Launching a restaurant is not cheap and you must plan for various startup costs and ongoing expenses. The cost of starting a restaurant will vary depending on several factors such as the size and location. One of the biggest costs associated with launching a restaurant is purchasing essential kitchen tools and equipment.

Here is some must-have equipment that every commercial kitchen needs:

Vacuum packer

Vacuum packers seal food in a secure, air-tight film package. This extends the shelf life of products as oxygen, bacteria, and other contaminants cannot reach the food. Vacuum packing is particularly effective when used on perishable foods like meat and dairy. Vacuum-sealed foods can maintain their freshness and shelf life three to five times longer than they naturally might.

Vacuum packing food is cost-effective and leads to less food waste. This will help you maintain a healthy cash flow and increase your bottom line. Using a vacuum packer is also eco-friendly as it helps to minimise the amount of packaging being used to store and transport food products.

Table top vacuum packers are perfect for sealing small quantities of food in a commercial kitchen. A tabletop machine could be the ideal space-efficient solution if you run a small restaurant or manage another type of catering business like a cafe or a coffee shop.

Bandsaw

A bandsaw can be used to cut tough food products like fresh meat with bones or frozen meat. The machine will slice meat evenly and you can adjust the thickness to minimise waste and ensure good portion control. A bandsaw is much safer than cutting meat products by hand and the machine will save your kitchen staff time significant amounts of time.

A table top bandsaw is ideal if you run a small or medium-sized kitchen and the machine is going to be used less frequently or in smaller batches. If you run a large kitchen or plan on using the machine regularly, then a floor standing bandsaw may be more suited to your needs.

Food tumbler

A food tumbler can be used to mix food products more efficiently and improve presentation. You can use a food tumbler in various applications including meat marinading, vegetable marinading/mixing, bakery products, and confectionery. Food tumblers come in a wide range of sizes and are available from 20 litres through to 4000 litres in capacity.

Bowl cutter

A bowl cutter is a diverse piece of kitchen equipment that can be useful in most kitchen environments. You can use a bowl cutter to produce a wide range of food items including hamburger mixture, sausage mixture ground meat, chopped vegetables, processed cheese, and more.

Bowl cutters come in many sizes and designs, from tabletop cutters to large industrial machines. Most commercial kitchens would benefit from investing in a bowl cutter. The machine will allow your kitchen staff to complete various food prep and cooking tasks faster and more efficiently.

Tray sealers

Tray sealers are a secure packaging solution that is leak-proof and tamper-evident. They are designed to extend the shelf life of food items providing a secure barrier against bacteria, germs, and other contaminants. They also improve food presentation and offer an attractive packaging solution for a wide variety of fresh food products.

Tray sealers are ideal if your restaurant plans to offer takeaway food or catering services. The trays will keep food fresh for longer, protect products during transport, and ensure that your food is visually appealing for your customers.

Sausage filling machine

If you plan on serving hand-made sausages, then a sausage filling machine is a must for your restaurant. Your kitchen team can use a sausage filling machine to make fresh, uniform sausages quickly and efficiently. You can find a variety of sausage filling machines including a piston filler machine, a vacuum filler machine or a twist and linking machine. Research what machines are available and choose a design that will suit your restaurant’s needs.

Conclusion

Starting a restaurant is never cheap and you will need to have funds to cover various startup costs and ongoing expenses. Kitchen equipment is an essential startup cost and you must ensure that your team has the tools to run an efficient kitchen.

Above, is some must-have commercial kitchen equipment that most restaurants will need. You should assess your kitchen’s needs and purchase any additional tools that will support your team and help you run a successful business.