Updating your kitchen can be one of the biggest and best investments a restaurant owner can make. With so many choices available these days, it’s important to determine what pieces of equipment will be the most beneficial to your operation. There are many directions one can take, from energy efficiency to functionality there are many factors to weigh when making such a large purchase. From large to small items, having proper equipment can greatly increase the efficiency and profitability of your kitchen. It can also go a long way towards employee satisfaction as outdated equipment can make an already tough job even harder. Since profit margins can be tight in the restaurant industry, manufacturers have created many revolutionary products that can turn your outdated kitchen into a food producing juggernaut, maximizing time and space. Here we’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular items newly available on the market today.
Combination Ovens
One of the biggest space savers available on the market today are combination ovens. Not only do they save space, they offer state of the art technology that allows for a more hands off approach to cooking. One top of the line product is the Rational CombiMaster Plus. It is very easy to operate and even has a USB port where you can upload specific cooking sequences and programs. It also regulates humidity thus eliminating the need for basting or adding liquid. With a stainless steel interior and exterior, it’s extremely easy to clean and boasts a very large cooking capacity.
Hibachi
One of the biggest trends in the restaurant industry today is involving customers in the cooking process. Fondue restaurants and pho restaurants have proven to be very successful, allowing customers to participate in food preparation. Another one of these trends that is starting to gain popularity is hibachi. There are personal hibachi sets available that allow customers to have fun with their food. There are sets available that are small enough to transport from table to table and are safe enough to allow customers to cook shrimp, s’mores and even entrees.
Energy Efficient
With an increased focus on environmental safety and reducing carbon footprints, many restaurants have opted for more energy efficient equipment. Not only are these products more environmentally friendly, they also help to save money on energy costs. Additionally, making these types of purchases can help with advertising and customer acquisition. Converting your kitchen to these types of products will allow you to promote your restaurant as a green business. There are many potential customers who take great stock in a company that is willing to make these types of changes.
Smaller Ticket Items
There are many smaller kitchen must haves that are causing quite a stir in the restaurant industry. Many necessities have been optimized to make preparation, cooking and cleaning easier and more time efficient. We’ve received a couple recommendations from a product expert at webstaurantstore.com. “A more expensive, semi-pro pair of items I have at home that I use all the time – an immersion circulator and chamber vacuum sealer. With the chamber vacuum sealer, you can seal everything the old Foodsaver can, but you can also seal liquids or juicy meats. The immersion circulator is used for sous vide cooking, which is becoming ever more popular at home and in professional kitchens. It doesn’t surprise me that the Lodge carbon steel skillet is out of stock – it is amazing. I have one in our test kitchen, but not at home yet. Believe me, it is on my wish list. It gives you that fast heat up of a standard carbon steel pan, but it is thicker than most French pans and holds more heat. It’s almost a crossover between a standard French pan and a cast iron pan. I’ve not found anything better for searing meats, so it is a great item for people that reverse sear or sous vide.”
Funding Your Equipment Purchases
Many restaurant owners recognize the need for updated equipment but may not have the funds necessary to make a purchase. Quikstone Capital Solutions specializes in helping restaurants get started and continue to grow. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to fund your next equipment purchase, consider a merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions. Download our free restuarant investment guide for more ways to grow your restaurant business.
