Commercial Restaurant Equipment: A Comprehensive Guide (2023)

Commercial restaurant equipment is an essential part of any food service operation. From ovens and ranges to refrigerators and freezers, the right equipment can make all the difference in the efficiency and success of a restaurant. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the specific product type of commercial restaurant equipment and discussing the critical things people should pay attention to when making a purchase.

When it comes to commercial restaurant equipment, there are a variety of options available. From countertop appliances to large-scale equipment, there’s something for every type of food service operation. Some common types of commercial restaurant equipment include fryers, grills, steamers, and dishwashers.

When choosing commercial restaurant equipment, it’s essential to consider factors such as size, durability, and energy efficiency. The size of the equipment should be appropriate for the size of the restaurant and the volume of food being prepared. Durability is also critical, as commercial restaurant equipment is subject to heavy use and needs to withstand the wear and tear of daily operation. Additionally, energy-efficient equipment can help reduce operating costs and is better for the environment.

In this article, we’ll be focusing specifically on commercial refrigeration equipment. When choosing commercial refrigeration equipment, it’s important to consider factors such as size, energy efficiency, and temperature control. Proper refrigeration is critical for food safety and can help prevent foodborne illness.

We spent hours researching and testing various commercial refrigeration equipment to identify the ones that are the most efficient and reliable. In the following sections, we’ll be sharing our top picks and discussing the features that make them stand out.

Best Commercial Restaurant Equipment

As restaurant owners and operators, we understand the importance of having reliable, high-quality equipment in the kitchen. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best commercial restaurant equipment available on Amazon. From ovens to refrigerators to dishwashers, we’ve done the research and testing to bring you the top products in each category. Whether you’re starting a new restaurant or upgrading your current equipment, our list has got you covered.

Thenshop Hotel Pans

If you’re in the market for commercial restaurant equipment, the Thenshop Hotel Pans are a solid choice for your needs.

Pros

• The package includes 10 pans, so you’ll have plenty of options for your restaurant or catering business.
• Made of quality stainless steel, these pans are reliable and sturdy.
• The widened edge design of the steam table water pan is comfortable to hold and every hotel pan has been polished, making them smooth to the touch.

Cons

• The pans are thin and may not hold up well with daily heating.
• The metal edge is not bent all the way, which could be a safety hazard.
• Some reviewers have noted that the pans are of cheaper quality.

We’ve used these pans in our own catering business and have found that they’re easy to clean and can be used to store both hot and cold food. They’re versatile and can be used for a variety of occasions, from banquets to dining tables.

The Thenshop Hotel Pans are a great value at around $4 each, compared to other brands on the market. While they may not be the heaviest duty pans available, they’re a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable option.

Yinder Plastic Clear Food Pan

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy food storage container, the Yinder Plastic Clear Food Pan is a great choice.

Pros

• The package includes 12 food storage containers, each measuring 7 x 6.5 x 4 inches, which is perfect for storing food in various places such as homes, schools, restaurants, hotels, fast food restaurants, canteens, supermarkets, and bazaars.
• Made of high-quality PET plastic, this food pan has a thickened base and reinforced corners that make it sturdy and durable. The outer layer has added texture to improve non-slip, and the smooth edges make it comfortable to hold without hurting your hands. It has a strong load-bearing capacity and can be squeezed without deforming or overflowing.
• The plastic food pan can be reused, and the lug design can be stacked for storage, which means it won’t take up much storage space. It’s easy to clean, and you can quickly and easily wash it with fresh water by hand.

Cons

• Although this food pan can withstand a temperature range of 58-140 degrees Fahrenheit, it cannot be heated in a microwave oven.
• Some customers have reported that the pan warps under slight heat and melts in the dishwasher.

We’ve used the Yinder Plastic Clear Food Pan in our restaurant for a while now, and it has proven to be a reliable and sturdy food storage container. The package size is perfect for our needs, and the containers are easy to stack and store. The added texture on the outer layer improves the non-slip feature, which is a great safety feature. The capacity indicators in liters and quarts are convenient and help us estimate portion sizes, so we don’t waste food. The only downside is that the pan cannot be heated in a microwave oven, but that’s not a big issue for us. Overall, we highly recommend the Yinder Plastic Clear Food Pan for anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy food storage container.

ROVSUN Food Warmer Display

We highly recommend the ROVSUN Food Warmer Display for anyone in need of a commercial food warmer.

Pros

• Made of high quality stainless-steel and tempered glass walls & door, ensuring long lifespan, corrosion-proof and clear vision.
• Equipped with removable shelves and removable bottom tray, the food warmer is great for customizable food storage and easy for oil collection and cleaning.
• With the thermostatic temperature of 86 – 185℉, you could choose the most suitable temperature for different foods, which also avoids over-heating.

Cons

• The food warmer display is relatively large and may take up more counter space than some users may prefer.
• The 25W bulb at the top of the food warmer may not be bright enough for some users.
• The food warmer display may not be suitable for heating large quantities of food at once.

The ROVSUN Food Warmer Display is a durable and convenient option for commercial use. The high-quality stainless-steel and tempered glass walls and door ensure long lifespan, corrosion-proofing, and clear vision. The removable shelves and bottom tray make it easy to customize food storage and collect oil and dregs. The thermostatic temperature control allows for accurate and easy temperature regulation for different foods, avoiding over-heating.

One potential drawback of the food warmer display is its size. It may take up more counter space than some users may prefer. Additionally, the 25W bulb at the top of the food warmer may not be bright enough for some users. Finally, the food warmer display may not be suitable for heating large quantities of food at once.

Overall, the ROVSUN Food Warmer Display is an excellent option for cafes, concession stands, fast food restaurants, bakeries, canteens or other commercial use to keep pizza, hamburger, etc. warm. It is also perfect for self-serving at food courts, dining areas, and making your shop-front attractive. With a 1-year warranty, you can trust the quality of the product.

Stainless Steel Knife Rack for Commercial Kitchens

We highly recommend this Stainless Steel Knife Rack for Commercial Kitchens!

Pros

• Keeps knives organized and in one place
• Easy to clean and sanitize
• Can hold up to 10 knives and 2 honing steels

Cons

• May not fit all oversized knives
• No option for customization
• Mounting screws not included

We recently purchased this Stainless Steel Knife Rack for our commercial kitchen and have been extremely satisfied with its performance. The rack is made of high-quality stainless steel, making it easy to clean and sanitize for health department inspections. The plastic insert on top can be removed for detailed cleaning, ensuring that the rack remains sanitary for daily use.

This knife rack is also very practical, as it can hold up to 10 knives and 2 honing steels. The rack has 5 large slots for chef knives, 2 medium slots for slicers, and 2 small slots for paring and utility knives. There is also an extra-large slot for cleavers and oversized knives. This ensures that all of our knives are organized and easily accessible when we need them.

One downside to this knife rack is that it may not fit all oversized knives. We had a few knives that were too large to fit in the extra-large slot, so we had to store them separately. Additionally, there is no option for customization, so you cannot add or remove slots to fit your specific needs.

Overall, we highly recommend this Stainless Steel Knife Rack for Commercial Kitchens. It is a practical and sanitary solution for storing and organizing your knives. Just be sure to purchase mounting screws separately.

Rocita Commercial Conveyor Toaster

If you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to toast bread, bagels, and buns, the Rocita Commercial Conveyor Toaster is a great option for you. It’s perfect for busy kitchens and can toast up to 300 slices of bread per hour.

Pros

• The multiple functions and speed options allow for customization and versatility in toasting.
• The conveyor toaster with 2 ports allows for efficient and stable product assembly line work.
• The bread crumb tray and chain conveyor design make cleaning and maintenance easy.

Cons

• Some customers have reported issues with the machine breaking down after a few months of use.
• The shoot set up to go from front to back is not the best design.
• The ceramic terminal block has blown up for some customers after a short period of use.

We’ve used the Rocita Commercial Conveyor Toaster in our restaurant and have found that it’s a great addition to our kitchen. The multiple functions and speed options allow us to customize the toasting to our customers’ preferences and the conveyor toaster with 2 ports makes our product assembly line work more efficiently. Cleaning and maintenance are also a breeze with the bread crumb tray and chain conveyor design.

However, we have heard from some customers that the machine has broken down after a few months of use and that the shoot set up to go from front to back is not the best design. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the ceramic terminal block blowing up after a short period of use.

Overall, if you’re in need of a fast and efficient way to toast bread, bagels, and buns, the Rocita Commercial Conveyor Toaster is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of the potential design flaws and make sure to properly maintain the machine to prevent any issues.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying commercial restaurant equipment, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind while shopping:

Size and Capacity

It’s important to choose equipment that can handle the volume of food you’ll be producing. Consider the size of your kitchen and the amount of space you have available, as well as the number of customers you expect to serve. Look for equipment that has the capacity to handle your expected volume without overcrowding your kitchen.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial restaurant equipment can be a significant source of energy consumption, so it’s important to choose energy-efficient models. Look for equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Durability and Maintenance

Commercial restaurant equipment is a significant investment, so it’s important to choose equipment that is durable and easy to maintain. Look for equipment made from high-quality materials and that has a reputation for reliability. Consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance, as well as the availability of replacement parts and service technicians.

Safety Features

Commercial restaurant equipment can be dangerous if not used properly, so it’s important to choose equipment that has safety features to protect your staff and customers. Look for equipment with features such as automatic shut-off switches, safety interlocks, and temperature controls.

Price

Commercial restaurant equipment can be expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget when shopping. Look for equipment that offers the features and capacity you need at a price point that fits within your budget. Consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and energy costs, when making your decision.

In summary, choosing the best commercial restaurant equipment requires careful consideration of several factors, including size and capacity, energy efficiency, durability and maintenance, safety features, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and select equipment that will meet your needs for years to come.