What to Look for When Buying Commercial Kitchen Equipment

By October 2020, New Zealanders had spent about $79 million at restaurants, cafes, and takeaways. The figures show how much New Zealanders love to eat out. That explains why the catering and hospitality industry is booming.

If you are a restaurant owner or plan to start one soon, the commercial kitchen equipment you buy may determine your success. You don’t want to keep your customers waiting for their orders for an extended period. And neither do you want to have massive state-of-the-art kitchen equipment that you will hardly use.

So, what should you look for when sourcing the right kitchen equipment? Here are some tips to guide you.

Quality

When buying commercial kitchen equipment, you hope that it will last. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

If you run a busy eatery, your cooks will be putting in an extra shift during peak hours. And investing in poor-quality cooking equipment could slow down your business. Besides that, if your kitchen appliances break down regularly, you will spend more on repairs.

Choose kitchen pieces of equipment that are built to last. Moreover, most renowned brands use high-quality materials when manufacturing various kitchen supplies. Some of these materials include food-grade stainless steel. Bain marie is a popular piece of kitchen equipment used for gently heating or keeping food warm, and it is often made with durable stainless steel construction for longevity.

Energy Efficiency

Most types of commercial kitchen equipment tend to consume a lot of energy. Regardless of which kind of energy you will be using in the kitchen, you must keep your eyes on the overheads. Otherwise, your energy bills could quickly eat into your profits.

Buying energy-efficient kitchen appliances will undoubtedly help you save a significant amount of money. If you can drive down your utility costs by about 20%, you will increase your profits remarkably.

As you choose your equipment, consider your power source and outlet. The last thing you want is power cables crisscrossing your kitchen. They may pose a danger to your workers and business.

Plan the acquisition of your equipment around the layout of the kitchen. And when sourcing the appliances, think about the space they will occupy.

When it comes to storing large quantities of food items in a commercial kitchen, chest freezers NZ are a popular option due to their ability to maintain a consistent temperature and ample storage capacity while also being energy efficient.

Maintenance and Ease of Use

Maintaining kitchen equipment in a busy hotel can be daunting. You will need to clean these kitchen appliances regularly. Hence, you want to purchase equipment that is easy to clean.

For example, invest in stainless steel racks, tables, benches, and sinks. These are not only easy to clean but also durable.

Also, kitchen appliances may sometimes break down, and looking for equipment with readily available parts will come in handy. The apparatus should have a manual and be easy to use.

Size and Functionality

There are many types of commercial kitchen equipment on the market and while some will look fancy and appropriate for a kitchen, you will have to be objective.

First off, prepare your menu. It will act as a guide for the food preparation methods that your workers will use most. But besides that, it will shed light on the essential appliances you will need.

The ultimate objective is to stick to the script and avoid buying equipment that you will barely use. Additionally,  consider the size of your kitchen and factor in the number of customers you will expect in a day.

If your kitchen is somewhat small, focus on the multi-functional equipment. An appliance that combines two or three functions will occupy a small space. Nonetheless, its output will be commendable.

For example, you can opt for equipment that combines a steamer and an oven. Today, many different styled kitchen supplies will offer great options.

If you buy too many large pieces for your kitchen, you will pay more utility bills. On the other hand, small appliances for your business will frustrate your staff.

Getting the equipment size right will streamline your operations.

Warranties

Most commercial kitchen appliances are expensive. For this reason, you want to buy pieces with good warranties. You need to know what the manufacturer will fix or not repair in case of a breakdown.

A warranty will also protect your interests. For example, some appliances come with manufacturing defects. And you may only realize it when you start using them.

In such scenarios, you want to guarantee the manufacturer will step in and resolve the issue. They may replace the entire equipment or repair it for free. When comparing two similar types of equipment, pick the one with a more extended warranty.

Costs

Commercial kitchen appliances may take up most of your initial capital when opening a new restaurant. Hence you have to draw up a budget before sourcing this equipment. Ensure that you have captured every item needed to start the business.

If there are appliances you do not intend to use frequently, you can buy them pre-owned. However, you will need to scrutinize the equipment thoroughly before paying for it.

Nonetheless, do not compromise on the quality of the major appliances. In the long run, this could be a costly mistake. Go for high-grade kitchenware because it will help you maintain cleanliness.

Choose the Right Supplier

Suppliers who provide after-sales services are always the best. Go for a supplier that helps with the onsite installation. If they also offer repair and maintenance services, that’s a plus.

In your quest to find the right commercial kitchen equipment, you will come across many different suppliers and brands. You will need to do your homework before picking one.

Read reviews on your potential suppliers. Consider the seller with the most positive customer feedback. Negative comments on a particular supplier should raise a red flag.

Always purchase commercial kitchen equipment from the best suppliers.

Invest in the Best Commercial Kitchen Equipment

As an aspiring or veteran business owner, buying the best commercial kitchen equipment is always the right strategy. Implementing the tips we have provided above, will ensure that you do not disappoint yourself or your customers.

Are you looking for kitchen equipment that will last? We specialize in all types of commercial kitchen appliances. We’ve got you covered whether you are looking for refrigeration, beverage equipment, or cooking equipment.

Contact us today, and we will be happy to serve you.