Choosing Commercial Kitchen Equipment: DIY vs. Pros
When you're getting ready to open a restaurant, one of the first hurdles you hit is figuring out how to get all your commercial kitchen equipment. There are so many things—refrigerators, prep tables, sinks, gas lines—and once they're installed, it's tough to change them, so your initial choices are super important.
In this post, we're going to break down the pros and cons of buying everything yourself versus hiring a contractor or checking out used equipment. We'll walk through each method to help you decide which approach fits your business and what you need to check first.
Three Ways to Purchase Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Generally, you have three main ways to get the gear for your restaurant. You can buy brand new items yourself, have a contractor handle everything from start to finish, or pick what you need from a used equipment store. Sometimes you'll stick to just one method, and other times you might mix and match depending on what works best for your space.
- Buying it yourself: You get to decide exactly what kind of equipment and how big it needs to be, but you'll have to manage the installation order and all the hookups yourself.
- Hiring a contractor for everything: This lets one company handle everything from the initial design to the final setup, saving you time, but the quality of the final result really depends on the contractor you choose.
- Buying used: This is great for keeping your budget down since you can pick only the items you need, but you absolutely have to inspect everything yourself to check its condition.
When Buying It Yourself Makes Sense
If you already have a clear menu and a set idea of your kitchen layout, buying it yourself is probably the best route. You need to be able to clearly see what cooking equipment you actually need to avoid overbuying. However, you must first confirm all the installation requirements, like gas line placement, electrical capacity, and drainage spots. Also, remember that you'll have to coordinate schedules separately with the installation crew.
When to Hire a Professional Installation Company
If you need to design the entire kitchen workflow from scratch, or if you're setting up a place like an employee cafeteria that requires a lot of equipment all at once, hiring a professional installation company is usually the way to go. They often handle everything, mapping out the flow from storage and prep to cooking, serving, and cleaning, while also managing the gas, water supply, and drainage work. Just be sure to read the quotes carefully to see exactly what work is included, since each company handles things differently.
| Category | Buying Yourself | Hiring a Pro | Buying Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Small shops with set menus and kitchen sizes | New establishments needing layout design | Entrepreneurs looking to cut costs |
| What to Watch Out For | Verify installation requirements yourself | Check the scope of work in the estimate | Inspect the equipment's condition and repair history |
Tips for Buying Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Using a used commercial kitchen supply store lets you pick exactly what you need and save money. When you check out appliances, test the refrigerator to make sure the cooling works properly, and check gas appliances for any leaks or ignition issues. The working condition is way more important than how it looks. A big plus is that items from restaurant closures come in all sorts of varieties, so you can pick exactly what suits your needs.
Must-Check Items Before Installation
- Confirm that the location and capacity for gas, electricity, water supply, and drainage match the specifications of your equipment.
- Map out the workflow in the order of cooking steps and then decide on the equipment placement.
- Ask the local authorities or the installation technician to ensure everything meets ventilation and fire safety standards.
- Before you buy, verify the warranty period and what the after-sales service (A/S) options are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get custom commercial kitchen furniture?
For furniture that needs to fit your space, like counters and sinks, it's safest to get custom measurements taken. However, you can often handle things like frequently used mobile shelving or work tables with off-the-shelf items.
Where should I buy commercial kitchen equipment?
For new items, check out specialized kitchen supply stores or equipment contractors. If you're looking to save money, be sure to compare prices at used equipment shops too. No matter where you shop, always check the product specifications and installation requirements first.
What equipment should I buy first when starting a new business?
Start by deciding on the essential daily items, such as refrigerators, freezers, gas ranges, and cleaning equipment. You can always add auxiliary equipment once your sales have stabilized.
Your first step right now is to write down your menu and then list every piece of equipment you need in the order you plan to cook. After that, check your gas and electrical requirements, which will make it much easier to decide whether to buy everything yourself or hire someone to handle it.