy day.
Big Fridge and Freezer Units
Having a reliable fridge or freezer that’s always on the job is just as important as having the best chefs in town. High-capacity units like these give you a steady supply of chilled ingredients to get the menu executed and also keep an eye on stock and cut down on waste, all while keeping you in line with food safety regulations. And as a bonus, they can take a pounding and keep on going even as the kitchen doors swing open and shut all day.
Deep Fryers and Griddles
For kitchens that are always on the run and need to turn out hundreds of meals an hour, fryers and griddles are the unsung heroes. Commercial fryers keep a steady oil temperature for perfect cooking results, and griddles are perfect for whipping out a long line of eggs, bacon or pancakes in no time.
Microwave Oven
Commercial microwaves are made for speed and for life in a commercial kitchen. They are the go-to for reheating, defrosting and getting the final touches on a dish – powerful and reliable and can keep up with what’s going on in the kitchen without sacrificing any of the quality of the food.
Catering and Service Equipment
Catering and service equipment is what keeps the food looking and tasting great once it leaves the kitchen, and makes sure service runs smoothly. From big events to high-volume dining spaces, this equipment is the difference between success and a bit of a disaster. It keeps food at just the right temperature, makes service flow like clockwork and helps you keep your cool when things get busy at the front-of-house.
Chafing Dishes
Chafing dishes are a must-have for any buffet or catered event – they keep the food warm for hours and the guests (or staff) happy. They’re designed to distribute heat evenly, which means your food stays nice and flavorful, your presentation is spot on, and everyone gets to enjoy it just as you intended.
Insulated Pan Carriers
Insulated pan carriers are the workhorses of the catering world – they make sure hot or cold food arrives in perfect condition, wherever you are in the country. They’re the perfect solution for transporting food over long distances, keeping it safe from contamination and ensuring it stays at the right temperature.
Beverages and Ice Equipment
From coffee machines to ice makers and drink dispensers in between, your beverage and ice equipment are the lifeblood of any busy service. With the right tools, you can keep the drinks flowing, keep your customers happy and make your service look, well, a bit more polished.
Utensils
Service utensils like tongs, ladels and serving spoons are hidden heroes of the service world. They’re what keeps service hygienic, efficient and looking good – and they’re made to be used and used again (which is more than can be said for some of us). Servings trays are also just as important – they help keep service ticking along smoothly.
Hygiene and Safety
Keeping things spick and span in your kitchen is a top priority – and the right catering equipment for a commercial kitchen makes all the difference. From keeping food handled correctly to workspaces clean and staff safe, the right hygiene and safety equipment helps you keep your customers happy and compliant with all the rules and regulations.
Dishwashers
Commercial dishwashers are the workhorses of the kitchen – they get your dirty pots and pans sparkling clean in no time. With their super-high temperatures and fast cycle times (nothing like a bit of competition to make you feel like you’re not the only one doing all the hard work), they’re perfect for kitchens that are under pressure to get plates cleared quickly.
Sinks and Prep Tables
A good sink and prep table are essential for any busy kitchen – they give your staff somewhere to wash up, prep food and clean utensils, without contaminating the rest of the kitchen with a load of dirty crockery. And because they’re made from durable, easy-to-clean materials like stainless steel, you can be sure they’ll withstand the rigours of a busy kitchen.
Shelving and Storage
Keeping your ingredients, equipment and supplies organised and within easy reach makes the world of difference to your workflow, your sanity and your ability to keep on top of things. And with all the clutter out of the way, you’ll be amazed at how much more efficient you become.
Essential Tools
Commercial kitchens might rely on big appliances to get the job done, but it’s the essential tools that give food prep a much-needed boost of precision, consistency and speed. These smaller but no less vital items see constant action during service, which is why quality, durability and user-friendliness take on a whole new level of importance.
Knives and Cutting Boards
You can’t chop, slice and dice your way to greatness with sub-par knives, and a boring old cutting board won’t cut it either. Commercial-grade knives are tough as nails, made to withstand the rigours of frequent use, while cutting boards should give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing food prep is done safely and hygienically – no cross-contamination in sight.
Measuring Tools
When a whole team are churning out dish after dish, consistency across the board is key. But if your measuring tools are inaccurate & in disarray, it’s going to be a nightmare – and a waste of ingredients to boot. That’s why you need reliable measuring cups, spoons & scales to ensure portion control, keep waste to a minimum, and guarantee that every dish tastes its absolute best.
Pots and Pans
Commercial pots and pans aren’t just built to withstand hot temperatures; they’re built to withstand the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen. From boiling to frying, these babies have got it covered. Even heat distribution, durable construction and reliable cooking results are a must-have for kitchens that can’t afford to mess around.
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