Stocking your kitchen is a fundamental job that must be done correctly. If you do not stock it properly from the beginning, you could run into many problems as you try to service customers. Your kitchen staff will need the right equipment to be able to prepare the foods that are on your menu. That is why it is important for you to know exactly what you need to get started.

Cooking Equipment

Your cooking equipment is one of the most important purchases that you will make. You need to ensure that you have everything you need for the chef and other staff memebers to prepare every dish and side dish on your menu. What equipment you need will be dictated by what kind of foods you serve. However, there are some standard pieces of equipment that most kitchens use. These include a range, an oven, a grill and deep fryers. You may also need specialized items such as a microwave or a pizza oven depending upon your business.

Cookware

Your kitchen staff will not be able to properly prepare the meals without adequate cookware. For this reason it is important that you stock your kitchen with all of the proper cookware long before you open the doors to the public. Often, you can find used cookware from other businesses that are closing down. As long as they are still in good condition, this can be a great way to get everything you need without spending too much money. As you buy your cookware, be sure to purchase things such as sauté pans, stock pots for soups, sauce pans, baking sheets, baking pans and pizza screens, if you need them. You want to also make sure that you have enough of each item to get you through an entire dinner service without having to wash dishes. This prevents delays in getting food to the customers.

Utensils

Utensils are a constant need in any restaurant kitchen. Not only will you need to purchase utensils, you will need to purchase plenty of them. You do not want the kitchen staff to have to stop and wash utensils in order to finish cooking a meal. It is important that the work in the kitchen continue without anything holding them back. Some of the utensils you will find a need for includes tongs, spatulas, knives, ladles, whisks and mixing bowls. You should also talk to the chef to see what utensils they would need to create the dishes on the menu.

Dishware

You may not automatically think of the dishware as being a part of the kitchen, but it is. When the food is prepared, the staff needs the dishware to place it on. Even though you will need items such as cups, glasses and silverware, they are not usually counted as a part of the kitchen. However, bowls and plates are. Make sure you have enough appetizer plates, salad plates, dessert plates and dinner plates to service all of your customers at the same time.

You will find there are additional needs as you stock your kitchen. Any restaurant should have a walk-in cooler and a freezer. There should be plenty of shelving for your dry storage. You will need prep tables and a steam table. All kitchens should include floor mats and plenty of cleaning rags. Stocking the kitchen properly will save you much hassle and headache later on.

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