Kitchen Checklist: Equipment You'll Need When Opening a Restaurant

Posted by Daria King on December 29th, 2019

When opening a restaurant, one of the most important decisions you'll make is how you'll stock and set up the kitchen. It's where your menu comes to life, so it has to operate smoothly. It has to be equipped with all the tools you need. To help you sort things out, below are must-have items that should be on your checklist.

Freezers and Refrigerators

Every commercial kitchen requires a refrigeration system. Without it, you won't be able to keep ingredients and prepared dishes fresh. It's also vital for inventory management, as it's more cost-effective to buy 300 steaks and put them in the freezer than to purchase 20 each day.

Industrial-grade units are designed to meet the needs of the food industry. For example, they can hold large pots of soup and cool them to a safe temperature in record time. The catch is you still have to choose between a reach- and walk-in variant. The two pretty much describe themselves with their names. Picking the latter means you'll get more storage space, but for smaller restaurants, that type may not be necessary for their handling operations.

Preparation Counters

Preparation counters and cutting tables are vital for any commercial kitchen. There are options made of stainless steel, which is known for its resistance to corrosion. It doesn't absorb germs and bacteria from meat juices and can withstand harsh cleaning agents used in cooking areas.

As for the cutting surface, wooden and plastic boards are recommended. The latter is easier to sterilize but can develop deep grooves, which can be a hiding spot for bacteria. Meanwhile, the former isn't prone to having hollows but is tougher to sanitize. It's also crucial to have a color-coding system for your chopping blocks to avoid cross-contamination. For example, some use blue for seafood, green for vegetables, yellow for chicken, and red for meat.

Cooking Equipment

Consider what tools you need to execute all the dishes on your menu. Purchase sheet and saute pans, mixing and tasting spoons, spatulas, ladles, whisks, and plates in different sizes. The list could go on, but it'll vary depending on the food you're making. Note that you should buy more than one of each item; the dishwasher you bought may be efficient, but there'll still be times when all the pots are dirty.

You'll also have to find the perfect commercial gas grill for sale. Whether you're cooking pancakes, burgers, or steaks, there's a variant that'll fit your specifications. There's a kind called "flat-top griddle," a great option for an all-around restaurant. It can accommodate any type of food and allows you to prepare several servings simultaneously.

First Aid Kit

This may not be an equipment per se, but health and safety are top priorities in the food industry. An extinguisher and a well-stocked first aid kit are crucial in a business that runs on fire and knives.

Aside from those, you'll also need domed safety mirrors that let people know when another employee is rounding a corner. Ensure that your staff is wearing non-slip footwear, and provide rubber floor mats to avoid injuries.

To run a successful restaurant, it's vital that you arm yourself with the best kitchen tools of the trade. Place these items on your list and you're all good - but don't forget the commercial gas grill!