Running a food business involves many different steps, and one of the most important is choosing the best kitchen equipment.
Having the right appliances and utensils helps streamline the kitchen operation and reflect on its quality.
Equipping your business well requires an investment of both money and time since you must evaluate different brands and products before making a purchase.
Maybe this is the first time you start in this industry or have little experience in the field. In that case, you must lean on your future chef, partner, or an expert to make sure your equipment acquisition is done efficiently to get started.
Quality is better than quantity. So, choose only equipment from recognized brands, demand quality certifications, and the highest possible warranty.
There is a huge number of products you can buy. However, there are some that we consider are essential for any food retailer. Here are seven types of equipment every food retailer needs.
Table of Contents
Shelves
This type of furniture helps to keep everything organized within your kitchen. Shelves can be used to store ingredients, dishes, utensils, and small appliances.
Look for models that are resistant to oxidation and with humidity-resistant coatings. Think about where you plan to place them first so that you can choose the most appropriate size for your business.
Chef Knives
A sharp set of knives is essential for any business that handles food. These utensils often have comfortable ergonomic handles, ideal for long-term use when preparing large amounts of food.
The difference between a good and a bad knife is enormous, not only in cutting efficiency but also in its durability and the comfort of the person who will use it.
Refrigeration Equipment
In any foodservice business, it is essential to have enough refrigerators and freezers. Thanks to these appliances, you can store ingredients in good condition for a longer time than if they were kept at room temperature.
Choose a model with the capacity and characteristics according to your business’s needs. It is essential to have enough space to store what you need without being disorganized.
Make sure they are made with stainless materials to ensure that they have the best possible durability.
Commercial Weighing Scales
Every food retailer needs good weighing scales. Whether you weigh ingredients during food preparation or the finished product you will sell, this equipment is your best ally.
Consider the average size and weight of what you expect to weigh in your business so that you can choose appropriate commercial weighing scales. These products must be of acceptable quality and have a calibration certificate.
Cooking Equipment
This category includes stoves, ovens (electric, gas, or microwave), commercial grills, fryers, and even exhaust hoods to help prevent smoke from spreading to other business areas.
There are various sizes and models of these appliances, and they tend to occupy a large amount of space in general.
An Ice Maker
There are few things worse for a restaurant or food business than not having ice to serve cool drinks.
Making ice is quite tedious. Buying bags is uneconomical and takes up a lot of freezer space. The best solution is to purchase an ice maker that guarantees a constant ice supply so that you never have this problem.
Cleaning Tools
Cleanliness is not something that you should overlook. Every food business must have the necessary tools to thoroughly clean equipment and facilities to eliminate bacteria and avoid conditions that may represent a sanitary problem.
If you have all these aspects covered, you already have the basics to start your business. Little by little, you can acquire more specific equipment that will help your food retail be a success.
Always remember to select the best quality equipment so that you can have the best final products.
