Commercial Kitchen Equipment Must-Haves for 2025

Behind every successful restaurant is a well-equipped commercial kitchen. Without these reliable tools, even the most skilled chefs and kitchen staff may struggle to deliver the consistency and quality diners expect. 

However, knowing exactly which restaurant supplies, equipment, and tools your kitchen needs to succeed is easier said than done. Flashy features, endless brands, and sky-high price tags make it easy to overspend on the wrong gear or gamble on unreliable tools.

The good news is that s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply has rounded up the essential equipment categories every successful kitchen needs in 2025. Our list encompasses all core kitchen functions, from food preparation to cleanup and beyond. 

Whether you’re starting from scratch, expanding your operations, or simply looking to upgrade your setup, here’s your roadmap to making equipment investments that pay off! 

1. Food Preparation Equipment 

When food prep fails, you’re risking service speed, food costs, and ultimately, your bottom line. Maintain a well-oiled food prep system at the back of the house with these trusted commercial kitchen equipment:

True 72" 3-Door Salad/Sandwich Prep Table 

Image Source: True Refrigeration

Keep your prep line organized and your food fresh with refrigerated prep counters from one of Canada’s most trusted commercial kitchen equipment brands. True’s 72” prep table is the perfect size for high-volume kitchens needing cold storage and prep space in one efficient unit. 

Robot Coupe Continuous Feed Food Prep Machine 

Short on hands but big on volume? The Robot Coupe Continuous Feed Food Prep Machine helps your kitchen meet demand by processing up to 18 lbs of ingredients per minute. It handles prep for 50 to 400 meals per service and comes with removable attachments for easy cleaning.

Perfect for: 

• Slicing

• Ripple Cutting

• Grating 

• Dicing 

• Shredding

• And more.

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2. Knives 

If there’s one equipment in a commercial kitchen that you should never skip, it’s a quality set of knives. You’ll need different knives for different tasks, so be sure to invest in a complete set from your trusted Canadian restaurant supply store. 

Here are some of our recommendations: 

Wusthof Classic Ikon 3 pcs. Knife Set 

Image Source: Wusthof

Some knives quit when the going gets tough, but you can trust Wusthof knives to stay with you through every shift. Backed by over 200 years of artisanal craftsmanship, Wusthof’s classic paring, carving, and chef’s knives trio stays razor-sharp through countless services. 

Zwilling Four Star 7 pc Self-Sharpening Knife Block 

If you need a complete knife set that performs like new every day, Zwilling’s block set has got you covered. This restaurant kitchen equipment staple comes with five kitchen knives, kitchen shears, and a self-sharpening block that hones each blade every time you pull it out or put it back.

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3. Food Processors & Blenders 

If your team is doing extensive batch preparation by hand, you’re already behind. Commercial-grade immersion blenders, floor mixers, and food processors help you blitz, blend, chop, and mix at lightning speed, keeping your output and kitchen efficient. 

KitchenAid 18" 400 Series Variable Speed Immersion Blender 

KitchenAid is one of the most trusted brands of residential and commercial kitchen equipment worldwide. Their variable-speed immersion blender can easily handle everything from delicate sauces to dense dough. 

Waring 4 Qt. Food Processor 

Bulk prep in seconds with Waring’s high-capacity commercial food processor. Made from virtually unbreakable and scratch-resistant clear polycarbonate, this machine gives you a complete view of your ingredients as it works. 

It’s a bowl, a cutter, a mixer, and a continuous-feed food processor, so you can slice, shred, mix, and more. 

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4. Ranges, Cookers, and Commercial Ovens 

All restaurants—from fast food chains to fine dining establishments—need heat to bring their dishes to life. Whether you’re serving school meals or hotel room service, professional kitchen equipment like gas ranges, ovens, and induction cookers is non-negotiable. 

Add the following high-quality equipment to your shopping list:

Rational ICombi Pro Electric Combi Oven 

Flexibility is essential in the restaurant industry, particularly when your menu is frequently updated or when working with limited space. Rationals’ iCombi Pro adapts to whatever you’re cooking, giving you the power to steam, roast, grill, and bake all in one unit. 

It accommodates up to six half-size sheet pans and features AI-powered cooking assistants and automated cleaning, allowing you to spend less time scrubbing and more time focusing on service.

Garland Range 4 Burner 12" Griddle 

Looking for cooking equipment that can do it all without crowding your line? Garland’s restaurant equipment delivers serious versatility with:

• Four high-power Starfire-Pro burners (33,000 BTU each)

• Convertible 12" griddle/hot-top (replaces two burners)

• Heavy-duty oven (38,000 BTU, fits full sheet pans)

You can tailor the configuration to suit your kitchen by choosing from a standard oven, a convection oven, or a storage base. It’s the perfect commercial kitchen equipment for restaurant kitchens that constantly pivot between sautéing and grilling.  

Outdoor Propane Burner 

Need to fuel large-scale events, weddings, or mobile catering operations? A high-performance outdoor propane burner is the right equipment for the job. 

Designed for power (65,000 BTU) and portability, this outdoor cast-iron burner is perfect for cooking large batches on-site. It’s the go-to for caterers and mobile vendors who need reliable heat in unpredictable environments. 

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5. Deep Fryers 

If the goal is to cook food fast, crisp, and consistently crunchy, deep fryers belong at the top of your restaurant kitchen supplies list. Here are two of our best-selling models that deliver on speed, consistency, and performance:

Frymaster Propane 40lb Fryer 

Image Source: Frymaster

Frymaster is one of the world’s top manufacturers of tools and equipment in commercial cooking, and for good reason. Their 40lb gas fryer is built to keep up with the kitchen rush, delivering fast, even heating with a Master Jet™ burner system. 

This unit also features a large cold zone and a forward-sloping frypot to help extend oil life and simplify cleaning. 

Vulcan Economy Propane 65-70 lb Fryer

If your food items sell out quickly, you’ll need a heavy-duty fryer that can keep up with demand. Vulcan’s liquid propane floor fryer holds up to 70 lbs of oil and features a high-limit indicator that shuts off the gas if the oil exceeds safe operating temperatures. 

It’s one of the best commercial kitchen equipment for busy kitchens that prioritize performance, safety, and value. 

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6. Pots & Pans 

Your hunt for commercial kitchen tools doesn’t end until you have a complete set of pots and pans to handle every cooking task on the line. Get your team a set of high-quality, durable cookware that helps you move fast, stay consistent, and cook with confidence.

Joseph Joseph Space Cookware Set 

This ten-piece cookware set from Joseph Joseph features folding stainless steel handles for easy stacking and storage. Each pan features an oven-safe, heavy-gauge aluminum body with a non-toxic, non-stick ceramic coating. They’re compatible with all stovetops, including induction! 

Each set includes:

• 2 x non-stick saucepans with lid (1.3L and 2.7L) 

• 2 x non-stick frying pans (20cm and 24cm)

• 1 x non-stick sauté pan with lid (3.6L)

• 1 x non-stick shallow casserole pan with lid (4.7L)

• 3 x felt pan protectors

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7. Refrigerators & Freezers 

In the food service industry, keeping ingredients fresh is half the battle. As such, cooling and refrigeration units are essential, regardless of the menu items you’re serving. Check out the top commercial kitchen tools you’ll need to reduce food waste, protect your inventory, and meet health and safety regulations:

True 47" Two Section Stainless Steel Reach In 

Image Source: True Refrigeration

True Refrigeration is a powerhouse in commercial cooling, and their two-section stainless steel reach-in proves why. This restaurant equipment features easy-access doors, industry-leading insulation, and stainless steel interior for easy cleanup. 

Plus, the bottom-mounted refrigeration system and smart fan motor design simplify maintenance and improve energy efficiency.

Kelvinator Commercial Solid Lid Chest Freezer 

Do you often deal with meat dishes or frozen bulk items? Add this solid chest freezer from Kelvinator to your commercial kitchen equipment lineup. 

With a 7.3 cu. ft. capacity, it delivers all the durability, energy efficiency, and smart features you need in a high-demand environment. It has an NSF®-Certified temperature gauge for reliable and accurate temperature monitoring, along with a removable gasket for easy cleanup and maintenance.

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8. Dishwasher 

If refrigeration is half the battle, cleaning and sanitation make up the rest. No commercial kitchen runs efficiently without a powerful dishwasher to keep up with high volumes of plates, pans, and prep tools. 

Hobart Base Steam with Blower Dryer Type Flight Type Commercial Dishwasher 

In restaurant kitchens, nothing works without clean tools. Save time, save water, and get consistent results with one of the most trusted names in Canadian restaurant supply. Hobart’s flight-type commercial dishwashing machine features:

• Insulated cabinet-style doors for easy access

• 30’’ wide variable-speed conveyor 

• Digital controls with troubleshooting and diagnostics 

• Capless anti-clog wash arms

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9. Food Display & Warmers 

Your food's presentation is the first thing guests see and the last thing they remember. Warmers and display cases keep everything hot and appetizing until it hits the table. Look for displays that combine visibility with temperature retention, especially in fast-casual, buffet, or grab-and-go settings. 

Hatco Flav-R-Savor Heated Air Curtain Merchandiser 

Image Source: Hatco

Hatco’s patented heated air curtain merchandiser is designed for long-term food holding, making it perfect for quick-service restaurants, delis, cafés, and convenience stores. It uses a heated air blanket to maintain safe holding temperatures, eliminating the need for doors, making it easy to grab and go without compromising food quality or safety.

It also features:

• LED lighting 

• Adjustable slanted or horizontal shelves 

• Removable sign holders

• Removable glass sides and crumb tray

• Easy-to-use digital controls

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10. Janitorial & Safety Equipment 

You can’t serve great food in an unsafe (and unsanitary) space. Aside from cooking supplies and large appliances, equip your kitchen with trusted janitorial tools and commercial safety supplies. Make sure your kitchen is stocked with:

• First aid kits

• Chemical cleaners

• Spill response kits (including caution cones, mops, and tool holders) 

• Anti-fatigue floor drain mats

• Trash bins

• Garbage bags

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In Summary 

Outfitting your restaurant with the right commercial kitchen equipment is a matter of finding the right system for your space, staff, and service style. For most restaurants, this means investing in equipment that supports every stage of kitchen operations—from preparation to plating to cleanup.

Here are the top categories to focus on:

1. Food Preparation Equipment 

2. Knives 

3. Food Processors & Blenders 

4. Ranges, Cookers, and Commercial Ovens 

5. Deep Fryers 

6. Pots & Pans 

7. Refrigerators & Freezers 

8. Dishwasher 

9. Food Display & Warmers 

10. Janitorial & Safety Equipment 

FAQs

How much does kitchen equipment cost for a restaurant?

Kitchen equipment cost for a restaurant ranges from $40,000 to $200,000+, depending on the size of your operation and menu complexity. 

What is the difference between commercial and residential appliances?

Commercial kitchen equipment is built for heavy-duty, high-volume use, so it’s often larger, more durable, and built with higher wattages and more powerful motors. Residential appliances, on the other hand, are made for lighter, occasional use and typically don’t meet the codes required for commercial food service operations.

What is the most common tool in a commercial kitchen?

The most common tool in a commercial kitchen is the chef’s knife. Chefs and kitchen staff use it for everything from chopping vegetables to slicing meat. 

Where to Buy Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Get your commercial kitchen equipment from Canada’s leading restaurant supply store: s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply. We carry an extensive inventory of top commercial kitchen equipment brands, backed by expert service and decades of industry experience.

We also offer a Commercial Partnership Program, an end-to-end service designed to simplify, streamline, and make your kitchen design process easier, smarter, and more cost-effective. Through this program, you can enjoy:

• Kitchen Design Services

• Professional Installation Services

• Kitchen Equipment Leasing & Financing

• Special Pricing on Bulk Orders

• Additional Exclusive Discounts

Ready to build a better kitchen? Contact us today to get a custom quote!