This restaurant equipment checklist covers what you need to open a commercial kitchen. Opening a restaurant means buying a lot of equipment at once. Your menu decides most of it, but almost every commercial kitchen needs equipment from the same six areas. Use this restaurant equipment checklist to plan your list, then compare it with your floor plan and utilities.
Cooking
- Commercial range, with open burners, a griddle or both
- Fryers and a fryer oil filter
- Griddle or charbroiler
- Convection or countertop oven
- Salamander or cheese melter for finishing dishes
- Hot holding, such as a food warmer or steam table
Refrigeration
- Reach-in refrigerator and freezer
- Refrigerated prep table for sandwiches, salads or pizza
- Undercounter refrigerator or chef base under the cooking line
- Ice machine and ice storage bin
- Walk-in cooler, if you buy in volume
Food prep
- Stainless steel work tables
- Meat slicer
- Mixer and dough equipment if you bake or make pizza
Storage
- Shelving for dry storage and walk-ins
- Dunnage racks to keep cases off the floor
- Bun pan racks
- Wall shelves over work areas
Dishwashing and sanitation
- Three-compartment sink for washing, rinsing and sanitizing
- Hand sinks at prep and cooking stations
- Mop sink
- Commercial dishwasher, if your volume calls for one
Health departments, including in New York City, set rules for sinks and sanitation. Check the requirements for your location before you finalize your list.
Front of house and bar
- Glass door merchandiser for drinks and grab-and-go
- Refrigerated display case or bakery case
- Back bar cooler, bottle cooler or keg cooler
Before you order
- Check your utilities. Confirm gas type (natural gas or propane) and electrical voltage for each piece.
- Plan ventilation. Most gas cooking equipment needs a hood. Size it with your contractor first.
- Measure the way in. Make sure each unit fits through every door, hallway and stairway.
- Buy commercial-rated equipment. Look for NSF or ETL sanitation listings.
Outfitting a full kitchen? Send us your restaurant equipment checklist through the Request a quote button on any product page, or call 646-651-9580, and we'll price it together.
