If you work in the food service industry, you know how many details go into creating a satisfying dining experience. From the ambiance of the dining room to the friendliness of the hosts, a variety of factors must come together perfectly. However, the most crucial aspect of any professional establishment is the commercial kitchen equipment used to make the food. If you’re currently shopping for gear, ask yourself the following questions.

What to Ask Before Purchasing Commercial Kitchen Equipment

1. How Much Space Do I Have?

Before you dive into the wide array of makes and models on the market, measure every nook and cranny of your cooking space. After all, finding the stovetop or walk-in cooler of your dreams won’t do any good if it doesn’t fit in the kitchen. While it’s important not to get commercial kitchen equipment that’s too big, you must choose appliances that can reasonably manage the volume of food you expect to produce. Weigh these two factors—square footage and production needs—when looking at potential purchases.

2. What Will My Budget Afford?

Once you know what you need, calculate what you can afford. Each piece of commercial kitchen equipment will have different capabilities, and it’s important to choose those that will benefit your business. For example, if you employ a pastry chef, you’ll want to spend more on a high-quality convection oven than a restaurant that focuses on fried food.

3. What Maintenance Does It Require?

While residential kitchen equipment contributes to an interior design scheme, commercial restaurant equipment is all about functionality. Instead of choosing appliances that look nice, find out which pieces will be the easiest to upkeep. Those that need more frequent cleaning or maintenance procedures will cut down on productivity and cost more money in the long run.

4. Is It Energy-Efficient?

Especially when it comes to refrigeration equipment like walk-in coolers and freezers, it’s important to base your purchase on energy efficiency standards. The less energy an appliance consumes, the more money your business will save, and with ovens and coolers running for hours on end, the savings will add up fast.

If you’re on the hunt for top-tier commercial kitchen equipment, turn to Refrigeration & Food Equipment of Anchorage, AK, for help. They have been serving area customers since 1964, offering everything from design services to meticulous installations. For more information on their work, call them at (907) 248-2525 or visit the website.