When starting up a restaurant or café, one of your biggest purchases will be correctly equipping your kitchen. This can also be the source of many major decisions and headaches as to what products perfectly suit your needs. The sheer volume of equipment to choose from can seem like a mind-boggling whirl of information. Don’t lose your head or your sanity and take some comfort from our simple reference guide to finding the catering equipment perfect for your requirements.
Top Tips
- You get what you pay for. You wouldn’t buy an old banger and expect it to perform like a Ferrari and this theory works on the same principle in regard to catering equipment. If you buy from a budget range the productivity and efficiency will not compare with the more advanced end of the market. As with everything, quality comes at a price, so ascertain your maximum budget for each unit before looking into the nitty-gritty details of the specifications.
- Choose the correct level of performance at the correct level of duty. Research and compare each equipment option to narrow down your selection. Buying a piece of equipment that is suitable only for light duties will be unable to cope with the demands of a fast paced, high turnover kitchen. Similarly, spending more for a heavy duty unit will be wasted if it is not used to full capacity.
- Plan for the future. With the correct level of t.l.c, maintenance and servicing your commercial catering equipment should last for at least 10 years, according to CHD Expert. This figure will be variable and reliant on the fuel type i.e. gas or electric; the purpose of the unit e.g. cookers will generally last longer than dishwashers etc. and the amount of care the equipment receives. If you are in the process of setting up your business but plan to expand in the future it would be wise to buy equipment that will suit your ultimate goal. Purchasing a smaller, lighter duty product would soon need replacing, leading to a potential financial loss.
- Try not to work your unit to its maximum capacity. If you require a specific amount of energy and power from a piece of equipment always select a model that can exceed your needs. Running a unit to breaking point will add unneeded stress to the machinery. By allowing a little room for manoeuvre, you will save many potential breakdowns and will prolong the lifespan of your equipment.
- Gas or electric as a power source. It may seem simple; if you have gas fittings select a gas model, if you have electric fittings, select an electric model. However, it is surprising how many people buy in haste and then realise on delivery that the fuel source isn’t compatible with their building. Many people become so overwhelmed by the facts and figures that they forget to check the simplest of things. Always confirm before purchase that you have the basics right and are getting the correct fuel sourced product.
- Ease of maintenance. Commercial catering equipment takes the full force of the kitchen and at the end of a shift it can look a little worse for wear. This is where cleaning and general maintenance is required. Selecting a unit that can offer self-cleaning options is always ideal for a thorough, effective and hygienic result. If your intended model doesn’t incorporate this feature, you can still achieve a quality finish, but you will need more elbow grease to achieve the same result.
- Consult an independent supplier. Often approaching a specific manufacturer will result in you being sold one of their models, whether this is perfect for you or not. An independent supplier has no loyalty to any single company and can offer knowledgeable and informative advice on a whole range of equipment. With no bias involved you are guaranteed to be getting the unit perfectly suited to your needs, requirements and budget.
- Check the commercial warranty details. Some manufacturers offer a full warranty which covers parts and labour whilst others will only give a parts only warranty. The length of the cover will also be variable depending on the brand. Obviously the preferred option is a full warranty as this can prove much more cost-effective in the long run. Breakdowns and part failure are inevitable when dealing with equipment that is under such high demand so cover your business from the start and save any unexpected costs in the future.
- Look for any hidden extra costs. Always read descriptions in depth and if you still have any doubts contact your intended supplier. Some manufacturers and ranges may not include all the essential equipment, advertising these pieces at an additional cost. What use is an oven with no shelves or saucepans with no lids? Be aware of any details that appear hazy and always be sure what you are getting before you make any final purchases.