When setting up your bakery, choosing the best commercial kitchen equipment brands is the best way to make sure you get great results in your culinary creations!
What are the Best Kitchen Equipment Brands?
Setting up and running a professional baking kitchen has been an incredible journey for me. Over the years, I’ve learned that having the best commercial equipment can make a world of difference. From the quality of the baked goods to the efficiency of the kitchen, choosing the right brands is crucial.
In this post, I’ll share my personal experiences and recommendations for the top commercial kitchen equipment manufacturers and share best practices for outfitting your own baking space.
Over the years, I’ve had the experience of setting up four different professional retail bakery kitchens.
In some instances, I used pre-owned kitchen appliances to manage costs, while other times I was fortunate enough to purchase brand new professional kitchen equipment. I’ve worked with a wide variety of equipment from numerous brands, each with its own set of advantages and challenges.
I’m excited to share my thoughts on these various pieces of equipment, along with tips and insights that can help you make the best choices for your own professional kitchen.
Related Resources for Your Baking Business
If you’re interested in more tips and detailed guides for setting up and running your baking business, check out these helpful resources:
- Starting a Home-Based Baking Business: A Step-by-Step Guide: Learn the essentials of starting your own home-based baking business, from legal requirements to marketing strategies. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step to ensure your venture is successful.
- Supplies You Need to Start a Home Bakery Business: Wondering what equipment and supplies you need to get started? This article covers all the essential items, from baking tools to packaging supplies, to help you set up your home bakery efficiently.
- 100+ Best Baking Quotes and Captions for Social Media: Looking to spice up your social media posts? Here are over 100 baking quotes and captions that are perfect for sharing your culinary creations with your followers. These catchy phrases will help you engage with your audience and promote your bakery online.
Why Choosing the Right Equipment is Essential
When I first started my professional baking kitchen, I quickly realized that the right equipment was key to success. Here are some reasons why investing in high-quality commercial cooking equipment is so important:
- Efficiency: The right tools help streamline food preparation, allowing you to bake more in less time.
- Consistency: High-quality products help make sure that your baked goods come out perfect every time.
- Durability: Commercial-grade equipment is built to stand up to heavy use.
- Low Maintenance: Maintenance is a constant factor in running a baking kitchen. Equipment that requires minimal maintenance can save you significant time and money.
Factors to Consider
When I was selecting equipment for my bakeries, I paid close attention to the following factors:
- Available Space: Measuring my kitchen space meticulously was so important to help make sure everything fit perfectly without overcrowding. I had to make sure that each piece of kitchen equipment had its dedicated spot.
- Volume of Operation: My kitchen needed to handle high volumes of production, so I opted for equipment that could keep up with the demand.
- Electrical Requirements: Verifying the electrical requirements of each appliance was essential. I made sure that the equipment I was looking to buy could be supported by the electrical infrastructure of my kitchen. If an appliance required a specific voltage or amperage that wasn’t available, I consulted with an electrician to see if the necessary adjustments or installations could be made.
- Durability: Stainless steel was my go-to material due to its durability and ease of cleaning. It’s essential for maintaining a clean, professional kitchen.
My Top Commercial Kitchen Equipment Brands
True Refrigeration
True has been my go-to for a wide range of refrigeration solutions. Their reach-in refrigerators, prep tables, and refrigerated display cases provide ample space and keep everything at the right temperature. Plus, their customer service has always been fantastic, which is a huge plus.
Wolf Range
For cooking equipment, the Wolf gas range has been a game-changer. Their gas stoves are incredibly reliable. The Wolf Commercial Gas Range is perfect for a busy kitchen like mine. If you can’t have a gas stove, a great workaround is an electric induction oven. This type of electric range is a popular choice for small restaurants or when you want to avoid using a vent hood.
Blodgett Convection Oven
Blodgett ovens are strong and durable. They make combination ovens, electric convection ovens, deck ovens, and pizza ovens. I have purchased several Blodgett ovens from used restaurant equipment supply stores. My experience was that they require very little maintenance. In my oldest Blodgett combination oven, the only repair I made was to replace a fuse. I used that oven for a long time and it was very reliable!
KitchenAid Mixers
Of course, KitchenAid mixers are the backbone for many bakers. KitchenAid is a brand that has been around for a long time in both commercial kitchens and residential kitchens. You can find KitchenAid commercial mixers in many different sizes, depending on the volume of your operation.
I found that for my bakery, a 20-quart bowl was the best option for almost everything we mixed. We also had a smaller 8-quart bowl for small batches, and those two mixers stood the test of time. One thing to remember with your KitchenAid mixer is that it does need some maintenance to lubricate the gears and oil the bowl lift to ensure it stays functional. The best thing about KitchenAid mixers is that most restaurant equipment repair companies can service them, and parts are easy to get.
I once bought a new mixer that was not a KitchenAid brand, and it did not last as long. The replacement parts were very hard to find and I ended up replacing the mixer much sooner than I had planned. Stick with the industry standard for mixers, and you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.
Regency 3 Compartment Sinks
My Regency 3-compartment sink is another high-quality product that I highly recommend. When choosing a sink, I look for one with ample-sized drain boards. My health department inspector requires a drainboard on each side, and Regency offers that. Additionally, I needed a good amount of clearance below my three-compartment sink for the installation of a grease trap. The Regency 16-gauge stainless steel 3-compartment commercial sink worked perfectly for this purpose. It’s durable, meets health department standards, and provides the functionality I need to keep my kitchen running smoothly.
Creating a Cleaning Schedule for Your Equipment
Cleaning and maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your equipment. Here are some important points to consider:
- Regular Cleaning: Develop a daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedule for all equipment. Daily cleaning should include wiping down surfaces, sanitizing food prep areas, and cleaning utensils. Weekly and monthly tasks can involve deeper cleaning, such as descaling equipment, cleaning filters, and checking for any buildup.
- Proper Maintenance: Regularly inspect equipment for any signs of wear and tear. Lubricate moving parts as needed, and replace any worn-out components promptly to avoid bigger issues down the line.
- Training Staff: Ensure all kitchen staff are trained on proper cleaning techniques and the importance of maintaining equipment. This helps prevent misuse and extends the life of your equipment.
- Use the Right Cleaning Products: Use cleaning products that are safe for your specific equipment. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces or leave residues that affect food quality.
- Keep a Maintenance Log: Maintain a log of all cleaning and maintenance activities. This helps track when equipment was last serviced and ensures that no task is overlooked.
Reputable Commercial Equipment Suppliers
Finding the best places to buy your commercial appliances is crucial, especially since not everyone lives near a retail shop where you can browse and purchase items in person. I did most of my buying online, and here are some of the top resources I recommend for purchasing commercial restaurant equipment:
- WebstaurantStore: webstaurantstore.com
- One of the largest online suppliers of restaurant equipment and supplies. They offer a vast selection of products at competitive prices, and their customer service is excellent.
- RestaurantSupply.com: restaurantsupply.com
- Offers a comprehensive range of commercial kitchen equipment, from small appliances to large fixtures. They have detailed product descriptions and customer reviews to help you make informed decisions.
- CKitchen: ckitchen.com
- Specializes in providing high-quality commercial kitchen equipment. They offer free shipping on many items and have a team of experts available to help with any questions or needs.
- KaTom Restaurant Supply: katom.com
- Offers a wide variety of commercial kitchen equipment and supplies. Known for their fast shipping and extensive product range, catering to both small and large establishments.
- Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies: burkett.com
- Provides both new and used commercial kitchen equipment. They offer financing options and have a knowledgeable sales team to assist with your purchases.
These online suppliers are reliable, offer competitive pricing, and provide a wide range of products to suit your needs. Shopping online for your commercial kitchen equipment allows you to compare prices, read reviews, and find the best deals without leaving the comfort of your home.
Tips for Buying Kitchen Equipment
When looking for the best commercial kitchen equipment brands, here are some key points to consider:
Top Brands and Their Reputations:
Look for leading commercial kitchen equipment brands with strong reputations and positive reviews within the food industry.
Check for any awards or recognitions these brands have received.
Types of Equipment Offered:
Identify the specific categories of kitchen equipment each brand offers, such as ovens, refrigerators, and mixers.
Note any innovations or unique features of the equipment.
Quality and Durability:
Ensure the equipment is made from high-quality materials like stainless steel for durability and easy maintenance.
Look for customer testimonials and case studies that highlight the longevity and reliability of the equipment.
Customer Service and Support:
Evaluate the availability of customer service and support from the manufacturer.
Review warranty details and after-sales service options.
Check how easy it is to obtain spare parts and repairs.
Energy Efficiency:
Look for ENERGY STAR ratings and other energy-saving features to reduce operational costs.
Consider the potential cost savings on utilities over time.
Compliance with Industry Standards:
Ensure the equipment has necessary certifications and complies with industry standards, such as NSF certification.
Check for safety features and food safety compliance.
Cost and Value for Money:
Compare the price ranges of equipment from various brands.
Weigh the cost against the benefits and features offered.
Explore financing options or equipment leasing if needed.
Ease of Use and Maintenance:
Choose equipment that is user-friendly and easy to operate.
Consider the maintenance requirements and ease of cleaning.
Customization and Design Services:
Look for brands that offer custom equipment solutions.
Check if design services are available to help with kitchen layout and installation.
Recommendations for Specific Needs:
Identify the best brands for different types of food service establishments, such as restaurants, bakeries, and cafes.
Seek recommendations based on the volume of operation and available kitchen space.
Where to Buy:
Find reputable suppliers and distributors for purchasing equipment.
Explore both online and offline purchasing options.
Compare prices from different retailers to get the best deals.
Best Practices for Choosing Kitchen Equipment
- Assess Your Needs: I started by evaluating the specific needs of my baking kitchen, considering the types of baked goods I produce and the volume of my operations.
- Consider Long-Term Value: Investing in durable, high-quality equipment has saved me money in the long run. I made sure to choose appliances that would last and provide consistent performance.
- Check Energy Ratings: ENERGY STAR-rated equipment was a priority for me to reduce energy costs and support sustainability.
- Read Reviews and Get Recommendations: I talked to other bakers and read reviews to find the best options. This helped me make informed decisions and avoid any regrets.
Honorable Mention Equipment Pieces to Consider
In addition to the essential equipment already mentioned, there are several other pieces that can greatly enhance the functionality and efficiency of your professional baking kitchen. Here are a few more honorable mentions:
Ice Machines
Ice machines are incredibly useful, not just for cooling beverages but also for rapidly cooling down your pastry recipes. Whether you’re making a chilled dessert or need to cool dough quickly, having a reliable ice machine can be a game-changer in maintaining the quality and consistency of your baked goods.
Food Processors
If you’re selling coffee and baked goods, a food processor is a versatile tool you shouldn’t overlook. It’s great for chopping nuts, making cookie crumbs, and preparing various ingredients needed in your recipes. The efficiency and consistency that a food processor offers can significantly cut down your prep time and improve your overall workflow.
Sheet Pan Racks
Running a bakery means you’ll be dealing with a lot of sheet pans. Sheet pan racks are perfect for organizing your baked goods as they come out of the oven. I like to keep a sheet pan rack right next to my oven so I always have a place to put warm pans as they come out. This not only keeps your kitchen organized but also helps in managing cooling and storage efficiently.
Food Storage Containers
Proper food storage is crucial in a professional kitchen, and I highly recommend Cambro food storage containers. These containers hold up to multiple washings and always come clean without staining from ingredients. They are durable and help in maintaining the freshness and safety of your stored ingredients.
Trash Cans
Efficient waste management is essential in any kitchen. Invest in high-quality trash cans to keep your kitchen clean and hygienic. Proper disposal of waste helps in maintaining a sanitary environment and reduces the risk of contamination.
Foodservice Chemicals
Maintaining cleanliness in a professional kitchen requires the use of specialized foodservice chemicals. I recommend working with a foodservice chemical company such as Ecolab to ensure you have the right products for cleaning and sanitizing your kitchen equipment and surfaces. This helps in maintaining food safety standards and prolongs the lifespan of your equipment.
Storage Racks
Every kitchen needs ample storage space, and open storage racks are an excellent solution for keeping your inventory organized. Storage racks make it easy to access and put away your purchases, ensuring that your kitchen remains tidy and efficient. They are particularly useful for storing bulk ingredients and supplies.
Conclusion
Setting up a professional baking kitchen requires careful planning and investment in the right equipment. My experience with brands like True, Wolf, and Blodgett has been overwhelmingly positive. These brands have helped me maintain high standards in my kitchen, ensuring that every baked good meets my expectations.
When selecting the best commercial kitchen equipment, remember to consider factors such as available space, electrical requirements, and durability. By choosing high-quality products from reputable commercial kitchen equipment suppliers, you can create a kitchen that is efficient, reliable, and perfectly suited to your needs. Whether you’re running a small bakery or a large food service establishment, having the right equipment is essential for success.
If you’re in the process of setting up your own kitchen, I hope my experiences and recommendations help guide you. Remember to assess your needs, consider long-term value, and consult with reputable suppliers to make the best choice for your professional kitchen. Happy baking!