Having the best commercial kitchen equipment allows chefs and kitchen staff to prepare food efficiently without compromising quality or safety. If you own or operate a commercial kitchen equipment, here is a commercial kitchen equipment list of 16 commercial kitchen equipment you need to run a smooth, efficient, clean, and profitable commercial kitchen.
Cooking Equipment
Cooking is at the heart of any kitchen. For the high-volume cooking in a commercial kitchen, you need the following high-quality cooking appliances are essential for preparing food quickly and consistently.
1. Commercial Ranges & Stovetop
Gas ranges and/or electric burners are the engine of a commercial kitchen: they they provide the high-powered, consistent heat necessary for cooking large quantities of food.
A commercial gas range is perfect for commercial kitchen: gas burners heat up quickly, and are ideal for high volume cooking. Also, they are reliable even if electricity goes out.
A commercial induction cooker offers more controlled heat and reduces hotspots, is easier to clean and better for baking.
2. Ovens
Convection ovens are generally preferred in a commercial kitchen because they cook food more evenly and efficiently: the fan and exhaust system circulate the hot air and ensure that it is evenly distributed, reducing cooking time and resulting in consistent food quality.
The best convection ovens and pizza ovens are made of heavy-duty construction and advanced features to handle the demands of a busy food operation.
5. Fryers
Deep fryers are used in making crispy foods like fries, chicken, and onion rings. Gas deep fryers are more common in commercial kitchens: they heat up quicker and are ideal for high-volume frying.
Electric deep fryers provide more efficient temperature control and are preferable for more delicate foods like donuts, seafood, and specialty items.
| Gas Deep Fryers | Electric Deep Fryers |
| Ideal for high-volume frying in commercial settings | More energy efficient for smaller kitchens |
| Best for fast food and high-demand items like chicken, fries, and onion rings | Best for delicate items like donuts, seafood, and other specialty items |
| Heavier and more complex to install | Often portable and easy to install |
| Requires stable and consistent electricity supply | Require a natural gas supply |
6. Steamers & Kettles
Steamers and kettles are used for steaming vegetables or making soups in bulk.
Refrigeration & Storage
In a commercial kitchen, proper refrigeration is essential for storing large volumes of food and ingredients and dairy that need to stay fresh and meet health department regulations.
7. Commercial Refrigerators & Freezers
Commercial refrigerators are essential for keeping ingredients fresh. Commercial refrigerators differ from regular refrigerators in that:
- They are designed for large storage capacity to handle bulk ingredients
- They have powerful compressors and faster cooling systems to maintain consistent temperatures despite frequent use
- They are built to be more durable, easy to clean, and comply with health codes.
Best Commercial Refrigerators for Commercial Kitchens
Reach-in Coolers
Display Refrigerators
Food Preparation Equipment
In a commercial kitchen, food preparation equipment speeds up the process while maintaining consistency. Here are some essential food preparation equipment you need in a commercial kitchen:
8. Prep Tables & Cutting Boards
A commercial kitchen prep table should be made of good solid stainless steel for durability and hygiene. It should have:
- a spacious work surface
- abundance of storage options like shelves or drawers
Prep tables from Wilprep's Kitchen are stable, easy to clean and have casters so you can move them around
9. Food Processors
In a commercial kitchen you need food processors for chopping, dicing, and blending ingredients efficiently.
These Meat grinders, for example, effortlessly handle tough meat processing tasks, from tender poultry to hearty beef cuts.
10. Food Mixers
If you bake and prepare doughs in your commercial kitchen, you need stand mixers or planetary mixers.
These commercial mixers can mix ingredients, from fluffy dough to dense cream, ensuring a steady supply of delicious treats for your restaurant, bakery, or pizzeria.
11. Slicers
Used to cut meats, cheeses, and vegetables with precision. A meat slicer is suitable for commercial use and can handle a variety of foods, from ham and meat to fruits, breads, and veggies.
Dishwashing & Sanitation
Keeping a commercial kitchen clean is vital to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with health regulations.
12. Commercial Dishwashers
Commercial dishwashers are high-powered and they can handle multitudes of dishes, cleaning them quickly and effectively.
13. Sinks & Faucets
For maximum sanitation, you need triple-compartment sinks for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing.
These stainless steel sinks are made of sturdy 201 stainless steel with a protective oxide coating to offer both superior strength and longevity and reinforced by heavy duty bar supports to dependably hold up to 220 pounds and more.
14. Handwashing Stations
Required by health codes to maintain hygiene.
Serving & Holding Equipment
Serving food at the right temperature and keeping it fresh is important for customer satisfaction. For a commercial kitchen, the following serving and holding equipment are a must-have:
15. Food warmers
Food warmers keep food warm until serving. You can choose between steam tables and conventional food warmers.
- Steam tables are ideal for keeping a large volume of food hot without moving them.
- Food warmers are preferable for keeping food hot as it is transported.
16. Salad & Sandwich Prep Tables
These are specialized refrigerated prep stations for quick assembly. A prep table allows you to properly store eggs, milk, & fresh produce while simultaneously preparing your dishes on the worktop.
How to Choose Commercial Equipment For Your Kitchen
Whether it’s a standalone kitchen for a restaurant or a shared commissary space for multiple businesses, having the right equipment is crucial for success in a commercial kitchen. To determine the right equipment for a commercial kitchen, a manager or owner must consider whether it:
- meets the cooking requirements of the commercial kitchen
- meets food safety and certification standards
- fits into the space available
- is easy and convenient to use
Maintaining Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Regular maintenance extends the life of kitchen equipment and prevents costly breakdowns. Here are some key maintenance tips:
- Regularly wipe down surfaces, grills, and fryers.
- Check for leaks or temperature fluctuations.
- Have a technician inspect equipment periodically.
- Prevent grease buildup in range hoods.
Final Thoughts
A well-equipped and properly maintained commercial kitchen is essential for a successful food business. From cooking appliances to refrigeration and safety equipment, investing in the right tools will improve efficiency and ensure compliance with health regulations. Whether you're starting a restaurant, catering service, or ghost kitchen, understanding the essentials will set you up for long-term success.
Are you looking for specific commercial kitchen equipment recommendations? Let us know in the comments!
