Equipment you need to run a small commercial kitchen

For any restaurant startup, the cost of commercial kitchen equipment is one of the biggest and necessary investments. The equipment needed in a small kitchen will vary depending on the type of food it serves. The requirement for a full-course restaurant will be naturally different from a coffee and snack joint. However, some equipages are just necessary for every commercial cooking unit while depending on the need, the specifications of the tools might vary.

Irrespective of the size, it is always suggested to spend on good quality commercial kitchen tools.  For a startup, this might add up to the costs, but it is an essential investment to launch your business aimed at success. Quality tools bring efficiency to cooking which is essential to serve the delicious dishes without making your customers wait long. Every startup must work on a tight budget and that is only wise but cutting the expenses on the equipment, is not the way to go. You might try to keep your list short to start with or cut down on the number of equipment to save on budget but do not compromise on the quality of tools.    

Here we have prepared a list of the necessary equipment for a small professional kitchen. Check it out to know the equipages that are completely necessary to roll out your business.

Essential Small Commercial kitchen equipment

Ranges – If your business is going to serve any kind of cooked food, you will need a range. The range works as the main workhorse in every kitchen and they are available in gas and electric variants. There are also multiple burner options in the gas ranges. Pick one according to the exact requirements of your business.  The gas ranges give you the flexibility to visually control the cooking and you can use any type of cooking vessels on it. On the other hand, the electric variants generate less heat and use energy more efficiently but to use them you will need special utensils.

Ovens – For businesses serving baked items, the oven is essential commercial catering equipment. For small kitchens, ranges with convection ovens serve the 2-in-1 purpose and save on cost as well as space. Apart from baking, the convection ovens can also be used for roasting and toasting, which is ideal to keep the number of equipages to a minimum. However, for items made from a batter, you will need a regular oven. Choose as per your restaurant menu.   

Grills and Fryers – Depending on the cuisine you serve grills and fryers might be essential. In char grills, you have multiple options and variations that differ in the way they radiate the heat and grill the food. It is essential that you decide the right type for you according to the dishes to be prepared and your cooking experience. The same goes for the fryers.

Ventilation – Proper ventilation is of utmost importance irrespective of the size or type of the cooking area. However, for a compact kitchen, a smaller hood canopy will suffice the purpose. In hood canopies, there are 2 broad types - the ducted ones and the ductless version. A ductless hood system comes with a bunch of flexibility over the ducted version but if you are using non-electric ovens, a ducted system might be necessary.

Refrigerators and Freezers – No commercial cookhouse can do without a proper refrigeration system. Starting from storing fresh produce to chilling desserts, the refrigerators and freezers are essential to run any cooking unit smoothly. There are multiple variations available from the best commercial kitchen equipment supplier. Compact units can easily opt for a combined fridge and freezer instead of two separate equipages. Storage fridge and freezers are also available in multiple style variations like - upright, bar, and underbench. For compact cookhouses, the underbench versions are most suitable.  

Mixers – Another essential item is the mixer. We suggest spending on a heavy-duty mixer as it is one tool that you will use quite often. Planetary and Spiral are the primary style options you have in commercial mixers. The spiral version is ideal for preparing specialized dough in quick batches while the planetary mixers give more flexibility as it can be used also as a shredder, smasher, and slicer by using different accessories. For, miniature cookhouses not primarily into baking, a planetary mixer is a good option to start with.    

Sink and Workbench – Can there be a functional kitchen without a sink? The answer is, ‘No’. So, irrespective of the span of the cooking area, you need a sink. You might not need a double sinkbench to start with, but if you can accommodate space, buy a single sink bench with splashback that will also give you enough bench space to dry the dishes and other wet utensils. You also need a dedicated counter to work and prepare the dishes, we suggest spending on a high-quality flat stainless steel workbench as it will serve you long for minimum maintenance. 

Small appliances – Depending on the menu, you might need some small but essential appliances. If you are serving delicate items like custards or terrines, a bain marie is essential to ensure the best taste and quality of the preparations. At the same time, for units serving soups, a commercial soup kettle will be essential.

Smallware and cooking utensils – Even a small commercial cooking unit will need a list of smallware and cooking utensils. Starting from pots and gastronorm pans to knives, mixing bowls, spatula, tongs, and the list goes on. You may ask your commercial kitchen supplier Sydney for a list of smallware and cooking utensils you will need to start the business.   

         

We at Simco understand the requirements as well as the limitations of food startups and compact commercial kitchens. To serve the small businesses of Australia with technologically advanced and high-quality catering equipment Simco has brought the best collection of international equipages to Australia. The company offers an extensive range in all the kitchen equipment as well as Australia wide warranty on parts and labour for maximum customer satisfaction. Simco, Australia’s top commercial kitchen supplier vows for high quality at an affordable price.