But what do operators of restaurants, grocery stores, supermarkets, and other businesses involving food storage and production look for in a commercial freezer? The top requirement is a fridge with the ability to preserve food and guarantee the safety of customers.

The great news is there’s a wide range of commercial freezers that provide efficient ways to freeze items. But how do you go about purchasing a freezer that’s a perfect match for your specific needs? We’ve made the job easy for you.

In this article, we'll give you several smart tips for choosing the best commercial freezer for your restaurant.

Assess Your Storage Needs

How much refrigeration space do you have? The amount of room in your commercial space is a huge determinant of the type and size of the restaurant equipment you choose.

For businesses with a limited floor area, it’s best to make use of the vertical space by buying an upright freezer. This way, you can maximize the amount of stock you can display or store. If, on the other hand, you have ample floor space, then you have more options when it comes to the size and kind of freezer you can choose.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to install extra cold storage that you may require as your business expands.

Decide on the Type of Commercial Freezer You Need

Now that you know how much commercial space you have, it’s time to pick a specific type of freezer. The most common examples of freezers in the market include:

• Reach-in commercial refrigerators – these have shallow shelves that allow you to grab items easily. They're typically upright and have one to four doors.
• Worktop commercial refrigerators – these refrigerators feature a workspace across the top in addition to underneath refrigeration storage. They're essential for the prep line.
• Roll-in commercial refrigerators – these units feature no interior shelving. They sit directly on the floor and have a minimal cabinet floor, allowing racks on castors to roll directly into the cabinet.
• Walk-in commercial refrigerators – they're ideal for storing large quantities of food items. They let you move around in the refrigeration space freely and have easily accessible shelves.

So which of these four kinds of commercial refrigeration do you think is best for you?

Consider the Door Configuration

Freezer doors can either be solid or glass. Both types come in full or half heights. How do you determine the best door configuration for your freezer?

Look at the pros and cons. For instance, solid doors feature better insulation. They're much easier to clean compared to their glass counterparts.

Glass doors allow your customers and staff to see the contents of the restaurant freezer easily, eliminating the need to open and close the unit unnecessarily.

Freezers with half-height doors are usually more energy-efficient. Those with full height doors tend to have more storage space.

Opt For Energy-Efficient Freezers

How much do you currently spend on energy bills? At a time when electricity prices are rising, an energy-efficient refrigeration system is a requirement for any business.

Energy consumption can significantly differ from freezer to freezer. Sure, most energy-efficient models tend to cost more than the other models, but the energy savings can add up with time. Moreover, many energy-efficient commercial refrigeration systems qualify for tax breaks.

Research the Freezer Brand

Why does a commercial freezer brand matter? The fact is, there are numerous freezer manufacturers out there, but not all are trustworthy. Focus only on the brands with an excellent reputation for producing top-quality products.

So what should you look for in a brand? First of all, check their warranty and service history. Leverage the highest quality for the best price.

If you can, go for commercial freezers with the Energy Star emblem, as these are up to 30% more energy efficient than their counterparts.

Think About Reliability

When selecting a freezer for your business, reliability is key. The freezer needs to be able to keep food items cold 24 hours a day.

Commercial freezers that experience frequent failures can prove extremely costly as a result of spoilt stock and disappointed customers. Veer away from models with a reputation for unreliability, especially those with suspiciously low prices.

Of course, even the most reliable freezers require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. To minimise any risks, keep the contact details of a trustworthy repair and maintenance technician on hand.

Consider Functionality

How easy is it for your staff and customers to use the commercial freezer you're considering? Customers like freezers they can easily open and close. They need to be able to access any products with ease.

As for you and your employees, the freezer needs to have units that are easy to pack, unpack, and clean. The temperature controls of the system should be easy to access and operate.

Know About the Freezer’s Power System

The majority of commercial freezers use 115-volt power systems when freezing food items. Others use up to 230 volts for the same purpose. Why should you understand what power system a freezer uses?

Well, it's essential to choose a freezer that can provide enough power to keep all of your food items cold efficiently. If the freezer system you select cannot do so, you risk major losses in terms of spoilt stock.

Buy the Right Commercial Freezer Today

Finding the right commercial freezer is a major step when you’re setting up a food business or replacing your current refrigeration system. There are many factors that you need to consider as you go about deciding what type, size, and model of unit to buy. Paying careful attention to all of these factors can put you on the right path to making the right decision.

Are you in the market for a commercial refrigeration system for your business? We have a large variety of top-notch commercial freezers you can choose from. Contact us today or visit our website for more details.

Juicers differ from many similar appliances, like blenders, as they separate the juice from the pulp instead of mixing ingredients together. Asides from health food drinks juicers can also be used to create cocktails in bars and night clubs, adding even further versatility, but with so many types of different juicer units available, we here at Federal Hospitality Equipment have broken down the main types of juicers and the benefits of each.

CITRUS JUICER / ORANGE JUICER

These types of juicer machines feature a powerful motor with a fast juice extracting rate. Juice is squeezed from your fruit and then rapidly channelled into a glass or jug. Citrus machines are highly efficient and save you both time and labour through their fast production and process.

Many citrus juices can also be referred to as orange juicers or orange juice machines, as they are the most common type to produce orange juice and other citrus-oriented fruits as well like grapefruit, lemons and limes, hence the name.

CENTRIFUGAL JUICER

Centrifugal juicers utilise high speed, spinning blades and force to separate the juice from the pulp. The juice and pulp are sometimes even further separated into different juicer storage containers.

These units are very easy to clean and feature simple operations and controls, so any of the staff within your bar, club or café can use these appliances.

Centrifugal units can fit whole items and foods for extraction and are easily the fastest juice producing machines on this list. The downside to these types of juicers, however, is that during this fast process they often lose nutrients during extraction, they can also generate a lot of unnecessary loud noise and heat.

MASTICATING JUICER /COLD PRESS

A masticating juicer, or a commercial cold press juicer, uses a slow-moving drill/corkscrew to crush the juice from your fruit and veg. Masticating juicers are by far the slowest juicers on this list, as they feature a slower motor and generate less heat during extraction.

These juicers are much more beneficial in other ways, in that they provide an alternate option to those who preferred slow juicers for their superior extraction.

Masticating provide more nutrients for your smoothies and juices, more juice (up to 35% more in comparison to your centrifugal models, especially with vegetables), more colour, less noise and less foam, but may require more manual force and labour by contrast.

Many cold press juicers are heavy duty made using stainless steel, meaning they often last the longest out of the three juicer types on this list.

You can narrow your selection down considering these factors as well: Commercial/Domestic (what is your chosen juicer more suited to?), Chute (is the chute of appropriate size?), Power (is time and speed a factor?), Lid (Does the unit have a top for safety and less spillage?) and noise (Will the juice irritate customers? Does it produce lots of noise?).

These are the three main types of commercial juicers currently available on the market, each one applying different benefits and suited within different kitchen environments and food establishments. Any of these juicers can be a highly efficient and rewarding appliance to own within your business.

Not only is it growing, but the food service industry is ever-changing.

As a restaurant owner, you have to keep up with the demands of customers, but you must also pay attention to kitchen trends to stay ahead of your competition.

Many commercial kitchen trends are driven by food or diet trends, so pay attention so that you can recognize fads versus phenomenons. Keep reading for an overview of the top 10 commercial kitchen trends of 2019.

1. Dealing with Waste in a Sustainable Way

Around the world, reducing food waste has been a concern for some time. Ever since Silo in Brighton Britain declared itself a"zero waste restaurant," others have been racing to follow suit.

Silo's Birtha, an aerobic digester, can condense 60 kilos of wasted food into compost in only 24 hours. Birtha digests eggshells, vegetable and fruit peelings, and even bones.

This year, restaurants are beginning to take action to demonstrate to loyal customers that they're being waste-conscious. They know that if they fail to do this, customers may go elsewhere over environmental concerns.

2. Enabling Allergy-Friendly Food Preparation

Food allergy safety is now a significant focus in the food service industry. Customers with food allergies are turning towards restaurants they trust to keep them safe.

That means commercial kitchens must be equipped to handle multiple food allergies to operate efficiently. Cross-contamination is a big issue, so numerous surfaces that can be cleaned quickly are a must. There also needs to be a staging area reserved only for allergy-friendly dishes.

3. Using Less Energy

Commercial kitchens use a lot of energy, and new technology is aimed at reducing energy consumption. Reducing our carbon footprint is good for the environment, but it also saves restaurant owners in energy costs.

More and more new equipment is being marketed as energy efficient. This year, expect to see commercial kitchens adopting warewashers and other appliances that use up to 50 percent less industry compared to older models.

4. Showing off Equipment That Delivers Style

With more restaurants offering chef tables, the "back of the house" isn't under wraps anymore. Diners want to feel like they're apart of the experience.

Showcasing your kitchen means you have to have equipment that delivers style in addition to delicious food.

One trend you should expect to see more of this year is visually appealing cooking equipment. This means ovens, fryers, and refrigerators in bright colours and unique finishes. Some of these designs will also incorporate touchscreens instead of traditional buttons and knobs.

5. Choosing Appliances That Boost Efficiency

Top restaurants are introducing appliances that boost efficiency and reduce labour.

This trend has come about because today's kitchens are shrinking. The restaurant experience is more intimate than ever before, so it makes sense that restaurants are paring down. In order to fit in the space, equipment must run smarter, smaller, and more manageable.

Equipment that consists of easy-to-learn technology and training is on-trend in 2019.

6. Introducing Multitap Water Dispensers

Multitab water dispensers are taking the food service industry by storm.

These devices allow restaurants to offer sparkling and tap water, as well as a variety of syrups and flavours. This water is delivered at various temperatures.

Multitap water dispensers are making water profitable again, and this is intriguing to most restaurant owners looking to gain revenue.

7. Switching to Automated Technology

Just like they do in every other industry, diners expect personalized, convenient service.

More and more restaurants are installing kiosks and touchscreens. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a way of taking orders from various platforms or tableside. Guests want the ability to order and pay without interacting with servers.

Restaurants can gain a lot from this technology. As well as keeping the customers happy, automated technology allows restaurants to collect data on those dining in those establishments. With this data, they will create targeted marketing campaigns to keep their diners coming back for more.

8. Moving Towards Mobile Equipment

Don't like the layout of your commercial kitchen? 2019 says to switch it up. And then do it again.

The industry has seen a move towards flexible, movable equipment solutions. This way, your kitchen can adapt to menu changes and emerging cooking methods.

9. Incorporating Nitro Equipment

Nitrogen gas has long been associated with the food service industry, but its use in coffee beverages has increased over the past year.

While nitro equipment is familiar to the bar industry, it's just now breaking into restaurants and cafes. Nitro is currently making its way into specialty coffee drinks and desserts.

New equipment is emerging to produce smaller systems used to create nitrogenated beverages. These are easily implemented into commercial kitchens looking for an edge.

10. Using Bluetooth to Control Equipment

Bluetooth has worked itself into every other facet of our lives, why wouldn't it end up in our kitchens?

This next-level equipment gives restaurant owners the ability to synchronize activity between appliances. This technology is used in thermometers, ovens, ice machines, commercial refrigerators, and more.

Not only does this increase efficiency, but it makes cooking more accurate. It can also warn you or a vendor of equipment malfunction, saving you time and money in the long run.

Time to Update Your Commercial Kitchen?

Kitchen equipment is continually evolving, and because of this, so will your commercial kitchen design.

If you're a restaurant owner, you want to remain relevant to keep your customers happy. The best way to do this is to recognize new commercial kitchen trends as they occur.

We try to stay ahead of the next big thing in the foodservice industry, so visit our website to check out our new arrivals today!

Established eateries can easily cost between a quarter and half a million dollars – not to mention having to come up with a good location, interior design and the council consent process. Even if you manage to spend less than $250,000 on setting up a restaurant, it will most likely fail. Standards today are really high.

But there’s hope for the foodies yet. Mobile food businesses, or food trucks as they’re better known, can be a good steppingstone towards that dream of owning a restaurant or café.

Night markets are a growing phenomenon in New Zealand which has seen us go from occasionally out-fitting a food truck, trailer or caravan a year ago, to doing around five or six a week. Growth has gone through the roof to the extent that we released a mobile mini-kitchen range earlier this year.

It costs between $5,000 - $7,000 to equip a food trailer with fryers, a pasta cooker, griddle and under-bench refrigeration. A food truck outdoor mobile kitchen set-up will cost you between $30,000 - $40,000 - that’s plus the cost of building a trailer and getting it sign-written, so it’s definitely a viable option.

Along with night markets, outdoor dining through farmers markets, functions, expos and agricultural shows are booming in popularity. There are so many opportunities in the food truck business, and the beauty of catering at other people’s functions is that the organisers will complete the required consents.

While it may seem like an easier option, it is still important to do the right research and plan carefully, especially because the competition will only get tougher. So, here are some things to consider in the food-truck business:

1. Should you stay or should you go?

A mobile kitchen isn’t necessarily mobile. You can choose to travel from event to event or remain in one location. The first decision is about just how mobile you want to be – obviously both have their pros and cons. For example, some restaurants I’ve seen have set up kitchens in a mobile container to maximise seating capacity, while others make food and distribute it through Uber Eats.

2. What to eat and what not?

Research your food choices. Just because nobody is making a certain dish doesn’t mean there’s a gap in the market. It may simply be a less popular food choice – it’s always better to go with what people know and understand because most mobile kitchen consumers are not adventurous foodies.

3. Stand out

When it comes to your identity, you must stand out because you are literally parked in a crowded marketplace. Treat your trailer as you would a restaurant. Pay attention to your signage, your décor and cleanliness, and just because it’s a trailer doesn’t mean it has to be boring. You can outfit a stunning, fully equipped trailer with great signage for less that $40,000, plus a food safety license from the council for less than a thousand dollars.

How we eat and where we choose to eat is changing and the sky is the limit.

1. The Best Commercial Refrigerators Will Have Recessed Handles

While this may seem like a minor issue, choosing a refrigerator with recessed door handles makes quite a difference. If you were thinking of buying a fridge with a barred door handle, think again.

Consider how many times per day you and your staff will need to open and close the refrigerator. Barred handles are prone to loosening or breaking off with repeated use. You could need to repair your commercial refrigerator much sooner than you think.

Recessed Door handles will not break because they are incorporated right into the refrigerator door itself. They also help ensure you have an ergonomic way to open and close the door while helping to avoid accumulating dust and dirt.

2. Make Sure That the Warranty Has You Covered

Even with the most reliable brand of refrigerator, you will need to have your unit repaired or service eventually. If and when you need to call in the professionals, you should make sure that your warranty will provide swift service and no additional costs.

You need to make sure that any repairs will be covered and taken care of by professionals. To ensure good results, you should make sure to check what each manufacturer's warrant will cover and for how long. Thankfully, the commercial refrigerator industry provides some of the best warranties available, including parts and labor with up to three years of coverage.

Reputable manufacturers also have large networks of skilled workers. These repair professionals will get your commercial refrigerator up and running as soon as possible.

3. Look for a Bottom Mount Condenser Unit

If you are looking to buy the best commercial refrigerator, you want to make sure that you are getting your money's worth. Your refrigerator should be as ergonomic as possible for you and your employee's needs. With that in mind, you should consider purchasing a unit with a bottom mount condensing unit, rail mounted for your convenience.

Having your condenser unit mounted on the bottom will make cleaning and maintenance much easier. No one will have to climb a ladder and put themselves at risk.

Additionally, bottom mounted condensers will give you extra storage space on top of the refrigerator. This is very useful in a cramped kitchen.

4. Heavy Duty Foam-In-Place Insulation Is a Must

While this feature is not visible to the naked eye, you should buy a fridge with high-quality foam insulation. Doing so will make a massive difference in food storage and quality.

For clarification, Foam-In-Place means that the refrigerator's insulation has been sprayed into the sides and doors from top to bottom. Spray foaming a refrigerator creates a complete seal for the whole unit. This technique creates greater energy efficiency and keeps food fresh for longer periods.

Cheaper refrigerators rely on solid blocks of foam which are cut and fit into the unit. The seal created is not airtight and will cause a higher electricity bill for your kitchen.

When you buy a commercial refrigerator, make sure that that the foam is a premium brand of insulation, such as Ecomate. You should also check that the thickness of the foam is at least two inches for the greatest efficiency.

5. Buy a Commercial Refrigerator That Is Completely Stainless Steel

Regardless of the food business, you are buying your commercial refrigerator for, you should be aware of the phrase, "You get what you pay for." One of your first concerns should be that your refrigerator is only as good as the materials that make up its construction. For this reason, you should consider only buying a commercial refrigerator that uses stainless steel for everything.

Plastic interiors are the cheapest and most common option, but plastic can crack and break within a couple of years. Providing a midpoint in price between plastic and steel, aluminum is far less strong or durable than stainless steel.

Aluminum is also far easier to scratch than stainless steel. This makes your commercial refrigerator less sanitary and much harder to clean.

Any money that you may save by compromising on aluminum or plastic will go towards repairs and maintenance. This will cost you more money in the long run.
Stainless steel is by far the best material for your commercial refrigerator. To make sure that your money isn't wasted, look for a thick gage refrigerator that is stainless steel from top to bottom.

6. Buy a Commercial Refrigerator with a Digital Temperature Control Unit

When working with foodstuffs that are prone to spoiling, it can be difficult to ensure that your commercial refrigerator is keeping everything at the correct temperature. With a digital temperature control unit, you can ensure that you have complete control over your whole refrigerator.

With a digital display and the ability to control the temperature in single degree increments, you can rest assured that your food will be properly stored at all times. You won't have to worry or guess what your refrigerator's temperature settings are set at, allowing you to store your food with the greatest efficiency.

7. Welded Corners and Standard Necessary Features

One of the best signs of a high-quality commercial refrigerator is whether your stainless steel fridge has welded corners. Refrigerator corners are where your clothes will get caught, where dust will collect and where wear and are often the weakest part of the unit. When you see a commercial refrigerator without welded corners, you should consider not purchasing it.

You should also make sure that your refrigerator has interior lighting, wheeled castors for easy movement and can be locked for security purposes. If the model you're looking at doesn't include these standard commercial features, avoid it and move on.

Buying The Best Commercial Refrigerator Is Easier Than You Think

Picking the right unit can be difficult with the sheer number of commercial refrigerators available on the market. With our seven helpful tips, buying your next commercial refrigerator will be a walk in the park.

To get the best deal, check out our special offers today!

That sounds like a great business opportunity to us!

Whether you're new to the catering business or you're trying to take your professionalism to the next level, step one is investing in equipment. Here's your catering equipment checklist to help you get started.

Essential Catering Equipment Checklist

Before you start making a shopping list for your catering equipment, think about your local venues and your business model.

Do you plan to cook everything in your own kitchen and transport it to each venue? What local venues are you most likely to be catering in and do many of them have full kitchens?

This will give you insight into what you have available already and what you need to buy. In any cases, these are the items you're likely to need.

1. Chafing Dishes

Chafing dishes are large serving dishes that have a heater below them to keep food warm. You'll most often see them in buffet serving lines.

Even for seated service, chafing dishes are essential. It takes time to dish up food for dozens or hundreds of people. Chafing dishes will keep the food warm during that process.

Don't forget to stock up on extra fuel cells for heating the chafing dishes. Always assume the fuel cells will last for less time than they promise on the packaging. While you're at it, bring a few extra lighters to light the fuel cells in case you lose one.

2. Table Settings for Each Course

Every catering job and client arrangement is unique. In many cases, though, the client will expect you to supply everything the meal requires, including table settings.

As you plan the menu, determine how many dishes you need for each course. In most cases, you'll need a salad bowl, a plate for the entree, and a small plate for dessert.

Remember all the smaller items that go with these courses, too. For instance, you may need serving boats for salad dressing. You also need to ensure that you bring the right flatware for each course, including salad forks and dessert pieces.

Don't forget the glassware as well. You're likely to need water goblets and coffee mugs at the minimum. If you offer wine, don't forget wine glasses.

You don't need to shell out the cash for all the table setting pieces you could ever need at the beginning. You can buy what you need for your first job and then supplement for future jobs as necessary.

3. Serving Items

You have everything the guests will need to dine and everything you'll need to store the food. Don't miss the middle stage: getting the food from your chafing dishes to their plates.

On top of a variety of serving utensils and tongs, stock up on serving trays. Have plenty of pitchers for serving beverages, including insulated pitchers for coffee.

It's possible that you may need bussing tubs to clear the tables. However, you wouldn't want to use tubs for classier events, so you can wait to buy them until you have an event that warrants them.

4. Commercial Coffee Maker

Coffee is popular at any type of catered function, whether it's brunch or dinner. Make sure you can serve as many guests as possible with a commercial coffee maker that brews large batches.

In most cases, you'll want to offer regular and decaf coffee. To make sure you can brew both at the same time, get two coffee makers or a coffee maker that can brew two pots at a time.

5. Clean-Up Items

You have everything you need to serve the meal you're catering, but what about cleaning up?

As a business owner, you want to maintain good relationships with the event venues in your local area, with the hopes that they'll recommend you to their customers. That starts with leaving their kitchens as clean as you found them.

Bring plenty of rags to wipe up spills throughout the event. Bring plenty of garbage bags, including one for dirty rags.

You should also have a broom and mop available. Most venues will have these, but not all will, and you don't want to be in a bind.

No matter what you're serving, you're likely to have leftovers. Plan ahead for how you're going to store the leftovers and give them to your customer.

6. Carving Station Supplies

Carving stations are long-time favorites, and you can bet that your customers will request them. Have everything you need in advance so you can handle last-minute events.

At a minimum, you'll need a cutting board, a knife, and a serving fork for your carving station. Most caterers use heat lamps as well to maintain the advantage of meat served fresh and hot.

It's a good idea to have a few additional cutting boards and sets of carving utensils. Some clients will ask for carving stations with multiple types of meat and you want to be prepared.

7. Sanitary Supplies

Catering an event is just like running a restaurant in terms of keeping your food service sanitary. The last thing you want to do is prepare a delicious dinner and then end up with a hair in the food.

You'll need rubber gloves for all your staff who is handling the food. For classier affairs, your servers can wear cloth gloves instead.

Don't forget hair nets for anyone who handles the food, too.

Hitting the Ground Running

Starting or improving a business is always a thrill, and you want to jump in with both feet. Before you can do that, though, you need to build your stock of supplies.

The catering equipment checklist above will get you started and allow you to begin taking jobs in a heartbeat.

If you're ready to get started, shop for catering equipment with us online.

Here we analyse the different challenges involved with opening and operating your very own bakery and what kinds of bakery equipment you’ll need to operate.

BAKERY TYPES

There are many different bakery types and the first step is to properly identify what kind of bakery you want to build from the ground up.

Retail bakeries are the most common type, they sell baked good directly to patrons and they can come in different forms. A bakery cafe is the most common retail type and offers small dining spaces for eating in and coffee/tea, counter service bakeries usually only have a front-of-house to serve directly and no dining areas, food trucks stock and sell bread and pastries through a mobile vehicle and a speciality bakery focusses on one type of baked good (wedding cake, cupcakes etc).

Wholesale bakeries, by comparison, stock and sell baked goods in larger venues like supermarkets and delis. They usually need to produce much higher quantities because of bigger demands in these larger establishments.

After identifying what type of bakery you want to operate its then time to move onto the usual business inception processes.

STARTING A BUSINESS PLAN, OBTAINING FUNDS and LEASING

Like starting up any other business, it’s important to begin with a business plan. A business plan will help set everything out from the executive summary to the company overview, market analysis, business offerings, management plans, marketing and financial projections.

Next step is to obtain funds for various expenses (leasing, operational costs, staff, management, stock, equipment etc) and finding a suitable facility to start your business. To generate this money, you’ll need to look at the different types of loans available and what one is best suited to help you get a foothold.

Finally, a location and appropriate place for your business is important. Consider key factors like your region’s demographic, the accessibility to your bakery, competition, distance to suppliers, size and space and health/safety regulations.

You’ll also need certain food, safety and handling licenses as well to operate. Many of the steps involved with acquiring these licenses can be found online.

EQUIPMENT One of the most significant points, if not the most important, is the commercial catering equipment you’ll need for your new bakery. Bakeries typically have their own specific equipment that’s needed to create the bread/pastries stocked and to display your meals, snacks and dishes.

OVEN

The first piece of equipment you should consider is a bakery oven. FED stocks a wide range of quality heavy duty ovens suited to bakeries, especially our combi or convection ovens, which can bake your goods or utilise dry heating for bread and pastries.

DISPLAY

Next piece of equipment to consider is your display unit. Most bakeries have a display unit situated at the front of their store to showcase their freshly baked desserts and foods. Depending on what types of food you want to present can help solve what type of display unit to purchase. A chilled or cake display is ideal for light meals, sandwiches, breads and small cakes/desserts, while a hot food display or pie warmer is great for sausage rolls, pies and meat-based meals. Many bakeries will use both types, but the decision will rest on the owner/manager.

BREAD PROVER

Stainless steel retarder provers or bread provers are used for the final baking process. All bakeries utilise these machines to improve the fermentation process, help the dough rise and provides the optimal temperature and space for your mixture.

SLICER

Bread slicers are another unique accessory mostly used by bakeries. These tools slice up freshly backed loaves and bag the slices for purchase or use them for sandwiches and other meals.

DOUGH SHEETER

Dough sheeters are great for smoothing or creating lumps out of mixtures of dough for your pizzas, bread rolls and other bakery snacks. Many of these efficient tools come in both manual and electric options and are a convenient accessory for any bakery.

MIXER

Commercial mixers or spiral mixers are universally used by every bakery and designed to mix and combine your dough ingredients together. This is a must have item.

After purchasing this equipment you can then move your sights onto hiring and marketing your new bakery!

The reality is that eateries are hard work and believe it or not, it’s not all fluffy clouds of coffee froth, espresso martini’s and perfectly scrambled eggs. Owning and opening a hospitality business requires thought, business knowledge and planning – all of which are aspects often overlooked by owners, and it really shows in the way a kitchen is designed and produced.

From my experience in the kitchen and hospitality industry, what I tend to see is kitchens that are not fit for purpose. There are kitchens that have huge peek windows which allow smells to get into everyone’s clothes, as well as irritating kitchen staff who feel like they are zoo animals who must be on their best behaviour.

There are also kitchens which are poorly designed and don’t make sense in regard to what they’re cooking, and the audience they’re wanting to attract.

Kitchens are often designed and built by owners who don’t quite know what they’re doing because they are usually not chefs, which risks their food business being doomed from the start.

They often treat their kitchen space like an art studio instead of a production facility which not only could negatively impacts the success of the eatery, but they could also run into some problems when selling in the future.

As the average hospitality outlet lasts only three years due to overly expensive and ineffective fitouts, as well as owners having sub-par business knowledge, don’t let yourself become part of this statistic. There are ways to enhance and maximise the capabilities, reach and success of your food business, so here are our top tips:

1. Think

Food businesses require an immense amount of work. Before you invest many years’ worth of savings into what often looks like the dream, think comprehensively about every aspect that is involved in the running of an eatery.

This includes the costing of materials, décor and employees. If you’ve covered all that, think about the actual style of your eatery and the kitchen design because all these things are useless unless the bones of the kitchen are strong. Know your numbers and be aware of administrative demands.

 2. Research

Understand your target market by analysing your location. Sit outside your building for a few hours and observe the type of people that go by, how old they are, what nationality they are and even what they’re wearing. By uncovering this information and basing your business direction around this, you will be able to leverage the number of customers you receive. There’s no point in opening a burger joint if the people want dumplings. Look into the other eateries in the area. What food they serve and how much they charge is also a wise idea. Don’t miss out on finding crucial key insights into your area which could help your business succeed.

3.Seek help

Get some professional guidance and support from people with experience in the industry. Particularly with the designing and building of your kitchen, experts can help you create a space that has universal functionality which can optimise effectiveness and efficiency for your café or restaurant, as well as being able to realise a better price on selling day.

At F.E.D, we’ve seen many hospitality businesses that have needed to be renovated and gutted entirely because they were designed dismally, so seeking expert opinion and help would be greatly beneficial to your food business.

But, there are a lot of things you need to consider to ensure your venture is a success.

Throughout the process of creating your new cafe, you will have to think about the needs and requirements of your business, how you can meet those needs during the startup phase and how you can position yourself for success.

Luckily, FED Products is here to help you with all the big decisions and to make sure your business begins on the right foot.

Needs And Requirements

Unfortunately, you need more than a few plates of great food and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to be successful! 

So, it is time to get practical and lay the foundations of a great business…

• Try not to let your emotions colour any decisions that you need to make. 
• Come up with a realistic business plan. You can use that to secure a loan from the bank or even to entice investors. 
• Explore the legalities of the setup. Do you need permits from your local council or building consent? Also, have you thought about your food hygiene certification and operating restrictions? 

Legalities can be scary business. Which is why FED want to make the process as easy as possible for you. We offer a FREE building consent package that is worth $4800. That means we help you to obtain all the necessary consents you need to start your cafe or restaurant. Get in touch with us now to find out if you could be eligible.

Meeting The Needs

During the startup phase, focus on the right aspects and prioritise... 

• When designing your space and choosing the equipment you need, focus on the essentials first and the “nice-to-haves” later. FED Products, can help you make the best use of your budget by recommending the right equipment for your needs.
• Let your creative streak out by building a brand for your business. Branding is more than just your logo, it is what your business will be known for. Think carefully about the style you would like your eatery to be or if you would like to highlight a specific theme.
  

Position Yourself For Success

Creating a successful brand is more than the right equipment and a consented space. Also think about...

• Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Cast a critical eye on your business. Think about how you can show your professionalism, set your cafe above the rest, or how you can do things differently or better?
• Communication is key to any business - your customers, your team, your suppliers and other key players will expect and appreciate it. 
• You cannot sell a secret, so get the word out there about your shiny new cafe! There are plenty of methods you can use to do that - online advertising, more traditional methods and word of mouth.
• Listen to the experts. The team here at FED have plenty of expert knowledge that we would love to share with you. We have helped hundreds of cafes build a successful clientele and business. We can’t wait to do the same for you.
  

Get in touch with us today to discuss if you are eligible for our Building Consent package valued at $4800.

Before purchasing a product it's always useful to know what you're exactly buying, especially when it comes to expensive products like restaurant equipment and fridges. Here are 10 factors to consider...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             DISPLAY

Display gives you your viewing space, your product range for everyone to see, and it’s important to assess whether it’s more efficient for your store to have a clear display (to see inside), or preference a solid door for sturdiness.

If it’s for customers, clear display is the way to go, but if it’s for staff/stock purposes then either option is a great investment.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       MATERIAL

At Federal Hospitality Equipment the vast majority of our refrigeration and display equipment is comprised of sturdy stainless steel material, for peace of mind and longevity.

However, not all of our units are built this way, especially within the interior compartments. Knowing what your product is comprised of will provide you with the best quality reassurance.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              SIZE

Size is important for your commercial kitchens. Kitchen spaces aren’t the biggest in terms of open space and free movement, so prioritising your space is vital.

Planning out your working space and equipment placement enables your kitchen operations to run much more smoothly.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         USE

What are you using your unit for? What is the purpose of it? Why are you desiring to choose one particular fridge over another?

Often questioning purpose is a good way to whittle down the options.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       COST

How much are you willing to spend? Analysing your budget is possibly the biggest priority while building your establishment, as money can be scarce.

 If money is an issue then perhaps an economic unit is the way to go, but if you’ve set aside plenty of funds for equipment then you may want to consider a more innovative and advanced alternative.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  BRANDS

FED services and imports stock from a huge variety of leading brands. We stock only the best brands within the restaurant equipment business, but some brands are more efficient in certain aspects than others.

Find out who supplies the best products suited to your needs and buy with reassurance.                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ACCESSORIES/FUNCTIONS

What extra accessories and functions does your display or fridge come with?

How does it compare with other units currently on sale?

Having a model with extra features or accessories can give you a subtle leg-up in the competition.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               SPACE

Think about how much stock you’ll need to fit inside your fridge or storage unit.

If you’re only a small business or café a small cabinet might be your most cost effective choice, but if you’re a giant restaurant or chain catering to a large customer base then the larger models would be a better match.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ACCESSIBILITY

Accessibility to your fridge or unit can save time and ease the pressure on your staff during the fast-paced operations of your commercial kitchen.

It also provides convenience to your customers looking to purchase a product within your store.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A vastly overlooked factor, checking the energy efficiency of the machine you intend to purchase is highly vital.

Energy efficiency determines how much power your product will drain, and how much of a cost it’ll be to your restaurant/café.

Choosing an energy efficient model may be slightly more expensive, but it’ll prove to be a much more financially beneficial decision for the long haul.

Many of the products we sell here at Federal Hospitality Equipment are built and constructed from stainless steel, a choice that provides durability and longevity. If you’re recently purchased a stainless steel product, congratulations! Now here’s a quick guide to maintaining it.

Stainless steel, with its unique metallurgical composition, is reputed for its unparalleled anti corrosion quality, compared with other metals.

Stainless steel requires maintenance and routine cleaning to look its best, just like any other material, otherwise discolouration may occur.

WHAT TO DO

Retaining a sparkling finish on a stainless steel surface only involves a few simple steps. Stainless steel looks its best when it’s cleaned regularly with plenty of water. Sufficient drying is also required so streaks aren’t left behind.

You’ll need water, mild detergent, and a cloth or, alternatively, a soft brush. You can use 1% ammonia solution, but never use bleach. After washing, rinse in clean water and wipe the surface completely dry with a soft cloth. On brushed steel you need to follow the direction of the polish for the best results.

Always rub stainless steel in the same direction as the grain. Rubbing against the grain will spoil the finish and shine. It can also damage the surface by creating microscopic crevices, where dirt can be collected, which can lead to corrosion.

WHAT TO AVOID

Maintaining stainless steel products also involves knowing the risks and what to avoid.

Stainless steel can always be vulnerable to scratching from careless handling or overly aggressive scrubbing. Avoid dragging rough items across its surface and be aware that grit may be trapped under other objects when cleaning.

Make sure to be wary of certain salts and acids as certain chemicals can cause discolouration to your stainless steel products. Carbon steel items are another problem to avoid, especially when wet.

Ensure you instil rudimentary hygiene and cleaning practices to bypass these potential chemistry issues.

Never rub or scrap your products with steel wool, plastic scorers or use concentrated bleach/acid-based cleaning products.

Remove any stick labels or adhesives as soon as possible. Gentle heat from a hair dryer or a glue gun can generally soften the glue for easy removal, or you can warm stainless steel pots/pans in an oven before peeling off labels. Eucalyptus oil-based cleaners also work wonders in removing adhesives.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE’S DAMAGE

Depending on the circumstance of the scruff, mark or issue it can take a few different methods or products to safely have your problem erased.

It’s already been addressed earlier on what the general method of cleaning stainless steel is, but sometimes there’s special cases that require a little extra effort.

If rust occurs on your product apply cream cleaner with a soft, damp cloth and rub gently. It might be necessary to use proprietary stainless-steel cleaner if this mark won’t shift. These cleaners are usually made with dangerous chemicals, so extreme care is required.

After cleaning it’s important to neutralise the acid with baking powder solution or 1% ammonia, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry. If rust has worn away part of the surface don’t despair! This can be remedied with professional polishing, but it’s important to get advice from an expert before undertaking this method.

If paint damage has occurred you’ll need to apply paint stripper, taking care to follow the appropriate safety instructions. You may need to use a nylon brush or scouring pad, but avoid metal scrapers at all costs as they’ll damage the surface of your product.

Heavy limescale from hard water can be loosened by soaking in hot water and 25% vinegar solution. Rinse well with a solution of baking powder or 1% ammonia and then clean with water. Always make sure to wipe the surface dry.

Cement and mortar splashes will need to be washed off before they set. Mild acids such as vinegar may be required, but never use products that contain chloride rich chemicals. Never use brick cleaning liquids as they contain hydrochloric acid and be wary of any loose particles while you’re cleaning, as they may damage the surface of your machine or product.

Stainless steel wool scouring pads are available for heavy duty work, like removing burnt food from steel saucepans. They’ll scratch the surface, but won’t leave fragments to go rusty.

-

If you’re looking for some well-built, multi-functional and durable stainless steel products, you can browse our range here.

You can also contact us directly for advice on what stainless steel products would be suitable for your business, or if you require help regarding general cleaning issues in relation to your new purchases.

If you are trying to attract clients to your business, the fact of the matter is, it needs to look good! That is why good design is essential for any business premises.

Not only does it have to be welcoming and inviting for your customers, but it also needs to function well, have a great flow and meet any industry regulations.

Trying to tick all of those boxes can be really overwhelming for business owners both new and experienced. That is why we offer a professional design consultation process here at FED Products. Even better than that is the fact that you could get a full design consultation with us for free!

So, let's look into the importance of good design, how you can set the right tone, and how you can attract the right customers and encourage their loyalty.

The Importance Of Well Designed Business Premises

Did you know that interior design can actually improve the way that you do business?

It stands to reason that well-designed business premises will attract more customers and allow your team to be more productive. Combined, those things make it easier to be a success.

When looking at the design of your business premises it is important to consider two areas - your customer-facing space and the area that your staff will work in. You should approach the design of these two areas in different ways.

Customer-Facing Space: Your first focus should be to give customers the right perception of your business. If things are looking a little rundown then customers may associate your business with a sub-par product or food that isn’t up to scratch. This will be a snap decision they make when they walk in. They might decide that before even giving your business a go. However, if your space is light, bright, airy, welcoming, and with a good flow, they will get the right perception immediately.

Working Space: A poorly designed space can make it harder for your team to get their jobs done. This decreases morale, increases sick days and basically generates negative energy in your space. This negativity can then spill out onto the shop floor, impacting your trade. On the flipside, a well-designed space will create a comfortable atmosphere that encourages efficiency, productivity and positive morale.

So, how can you create this perfect design?

Set The Right Tone

The atmosphere is a huge element of your business success. If customers do not get the right feel when they walk through your doors then they might just turn around and walk back out again.

Think about the kind of people you want to attract to your business and what they might want. Will it be trendy, modern, traditional, child-friendly, or out there and quirky? Knowing who you are presenting your business to will help you to set the right tone.

Once you know that information, you can then start to think about functionality and flow. If people don’t have somewhere comfortable to sit, or if Mum’s can’t manoeuvre prams in a child-friendly space then it will impact negatively on the atmosphere you are trying to create.

Attract Customers And Encourage Loyalty

Obviously, the right tone and functionality are going to be the first steps in attracting the kind of customers you want to your business. But it is not the only thing to consider.

Customers are attracted to businesses with great offerings. They are not going to visit a cafe with terrible coffee, so a quality coffee machine and beans are a must. Likewise, they aren't going to visit a store where they can't see the stock, so attractive display cases are essential.

Think about practicality and what you would look for if you were shopping or eating in the same environment. If you can consistently deliver great service, in a practical and enjoyable way, you will not only attract customers to your business, but earn their loyalty too.

Pulling It All Together

There is a lot to think about when designing the perfect space. Unless you are a professional designer, it can be tricky to create the right atmosphere, functionality, flow and look… with the best equipment for the job too.

That is why we remove the stress and hassle from the process for you. Here at FED Products, we offer a design consult with one of our qualified designers for free if you spend $25,000 or more. Not only will you get the best resources for your needs, but your entire space will look amazing too!

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you make your new or redesigned business a total success.

There is a lot you will need to invest in before the dollars start rolling in to cover those costs. So, how can you make your money work for you?

When it comes to sourcing the equipment you need there are a few things that you can do to save some pennies.

The first is to only buy the things that you need to get you operational, then you can shop the specials to see if any of your essentials are on sale, and finally, you can join the FED Products Loyalty Programme where you will instantly make back 5% on your purchases.

Let’s look into all these points in greater detail.

Only Buy What You Need

It can be very tempting to rush out and buy everything under the sun that you could possibly need when starting a business. Unfortunately, that kind of spending requires a champagne budget, when in reality, you probably only have a beer budget as a startup.

Instead of jumping in guns blazing and credit card waving, try and be sensible about your purchases. Before you hit the shops, make a list of the essentials you need to get your business running.

For example, if you are starting a cafe then a coffee machine is going to be an essential purchase. However, you could probably skip the linen napkins monogrammed with your logo for now! Start with the basics and build upwards from there. You don’t want to blow your budget before you have even begun.

Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what you need for a new business. If you are unsure, then come and speak to one of our expert sales team. We have masses of experience and will be happy to share our recommendations on the essentials you will need to build a successful business from the start.

Shop The Specials

Often you can find great deals on essential items by shopping the things that are on sale. Just because an item has been marked down does not mean that it is poor quality. Businesses create sales for a number of reasons. The main ones are to clear existing stock to make way for other variations, to sell the last couple of items left in a certain size or colour, or simply because they don’t want to have to count it at stocktake time!

This is amazing news for budding and existing businesses. You can pick up great deals on high-quality items that will help you to preserve your budget. We always recommend any of the sale stock at FED Products. It will definitely do the job you need it to, and do it well.

Join The Loyalty Programme

We love to reward our loyal customers at FED Products and to help you to get ahead in your business. That is why we run a loyalty programme for our existing customers.

Don’t panic, there are no annoying forms to fill in or cards to lose in your purse or wallet. Every customer that buys from our business is automatically enrolled into our loyalty programme. That means you get great savings simply by shopping with us.

You can make use of the loyalty programme in two different ways…

1. If you shop with us regularly and intend to purchase again, then we will apply a discount to your account. The discount is calculated at 5% of your spend. So, if you made purchases totally $10,000, the next time you shop with us, you would have a $500 credit waiting on your account.
2. The other way to utilise the programme is to refer friends, colleagues or family to us. If they mention that you referred them when they are making a purchase, we will send you a 5% rebate based on the value of their spend.

The loyalty programme is our way of giving back to our amazing community of clients.

If you are starting a new business or updating the equipment in your existing business then FED Products can help you to minimise your spend. Grab the essentials from us and be enrolled in our loyalty programme at the same time. AND, if you are an existing customer, you will get 5% of your spend back.

Get in touch with us today!

Traditional marketing (including restaurant marketing) is all about broadcasting or printing the message where a lot of potential consumers will be able to see it, but only few will find it relevant. For greater efficiency, marketing slowly has become more on specific demographics, enabled largely by improvements in communication. 

For instance, it is relatively easy to create restaurant marketing campaigns that focus on a specific geographic area, like advertising in a local paper. You can also target a particular “psychographic” group, such as advertising your healthy menu options on a healthy living website. However, it can still be very difficult to reach viable consumers, those that turn into guests & food sales. 

Location-based web marketing is the answer. If it’s not in place, over 90 percent of ad impressions are wasted on potential guests who are outside your geographic area. Luckily, technology has advanced to allow geolocation marketing. For instance, smartphones allow marketers to obtain device-location data & modern search engines, such as Google, enable consumers to find what they need based entirely on the geographic location they are in & what’s near it. Better targeting means better conversions & more food sales. 

These are the steps to take to make a geotargeted campaign work for you: 

PICK A SPECIFIC TARGET FOR YOUR RESTAURANT MARKETING CAMPAIGN 

Make sure that your marketing campaign is targeted well to the area you operate in. Major search engines like Google, allow you to target your restaurant marketing based campaigns on ZIP codes, City, neighborhoods, or even a specific street intersection. 

This way, when you advertise your coffee shop, you can be sure that most of the consumers exposed to your message are within a range that would make sense for them visit you. 

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR 

You can use your restaurant’s geographic location to your restaurant marketing advantage in promotions by focusing on providing consumer incentives at a hyper-local level. For instance, you could create a time-sensitive coupon to those who live within a few mile radius of your food service establishment. 

EXPLAIN HOW TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE 

With geolocation, you can also explain your location, to make it easy for your first-time guests to find you. (People are lazy & most would rather go to your competitor than spend time looking you up in the directory.) It’s very important that you provide a map. Even better is offer directions from the person’s location (walking, by car, or by public transportation). 

CAPITALIZE ON THE NEW & COOL 

There some very interesting “new & cool” tools available to you as a local marketer. Many coffee shops (& we can’t mention Starbucks here), are using programs such as Foursquare & Facebook Locations to turn the location into a game. Consumers can “check-in” at your location, allowing you to provide incentives for consumers to visit a specific location more frequently by offering status (e.g. mayor status, badges), points, or incentives based on the number of visits (e.g. free appetizer on your fifth visit). 

Geo-targeted web marketing is a key part of growing your restaurant business, to attract local customers. 

Local Internet Marketing is much more than just slamming together a website. The real restaurant marketing work is about becoming “findable” in multiple places when a local consumer is searching for your type of product. 

READY TO TAKE YOUR RESTAURANT BUSINESS SERIOUSLY? 

Say "enough's enough" to half-empty dining rooms, humdrum shifts, and wondering which half of your marketing budget was wasted. 

73% of teenagers and adults are walking around with a smartphone (iPhone, Android, or Blackberry) in their back pocket. They use it for everything: Playing games, checking emails, texting their friends and ... googling your restaurant's site. If your site is not mobile ready, you're missing out on a lot of walk-ins. Download our Restaurant Commando's Mobile Readiness Checklist. 

How Accounts Payable Management Systems Can Benefit Your Restaurant Business 

4 Signs Of A Good AP Process

1. Your accounts payable system needs to be available 24-7 so you can appropriately make changes. As your business endeavors lead you through the rollercoaster of ups and downs, you need some organisation. Having the system available around the clock ensures that you can make data entries anytime you need to. Using an online system to keep track of this financial account is a good idea.

 2. Falling into the "I'll do it later" can be easy when invoices are piling up. During your busy season, you can quickly find a mountain of paperwork that hasn't been entered into your system. A good way to relieve you of this type of stress is to import invoices directly from vendors into a type of online system. Making payments to your vendors is critical to your business's reputation. Using online accounts payable management service you can schedule checks to be sent directly to the suppliers.

 3. Having a reference for all your accounts payable is very important. A tracking system must be utilised with any accounts payable process. Being able to track your payments is crucial to your business's success. Having the ease of tracking your payments online with a management service is fabulous. Using this system to take care of your accounts payable needs you can focus your attention on more important aspects of the business.

4. The finances of your business could be the most important aspect. Without a profit, you can't continue to operate. You want to be able to track items such as declining budget features, or even aging features. Aging features will allow you to ensure that your AP is paid in the time that is best for operations.

Your business's success depends upon your ability to handle and organises your finances. And without proper management, these accounts can get out of hand fast. Instead, opt for a success path. Choose a good AP tracking system that you will have 24-7 access and be able to see how your budget is faring. Keeping track of your accounts payable can prevent problems in the future for your business. And handling your budget properly starts with efficient management of your financial system.

How to Make a Beautiful Espresso with Bezzera

To make a beautiful espresso you require three key pillars.
Firstly you need premium quality coffee beans, secondly a trained barista and last but not least a quality commercial espresso machine.

Luckily at Federal we can help you on two of these fronts but sadly one of them isn't a trained barista... …better luck next time.
But none the less we can assist you on your journey for the perfect cup of espresso. How? you ask, by providing you with a range of premium quality coffee beans and high quality espresso coffee machines to match.

This range will include the beautifully designed and made Bezzera Italian espresso machines.

Why Choose Bezzera?

Many other manufacturers such as Saeco, Faema, Boema, Nuova Simonell, Rancilio, La Pavoni, Expobar, Unic, Grimac, ECM, San Marino, Brasilia and Wega have utilised Luigi’s invention, but Bezzera still remains the machine of choice. Bezzera’s espresso machines have always been known in the industry as the Mercedes or BMW, due to their design, reliability and the consistency in their steam pressure which results in the producing of an excellent cup of espresso every time.

Here are some key points to note about Bezzera:

One of the key factors on the way to that perfect cup of coffee is the consistency of the pressure, developed when extracting the coffee. Too little resistance in the coffee handle does not allow for sufficient pressure that results in an under extracted coffee: weak with little crema. Too much resistance on the other hand will cause an over extraction, bitter coffee and with little crema. Also you should note that they are:

o Inventor of Espresso machines in 1901
o Family owned by the Bezzera family with a continual focus on producing machines that live up to the family
honour and reputation.
o Have been perfecting espresso machines and their manufacture for over 100 years
o High degree of temperature stability
o Superior steam availability & thermal stability due to double probe (Low/Hi) boiler system to control precisely the ratio of steam and water – unique to Bezzera machines
o Produced with high quality components with all panels being top grade stainless steel

Bezzera has over 105 years experience in the design and manufacture of coffee machines which has lead to renown reliability, quality and performance.

To find out more about how we can assist you in achieving that perfect cup of espresso, please visit our site today.
Alternatively visit your nearest Showroom for a demonstration.

Buy Bezzera Coffee Machine

Some say it's the mixture, others say it's the way the mix is spread, or even the touch of the chef and their perfect timing. At Fed we believe all of these elements help define a delicious crepe but must importantly it is being able to trust the equipment you use we stand by our new line of crepe makers starting with the DE-1 Benchtop model.

DE-1 is made of a high quality stainless steel construction that withstand the harsh commercial cooking environment, and the finish well it is an added bonus.

The 400mm cooking surface is made of cast iron. This material has many benefits. First, it is an excellent heat conductor and it allows a better and even cooking, which is a must when cooking crepes. Second, it doesn't scratch which means no damage after decades of use. Finally, cast iron renders the surface non-stick so you do not need to add any cooking oils allowing for light and non-greasy crepes.

An easy to use temperature thermostat is located on the front of the unit so you can easily adjust the temperature at any stage of the cooking process to ensure a beautiful crepe at all times. As an added bonus the DE-1 also includes a warming tray that will keep your crepes nice and toasty warm will you are producing more.

The Cost of Installing a commercial coolroom can be costly, when you are running a business under tight margins it is important to find ways to stretch the bottom-line.

When it comes to working more efficiently, a Flat Pax Coolroom system or freezer room can help you achieve a significant return on investment.

The Cool room Flatpax is a DIY system that is constructed onsite by the enduser and can be fully functioning within one working day. Unlike other cool room systems the Flatpax system is constructed of durable insulated interlocking walls that can be used to construct any number of geometric or organic shapes to suit the confines of the building and the needs of the end-user.

Its non-permanent construction makes the Coolroom an ideal solution for those who are renting and wish to minimise the construction costs of setting up a commercial space.

For further information on FED's Cool room Flatpax System than please contact our Service depart on 1300 887 055 or request a site inspection on fedservices.com.au

All commercial kitchens operate with a high level of risk, and it's important to continually identify ways to protect your employees and ensure a safe working environment.

The purpose of a commercial kitchen exhaust hood is to remove heat and contaminants produced during the cooking process, thereby ensuring a clean kitchen and a reduction in fire hazards. The reduction of these hazards will ensure a safe and comfortable working environment for your employees, increasing productivity.

The FED Ventilation canopy is manufactured from high quality 1.2mm SUS 304 grade stainless steel which complies with AS1669.2.2014 Australian standards.

With its modular system the FED Ventilation can be easily installed to create the desired length from a small compact kitchen to a commercial sized restaurant and everything in between.

FED Ventilation will provide an efficient, cost effective solution to your commercial kitchen ventilation needs. We take care of everything from start to finish.

For more information or to organise a free and site inspection feel free to contact your local FED showroom or FED Service on 1300 887 055.

Commercial kitchen equipment in the food and beverage industry operates with tight margins, and it's important to continually streamline your production in your commercial kitchen.

When it comes to working more efficiently, increasing food quality, and boosting your bottom line, a Fast Blast Blast chiller or blast freezer can help you achieve a significant return on investment.

Here are some simple ways that the Fast Blast Blast chiller can help save your business money

How do they operate?

They operate in a similar fashion to combi or convection ovens with
powerful fans creating a fast even air flow, except the air is, of course, very cold instead of hot. Using a high-powered refrigeration system, cold air is blasted laterally over the product at high speed, extracting heat at an optimum rate, whilst maintaining food quality. Once the food is out of the Danger Zone and the chill or freeze cycle is complete, the equipment switches into "Hold mode" to keep the food at the required temperature (+3?C if chilled, -18?C if frozen)

Extend shelf life
Unlike normal commercial kitchen equipment solutions like blast chilling or blast freezing can significantly extend the shelf life of your food. With the addition of a Fast Blast blast chiller or blast freezer into your commercial kitchen, you can reduce moisture loss in cooked foods – increasing yield and maintaining delicious natural flavour and quality.

A chiller system also means you can keep much tighter product control, produce a higher quality of food all year around a, and cut the waste that can result from the traditional chilling and freezing process.

Buy in Bulk
As blast chiller or blast freezer ensures superior quality of your ingredients, you can buy larger quantities of produce when it is in season, readily available, and priced at its lowest. You can then store it for long periods of time, without compromising on quality or freshness.

It is widely accepted that in season premium quality products that have been blast frozen and thawed is often better quality than a fresh product that is available out of its peak season.

Blast chilling and blast freezing equipment simplifies your overall commercial kitchen ordering process, and enables you to plan more effectively, without too many disruptions to your menu caused by a lack of availability.

Reduce Waste
Kitchens with blast chillers and freezers throw away less food. Food left over, from a hot servery for example, can quickly and safely be chilled for later use, with complete confidence in its quality and safety.

Once prepared and chilled, only the correct numbers need be reheated, as legislation states that chilled food can be safely kept below +3?C for up to 5 days after production. Fast Blast blast chiller and blast freezer from F.E.D help alleviate this problem, and enable you to reduce the likelihood of damaged food.

Operate more effectively
A blast chiller / blast freezer system can also streamline production processes within your commercial kitchen - assisting your staff to work faster and more effectively.

This gives you the flexibility to adjust your staffing levels to meet demand, as well as manage your overall operating costs.

Fast Blast blast chiller and blast freezer also help you meet food safety requirements by reducing the potential growth of
micro-organisms which result in your food deteriorating more quickly.

Interested to find out more about what makes F.E.D's Fast Blast blast chiller or blast freezer superior to other commercial chiller and commercial refrigeration products?

Our network of dealer showrooms is well resourced to provide all the information you need on the Fast Blast range.
To see any of the equipment in action, simply contact your local showroom to book in for a demonstration. Our knowledgeable
sales team will help you in selecting the right commercial kitchen equipment for your business.

What is Sous Vide

Sous vide is French for "under vacuum" is a cooking method that involves sealing the food in an air tight plastic pouch ideally using a vacuum sealer and cooking it in a water bath at a constant temperature typically around 55 ?C (131 ?F) to 60 ?C (140 ?F) for proteins and even higher for vegetables.

A sous vide can cook proteins, vegetables and fruits, intensifies flavours and maintains the beautiful succulent juices of the produce, without any risk of overcooking.

With vegetables it allows that they are cooked through without losing their texture and becoming undesirably soft.

With gamier or tougher cuts of protein it will cook and tenderize the protein ensuring for flavoursome mouth-watering dish without any risk of a dry end product.

The sous vide will always provide you with superior flavours and unique texture that tastes amazing!

Factory Seconds

Food Equipment Distributors supply high quality professional equipment, which from time to time are damaged in transit or have been displayed and demonstrated in our showroom.

These products still maintain our high standards of professional , reliable catering equipment.

Buy Smart

Why purchase new ? The model is the same quality but it might have a few scratches or some carton damage, which equals greater savings for you. These savings can be used in fitting out your next cafe with a custom made solid stone bar table, updating your furniture with our great range of chairs, or even allow you to upgrade to a larger model of commercial cooking equipment, which you hadn’t budgeted for.

Warranty

Most of our Factory Seconds at Food Equipment Distributors
come with a 12 month warranty as standard with the option to extend this for refrigeration products by a further 2 years.

So next time you come by our showroom or visit our website take a moment to have a look at our factory seconds you will be surprised with what you might find.

What is 304 Grade Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is versatile and wide ranging. It serves a variety of industrial, architectural, consumer, and transportation applications.

F.E.D. 304 Grade Stainless Steel the industry standard stainless steel grade. It offers a high level of resistance to corrosion.

Practical and Reliable offer the Best Value

Our high quality tables provide an excellent foundation for any kitchen. Height adjustable with galvanised steel undershelf and legs.

Our sink units are fantastically priced deep units with raised lip all around to help prevent spillage and items slipping off and rear splashback which keeps items from falling behind the sink. Angled draining rack ensures water runs back to the sink to drain away, preventing pooling, speeding drying and improving hygiene. Adjustable legs allow stable positioning on uneven surfaces whilst strong undershelf provides vital undersink storage for cleaning equipment and chemicals. Supplied with stand, shelf and waste.

Keeping an eye on new stock arriving in our showroom is a great opportunity to check out the latest in commercial catering equipment, and the new range of Belleview range will not disappoint. Their SCRF and C4RF drop-in counter top display looks great, are simple to use and deserve a space in any commercial space that believes in excellence and quality.

Why Choose Belleview?

With the reputation for high quality the Belleview food display will not disappoint with its latest release. With the under mounted compressor the food display unit is installed into a countertop with minimal modifications, easy access to replenish food display with both front and rear sliding doors, robust stainless steel construction will withstand any commercial catering environment, easy to operate and use with its accessible temperature control

The Bellview SCRF andC4RF will be a great addition to any cafe looking to upgrade their food display with a product that has a small footprint and will make large impact.

Bonvue SLBP Range

Keeping an eye on new stock arriving in our showroom is a great opportunity to check out the latest in commercial catering equipment, and the new range of Bonvue will not disappoint. Their SLBP food display looks great, are simple to use and deserve a space in any cafe that believes in excellence and quality.

Why Choose Bonvue?

With the reputation for high quality the Bonvue food display will not disappoint with its latest release. Its clean design will compliment any cafe, its robust stainless steel construction will withstand any commercial catering environment, easy to operate and use with its accessible temperature control.

The Bonvue SLBP will be a great addition to any cafe looking to upgrade their food display with a product that has struck the balance between quality and value for money.

Our cross back chair range are classic French provincial styling and are reminiscent of the classic cafe chairs.

With a curved back and solid timber framing they are comfortable, versatile and elegantly casual, making these a perfect choice for any caf? or restaurant searching for a touch of casual elegance.

You can choose from a variety of finishes and from
two distinct styles.

Visit our showroom today and have a look for yourself.

Restaurants and bakeries are always in need of quality stainless steel benching to help make their operations work faster. This type of equipment, as well as other restaurant and kitchen equipment is available from Australia's number one importer and supplier, Food Equipment Distributors (F.E.D.). The company has been providing the highest quality commercial food equipment to the hospitality industry for over 45 years.

When it comes to stainless steel benching, F.E.D. carries it all. From sink benches and trolleys to dishwasher benches and wall shelves, Food Equipment Distributors has all the necessary equipment to meet the demands of its customers. The supplier prides itself on having the largest range of commercial restaurant, kitchen, catering, bakery, and refrigeration equipment in all of Australasia. There is a lot of truth to their slogan "All you need is under our roofs."

Being the nation's number one importer and supplier of equipment in the industry, F.E.D. is able to offer customers the lowest possible prices as well. Customers will not find stainless steel benching, for example, cheaper anywhere else. If they do, F.E.D. will beat any competitor's prices on identical products.

Not only does F.E.D. have the industry's lowest prices, it also offers exceptional customer service and support. With a nationwide network of dealers and locations in each of the Australian states and in New Zealand, Food Equipment Distributors is able to reach out to all of its customers rather easily. It can offer preventative maintenance on all of its equipment. The various showrooms are staffed by experienced consultants who can help customers decide which products best meet their needs. Warehouses are stocked full of spare parts should they be needed by customers.

Searching for quality catering equipment is made easy by Food Equipment Distributors, which carries the largest range ofcommercial food, kitchen, and catering equipment in all of Australasia. F.E.D. has over forty-five years of experience in the commercial food industry and with offices, showrooms, and warehouses throughout Australia and New Zealand, the company is able to provide excellent support and service to its customers.

There really is no other choice when it comes to commercial catering and kitchen equipment in Australia and New Zealand. Food Equipment Distributors offers the lowest prices anywhere and has the largest selection of kitchen, food, and refrigeration equipment in all of Australasia. With their years of experience, the company understands the value of great customer service. F.E.D. takes care of its customers with its service department that stocks spare parts and is available for preventative maintenance at any time.

F.E.D. has a nationwide network of dealers with showrooms and warehouses in each of the Australian states and New Zealand. Restaurants and catering companies can easily find a dealer nearby. Everything anyone in the food or restaurant industry could ever need is under the Food Equipment Distributors' roof. Whether it is catering equipment, a display fridge, or an electric fryer, F.E.D. has it, and they will beat any genuine competitor's price. Their experienced staff is able to meet with potential customers for tours of their showrooms. For the opportunity to buy restaurant equipment at the lowest possible prices anywhere in Australia, contact Food Equipment Distributors today.