Preparing for new business opening - Equipment needed for a restaurant

 There are so many options when it comes to catering equipment, although you will probably not need all the equipment available. Sit down with the head chef and discuss the equipment that is needed before purchasing anything - the chef will often know what is really needed and what is just for show. This way the startup money can be used in an effective way. 
An obvious by key point to remember is that it is very important to choose products of good quality: Equipment that lasts longest when you are working to get your business of the ground is often the best choice. 

Several models and designs of ovens and ranges are available on the market for every imaginable kitchen style. When it comes to ovens, the best thing is to combine standard ovens and convection ovens. If the kitchen is small, you can look for combination ovens. Depending on the menu of the restaurant, you may also need space on the stove-top for burners, a char broiler and griddle. A must have equipment is a steam table to hold hot foods. You will also need to purchase a freezer and refrigerator for cold storage. There are many sizes available, from stand-alone units to commercial walk-in units. Other items to look for are commercial sinks. 

It is important to purchase quality cookware designed for restaurants. Buying different sizes of sauce pans and stockpots is a good start. Keep in mind that if you buy good quality now this will save you money in the future. Some other equipment needed include loaf pans, baking sheets and hotel pans. Again, depending on the menu of the restaurant you can also buy woks, steamers, pasta cookers, braziers and cast-iron cookware.

To save money and time when preparing food in a restaurant adequate equipment and shelving and a good prep table are necessities. A commercial meat slicer, microwave oven, food processor, an immersion blender and industrial mixer are also very helpful items when preparing food. Buying the right equipment to prepare food now, means that you will be able to serve your clients better. Your employees will also be happier, because they can work efficiently.

Then there are the small wares and utensils. These are things like peelers and graters, zesters, juicers, spoons, spatulas, cutlery. Other prep equipment that you will need are bowls for mixing, a food scale, commercial can openers, cutting boards, storage containers and salad spinners.

Other items that are not necessary for cooking but that will be needed in the kitchen are things like stainless steel lockers for staff and other hygiene equipment, but this should be enought to get you started!