5 Tips for Buying Kitchen Equipment
The process of renovating the current kitchen or installing a new one from scratch is a massive undertaking. So, before starting with the kitchen project, it is essential to conduct necessary research to ensure the final installation is practical for its intended use. Here are five things to consider in the process of buying commercial kitchen equipment:
Plan the menu
A major step to begin the project is to carefully plan the menu to know exactly the type of food to prepare. Once this is known it is much easier to buy the equipment that matches the exact needs. This can avoid wasting a significant amount of money on expensive, specialty equipment that isn’t likely to be used.
Create a practical budget
Investing in the right equipment to fit out a commercial kitchen can be an expensive project. Before starting the project, it is practical to set a practical budget that is within your means. The best course of action is to find an acceptable balance between affordability and quality. If the budget does not permit buying top-of-the-line equipment, it is worthwhile investing more on the most important supplies and paying less for items that will have minimal impact on the food preparation or cooking process.
Determine the available space
A simple step that needs to be carefully completed is to measure the available space for the new equipment. A plan or layout of the kitchen can be created to make it easy to know where to place the different items. Also, it is worth measuring the doorway or other relevant areas to ensure the newly purchased equipment is able to make its way into the kitchen.
Energy Star rated equipment
With the high cost of fitting out a new kitchen it is certainly worth looking for the most cost-effective appliances and tools to run. The most energy-efficient items are marked with the blue Energy StarĀ® label. By investing in these types of items it is possible to benefit from lower energy costs over the long-term. Also, any products with this mark are certain to be food-safe, produce less air pollutants, and suitable for the commercial kitchen environment.
Comply with local codes
A further point to consider before shopping for the kitchen supplies it to be familiar with the local fire, building and health codes. They can vary from region to region so it is important to check what rules apply to your particular business and location.