Whether you’re updating, just starting out, or renovating your restaurant, one of the most crucial elements of a great restaurant is the equipment. Each item needs to fit both the needs and wants of your kitchen, and you should never make a spur of the moment decision. To help ensure you get the right items required for your kitchen, make sure you consider these important aspects of purchasing Cheap Restaurant Equipment.
Measure Your Space
Before you can decide what devices to buy, you need to know the exact measurements of the area available in your kitchen. Space is the most prominent factor that can limit your kitchen, even more than funds. For example, if you buy a top of the line oven, but the door hits the counter so it won’t open all the way, your employees will not be happy. They need to have sufficient room to do their jobs and also access the appliances. Therefore, it is essential to be diligent in knowing the exact measurements of your workspace. Don’t just think about the floor space, some items (such as fume hoods, shelves, or other tall devices) call for a specific height clearance as well.
New Doesn’t Mean Better
You don’t need to have all new equipment in order to open a new restaurant. You don’t even need to have brand new equipment to renovate an older kitchen into a better state. To help save money, you can purchase quality second-hand options for extreme discounts compared to brand new ones. Used items could include, but are not limited to:
- Chairs
- Ovens
- Refrigeration Units
- Stoves
- Tables
- And Much More
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
When purchasing used equipment, never be afraid to get a second opinion (especially if you are unfamiliar with a device.) It is better to ask for help than to end up with a piece of equipment you never use. You can talk to a friend, a family member, an experienced chef, or even online trade forums to help you make informed decisions. Another option you can try, if you are seeking to understand more about the features of a device, is to speak with a customer service representative. While they may lean more towards a specific model, they are knowledgeable about the items they sell and can help you understand how each feature works.
Choose Reliable Brands
When searching for cheap restaurant equipment, you should always choose a reliable brand or appliance. After all, no one is going to go to a restaurant to eat when over half the menu is unavailable because the oven needs servicing or the deep fryer is out of order. To avoid equipment prone to failures, always research manufacturers, warranties, service plans, and if there are known complications with certain models. And don’t forget to check out product reviews. Information from current users can be vital to finding common problems with an appliance and can help you to avoid purchasing a lemon.
Make Sure the Equipment Follows Regulations
Restaurants have a series of regulations to follow including local, state, and federal guidelines. On top of that, there are also fire, health, and OSHA codes to consider. Each one dictates some form or feature required for your equipment or the layout of your kitchen. You also need to think about the safety of your employees both when the kitchen is in use and during its downtime.
Looking to cook up a great menu for your customers? Look no further than GatorChef! To find out more about our excellent selection of cheap restaurant equipment, call our experienced staff today at 888-944-2867.
For more information about Steam Table Pans and Restaurant Cooking Equipment Please visit : Gatorchef.