Essential Equipment for Running a Restaurant

Technical Drawings

Ready to complete your kitchen setup? Let’s make sure you’ve got everything covered! Whether you already own the essentials or still have a few items left to snag, we’ve got you. This handy checklist will help you double-check so nothing gets missed. 

Main Cooking Equipment

Depending on your restaurant's offerings, you’ll likely rely heavily on one (if not a few) of these cooking appliances. 

• Ovens (convection, combination, pizza, conveyor, etc.)
• Ranges (gas or electric)
• Grills and griddles (flat-tops, charbroilers, griddles for burgers, sandwiches)
• Deep fryers (Commercial grade for fries, chicken nuggets)
• Microwave ovens (for reheating and defrosting)
• Steamers (for healthy cooking of veggies and seafood)
• Broilers/salamanders (to finish dishes fast with high heat)

Refrigeration and Storage

Keep your cool in the kitchen! No matter what cuisine you’re serving, investing in commercial-grade refrigeration is a must. From keeping ingredients fresh to ensuring food safety, this is one staple you can’t go without. 

• Refrigerators and freezers (walk-in or reach-in for storing perishable items) 
• Prep tables with cold storage (refrigerated drawers combined with preparation surfaces)
• Blast chillers (to cool foods rapidly while maintaining freshness)
• Ice machines (for beverages and food preparation)

Food Preparation Equipment

You’ll also need these items to help with vital parts of the food prep process, such as mixing ingredients or altering textures:

• Food processors and blenders (batch bowl processors, continuous food processors, culinary blenders for soups, sauces, and smoothies) 
• Mixers (hand mixers, countertop mixers, floor mixers for dough and batters)
• Slicers (automatic or manual slices for meats, cheeses, veggies) 
• Sous vide precision cooker (for precise-temperature-controlled cooking, especially useful in fine dining)

Smallwares and Utensils

Don't forget the essentials! Cutlery and other handy tools are must-haves for any kitchen setup. 

• Knives and sharpening stones
• Cutting boards (colour-coded for safety)
• Pots and pans (including sauce pans and baking trays)
• Serving utensils and measuring tools (tongs, spatulas, ladles, whisks, measuring cups and spoons) 
• Thermometers (for food safety monitoring) 

Washing and Sanitation Equipment

Cleanliness and hygiene are paramount to keeping your kitchen truly safe. Make sure the following items are lined up and ready for use.

• Commercial-grade dishwasher (door-type or conveyor models) 
• Sinks (compartment sinks, handwashing sinks, bar sinks)
• Cleaning supplies (mops, brooms, sponges, commercial-grade cleaning solutions)

Ventilation Systems

The main requirement for your restaurant's ventilation is to have exhaust hood systems that can remove smoke and fumes from the kitchen areas.

Holding and Warming Equipment

Keep your food warm and ready to serve with ease! When it’s cooked but not time to eat, these handy appliances have got your back. 

• Steam tables (to keep the prepped food warm)
• Holding cabinets or heat lamps (to maintain food temperature before serving) 

Beverage Equipment

You’ll likely serve drinks along with food, so you need the right equipment for liquids. 

• Beverage dispensers (soda fountains, coffee machines, beer taps)

Front-of-House Equipment

Outside the kitchen, don’t forget the essentials! From payment processing to eye-catching displays, make it easy for customers to shop and love your offerings. 

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems (to process orders and payments)
• Menu boards/digital displays (to clearly show your menu items and prices) 

Safety and Security Equipment

Don’t take security for granted—your customers’ safety is in your hands. Have the right tools in place to protect them. And of course, don’t neglect the safety of your staff.

• Security systems (cameras, alarms)
• Safety gear (silicone gloves, aprons, chef hats for kitchen crews) 

Specialized Fine Dining Equipment

Lastly, specialty equipment can be handy, especially if you’re running a fine-dining establishment. Although they’re optional in many cases, you might find great use for them. 

• Vacuum sealers (for sous vide preparation and preservation techniques)
• Wine cellars (to store extensive wine selections) 

A Quick Tip on Gear

Running a specialty restaurant or foodservice? Whether you’re serving up ice cream, pastries, fried chicken, or meals on wheels, you might not need every piece of equipment out there. But if your menu is more extensive or you’re catering to a dine-in crowd—especially an upscale one—you’ll probably want to cover all your bases.