Restaurant Kitchen Equipment Checklist

Any restaurant kitchen, whether it’s inside of a hotel or it’s a standalone diner, requires a significant amount of kitchen equipment. You need equipment to help you with storage, cooking, and cleaning. The more comprehensive your menu is, the more equipment you might need.

By understanding the restaurant and bar equipment that you need to succeed, you can build a kitchen that allows you to work efficiently while growing your business.

Refrigerator/Freezer

Both a refrigerator and a freezer will be necessary for your restaurant. Depending on the size of your space, you may choose to have separate units, walk-ins, and even multiple units. There may be the need to store fresh produce, newly prepped items, leftovers, and more.

The size which you require will depend heavily on the amount of inventory you wish to keep in stock as well as the number of people you will be serving on a daily basis.

Grill

A grill can be used for a variety of different things, ranging from chicken to steak. Equipment can be as diverse as you need, complete with a flat cooktop surface. This can ensure that you have the ability to cook other foods that cannot be cooked on an open flame or across grates. Such foods include pancakes, eggs, potatoes, and other items.

Range

A range can be gas or electric. It’s the stove in which you’ll place pots and pans. You may want to create a variety of sauces, sauté up different foods, and more. Large kitchens may even have more than one range based on the cooking stations that are required.

Oven

Ovens are versatile for both cooking and baking. Even the smallest of restaurants can benefit from an oven because it can be used to heat up premade entrees as well as to cook from scratch. If you’re going to be doing any baking, you can use an oven for fresh bread, cookies, and more.

Also Check out: commercial kitchen equipment at caterware.

Convection and traditional ovens are available, ensuring that you can find one capable of helping you with your cooking needs.

Deep Fryer

While deep fryers are not required, they’re incredibly common. Most restaurants will use deep fryers for such things as French fries and chicken tenders. Depending on the type of cuisine you’ll be creating, deep fryers can be used for making tortilla chips, wantons, and even an array of desserts.

Multi-basket fryers are available. Additionally, you can find ones that offer timers, self-cleaning features, and more.

Salamander/Cheesemelter

A salamander, commonly referred to as a cheesemelter, is a versatile tool in many kitchens. It serves as a broiler without being attached to the oven. In many instances, it is featured in the expo area as it’s the last thing that food touches before it’s served. It can melt cheese and provide a crispy topping.

Ice Machine

Ice is used not only in serving up beverages but also in the chilling of foods before they’re ready to go into the refrigerator or freezer.

Various ice machines are available in terms of how ice is dispensed (dispenser versus a chest) as well as the quantity of ice created in a 24-hour period.

Drink Dispenser

A variety of drink dispensers may be necessary within your restaurant. Some of the most common ones include:

  • Soda fountain
  • Soda gun
  • Coffee maker
  • Iced tea maker
  • Espresso machine

These dispensers may be placed in the kitchen, the bar, or in server stations based on how guests will be served and by whom.

Prep Tables

Employees will need room to work. Prep tables can be of varying sizes – and you’re likely to need them throughout the entire back of the house. Ensure that you have them in areas where employees will need to cut vegetables, mix various recipes, and more.

Know about: cleaver knife

3-Compartment Sink

A three-compartment sink is a requirement by health departments. It allows you to have a sink for each of the three stages: Clean, rinse, sanitize. Even if you have a dishwasher, you’ll still want the three sinks to be able to wash pots, pans, and other items being used throughout the kitchen.

Dishwasher

A dishwasher can take the task of cleaning dishes, silverware, and more. It can boost productivity in the kitchen and ensure that everything is being cleaned thoroughly in between uses.

General Supplies

It’s not just about the large equipment, either. You’ll also need various tools to work with so that you can cook and bake properly. Such tools include:

  • Pots and saucepans
  • Ladles and spoons
  • Tongs
  • Spatulas
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Knives

As you purchase the various general supplies, consider where they’ll be stored. When you want to maximize space, some supplies can be mounted to the wall. Others can be placed on shelves, racks, and more throughout your kitchen.

Storage Units/Racks

Various storage units and racks will need to be obtained. These can be free-standing or mounted to walls based on the amount of space you have. As you procure a full list of items you’ll need, it will be easier to determine the types of racks you’ll need. Essentially, you’ll want to ensure that all supplies will have a home when they’re not in use.

Customize for Your Restaurant

There may be various components that make your restaurant unique – and there will be specific equipment you’ll need to make that happen. Once you have a defined concept and menu written out, you may find that you need other components, such as:

  • Floor mixer
  • Steam table
  • Microwave
  • Meat slicers
  • Workstation

Do You Need Kitchen Equipment for Your Restaurant?

Work with Mathias Food Service Equipment to source the best equipment for your space.

Every restaurant is different in terms of the checklist that is needed. What types of food are you serving? How are you serving your customers? With so many things that have to be considered, procuring equipment can be overwhelming. We’ve been designing kitchens for years – and we’ll work to create a custom list to help you learn not only what equipment you need but also the contractors who will help you obtain and install it all.

Contact us today to get started on stocking your kitchen with all of the necessary equipment.

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