The 10 Must Have Catering Appliances If You Are Running A Restaurant
If you’re thinking about launching your own restaurant, knowing what equipment you need can be overwhelming. There are countless tools and appliances available, but which are worth your investment and which could you live without?
Here at Alliance Online, we’ve been supplying the UK’s hospitality industry with kitchen equipment for over 24 years, so we have your answers! Whilst every restaurant is different, there are certain appliances essential to set you up for success. In this guide, we’ll explain the 10 absolute must-haves that form the backbone of a thriving restaurant.
Commercial oven
The first essential for any restaurant is a robust oven. Commercial ovens pack more punch than your standard home oven – they’re built to handle non-stop cooking and have higher power and capacities. When making your choice there are a few things to consider:
What’s the desired function? A convection oven with built-in fans will ensure the most even cooking, whilst a conveyor oven is for things like toasted sandwiches that require a specific amount of time. Combination ovens are ideal for limited space, giving you steaming and baking in one. Or if you’re setting up a pizza restaurant, you’ll of course need a pizza oven.
Which brand? Do your homework on the different industrial oven brands, taking into account user reviews to guarantee you’re getting the best quality for your money. Oven manufacturers known for their quality include Falcon, Rational and Opus 800.
What size do you need? Measure your kitchen then think about how much food you’ll be cooking in a typical day; this will help you pick out the right size and capacity.
Commercial refrigerator and freezer
Good refrigeration will keep your food fresh, keep costs down and increase your efficiency. The fridge can be used to keep prepared foods fresh in advance, whilst a freezer will allow you to bulk buy ingredients then freeze them for later. Industrial fridges and freezers are specially designed for the hospitality industry, keeping foods at the safe temperature to keep your health inspector happy.
Choose between standalone units or a walk-in – it’s all about finding the right balance for your restaurant’s needs and space. Walk-ins offer a lot of space and can be custom fit to your kitchen, but if you’re running a smaller restaurant, a couple of units will do the trick.
Commercial dishwasher
A good commercial dishwasher is another game-changer for busy kitchens. It’ll keep your operations flowing, especially during rush hours when you urgently need clean dishes. A standard home dishwasher is far too slow for the fast pace of a restaurant, whilst a commercial unit will get the job done in minutes. When it comes to commercial dishwashers, quality really matters. Look for trusted brands like Classeq and Winterhalter to keep your dishes sparkling and guests happy.
Coffee machine
Every restaurant needs coffee machines to provide a good post-dinner espresso. You’ll need to firstly decide what type of coffee maker best suits your needs; there are filter coffee machines, traditional espresso machines, coffee grinders, bean to cup machines, espresso capsule machines and instant coffee machines. It’s also important to choose a machine that fits your kitchen layout. If you have a compact space, a smaller, countertop model might be ideal. For larger kitchens, a freestanding machine with more options could be the way to go.
Also, consider the features. If you want to offer cappuccinos, make sure you’ve got a milk frother. Do you require a machine that can handle high volumes of customers? Or, do you need a model with multiple brewing options to cater to different tastes?
Food processor
Food processors are a must-have in restaurant kitchens for blending, pureeing and chopping, as well as making sauces and dips. There are two main types: batch bowl processors that collect food in an included bowl, and continuous feed processors which are great for high-volume and don’t require you to change the bowl when it’s full.
When making your purchase, there are some key factors to consider. Think about its power and look for a processor with sufficient wattage to handle tasks like chopping tough vegetables. Also consider the range of attachments available as a variety of blades and discs will expand the food processor’s capabilities. Look for brands like Robot Coupe or Mitchell and Cooper that are known for their high-quality machines.
Deep fat fryer
Deep fryers are another important component of a well-equipped restaurant. Even if your menu is far from ‘fast food’, a good fat fryer will allow you to provide crispy and flavourful meals.The most important aspect to consider here is the size.
There are table top fryers, single tank and double tank fryers, and larger free-standing fryers. Choose a fryer that will meet your menu’s demands – countertop models are ideal for smaller establishments, while larger kitchens might require floor-standing units with multiple tanks. Another consideration is how it’s fuelled – gas and electric fryers each have their advantages. Gas fryers typically offer faster heat-up times and precise temperature control, while electric models are known for their cleanliness and low-maintenance.
Ice machine
A reliable ice machine is a must for your restaurant to enhance drink presentation and maintain food safety. There are several types to choose between, here’s a quick run-down of how they differ:
- Ice flakers produce thin, flaky ice ideal for smoothies or cocktails
- Undercounter dice ice machines are compact units that create square ice cubes for blended drinks
- Ice crusher machines transform regular ice into crushed ice
- Ice machines with bins produce a large volume of ice and store it in a built-in bin, making them convenient for a high-demand establishment
Professional food mixers
A reliable food mixer will be indispensable in your restaurant, for whipping up batters and dough. Again, you have options depending on your restaurant’s production volume and the variety of tasks you’ll need to perform.
Floor mixers are the most popular for commercial use; these heavy-duty machines can handle large volumes of ingredients, and their high-power guarantees efficient mixing of doughs and fillings. Countertop mixers are perfect for smaller kitchens or tasks that don’t require an industrial level of power. But, they’ll still guarantee a tasty whipping cream or cake batter. Hand mixers provide portability and are perfect for quick tasks like whipping egg whites.
Cooking equipment
Alongside the larger catering appliances listed above, you should invest in a range of specialised tools and cookware. Some equipment to consider initially might include:
- Knives (chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated knife)
- Cutting boards
- Bowls
- Colanders
- Strainers
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zesters and graters
- Woks and stir-fry pans
- Saute pans
- Baking sheets and pans
- Whisks
- Spatulas
- Ladles
- Squeeze bottles
The specific tools you need will depend on your menu but remember to stock up on enough equipment to handle peak service times. You’ll need more than you think as you never want to be caught without a pan at pivotal times.
Storage racks and shelving
All of this equipment will need a home! Robust shelving and racks are crucial to keep your tools, supplies and ingredients organised. A well thought-out storage system will improve your restaurant’s efficiency and reduce clutter, keeping everything running smoothly.
Here are a few tips to help you maintain a clean and organised environment:
- Utilise all the available vertical space, installing shelving up to your kitchen’s ceiling to maximise storage capacity.
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach on lower shelves.
- Maintain a minimum of six inches between the bottom shelf and the floor to prevent pests getting to your ingredients.
- Consider investing in storage designed for specific items, like spice racks.
At Alliance Online, we have all these must-haves and more. We only stock quality equipment from top brands that can handle the heat of a busy kitchen. Whether you’re just starting out or giving your restaurant an upgrade, our catering appliances range has what you need to cook up a storm.
