Tips for choosing high quality commercial catering equipment

Every commercial kitchen needs the right equipment. Spending on quality products ensures that you get the best service for minimum maintenance. Quality naturally comes for a price but ensures less operational and maintenance expenses in the long run. For every business owner, spending on premium products is a wise step as it sets your business for success. 

There are all types of products in the market, and you need to have some knowledge about the device to pick the best from the lot. If you are already in the business for some time and looking to replace an old or low-value device, you might already have a good idea about how to choose the right product. For new business owners, however, it can be confusing. 

If you are not sure about how to choose the best commercial kitchen equipment for your business, here's a handy guide from the experts of the industry,

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Good commercial equipment should be made from high-quality material. Stainless steel is often a preferred choice, but every steel is not the same. The alloy is available in different types. While the 316 stainless steel is one of the best qualities available, type 430 steel made appliance is prone to rust and is not a preferred choice for premium commercial equipment. 

304 is the other stainless-steel variety, which is reasonably resilient, resistant to corrosion and has all the features essential for making an excellent industrial appliance. So, when looking for high-value appliances for your restaurant, settle for only 304 or 316 stainless-steel made options.

Look for high-quality material 

However, 316 stainless steel is highly expensive, and it might make the devices costly. The type 304, on the other hand, is less pricey than 316 and is resilient enough to suit the demands of any commercial kitchen not using saltwater or extremely acidic substances. 

 

Even in saltwater areas, the 316 stainless steel is used particularly for the sinks and other equipment that comes in contact with water continuously; for other appliances, like the range or the hood, type 304 stainless steel is the best option. The 304 stainless steel saves on cost and has all the features essential for a restaurant kitchen.   

Application-oriented design and features 

The design of a commercial-grade appliance speaks volume about the quality of the device. A superior industrial appliance will come in a smart design with fewer intricacies and decorations. These are manufactured keeping the heavy-duty application in mind. The designs are focused on making the appliance easy to clean and maintain, which is essential for commercial use. 

Top-quality kitchen equipment comes in a design that prevents grease and dirt accumulation on the surface and is easy to clean. It should facilitate ease of use and take care of the practical application-oriented needs. Suppose you are getting a commercial stainless steel sink bench for your restaurant.  A high-end piece will not have a decorative design but will surely include a splashback, which will cover water splattering and help in keeping the surrounding dry and clean.  

Similarly, commercial grade gas cooktops of good quality will essentially have the flame failure feature. It will automatically turn the device off or reignite the flame if extinguished, preventing gas escape and minimizing any accident risk. These features might look small but are essential for a large-scale cooking unit, and high-grade equipment should have these features right in place.

 

If you do not see these features in an appliance, it is not a good product to spend your money.  

Never compromise with the quality of the parts 

When you buy an appliance like the refrigeration solution, it is vital to ensure that it has premium parts. A device without branded parts can never serve a foodservice business efficiently. So, if you are buying a refrigerator, make sure it has a branded compressor and high-quality controllers. Now, a fridge with a branded compressor and controller will cost you more but will give you much better service. 

Consider energy efficiency 

Energy consumption of a device to be used in a restaurant is often overlooked during purchase, but it is an important measure to understand the equipment's quality. Every well-designed commercial appliance is fine-tuned for maximum efficiency at minimal energy consumption.

A good way to make sure that you are spending on a good product is to check out the device's energy efficiency. Renowned brands are concerned about the environment and always focus on making environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products. So, when looking for a high-quality product, considering these two aspects can help you find the appliance that will serve the best purpose.

               

Check out the warranty 

An easy way to spot the best commercial catering equipment is to check out the warranty on the device. A warranty for an extended period will always accompany a well-built appliance from a renowned manufacturer. The warranty ensures full support from the supplier in case of a problem within the stipulated time and shows the manufacturer's confidence in the device. A high-quality appliance should come with a warranty of two years or more on the parts as well as labour. 

Buy from a renowned supplier 

Last but not least, buy kitchen gear only from a reputed commercial kitchen equipment supplier. A well-known supplier will not sale low-quality products. You will also get the maximum options to choose from when you buy the device from a renowned supplier. The industry's best brands also maintain a network of registered technicians to provide any installation or maintenance support as needed. 

 

These tips can help you to spend your money on quality products that will give you long service for minimum hassle. Also, before you purchase the appliance for your restaurant, it is essential to consider your requirements. Take the menu into account and the expected rush to decide the right type of device to meet your needs. Also, consider the space in your kitchen before purchasing a particular item. While it is important to get high-quality appliances, it is also essential to ensure that the equipment is a good match for your needs.