Best Restaurant Equipment Suppliers

Discover the types of commercial kitchen equipment, top-rated brands, financing options, and maintenance tips.

Setting up or upgrading a commercial kitchen requires careful planning and investment in high-quality equipment. This guide will explore the types of commercial kitchen equipment, top-rated brands, financing options, leading suppliers, and maintenance tips to ensure your kitchen operates efficiently and reliably.

Types of Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Cooking Equipment

1. Ovens
   
   • Types: Convection ovens, pizza ovens, combi ovens, and conveyor ovens.
   • Uses: Baking, roasting, and cooking a variety of dishes.
2. Ranges and Cooktops
   
   • Types: Gas ranges, electric ranges, induction cooktops.
   • Uses: Preparing meals that require high heat and precise temperature control.
3. Grills and Griddles
   
   • Types: Flat-top griddles, charbroilers, countertop grills.
   • Uses: Cooking meats, vegetables, and breakfast items.
4. Fryers
   
   • Types: Deep fryers, air fryers, and pressure fryers.
   • Uses: Frying foods like French fries, chicken, and donuts.
5. Microwave Ovens
   
   • Types: Commercial-grade microwaves with higher power and durability.
   • Uses: Quick heating and cooking tasks.

Refrigeration and Storage

1. Refrigerators and Freezers
   
   • Types: Walk-in coolers, reach-in refrigerators, under-counter units.
   • Uses: Storing perishable items at safe temperatures.
2. Ice Machines
   
   • Types: Undercounter ice machines, modular ice makers, and ice dispensers.
   • Uses: Producing and storing ice for drinks and food preservation.
3. Storage Racks and Shelving
   
   • Types: Wire shelving, mobile racks, and ingredient bins.
   • Uses: Organizing kitchen supplies and ingredients.

Food Preparation Equipment

1. Mixers
   
   • Types: Planetary mixers, spiral mixers, and countertop mixers.
   • Uses: Mixing dough, batters, and sauces.
2. Food Processors
   
   • Types: Batch bowl processors, continuous feed processors.
   • Uses: Chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
3. Slicers
   
   • Types: Manual and automatic slicers.
   • Uses: Slicing meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
4. Blenders
   
   • Types: Countertop blenders, immersion blenders, bar blenders.
   • Uses: Blending drinks, soups, and sauces.

Dishwashing Equipment

1. Commercial Dishwashers
   
   • Types: Undercounter, door-type, conveyor dishwashers.
   • Uses: Cleaning dishes, glassware, and utensils.
2. Sinks and Faucets
   
   • Types: Compartment sinks, hand sinks, pre-rinse units.
   • Uses: Washing dishes, hands, and food.
3. Garbage Disposals
   
   • Types: Continuous feed and batch feed disposals.
   • Uses: Managing food waste and scraps.

Best Rated Brands and Pricing

Top Brands

1. Vulcan
   
   • Specialty: Cooking equipment including ovens, ranges, and griddles.
   • Price Range: $2,000 - $20,000+ depending on the equipment.
2. True Refrigeration
   
   • Specialty: High-performance refrigerators and freezers.
   • Price Range: $1,500 - $10,000+ based on size and features.
3. Hobart
   
   • Specialty: Dishwashing equipment and food preparation tools.
   • Price Range: $3,000 - $30,000+ for dishwashers and mixers.
4. KitchenAid Commercial
   
   • Specialty: Mixers and food processors for professional kitchens.
   • Price Range: $400 - $2,000+ depending on the product.
5. Robot Coupe
   
   • Specialty: Food processors and blenders.
   • Price Range: $500 - $5,000+ depending on capabilities.

Pricing Overview

• Ovens: $2,000 - $15,000+ depending on type and features.
• Ranges: $1,000 - $10,000+ for various fuel types and sizes.
• Refrigeration Units: $1,500 - $15,000+ based on size and technology.
• Dishwashers: $3,000 - $25,000+ depending on capacity and type.
• Food Preparation Equipment: $200 - $5,000+ for mixers, processors, and blenders.

Restaurant Equipment Financing: Options to Afford High-Quality Gear

1. Leasing
   
   • Pros: Lower upfront costs, flexibility to upgrade, tax benefits.
   • Cons: Total cost over time may be higher than purchasing outright.
   • Typical Terms: 12 to 60 months, with buyout options at the end.
2. Equipment Loans
   
   • Pros: Ownership of equipment, fixed monthly payments.
   • Cons: Requires credit approval, interest costs.
   • Typical Terms: 3 to 7 years, with interest rates varying by credit score.
3. Merchant Cash Advances
   
   • Pros: Quick access to funds, repayment based on sales.
   • Cons: Higher costs and fees, can affect cash flow.
   • Typical Terms: Short-term financing with daily or weekly repayments.
4. Vendor Financing
   
   • Pros: Convenient, often tailored to specific equipment.
   • Cons: Limited to vendor's products, possible higher interest rates.
   • Typical Terms: Varies by vendor, often similar to leasing or loan terms.

Restaurant Supply Companies: Top Suppliers for Reliable Equipment

1. WebstaurantStore
   
   • Overview: Extensive inventory of kitchen equipment and supplies.
   • Specialties: Competitive pricing, fast shipping, and bulk discounts.
   • Promos: Frequent sales and free shipping offers on select items.
2. Restaurant Depot
   
   • Overview: Wholesale club for food service professionals.
   • Specialties: Wide range of equipment, bulk purchasing.
   • Promos: Membership discounts and exclusive deals for members.
3. Central Restaurant Products
   
   • Overview: Supplier of kitchen equipment and restaurant supplies.
   • Specialties: Personalized service, financing options.
   • Promos: Seasonal sales and financing promotions.
4. KaTom Restaurant Supply
   
   • Overview: One of the largest suppliers of commercial kitchen equipment.
   • Specialties: Expert advice, extensive product range.
   • Promos: Clearance sales and special discounts for new customers.
5. Burkett Restaurant Equipment
   
   • Overview: Provider of new and refurbished restaurant equipment.
   • Specialties: Affordable pricing, certified pre-owned options.
   • Promos: Financing specials and promotions on refurbished gear.

Restaurant Equipment Maintenance: Tips for Prolonging the Life of the Equipment

1. Regular Cleaning
   
   • Importance: Prevents build-up of grease and grime, ensuring efficient operation.
   • Tips: Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning schedules and products.
2. Scheduled Inspections
   
   • Importance: Early detection of wear and tear can prevent major breakdowns.
   • Tips: Conduct monthly or quarterly inspections of key components.
3. Professional Servicing
   
   • Importance: Ensures complex equipment like ovens and refrigerators are functioning correctly.
   • Tips: Schedule annual maintenance with certified technicians.
4. Proper Training
   
   • Importance: Ensures staff know how to use and maintain equipment properly.
   • Tips: Provide training sessions and manuals for all new equipment.
5. Routine Lubrication and Calibration
   
   • Importance: Keeps mechanical parts moving smoothly and accurately.
   • Tips: Check and lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

This article provides a thorough overview of commercial kitchen equipment, from the types and top brands to financing and maintenance. Whether you're setting up a new restaurant or upgrading an existing kitchen, understanding your options and how to maintain your equipment is crucial for success.