What do you need before you start your ? Well, you can’t do anything until you’ve purchased and installed your commercial kitchen.
Your commercial kitchen layout could cost you between $250,000 to $350,000.
Such a significant investment means you need to research everything. You can’t afford to get this wrong.
Remember that you need high-quality equipment to withstand the demands of hungry diners. And everything needs to be considered so the journey of your food goes from preparation to the plate seamlessly.
In this article, you’ll discover you need to know about setting up a commercial kitchen layout. Let’s discover together!
1. The Kitchen Is the Heart of the Restuarant
The kitchen is the heart that keeps everything else in check. This is where the magic happens, where we transform raw ingredients into delicious meals.
However, this is not like an ordinary kitchen. A commercial kitchen has several people working tirelessly to prepare, cook, and plate up the food all the time.
So it’s really important everything runs smoothly and efficiently. This way, you can cope in the busiest of periods.
Understanding that your kitchen is the most important place in your restaurant reinforces how important these decisions are going to be.
2. Brand New, Borrowed, or Second-Hand?
You have three main options to choose from when you’re selecting kitchen equipment.
You can purchase brand new kitchen equipment. This is the most expensive choice but sometimes worthwhile. However, your kitchen utensils and dishes should be purchased new.
You also have the option to lease equipment. This would normally require monthly payments. This is especially useful for kitchen items that don’t last long, such as ice dispenser machines.
Lastly, you can buy used or second-hand kitchen equipment. This is especially common for durable kitchen items, such as commercial ovens. However, be careful that you’re not buying damaged or broken items, because this would be a waste of money.
Most commercial kitchens are equipped with a mixture of all the above. But it’s important you make the right decisions about which items should be new, leased, and used.
4. Storage Space in Your Commercial Kitchen Layout
“A place for everything and everything in its place.” This is a great motto when it comes to designing your commercial kitchen.
Keeping things organized in your commercial kitchen will facilitate efficiency. That’s why storage space is so important.
You need to consider different kinds of storage space. For example, you need space for both perishable and non-perishable foods.
It’s also important to reserve space of dry storage and the storage of your kitchen equipment when not in use.
If you maintain an organized kitchen storage space, then everything will be like clockwork.
5. Your Commerical Oven
The commercial ovens that available on the market are designed to withstand the high intensity of cooking that goes on in a busy restaurant.
This is probably going to be the most expensive kitchen appliance you’re going to purchase when kitting out your kitchen. You need to get one that’s going to last for numerous years.
However, it’s important to consider the type of food your restaurant is going to concentrate on cooking because this will determine your oven. For example, if you’re going to specialize in BBQ cooking, then you’re going to require a large grill.
It’s also important to buy and install a range hood and ventilation system over your commercial oven. This can be custom designed for any space.
5. Refrigeration and Freezer
Refrigeration is important to store your food and keep it fresh.
You could purchase a walk-in cooling unit. This maintains the temperatures at 28 to 40 degrees.
However, whether you require this depends on the size of your operation. You can install your custom-designed cooling unit for any kitchen space.
In addition to a refrigeration space, you also need to purchase an industrial freezer. The size of your freezer space is determined by the number of doors.
You need to research the size of refrigeration and freezer space you require before you purchase the equipment. Also, make sure you shop around for the best deal before you buy.
6. Food Preparation Tables
You also need to provide kitchen space for food preparation.
Most commercial kitchens install stainless steel tables, which are avaliable in a wide range of sizes.
You need to make sure you purchase plastic cutting boards, including different colors according to the food preparation (e.g. raw meat, cooked meat, or vegetables).
It’s also essential that everything is carried out in accordance with food safety standards. You can learn more about food safety on this site.
7. Fire Safety and Sanitation Equipment
Safety first! You’re required by the Fire Department to ensure that your commercial kitchen includes sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers.
There is no way around this – it’s essential that you meet with the regulations in this regard.
You can also need to purchase and install a wash station and dishwashing unit. After your food has been enjoyed by customers, you’re going to need to wash the dishes for another day.
You are also usually required to meet the government regulations in this area. This includes a triple sink wash station and commercial standard dishwashing unit.
Starting Your Restaurant Business?
If you’re starting your own restaurant, then setting up your commercial kitchen layout is one of the most important steps.
Now you know everything you need to consider for your commercial kitchen, from the food safety standards to purchasing refrigeration units.
If you need more help with starting a business, check out some of our .
