If you are in the market for some new commercial kitchen equipment, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. According to research, the commercial kitchen equipment market is worth over $10 billion and could exceed $12 billion by 2027. In such a vast market, the brands and types of kitchen equipment available are so many they’re bound to overwhelm anyone.
Starting a restaurant is already hectic and expensive enough that the last thing you want to do is purchase the wrong equipment. This means you would have to go back to the drawing board and get more equipment sooner than necessary.
So, how do you ensure you purchase the best kitchen equipment for your business? Well, you’re in luck because this article discusses everything you need to consider when purchasing commercial kitchen equipment.
Define Your Needs
The first step is to take a hard look at your menu and decide which items you’ll be preparing most often. This will help you determine the type and size of equipment you need. For example, if you plan on doing a lot of baking, you’ll need ovens, mixers, and other baking-specific equipment.
If you plan on serving a lot of fried foods, you’ll need deep fryers. If you’ll be doing a lot of grilling, you’ll need a top-of-the-line grill or two for maximum efficiency.
You should also consider what kind of volume you’ll be cooking for. Are you opening a small cafe that will only serve a few dozen people per day? Or are you opening a large restaurant that will serve hundreds of people?
The size of your operation will determine the size and quantity of equipment you need.
Consider Your Kitchen Design and Layout
Before you start shopping for commercial kitchen equipment, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate your kitchen’s design and layout. This will help you determine what type and size of equipment you’ll need to accommodate your menu items and cooking style.
It’ll also help you determine the best placement for your equipment. For example, if you have a small kitchen, you’ll want to choose compact equipment that doesn’t take up a lot of space.
On the other hand, if you have a large kitchen with multiple cooking stations, you’ll want to ensure each station has the right equipment.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of online tools and resources that can help you plan your kitchen layout. Once you have a plan in place, you can start shopping for the best commercial kitchen equipment.
Consider Your Budget
When it comes to commercial kitchen equipment, you definitely get what you pay for. In other words, the higher the quality, the pricier the item will be. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should break the bank to get your hands on top-of-the-line products.
Rather, take some time to research the market and get a general sense of how much each type of equipment costs. From there, start to put together a budget and figure out which items are absolutely essential for your business. Find some of the best restaurant supplies at the culinary depot – commercial restaurant equipment to get some excellent deals.
Once you have a good understanding of your financial limitations, you can narrow down your options and find the best possible products for your needs. With commercial kitchen suppliers such as snowmaster, you also have the option of financing your purchase to lighten the burden for you.
Remember, it’s important to strike a balance between quality and cost. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on something that will benefit your business in the long run.
Product Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a product is now more important than ever to consider before making a purchase. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but you’ll be playing your part in saving the environment.
When looking for new commercial kitchen equipment, find out how energy efficient the product is. Look for those with an Energy Star rating. These ratings apply to appliances that meet certain energy-saving standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
You could also look for the yellow and black EnergyGuide label. It’ll tell you how much energy the product uses, compares it to other models, and list estimates of yearly operating costs.
The size of the appliance also plays a significant role in the energy efficiency of the equipment. A larger oven, for example, will use more energy than a smaller one.
If you’re looking to save money and be more energy-efficient, choose appliances that are the right size for your needs.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
When you buy kitchen equipment, you’ll want to make sure that the equipment you choose is easy to operate and clean. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending more time and money trying to keep it running properly.
Some of the things you must consider include ergonomics, storage options, technological features, and ease of cleaning. How easy is it to operate even for new staff? The last thing you want is to constantly burn food.
You also want to factor in the ongoing maintenance and repair costs, so check warranties before you purchase kitchen equipment.
Spare Parts Availability
When you open a restaurant, you need to consider if the equipment you are buying has readily available spare parts.
This is important for two reasons; first, you don’t want your business to come to a grinding halt because a crucial component of your kitchen equipment has broken, and you can’t get a replacement quickly.
Second, it’ll be much cheaper in the long run if you can source spare parts easily and quickly, rather than having to buy a whole new piece of equipment.
Purchasing the Best Commercial Kitchen Equipment: A Guide
When it comes to purchasing commercial kitchen equipment, there are a lot of factors to consider. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start.
However, by taking the time to do your research and understand your needs, you can find the perfect equipment for your business. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find the best possible option for your commercial kitchen.
Now that you know what goes into picking the best kitchen equipment, how about you check our blog for more in-depth guides?