Top 10 Essential Tools Every Commercial Kitchen Needs

1. Commercial Ovens

One of the most critical pieces of equipment in any commercial kitchen is the oven. Commercial ovens come in various types, and the right one depends on your specific cooking needs:

• Convection ovens: These use fans to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking. They are perfect for baking, roasting, and cooking a variety of dishes.

• Deck ovens: These are great for baking breads and pizzas due to the even heat distribution from their stone or ceramic decks.

• Combination ovens: Also known as combi ovens, they offer versatility by combining steam and convection cooking, ideal for preparing a wide range of meals.

Having the right commercial oven can significantly speed up your cooking process and improve the overall quality of your food.

2. Commercial Ranges and Cooktops

A commercial range is essential for sautéing, boiling, frying, and simmering dishes. They are available in gas and electric options, each with its own benefits:

• Gas ranges: These offer precise temperature control and are a favorite among chefs who need quick adjustments in heat levels.

• Electric ranges: These are easier to clean and maintain, making them suitable for kitchens with lighter cooking loads.

Some commercial ranges come with built-in griddles, making them versatile tools for preparing breakfast items like pancakes and bacon, as well as grilling meats. Choose a range that matches your menu and cooking style to enhance kitchen productivity.

3. Refrigeration Units

Keeping ingredients fresh is crucial for any commercial kitchen, and refrigeration units play a vital role in food safety. There are different types of refrigeration units designed for commercial kitchens:

• Reach-in refrigerators: These are upright, freestanding units that provide easy access to commonly used ingredients. They come in one-, two-, and three-door models depending on your storage needs.

• Walk-in coolers: These large refrigerators are essential for storing bulk quantities of ingredients and are perfect for restaurants that require ample storage space.

• Undercounter refrigerators: Compact and convenient, these units are designed to be placed under counters, making them perfect for smaller kitchens or for storing ingredients that need to be within easy reach of the chef.

Investing in proper refrigeration helps prevent food spoilage, maintains food quality, and ensures compliance with health and safety standards.

4. Commercial Dishwashers

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in a commercial kitchen is paramount, and a commercial dishwasher is essential for keeping dishes, pots, pans, and utensils sanitized. Commercial dishwashers come in various types:

• High-temperature dishwashers: These use extremely hot water to sanitize dishes, eliminating the need for chemical sanitizers.

• Low-temperature dishwashers: These use chemical sanitizers to clean dishes at lower water temperatures, making them more energy-efficient.

A commercial dishwasher speeds up the cleaning process, ensuring that your kitchen stays hygienic and ready to handle the next rush of orders.

5. Prep Tables and Counters

Adequate prep space is vital for any commercial kitchen. Prep tables and counters provide a dedicated area for food preparation, helping to keep the workflow organized and efficient. Stainless steel prep tables are the most common due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to bacteria.

Some prep tables come with refrigerated sections underneath to store ingredients while you work, keeping them fresh and easily accessible. Additionally, investing in high-quality cutting boards and other prep tools can help maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.

6. Food Processors

A food processor is a versatile tool that can save time and labor in a commercial kitchen. It can be used for a variety of tasks, such as chopping, slicing, dicing, and pureeing ingredients. Food processors come in several styles to suit different kitchen needs:

• Batch bowl processors: These are ideal for preparing smaller quantities of food, making them great for kitchens that need versatility.

• Continuous feed processors: These are designed for high-volume kitchens, allowing chefs to process large amounts of food without stopping to empty the bowl.

Food processors increase efficiency by handling tasks that would otherwise take much longer if done manually, making them essential for any commercial kitchen.

7. Commercial Mixers

Commercial mixers are indispensable in kitchens that specialize in baked goods, dough, or sauces. These machines can handle large quantities of ingredients and are built to withstand heavy use. There are two main types of commercial mixers:

• Planetary mixers: These mixers are versatile and can be used for everything from mixing cake batter to kneading dough. They come in various sizes, from countertop models to larger floor-standing units.

• Spiral mixers: These are specifically designed for mixing dough and are commonly used in pizzerias and bakeries.

By automating the mixing process, commercial mixers save time and ensure consistent results, making them a must-have for any kitchen.

8. Blenders and Immersion Blenders

Blenders are crucial tools for preparing soups, sauces, smoothies, and purees in a commercial kitchen. There are two main types to consider:

• Countertop blenders: These are perfect for larger batches and are often used for blending soups, sauces, and drinks.

• Immersion blenders: These handheld devices allow chefs to blend ingredients directly in pots or bowls, making them ideal for preparing soups and sauces in large quantities.

Commercial blenders are more powerful than their household counterparts, ensuring they can handle frequent and heavy use without compromising performance.

9. Commercial Slicers

For restaurants that serve deli meats, sandwiches, or salads, a commercial slicer is essential for slicing meats, cheeses, and vegetables quickly and efficiently. These machines ensure uniformity in thickness and presentation, which is important for maintaining quality and consistency in dishes.

• Manual slicers: These require the operator to move the food product manually against the blade, making them suitable for lighter-duty use.

• Automatic slicers: These can slice large quantities of food automatically, making them ideal for high-volume kitchens.

Commercial slicers improve the speed and consistency of food preparation, especially in settings like delis, cafeterias, and sandwich shops.

10. Commercial Fryers

If your kitchen serves fried foods like French fries, chicken, or doughnuts, a commercial fryer is a must-have. Commercial fryers come in gas and electric models and are designed to maintain a consistent oil temperature, ensuring food is fried to perfection.

• Countertop fryers: These are smaller units designed for kitchens with limited space or lower-volume frying needs.

• Floor fryers: For larger kitchens that frequently prepare fried foods, floor models offer larger oil capacities and faster recovery times between batches.

Having a reliable commercial fryer can help you deliver consistently crispy and delicious fried foods to your customers.

Conclusion

Equipping a commercial kitchen with the right tools and machines is essential for efficiency, food safety, and the overall success of your business. From ovens and cooktops to dishwashers and fryers, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in creating a well-functioning kitchen.

By investing in high-quality commercial kitchen equipment, you can streamline your operations, enhance food quality, and ensure that your kitchen can handle even the busiest of days. Whether you’re setting up a new kitchen or upgrading your current one, these essential tools will help you run a successful and efficient commercial kitchen.

Upgrade your kitchen efficiency with top-quality commercial kitchen equipment from CM Machine. Explore our wide range of tools and machines designed to meet your business needs. Contact us today for a personalized quote and take your kitchen to the next level!