Food Service Equipment Key Terms

Learn food service equipment key terms to choose the best pieces for your establishment

Everyone knows what a refrigerator or a range is. But commercial kitchen equipment have special terms that apply to major pieces. If you own or manage a restaurant, you should be familiar with these food service equipment key terms so you know what to look for. By reading this guide, you'll not only learn these key terms, you can also learn why these big-ticket items are important to the successful operation of a restaurant.

 

Reach-in refrigerators

Reach-in refrigerators allow you the convenience of being able to access cold food easily. You can find different configurations and sizes of reach-in refrigerators. To allow easy access and cleaning, look for models with casters that you can move easily throughout the kitchen.
Try: Big Tray has several models of reach-in refrigerators.

Reach-in freezer

Like reach-in refrigerators, a reach-in freezer allows you many configuration options, while allowing you ease of access to your frozen food. Reach in-freezers cost less than walk-in models and fit easily into most restaurant kitchens.
Try: Check out the reach-in freezer options at Restaurant Source.

Range

A commercial kitchen range is a core piece of food service equipment. Without a range, it's impossible to cook restaurant-quality food. The majority of ranges in commercial kitchens are powered by gas. You can find various configurations of the cooking surface with extra features, such as griddles.
Try: See the variety of range options at Food Service Warehouse.

Planetary mixers

Planetary mixers mix the food quickly and consistently. The bowl remains stationary and the paddles, or beaters, rotate in such a manner that the entire bowl of ingredients is quickly ready. You can find tabletop models of planetary mixers and even larger floor models for a bakery operation.
Try: Galasource Ventures has tabletop planetary mixers, as well as traditional mixers.

Fryers

Fryers are necessary for preparing deep-fried dishes or to warm pre-prepared frozen items. The fryer must keep hot oil at the exact temperature for proper cooking. You can find single and multiple basket models. Fryers can either fit on the countertop or be freestanding.
Try: Look at the different styles of commercial fryers at The WEBstaurant Store.

Ice machines, or icemakers

Ice machines are vital pieces of food service equipment. Because most restaurants serve cold beverages, being able to generate your own ice is an important way to save money. As you look at ice machines, it's important to buy a machine large enough to meet your needs even on your busiest day or during the hottest weather.
Try: You can see a commercial ice machine at Comfort House.

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