A Complete 2024 Guide to Restaurant Equipment

Outfitting a new restaurant with equipment is akin to furnishing a new home – a meticulous selection is crucial to ensure everything integrates seamlessly. For prospective restaurant owners, prioritizing tasks before making purchases is essential. Our comprehensive list covers all the essentials, guiding you through the initial steps.

Planning to launch a new restaurant this year? Our comprehensive startup guide has you covered, addressing crucial aspects such as legal obligations, ideal locations, maintenance expenses, cost of goods, and more. Be fully prepared with our ultimate resource for setting up a successful restaurant, covering every detail from legal considerations to operational necessities.

What Equipment is Needed for a Small Restaurant?

Necessary equipment depends on what your restaurant necessarily plans to serve. For example, a delicatessen will not need the same equipment that a small city restaurant requires. Let's look at the essentials.

Kitchen

Oven

A well-designed oven is a crucial element in any kitchen, instilling confidence in the cooking process. These versatile appliances find utility in kitchens of all sizes, accommodating various cooking styles. Therefore, selecting the right oven is paramount. Consider:

• Size: Restaurants need to carefully plan the space dedicated to an oven, factoring in serving capacity and the types of food they intend to prepare.

• Function: Electric and gas ovens serve distinct purposes, influencing cooking speeds and efficiency. Choose the stove that aligns with your specific needs.

• Type: Different ovens are tailored for different culinary styles. A commercial oven suits most requirements, while a combination oven offers versatility with various cooking methods (e.g., steam, grill). Specialized establishments, such as pizza parlors, benefit from specific ovens designed for particular meal types.

Range

Selecting the appropriate range transforms the preparation of diverse meals into a seamless experience. Factors such as temperature control, environmental sustainability, and efficiency should guide your choice between gas and electric options.

• Gas ranges offer instant heat production but present challenges in terms of cleanliness.

• Electric ranges boast easier cleaning and deliver a more uniformly distributed cooking service. However, in terms of eco-efficiency, they incur higher operational costs, contributing to an elevated electric bill.

Ventilation Units

Effective ventilation is essential, enhancing the overall comfort of your kitchen workspace.

• Volume flow. A ventilation duct utilizes pressure to circulate air. The air volume flow rate dictates the ventilation capacity in your kitchen – for instance, cooking with open flames necessitates a higher rate.

• Energy efficiency. Prudent energy usage is critical to cost savings; thus, restaurants must assess a fan's horsepower in relation to actual requirements.

• Environmental factors. Both the dimensions and the noise level of a ventilation system (measured in sones) are pivotal considerations that impact the day-to-day functionality of your kitchen.

Preparation Counters

First and foremost, it is recommended to opt for food surfaces made of stainless steel. Resilient and hygienic (as stainless steel doesn't harbor bacteria), this material is ideal for preparation tables, counters, and cutting surfaces – not to mention the ease of cleaning.

Plastic stands out as another excellent material for chopping boards. Employing a color-coded system maintains the separation of prep materials, guaranteeing the prevention of cross-contamination.

Mixers, Slicers, Processors

Food processors, encompassing mixers and slicers, streamline chef tasks such as chopping, mixing, and blending ingredients, ultimately saving time and energy. Opting for a high-quality all-in-one is advisable, as it ensures even and consistent results.

Moreover, the choice of processor depends on the nature of the restaurant's offerings. For bakeries, for instance, investing in a processor capable of crafting desserts and pastries can notably decrease preparation time.

Refrigeration

Acquiring a reliable refrigerator and freezer demands careful consideration, as these are among the most significant investments for your restaurant. Given the array of choices, it's essential for restaurants to initially ponder:

Size and capacity, evaluating the most suitable option for the staff's needs. A walk-in cooler, for instance, proves beneficial for staff convenience.

Condenser type determines the temperature regulation method, whether it is situated on top of the refrigeration unit or at the bottom.

Storage

To facilitate a clutter-free kitchen, restaurant owners must invest in reliable and proven storage solutions. This encompasses shelving and storage units tailored to various types of food.

Considerations for a kitchen layout involve mobility options, such as retractable shelving and the selection of materials for storage units. These materials range from chrome wire to plastic, based entirely on individual preferences and criteria.

Safety Equipment

Ensuring health and safety in a restaurant requires essential equipment. Familiarize yourself with health and safety licensing laws, encompassing staff training procedures and protocols for emergencies, such as a fire exit strategy with an assembly point. Every restaurant must possess these items for legal operation, including the following equipment:

• Fire extinguishers

• First-aid kits

• Floor mats

• Aprons

• Oven mitts

• Hair coverings, including hair nets, chef hats, and caps

• Wet floor signage

• Protective eyewear

Cooking Essentials

Kitting out your kitchen collection will ultimately shape how your staff cooks. For successful everyday cooking, restaurants need to consider what sort of equipment staff will use on a daily basis during shifts. In case you forget, essential cooking equipment includes:

• Pots and pans

• Mixing spoons

• Good-quality chopping knives

• Knife sharpeners (whetstones, wheel sharpeners)

• Spatulas, ladles, tongs

• Roasting/baking pans

• Whisks and mixing bowls

• Towels

Sinks

Every kitchen needs reliable sinks and drainage. When deciding which sinks to buy and place in your kitchen, think about the quantity of water your staff will need. The type of sink will depend entirely on the type of hospitality venue.

• Bars use lower compartment sinks for emptying drinks, cleaning, and drink preparation.

• Kitchens use compartment sinks for rinsing vegetables and other food preparation activities and techniques. They use food disposal units and dishwasher appliances for mass cleaning of cutlery and equipment.

Used Versus New

The ongoing debate hinges entirely on an individual's budget. If you find it challenging to make a decision, here are some pros and cons associated with each option.

• New isn't always the optimal choice; some items present great deals when purchased used. While new items with warranties offer obvious advantages, they can be expensive. Items with extended lifespans, such as gas ranges, are worth considering when opting for used purchases, especially given their high cost when bought new.

• Used items may seem more cost-effective but come with less peace of mind. If used equipment breaks down, replacement becomes a pressing need. Fortunately, for items with shorter lifespans, equipment leasing provides an alternative. Leasing out items like dishwashers not only saves money but also saves time in the event of a breakdown.

Texas Restaurant Supply

Texas Restaurant Supply is the best and most trusted buyer/seller company for restaurant supply in Dallas TX. We provide a wide variety of quality, new, and used restaurant equipment, kitchen supplies, furniture, and decor. We have two stores in the USA; one is located in Grand Prairie, TX, and the second is located in Irving, TX. We are always ready to serve your restaurant supply needs throughout Texas and nationwide. If you want to buy or sell one piece or the entire restaurant's contents, contact us or visit our store in Texas, USA.