Essential Tools for Every Commercial Kitchen

11 min read

When it comes to running a commercial kitchen, having the right tools is absolutely crucial. I mean, you can’t just wing it with a few pots and pans and expect to serve up Michelin-star quality dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, there are certain essential tools that every commercial kitchen needs. So, let’s dive in and explore what makes these tools indispensable.

And I’m torn between starting with the big guns like ranges and ovens or the smaller, but equally important, tools like knives and cutting boards. But ultimately, let’s start with the heart of the kitchen—the cooking equipment.

And I’m torn between starting with the big guns like ranges and ovens or the smaller, but equally important, tools like knives and cutting boards. But ultimately, let’s start with the heart of the kitchen—the cooking equipment.

But ultimately, let’s start with the heart of the kitchen—the cooking equipment.

Cooking Equipment: The Heart of the Kitchen

When you think of a commercial kitchen, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the cooking equipment. This is where the magic happens, and having the right tools can make all the difference.

Ranges, Ovens, and Grills

Let’s start with the heavy hitters: ranges, ovens, and grills. These are the workhorses of any commercial kitchen. A good range will have multiple burners, allowing you to cook several dishes at once. Ovens are essential for baking, roasting, and broiling. And grills? Well, they’re perfect for searing meats and vegetables to perfection.

But here’s the thing: not all ranges, ovens, and grills are created equal. You need to consider factors like size, power, and efficiency. For example, a convection oven can cook food more evenly and quickly than a standard oven. And if you’re tight on space, a combi oven that combines convection, steam, and even microwave cooking can be a game-changer.

I’m a big fan of the Vulcan VC5G gas range. It’s got six open burners, a large oven, and a griddle plate—perfect for versatile cooking. But if you’re looking for something more specialized, the Wood Stone Mt. Adams series of pizza ovens are fantastic for pizzerias. And for a great all-around option, the Southbend S-Series combi oven is hard to beat.

Maybe I should clarify that while these brands are great, you can find excellent options at Chef’s Deal. They offer a wide range of commercial kitchen equipment at competitive prices.

Fryers and Broilers

Next up, we have fryers and broilers. Deep fryers are essential for any kitchen that serves fried foods. They come in various sizes and types, from countertop models to large floor units. Broilers are great for cooking meats and fish quickly and evenly. They can be gas or electric, and some models even have infrared heating elements for faster cooking.

The Frymaster MJ50 is a solid choice for a deep fryer. It’s got a small footprint but packs a punch with its high-efficiency heating elements. For broilers, the Garland Xpress series is a favorite among chefs for its quick heating and even cooking.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider the smaller, but no less important, tools that every commercial kitchen needs.

Food Preparation Equipment: The Unsung Heroes

While cooking equipment gets all the glory, food preparation equipment is just as important. These tools help you prep ingredients quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Knives and Cutting Boards

Let’s start with the basics: knives and cutting boards. A good set of knives is essential for any kitchen. You’ll need a variety of types, including chef’s knives, paring knives, and boning knives. And don’t skimp on the cutting boards—they protect your knives and your countertops.

I’m a big fan of Victorinox knives. They’re sharp, durable, and reasonably priced. For cutting boards, Epicurean makes some great ones that are tough, non-slip, and dishwasher safe.

But here’s the thing: knives and cutting boards come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs. For example, if you’re doing a lot of chopping, a large, heavy-duty chef’s knife is a must-have. But if you’re mostly slicing and dicing, a smaller, lighter knife might be more comfortable.

Food Processors, Mixers, and Blenders

Next up, we have food processors, mixers, and blenders. These tools make quick work of chopping, mixing, and blending ingredients. A good food processor can chop vegetables, grate cheese, and even knead dough. Mixers are great for whipping cream, beating eggs, and mixing batter. And blenders are essential for making smoothies, sauces, and soups.

The Robot Coupe R2N is a classic food processor that’s beloved by chefs worldwide. For mixers, the KitchenAid Commercial Series is a workhorse that can handle even the toughest mixing jobs. And for blenders, the Vitamix Vita-Prep 3 is a favorite for its powerful motor and durable construction.

Maybe I should clarify that while these tools are great for prep work, they’re not just for big kitchens. Even small operations can benefit from having a good food processor, mixer, or blender on hand.

Refrigeration: Keeping Things Cool

Now let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential: refrigeration. Keeping food at the right temperature is crucial for both safety and quality. And in a commercial kitchen, you need more than just a standard fridge.

Walk-In and Reach-In Refrigerators

Walk-in and reach-in refrigerators are the backbone of any commercial kitchen’s cold storage. Walk-ins provide plenty of space for storing large quantities of food, while reach-ins are great for keeping frequently used items within easy reach.

The Traulsen G-Series reach-in refrigerators are a popular choice for their durability and energy efficiency. For walk-ins, Kolpak is a trusted name in the industry, known for its high-quality construction and reliable performance.

But here’s the thing: refrigeration isn’t just about keeping food cold. It’s also about organization and accessibility. A well-organized refrigerator can save you time and reduce waste, so it’s worth investing in some good storage solutions, like shelving units and bins.

Under-Counter Refrigeration Units

If space is tight, under-counter refrigeration units can be a lifesaver. These compact units fit neatly under your countertops, providing easy access to cold storage without taking up too much space.

The True T-19 under-counter refrigerator is a great option. It’s got a small footprint but plenty of storage space, and it’s energy efficient to boot.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider some of the more specialized tools that can make a big difference in a commercial kitchen.

Specialty Equipment: The Secret Weapons

While the basics are essential, there are also some specialty tools that can take your commercial kitchen to the next level. These tools might not be necessary for every kitchen, but they can make a big difference in certain situations.

Baking and Pastry Equipment

If you’re running a bakery or patisserie, baking and pastry equipment is a must-have. This includes tools like dough mixers, proofers, and specialized ovens.

The Hobart HL662 dough mixer is a favorite among bakers for its powerful motor and large capacity. For proofers, the Metro Prep High-Density Proofer is a great choice for its even heating and humidity control.

But here’s the thing: even if you’re not running a bakery, having some basic baking equipment on hand can be useful. You never know when you might need to whip up a batch of cookies or a loaf of bread.

Specialty Beverage Systems

If you’re serving beverages, having the right specialty beverage systems can make all the difference. This includes tools like espresso machines, juice extractors, and beer dispensers.

The La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machine is a favorite among baristas for its precision and reliability. For juice extractors, the Robot Coupe J80 is a great choice for its powerful motor and easy-to-clean design.

Maybe I should clarify that while these tools are great for specialty beverages, they’re not just for high-end coffee shops and bars. Even a small café or restaurant can benefit from having a good espresso machine or juice extractor on hand.

Ventilation: Keeping the Air Clean

Now let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential: ventilation. A good ventilation system is crucial for keeping the air in your kitchen clean and safe to breathe.

Range Hoods and Ventilation Systems

Range hoods and ventilation systems are the backbone of any commercial kitchen’s ventilation. They help to remove smoke, grease, and odors from the air, keeping your kitchen clean and your staff healthy.

The CaptiveAire QC-12 range hood is a popular choice for its powerful exhaust fan and easy-to-clean design. For ventilation systems, Greenheck is a trusted name in the industry, known for its high-quality construction and reliable performance.

But here’s the thing: ventilation isn’t just about keeping the air clean. It’s also about comfort and efficiency. A good ventilation system can help to keep your kitchen cool and reduce energy costs, so it’s worth investing in a quality system.

Make-Up Air Systems

If you’re using a powerful ventilation system, you might also need a make-up air system to replace the air that’s being exhausted. This helps to maintain a balance of air pressure in your kitchen, preventing drafts and ensuring proper ventilation.

The CaptiveAire MUA-10 make-up air system is a great option. It’s got a powerful fan and a variety of heating options, making it suitable for a wide range of kitchens.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider some of the final touches that can make a big difference in a commercial kitchen.

The Final Touches: Safety and Sanitation

Finally, let’s talk about something that’s absolutely crucial in any commercial kitchen: safety and sanitation. Keeping your kitchen clean and safe is not just a matter of good practice—it’s a matter of law.

Fire Suppression Systems

A good fire suppression system is essential for any commercial kitchen. Fires can spread quickly in a kitchen, so it’s important to have a system in place that can quickly and effectively put them out.

The Ansul R-102 fire suppression system is a popular choice for its reliability and ease of use. It’s designed specifically for commercial kitchens and can quickly put out fires involving grease and other cooking materials.

But here’s the thing: a fire suppression system is only as good as the people using it. Make sure your staff is properly trained in how to use the system and what to do in case of a fire.

Handwashing Stations

Proper handwashing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of germs and illness in your kitchen. A good handwashing station should be easily accessible and well-stocked with soap and paper towels.

The Bradley SST handwashing station is a great option. It’s got a hands-free design that reduces the spread of germs, and it’s durable and easy to clean.

Maybe I should clarify that while these tools are great for safety and sanitation, they’re not just for big kitchens. Even small operations can benefit from having a good fire suppression system and handwashing station on hand.

Wrapping Up: The Essential Tools for Every Commercial Kitchen

So there you have it: the essential tools for every commercial kitchen. From cooking equipment to food prep tools, refrigeration to ventilation, and safety to sanitation, these tools are the backbone of any successful kitchen operation.

But remember, having the right tools is just the first step. You also need to know how to use them effectively and maintain them properly. So take the time to train your staff, develop good habits, and invest in quality equipment. Your kitchen—and your customers—will thank you.

And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be the one writing an article about the essential tools for every commercial kitchen. Until then, happy cooking!

FAQ

Q: What is the most important piece of equipment in a commercial kitchen?
A: The most important piece of equipment in a commercial kitchen is arguably the range or oven. This is where the majority of cooking takes place, so it’s crucial to have a high-quality, reliable unit.

Q: How often should I clean my commercial kitchen equipment?
A: Commercial kitchen equipment should be cleaned regularly to ensure proper function and hygiene. Daily cleaning is essential for frequently used equipment, while deeper cleaning can be done on a weekly or monthly basis.

Q: What should I look for when choosing a commercial refrigerator?
A: When choosing a commercial refrigerator, look for features like energy efficiency, capacity, and ease of cleaning. It’s also important to consider the specific needs of your kitchen, such as the types of food you’ll be storing and the available space.

Q: How can I improve ventilation in my commercial kitchen?
A: To improve ventilation in your commercial kitchen, consider installing a high-quality range hood and ventilation system. Make-up air systems can also help to maintain a balance of air pressure and ensure proper ventilation.

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@article{essential-tools-for-every-commercial-kitchen,
    title   = {Essential Tools for Every Commercial Kitchen},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/essential-tools-for-every-commercial-kitchen/}
}

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