By involving everyone and everything in the kitchen, the process of picking the best equipment for your restaurant kitchen can be made easier. With so many variables at play, it's only logical that you'd want to have as much information as possible to assist you in making the best judgments possible. That's why we've compiled this list of some of the most important considerations when choosing kitchen equipment for your restaurant business.
What do you really need?
Assess your restaurant business from top to bottom. Know what you would like to serve for your customers and ask the members of the kitchen as to what kitchen equipment they mostly need. If everyone has reached a decision as to what can make them more efficient in the kitchen, hear them out and consider their opinions as this will be crucial for them to operate at optimum levels without being sidetracked by unnecessary kitchen equipment. So, make a list and go through it with them.
Money Talks!
Then there's the question of how much it truly costs and whether or not it matches your overall budget. Please keep in mind that high-quality commercial kitchen equipment is normally more expensive in the hospitality industry. Not only that, but you should also evaluate how much money you will make in return. You must learn this balancing act. In other words, you don't want to go too cheap so that you end up with something to fix every month, or too expensive so that you lose money.
Size matters
We respect all restaurants no matter how big or small it may be. When choosing a unit for your business, you have to take note of the space you have available. If you buy large kitchen equipment and have a small space, this will be a hassle for your kitchen crew as there will be less space to work on. So before you choose your unit, measure the parameters of your kitchen.
Make sure it’s easy to operate
The kitchen equipment you need to purchase also needs to be user-friendly and easy to operate. It is pointless to have advanced machines that simply halt production because the process is too difficult to complete. It's already too hot in the kitchen, do not make your kitchen crew sweat more because they can't operate your kitchen equipment properly. Keep your unit simple, and the work will appear simple to them as well.
Warranties and Maintenance
For this one, you'll want to make sure you're getting a good balance of warranty and longevity when buying kitchen equipment. When buying a new piece of commercial kitchen equipment, it's always a good idea to look into the warranty. You want something that will last a lifetime, but you also want a warranty in case there are any problems, especially if it is newly bought. As for maintenance, know what is needed for your kitchen equipment such as how it needs to be cleaned and how regular the unit should be checked. It's another balancing act, but it'll be worth it in the end.
Commercial kitchen equipment is a significant investment in and of itself. A well-equipped kitchen will function smoothly and provide a higher-quality product. So make the wise decision and follow the tips above when you choose your next kitchen equipment!