So, you’ve decided to open a new restaurant. Congratulations! At a bare minimum, this ambitious dream will cost you between $50,000 to 75,000—and most of that will go toward your kitchen.
But if you’re trying to bootstrap your new eatery, or to make the most of that startup funding, you may be wondering what types of restaurant equipment you actually need. There are a few critical essentials you won’t want to skip, no matter how short your menu, so it’s a good idea to keep them in mind.
Keep reading for the five kitchen essentials you’ll want to include on your shopping list.

1. Storage Equipment

The right racks and shelving can make all the difference in terms of your kitchen’s organization. To streamline your cooking and serving process, make sure to consider how your shelving units and storage containers will fit into your space, and consider opting for things like mobile storage racks or heating cabinets as needed, depending on the type of small restaurant business you run.
Don’t forget to include smaller storage containers, like plastic food storage and Cambros for your prep and line cooks.

2. Cooking Equipment

If your team is going to get food onto plates, you’ll need to give them the tools they need to succeed. For your chefs, that means pots and pans, whisks and spatulas, a range of bowl sizes, tasting and mixing spoons, food prep equipment like knives and cutting boards, and much more. Think over your menu carefully and decide what you’ll need to prepare each dish.

3. Serving-ware

Once you’ve taken care of those basics, it’s time to consider the ultimate kitchen equipment: your serving-ware. After all, if you can’t serve your food, there’s no point in opening your business!
This means springing for plates, bowls, cups, glasses, silverware, and more. Base your purchases on the number of tables in your restaurant and the number of customers you hope to serve each day. Don’t forget to factor in a few extra of each set for broken or lost serving-ware, as well as in the case that your restaurant gains popularity fast.

4. Essential Appliances

While each kitchen might opt for slightly different choices when it comes to appliances, there are a few you’ll need no matter what.
First, you’ll want to spring for an industrial-grade refrigerator and freezer, with either walk-in or reach-in options. If you’ll have baked bread or desserts, you’ll also need a mixer and even an electric slicer. Other common appliances include food processors of various types, as well as ovens and cooking ranges.

5. Safety Equipment

Once you have the other basics down, it’s time for another essential: safety gear. The last thing you want to do is forget about this until an emergency happens.
In a work environment that boasts open flames and sharp knives, you can guarantee you’ll want to be able to reach for a first-aid kit. Make sure yours is stocked with plenty of bandages and burn cream, and that you also have instructions on dealing with some of the most common kitchen injuries. Don’t forget to get regulation fire extinguishers and safety equipment.
Last, make sure you have plenty of rubber floor mats to prevent slip-and-fall injuries!
The Right Restaurant Equipment for Your Needs
As restaurant management, you’re the one who makes the final decision on what crosses over the threshold into your kitchen—but the five essentials above should definitely make the cut! As you consider your KaTom restaurant equipment needs, make sure to keep these things in mind to get your dream business on the way to success.
Want more of the essential guides you need? Our other posts are full of helpful references for finances, business, and more. Check them out for more info!