Restaurant Equipment List: Essential Tools & Supplies

The right tools ensure smooth kitchen operations, reduce downtime and enhance the dining experience. This guide covers essential restaurant equipment—from cooking appliances to sanitation tools—providing insights on making informed purchasing decisions tailored to your restaurant’s needs.

1. Cooking Equipment

When choosing cooking equipment for your restaurant, you’re going to have to do quite a bit of research. Commercial restaurant equipment pricing is much different than your regular home appliances.

And so, commercial kitchen equipment is one of the biggest investments you’re going to have to make early on to get your business up and running. It’s something you need to calculate carefully and include in your restaurant business plan.

Ranges and Griddles

The first things you should consider when making your restaurant kitchen equipment list are ranges and griddles. There are gas, electric, and induction ranges, each coming with different pros and cons. The choice will often depend on local energy prices, government regulations, business grants, and local suppliers.

Range Types: Gas range provides immediate heat and precise temperature control, making it ideal for professional kitchens where quick adjustments are essential. Electric range offers even heating and is easier to clean, though it can be slower to adjust temperatures, making it better suited for baking and low-intensity cooking. Induction range heats cookware directly through electromagnetic fields, providing the fastest heating times and highest energy efficiency, which is perfect for kitchens that prioritize quick, precise cooking.
Griddle Types: Flat-top griddle offers a large, smooth cooking surface, ideal for cooking a variety of foods like pancakes, eggs, and burgers with consistent heat distribution. Grooved griddle, on the other hand, provides a ridged surface, which is perfect for grilling meats and vegetables, giving them grill marks and allowing excess fats to drain away.Dual-sided griddles combine both flat and grooved surfaces, offering versatility for a range of cooking needs in a single piece of equipment.

In essence, gas ranges offer immediate heat control, making them ideal for fast-paced environments, while electric ranges provide even, consistent heat suited for baking and simmering. Induction ranges are the most energy-efficient and offer rapid heating.

Flat-top griddles provide versatile cooking surfaces, whereas grooved griddles are specialized for grilling meats.

A Few words on Commercial Outdoor Grills

If you’re in the barbeque or catering business, you will also have to consider getting a commercial outdoor grill so that you can cook food outside when a need arises. And also, make sure to use proper catering software to support your everyday operations.

When picking an outdoor grill, think about what suits your cooking style—gas grills are more convenient, while charcoal gives that classic smoky flavor. Make sure the grill size fits your space and can handle the number of people you usually cook for.

Look for sturdy materials like stainless steel or cast iron so it holds up outdoors. Lastly, check out extra features like side burners, temperature gauges, and storage options to make your grilling experience even better.

Ovens

The next thing you’ll likely need to consider when buying restaurant kitchen equipment is an oven. It’s pretty much a must in any commercial kitchen. As it is with all the kitchen equipment you’re going to stumble upon, ovens come in many different shapes and forms.

Similar to ranges, you should do research in regard to energy prices and local government grants.

While commercial ovens offer general versatility, convection ovens are better suited for even cooking and faster baking times. Combination ovens provide flexibility by incorporating steam, while pizza ovens are specialized for high-temperature cooking. Conveyor ovens excel in high-volume settings, offering consistent, automated cooking.

The choice between induction, electric, and gas stoves and ovens is a delicate one and should be researched thoroughly. Apart from the obvious, like safety maintenance, usability, and durability, make sure you’ve done thorough work researching local energy prices and business grants.

Local governments often offer higher grants for more energy-efficient elements, so make sure you think carefully before deciding between a gas or electric grill or oven. Learn more about restaurant financing.

2. Additional Cooking & Food Preparation Equipment

Another type of kitchen equipment you’ll likely have to consider would be various food processors, mixers, cutters, and slicers. Your restaurant kitchen equipment list will largely depend on what you’re planning on serving as well as your initial budget.

Food preparation equipment is particularly important for restaurants that offer a variety of foods, like bistros and catering businesses.

Keep in mind that these kinds of equipment are best bought new; used mixers and food processors usually come from busy restaurant kitchens and have usually seen their best years. Unlike commercial ovens, grills, or freezers, these are more prone to breakage.

Mixers and Food Processors

Mixers and food processors are essential for efficient food preparation, particularly in bakeries and kitchens that handle large volumes of prep work.

Good food processors can handle steam cooking, air frying, and deep frying, all the while keeping the prepped food warm for hours.

Types of Mixers:Floor mixer: Large and powerful, designed for high-volume mixing, ideal for bakeries and restaurants that prepare large quantities of dough or batter.Countertop mixer: Smaller and more compact, suitable for lighter tasks in kitchens with less space or lower output needs.
Types of Food Processors:Batch bowl processor: Best for small batches of ingredients, such as chopping vegetables or making sauces.Continuous feed food processor: Designed for high-volume operations, allowing continuous input of ingredients, perfect for large-scale food preparation.
Other:Charbroilers: Provide intense, direct heat, ideal for grilling meats and vegetables, imparting a smoky flavor that’s difficult to replicate with other methods. Perfect for steakhouses, barbecue restaurants, or any establishment specializing in grilled dishes.Fryers: Available in gas or electric models, used for deep-frying foods like fries, chicken, and seafood.

Floor mixers are designed for heavy-duty use and large batches, making them ideal for high-output bakeries. Countertop mixers are more compact and versatile for smaller tasks. Batch bowl processors handle smaller quantities efficiently, while continuous feed processors are better suited for large-scale operations.

Charbroilers deliver high heat for grilling, which is ideal for achieving smoky, charred flavors. Fryers are specialized for deep frying, with gas fryers heating faster and recovering temperature quicker, making them suitable for high-volume frying, while electric fryers are easier to maintain and offer more consistent heat.

Cutting Tools and Slicers

Sharp, reliable cutting tools are essential for precision and consistency in food preparation. Most importantly, however, they make everyone’s life much easier.

Cutting tools and slicers can save a lot of space that would otherwise have to be used for prep tables while saving a lot of preparation time and effort. They’re a worthy position on your restaurant equipment list.

Manual slicers provide greater control and are suited for smaller operations, while automatic slicers excel in high-volume settings where speed is essential. Mandoline slicers are specialized for creating thin, uniform slices, making them ideal for presentation-focused dishes.

3. Refrigeration and Storage

Refrigeration and storage are as important as getting the right cooking equipment. For some types of restaurants, perhaps even more. Proper storage and refrigeration is a matter of life and death; after all, you do not want to serve expired food and end up paying massive fines… not to mention losing your business!

Refrigerators and Freezers

Refrigerators and freezers keep perishable items fresh, prevent spoilage, and reduce waste. Proper refrigeration preserves the flavor, texture, and nutritional value of ingredients, which is essential for delivering high-quality dishes to customers.

Additionally, reliable refrigeration makes kitchen operations much easier by granting easy access to ingredients and supporting the overall efficiency of your restaurant.

Walk-in coolers offer extensive storage capacity for large-scale operations, while reach-in refrigerators provide quick access to commonly used items. Under-counter units are perfect for tight spaces, and blast chillers are specialized for rapidly cooling food, which is absolutely key for food safety in high-volume kitchens.

Shelving and Storage Racks

Proper shelving and storage organization are vital for maintaining an efficient, safe, and clean kitchen. Keeping your storage organized will make the entire restaurant work far smoother.

That’s because keeping essential restaurant supplies organized and at hand will allow your staff to build muscle memory and save a lot of time they’d otherwise have to spend searching for ingredients. Make sure to include a good bit about organization in your restaurant training!

Stainless steel shelving offers the highest durability and load capacity, making it suitable for heavy-duty storage. Wire shelving is more cost-effective and provides better airflow, while epoxy-coated shelving is designed to withstand moisture, making it ideal for wet areas or walk-in coolers.

Remember to balance your budget and buy restaurant equipment according to your business needs. For example, if you’re serving a lot of perishable and processed food that requires minimal refrigeration, consider getting more food storage containers or food prep counters instead.

If you’re, say, betting on bubble tea to bring in big bucks, consider getting a quality ice machine instead of the latest blast chiller. In other words, choose carefully and plan ahead through your restaurant business plan, depending on your restaurant business model.

4. Beverage Equipment

Beverage equipment is important whether you own a coffee shop or a fast-food restaurant. Beverages are a significant source of additional revenue for all types of restaurants, so it only makes sense to provide a good selection of drinks.

If you’ve not yet developed your drink and beverage menu, consider doing so with our guide on menu engineering.

Coffee Machines

Offering popular options like specialty coffees, smoothies, and cocktails can not only better the overall dining experience but, as we’ve already mentioned, give you a solid boost in revenue. By serving high-quality coffee and creative blended drinks, you can attract more customers, meet diverse tastes, and keep guests coming back for more.

Espresso machines are essential for quality-focused coffee service, offering customization for each cup, while drip coffee makers handle bulk brewing efficiently. High-speed blenders are powerful and versatile for a variety of beverages, whereas immersion blenders are more portable and suited for smaller tasks.

Blenders, Juicers, and Ice Machines

Blenders, juicers, and ice machines are key to improving your drink offerings. Blenders help you make smooth, consistent smoothies and cocktails. Juicers let you offer fresh, healthy juices that are a big draw for customers.

The right ice machine can produce the perfect type of ice—whether cubed, crushed, or flaked—to enhance the presentation and quality of your drinks. These machines make your menu more versatile and appealing, helping to attract more customers and boost sales.

Types of blenders:High-speed blenders: Perfect for smoothies, milkshakes, and purees, capable of handling ice and tough ingredients.Immersion blenders: Portable and convenient for quick blending tasks like soups and sauces.
Types of juicers:Centrifugal juicers: Fast and efficient, best for quick juice extraction from fruits and vegetables.Masticating juicers: Operate more slowly but produce higher-quality juice with more nutrients, ideal for health-focused menus.Citrus juicers: Specialized for oranges, lemons, and limes, offering quick and easy juice extraction for cocktails and fresh drinks
Types of ice machines:Cubed ice machines: Produce standard-sized cubes, ideal for general beverage service.Crushed ice machines: Perfect for cocktails and specialty drinks that require smaller ice pieces.Flaked ice machines: Often used for seafood displays and buffet presentations, offering a soft, moldable ice texture.

Centrifugal juicers are quick and efficient for fast service while masticating juicers focus on quality and nutrient retention. Citrus juicers are specialized for citrus fruits. Cubed ice is versatile for most drinks, crushed ice adds texture to cocktails, and flaked ice is perfect for displays.

When it comes to blenders, high-powered blenders are essential for creating smooth, consistent beverages, especially when processing tough ingredients like ice, frozen fruits, or fibrous vegetables, making them ideal for smoothies and frozen cocktails.

5. Dishwashing and Sanitation

Effective dishwashing and sanitation are essential for keeping your kitchen safe and running smoothly. Properly sanitized dishes prevent health issues and ensure compliance with regulations.

Reliable dishwashing equipment, like commercial dishwashers and sanitizing stations, speeds up cleaning and reduces the risk of contamination, keeping your kitchen efficient and hygienic.

Dishwashers

A sturdy, commercial dishwashing machine can literally transform your restaurant. It’s also one of those things that don’t really break, so it can easily be added to your used restaurant equipment list.

Conveyor dishwashers are best for high-volume settings due to their continuous operation, while under-counter models are more suited for limited spaces. Door-type dishwashers offer a versatile solution for mid-sized kitchens needing efficient dishwashing with a smaller footprint.

Sinks and Faucets

Sinks and faucets are vital in your restaurant to keep everything clean and safe. You need them for washing hands, cleaning produce, and sanitizing dishes—essential tasks that keep your kitchen running smoothly and up to code.

The right setup means your staff can work quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of contamination. It’s not just about having them; it’s about making sure they’re reliable and easy to use so you’re not constantly dealing with breakdowns or slowdowns in your kitchen.

Three-compartment sinks are essential for full-service kitchens needing to handle all aspects of dishwashing manually. Bar sinks are tailored for smaller, more focused tasks like glassware cleaning, while prep sinks are specifically designed for food preparation areas.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Restaurant Equipment

Whether you’re buying a commercial outdoor grill, safety equipment, cutting boards, prep tables, or a kitchen display system, there are certain things that apply universally across all kitchen equipment. Make sure you follow the below practices when buying your restaurant kitchen equipment.

What to look out for:

Budget and cost: Balance upfront costs with long-term savings. Energy-efficient models may cost more initially but save on utility bills over time. Durable equipment reduces frequent replacement needs. Leasing offers lower initial costs and easier upgrades, while buying may be more economical in the long run.
Maintenance and care: Choose equipment that’s easy to clean and maintain. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns. Make sure parts are readily available and affordable. Train staff on proper use and upkeep to extend equipment life.
Compliance and safety: Ensure all equipment meets health and safety standards. Look for fire safety features like automatic shut-off valves. Conduct regular audits and inspections to maintain compliance and operational safety, addressing any issues immediately.
Technology: While not an immediate part of restaurant equipment, you also have to consider purchasing relevant technological equipment, such as online ordering pos, a food ordering system, or a restaurant mobile app.