Restaurant Equipment Guide and Considerations
Opening a new restaurant business can be challenging, especially considering how many things you need to make your company run smoothly. From food to kitchen equipment, restaurant supplies, stock, dishes, and other essential elements, remembering these may be a pain in the neck.
We have created a list of everything you need to get your food company up and running. We’ll discuss all the elements you need in detail to make your journey smoother and more efficient.
Restaurant Equipment List
Succeeding in the restaurant industry will require gathering all the essential elements for smoothly opening and running your commercial kitchen. We’ll present all of these elements in the list below.
Food Preparation
First, you must purchase food preparation elements and fit them into your kitchen. These elements will include some of the following:
- Mixers
- Cutting boards
- Food prep tables
- Scales
- Peelers
- Blenders
- Processors
- Strainers
- Graters
These are just some basic food prep essentials your commercial kitchen must-have.
Of course, the list goes on depending on your restaurant’s needs and type. You must ensure your cooking space has all the necessities to make the preparation process easy and smooth for your new chefs.
Only purchase elements that will collect dust and never be used in your new workspace. Instead, you can consult with your new team and ask them what they need for the best, most efficient food prep experience.
Cooking Equipment
After gathering all food prep elements, you should find appropriate cooking gear to satisfy your restaurant’s brand, type, and needs.
For instance, if you’re opening an Italian restaurant, you may need a pizza station and baking stones to create a true Mamma Mia atmosphere. Here are some of the basic cooking equipment elements your kitchen should have:
- Ovens
- Stoves
- Fryers
- Sinks
- Pans and pots
- Knives and other utensils
- Grills
- Microwaves
- Broilers
- Steamers
The list should be adapted according to your needs and your kitchen space. Measure all elements beforehand to make them fit like a glove in your commercial kitchen.
Storage
A messy food prep station will significantly impact productivity and efficiency in the workplace. There’s nothing more stressful than not being able to find what you need at that exact moment.
Additionally, restaurants may be one of the most overwhelming workplaces, so keeping the place tidy and organized can lower stress levels. Thus, consider these elements for your next kitchen project:
- Shelves
- Storage containers for ingredients and spices
- Organizers for pots and pans
- Wire shelving
- Cutlery organizers
- Undercounter storage solutions
- Bottle racks
Once you purchase all necessary storage elements, you should customize your space to fit your cooks’ needs and preferences. Let them organize the kitchen however they like to maximize efficiency.
Food Preservation
Another essential factor to consider is food preservation. If you’re working with sensitive ingredients, such as mild, you need proper preservation methods to avoid disasters. When choosing these elements, opt for brands offering reliability, durability, warranty, and support to ensure you won’t have any issues in the future.
Below are some of the preservation elements to consider:
- Coolers and freezers
- Refrigerators
- Vacuum sealing stations
- Sterilizers
- Temperature monitoring stations
The preservation elements will depend on your restaurant type and needs. So, research the right restaurant supplies and learn what ingredients must last long.
Beverage Station
Most restaurants will serve beverages alongside their meals to give the customers the best experience. Thus, you need a proper space to store your drinks and make them at the perfect temperature for your guests to enjoy.
Some drinks may require different storage units, so you can check out the list below to figure out what you need:
- Coffee makers/machines
- Ice makers
- Beverage dispensers
- Wine stations
- Beverage refrigerators
- Beer kegs
- Kettles
You can choose the right restaurant equipment according to the type of beverages your business will serve. Taking care of the drinks is important, so you should explore the right temperatures and tools to ensure perfection.
Sale Supplies
As with any other business, your restaurant needs a sale station where you’ll charge your guests for their meals. This station must contain all elements required by the law so you can avoid potential financial issues. Some of these elements include:
- Cash registers
- Terminals
- Receipt printers
- Order entries
- Kitchen display systems
- Online order stations
You’ll ensure your restaurant’s best, most organized workflow by purchasing and adding all of these elements to your restaurant equipment list. Your employees will become more productive, and you’ll avoid unnecessary order clutters with the right tools and machines.
Serving Equipment
A good restaurant supply will cover all the serving equipment you need to provide your customers with an exclusive experience.
This section may contain the most elements, so you must create a list to ensure you will remember everything. Below are a couple of examples of what you need for the serving:
- Plates and bowls
- Boards (i.e. charcuterie boards)
- Utensils
- Napkins
- Glasses and cups
- Serving trays
- Table cloths
- Platters
- Serving carts
The serving elements you’ll purchase will also depend on your restaurant’s needs and plan. For instance, if you’re opening a fast food chain, you may not need serving carts and other kitchen equipment, as presented above.
Furniture
Restaurant furniture is also one of the most important things you’ll need in your establishment. After considering how to choose the right location for your restaurant, you should purchase comfortable elements to make your guests feel at home while eating their favourite meals. These are some of the pieces you should buy:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Bar stools
- Outdoor furniture
- Benches
- Coating racks
- Mirrors
- Reception desks
Before purchasing furniture pieces, you should consider your restaurant’s capacity and create a design accordingly. The waiters should have enough room to go through and serve the dishes without interrupting the guests. Thus, we advise you to consult with interior designers to avoid clusters.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Your commercial kitchen and restaurant should always be tidy. You must stock up on proper cleaning equipment and solutions to achieve this look. For instance, you may want to purchase the following things:
- Dishwashing machines
- Brooms, mops, and buckets
- Cleaning solutions
- Vacuums
- Trash cans
- Cloths
- Disinfectants
- Dusting tools
Restaurant hygiene is crucial, but if you prepare yourself, you’ll avoid potential health hazards and inspection issues. Remember to get kitchen cleaning stock to ensure your dishes, pots, pans, cutlery, ovens, and other elements are always spotless.
Security Elements
Your restaurant needs to meet the security requirements to start operating. Thus, check which security elements you need for your preparation and dining area and stay updated with the latest security trends. For instance, every institution must have:
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kits
- Security exits and signs
- Heat-resistant gloves and aprons
- Non-slip mats and footwear
These are just some of the required safety elements to make your company run smoothly and avoid possible dangers in your establishment.
Ventilation
Lastly, kitchen equipment must include proper ventilation to avoid health and fire hazards. For instance, if your ovens are working non-stop, there’s a higher chance something will catch on fire and cause chaos. Thus, you must purchase some of the elements covered below:
- Commercial hood systems
- Exhaust fans
- Ventilation fans
- Filters
- Smoke purifiers
The air inside of your institution needs to be clean and chemical-free. You must purchase proper ventilation equipment to protect your employees and guests’ health and ensure no potential hazards around your workplace.
Things to Consider Before Buying Restaurant Equipment
We have mentioned some of the important elements all restaurants should have. As with any other business, your restaurant needs a sale station where you’ll charge your guests for their meals. Here are a few examples below, and discover more essential tips here in Financial Tips for New Restaurant Owners.
Restaurant Type
The type of restaurant and kitchen equipment you’ll purchase will depend solely on the type of your restaurant. For instance, opening a fancy dining area may require a broader range of elements to create the best customer experience and improve workplace productivity. Consider the primary goal and create a shopping list accordingly.
Must-Haves vs Optional Elements
There’s no need to purchase excessive elements that will stand in the way of you and your success. Before you put an item in the cart, ask yourself whether your institution needs it and whether it’ll affect the restaurant’s efficiency, productivity, atmosphere, or success.
If an item ticks all the boxes, you should purchase it. If you still need to, you should return it and set aside money from some larger projects.
Budget
Creating a budget you can spend on your elements is crucial for your company’s financial health. Always calculate how much you can set aside for necessities and how much for luxurious things that may affect the aesthetic aspect of your company.
Some things aren’t necessary and won’t affect the quality of your work, so you should spend on them wisely. Your future self will thank you for creating a price range and sticking to it, as you can use the saved assets to expand your company.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing elements for your new restaurant can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the industry. You need to keep so many things in mind, and this may be the most stressful experience. We have created a list of all the essentials most restaurants need so that you will remember everything on your next shopping spree.
FAQ
What is restaurant equipment?
Restaurant equipment refers to the tools and appliances used in a commercial kitchen to prepare, cook, and serve food. It includes various kitchen appliances, utensils, hardware, and software such as kitchen displays and point-of-sale systems. Restaurant equipment is essential for the efficient operation of a restaurant.
What factors should I consider before purchasing kitchen tools and equipment?
Before making a purchase, there are several factors to consider. This section will cover important considerations such as the equipment size, quality, function, and type of cooking involved. It is crucial to evaluate the specific needs of your restaurant and make informed decisions to ensure the equipment meets your requirements and contributes to the success of your business.
How do I manage property maintenance and other responsibilities after buying a restaurant?
Property maintenance may be complicated, primarily if you focus on expanding your business and attracting more guests. Thus, the best advice we can give you is to hire a professional cleaning company to do the job for you.
What are the benefits of buying an established restaurant?
Purchasing an established institution comes with numerous benefits. For instance, you’ll instantly have access to a skilled workforce ready to make your dreams come true. You also won’t have to worry about kitchen equipment as you’ll immediately gain all the essentials. For a comprehensive understanding, read our Guide to Buying a Restaurant in Canada.
Are there any franchises available for sale in the restaurant industry on your site?
Yes! Our website offers numerous franchises you can purchase, such as Subway, Domino’s, Dunkin Doughnuts, and other properties on our website. All you have to do is sign up for free as a buyer, filter your search, and select the franchise you want to purchase – we’ll present you with all available listings across Canada.
Resources
https://inspection.canada.ca/food-licences/food-business-activities/eng/1524074697160/1524074697425
https://www.lightspeedhq.com/blog/restaurant-equipment-list/
https://www.revolutionordering.com/blog/restaurant-equipment
https://www.touchbistro.com/blog/restaurant-equipment-101/
