Food Service Essentials: Commercial Appliances, Equipment & Supplies
In the food service and hospitality sector, the appliances, equipment, and supplies you choose can have a significant impact on your operations. If you’ve ever seen an episode of “Kitchen Nightmares,” you’ll notice that even the most hard-working operations and staff can be held back by poor appliances and equipment. Conversely, with the right tools for the job, your food service business can become a shining, hygienic, efficient and economical operation.
Now, the type of food service operation you run is obviously going to dictate what’s on your appliances and equipment shopping list. From a busy restaurant kitchen to a cafeteria or food truck, you need the tools you (and your customers) can depend on to streamline food preparation and service; because let’s face it, even the best food can be marred by long wait times.
So, we’ve organized the essentials you need into three main categories—appliances, equipment, and supplies—to bolster efficiency, improve safety and profit margins, and keep those happy and hungry customers coming back for meal after meal.
Food Service Appliances
Let’s start with the key to any good food service operation; food service appliances. These major purchases play a pivotal role in your business's efficiency, food safety standards, and customer satisfaction. And today’s commercial kitchens (from major chains and hotels, to local mom ‘n’ pop establishments) depend on the latest appliances to streamline operations, reduce waste, and get an A+ hygiene rating.
High-quality commercial kitchen equipment, including energy-efficient ovens, refrigerators with precise temperature controls, and lightning-fast dishwashers, not only increase productivity but contribute to significant cost savings over time. In fact, a 2023 report by the National Restaurant Association stated that restaurants that invested in energy-efficient appliances saw an average of 20% reduction in utility costs. When you apply that to a whole year of bills, those are substantial savings.
Then there’s the increased focus on health-conscious dining and stringent food safety regulations. Consistent cooking temperatures and reliable food storage is imperative. That same 2023 report highlighted that foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurants decreased by 15% in establishments using modern, well-maintained appliances, compared to those relying on outdated equipment. It may seem financially beneficial to keep the old appliances ticking for a few more years, but it could well be a false economy. Safeguarding public health protects your reputation with the general public, and those Yelp reviews that can make or break a business. So, let’s look at your main options:
Refrigerators
No kitchen can function without at least one industrial refrigeration unit. It’s essential for keeping meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy and seafood fresh (and drinks cold if you are not using a vending machine). The range of refrigerators available includes compact units for small spaces and larger walk-in units for extensive storage needs. Reach-in and bar refrigerators also provide easy access to chilled items, and merchandisers display products for quick selection.
Industrial dishwashers
When it comes to choosing an industrial dishwasher, you really are spoiled for choice. They range from undercounter and countertop models, to specialty cup and glass and even portable units. The key here is going to be speed, especially during rush hours when you need to be turning tables and serving new drinks and meals. Unlike residential dishwashers that can take 30-minutes to almost 2 hours to complete a cycle, industrial models can give you sparkling results in less that 2 minutes! Of course, what you gain in speed you lose in efficiency and sound. But if your dishwashers are located away from your customers, the lack of sound absorption won’t be an issue.
Specialty Coolers and Freezers
Catering to unique needs such as wine storage or draft beer dispensing, and long-term storage of frozen products, coolers and freezers include reach-in, walk-in, and specialty styles to keep your chilled and frozen goods at their ideal temperatures.
Ice and Water Machines
Crucial for providing clean water and ice (including hotel ice vending machines), these machines keep your customers' drinks icy-cold all year long.
Vending Machines
Want your customers to help themselves? There are a wide range of vending machines available that offer snacks, cold drinks, tea, coffee, and more.
Specialty Ovens
What is your particular specialty? Pastries? Slow-roasted meats and BBQ products? Maybe it’s wood-burning pizza, or you simply need something to reheat food quickly. Whatever you need, top-notch specialty ovens guarantee perfect results every time. However, they are usually only used for one particular purpose, so bear that in mind (especially if you have a smaller kitchen and space is an issue).
Commercial Fryers
Almost every modern commercial kitchen has at least one commercial fryer. These are very different animals from the ones you may find in a kitchen at home, and usually come in either freestanding or countertop models. Fast, efficient, and giving you perfect fries, wings, and nuggets in minutes, these fryers are well worth the cost. Remember though, regular maintenance and cleaning of these fryers (and changing out the oil regularly) is essential for both food quality and safety.
Food Service Equipment
Food service equipment encompasses a wide array of tools and accessories essential for the efficient operation of any kitchen, restaurant or cafeteria. Let’s take a look at some of the main pieces of equipment you’ll need to have for a successful food operation:
Work Tables
Work tables provide sturdy and hygienic surfaces for food prep. Typically made from stainless steel, these tables are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for the rigorous demands of a busy commercial kitchen. They come in various sizes and configurations, often featuring shelves or drawers (sometimes chilled) for additional storage, keeping the workspace organized and clutter-free.
Mats
Another critical component of food service equipment, commercial floor mats significantly contribute to kitchen safety and comfort. Anti-fatigue mats, commonly placed in areas where staff stand for extended periods, reduce strain on the legs and back. Couple these with slip-resistant mats for wet or greasy environments, which provide drainage and can also be used for entrance and exit points to your facility.
Cookware and Bakeware
These items are the backbone of your culinary operation, encompassing everything from pots and pans to baking sheets and molds. High-quality cookware, such as heavy-duty aluminum or stainless-steel pots and pans, ensures even heat distribution and durability under constant use.
Similarly, professional-grade bakeware, designed to withstand high temperatures and frequent use, is crucial for consistent baking results. These tools are essential for executing a wide array of recipes and ensuring that dishes are cooked to perfection, and include:
- Sheet pans
- Stock pots
- Knives
- Spatulas
- Whisks
- Cutlery
- Tongs
- Ladles
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting boards
Food Service Supplies
Maintaining an organized and hygienic kitchen is vital for the success of any food service operation. Good quality food service supplies ensure that everything runs smoothly, from food storage solutions and cleaning products to the transportation of food:
Storage and Shelving
Wire shelving efficiently stores produce, ingredients, small appliances, china, and so much more, while promoting airflow and reducing dust accumulation. Coupled with storage accessories like bins, drawers, and hanging hooks, these items will help your kitchen staff stay organized and on top of breakfast, lunch, and dinner services.
Cleaning Equipment
You HAVE to keep your kitchen clean. If you don’t, you can risk the ire of restaurant inspectors and may get fined, or even closed down until the area is brought up to code. Fundamental tools like mops, buckets, and wet/dry vacuums are ideal for spills, dirt, and debris. Regular use of cleaning supplies like sanitizers and degreasers also keep surfaces hygienic and safe for food handling, and reduce the lifespan of your appliances and equipment.
Transport Essentials
Primarily used for catering services (including room service), transportation supplies and carriers are going to play a big part in getting your food to customers safely and in-tact. Invest in racks, carriers, and carts that can preserve the temperature of food and minimize the risk of spillage during transit. Carts can also boost productivity by enabling the transportation of large quantities of food, dishes, and supplies.
And that is your rundown on the main food service and hospitality appliances, equipment, and supplies you’ll need. Whether you’re looking to update your commercial kitchen or expand what you currently have, our experts are here to guide you to the best tools for the job.
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