Top Must-Have Equipment for Starting a Restaurant

Getting the Best Equipment for the Best Products

Starting a restaurant can be a fulfilling and exciting endeavor, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest challenges that new restaurant owners face is obtaining and utilizing the right equipment. Having the right equipment is essential for producing high-quality food consistently and efficiently, and it can make all the difference in the success of your restaurant.

What are the Top 5 Must-Have Pieces of Equipment for Starting a Restaurant?

The top 5 pieces of equipment that any new restaurant owner should invest in and the reasons they're crucial for opening a successful restaurant are covered in this article.

1. Commercial refrigerator: One of the most vital pieces of equipment for any restaurant is a commercial refrigerator. It is used to keep prepared foods at the right temperature until they are ready to be served as well as to store perishable ingredients. It would be impossible to safely store ingredients and keep them fresh for extended periods of time without a commercial refrigerator -- it is truly a lifeline for all business owners’ basic necessities.
2. Commercial oven: A commercial oven is a necessary and quality equipment piece for cooking and baking dishes. Ovens come in a variety of sizes and styles, and it's important to choose one that is the right size for your kitchen and menu. For example, if you plan on serving a lot of baked goods, you may want to invest in a larger oven with multiple racks -- pro-tip for the new business owners out there..
3. Commercial stove: To cook food on the stovetop, a business requires a commercial stove. It's imperative to select a stove that is the proper size for your kitchen and menu since stoves come in a variety of styles and sizes. For instance, you might want to buy a wok stove if you intend to prepare a lot of stir-fry dishes. For a detailed and customized approach on finding out what is right for you, American Chef Supply can consult on best practices and equipment per business need.
4. Commercial dishwasher: The kitchen needs a commercial dishwasher to stay sanitary and clean. It keeps the kitchen organized and functional by being used to wash dishes, glassware, and utensils. It would be impossible to keep up with the steady stream of dirty dishes that pass through a restaurant kitchen without a commercial dishwasher.
5. Commercial food processor: For any restaurant, a commercial food processor is a necessary piece of equipment. It is used to quickly and effectively prepare ingredients. And as time progresses and more businesses are integrating efficiency products and types of equipment to assist in quality measures, commercial food processors are just one of the necessary game-changers. Ingredients can be chopped, ground, and pureed in a food processor, among other things. Additionally, they can be used to make dressings, dips, and sauces.

Restaurants may benefit from a wide range of additional tools and appliances in addition to these necessary pieces of equipment. For instance, the dough can be made using a commercial mixer, and pancakes and other breakfast foods can be cooked on a commercial griddle. French fries and chicken can be fried in a commercial deep fryer, while vegetables and seafood can be steamed in a commercial steamer. 

When opening a restaurant, it's crucial to take into account the unique requirements of your menu and kitchen when selecting equipment. The size of your kitchen and the available space should also be taken into account. For instance, you might need to spend money on small appliances that can be conveniently stored away when not in use if your kitchen is small. 

The expense of the equipment is a significant additional factor to take into account when opening a restaurant. Budgeting for restaurant equipment is highly important because it can be quite expensive. The long-term costs of equipment, such as maintenance and repairs, must also be taken into account. Long-term financial savings can be achieved by making an investment in durable, high-quality equipment.

Where to Get Must-Have Pieces of Equipment for Starting a Restaurant

For those new restaurant owners who are looking for help in navigating the equipment buying process, American Chef Supply is a company that can help. American Chef Supply is a leading provider of high-quality equipment and supplies for restaurants, catering companies, and other food