Commercial kitchen design: Step by step

Designing your commercial kitchen is one of the most exciting and rewarding steps when starting a hospitality business. Whether you're creating a space to handle high-volume food production or optimising a smaller setup, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know - from renting the right kitchen equipment to planning an efficient layout.

 

Start with your kitchen layout

The layout is key to your kitchen's efficiency. Begin by assessing the space and determining how to make the most of it. Designing your kitchen around your workflow is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and a productive team.

Understanding your space

Securing a location for your commercial kitchen is the first step. If you're opening a franchise, you might already have a rough idea of the setup. For those starting from scratch, it's important to evaluate the size of your space and how it can best be utilised.

A common guideline in commercial kitchen design is to allocate 60% of the space for dining and 40% for the kitchen, though this ratio can vary depending on your restaurant type. This ensures your kitchen has enough room to prepare and process orders efficiently while leaving plenty of space for customers.

Define your menu

Before designing your kitchen, finalise your menu. The dishes you plan to serve will dictate the type of kitchen equipment you need.

Whether you're crafting fresh seafood dishes or baking artisanal bread, your menu should inform both your equipment choices and kitchen design. Working with a finance provider like SilverChef, which specialises in hospitality equipment, can help you select the right tools for your specific needs. This ensures your setup is tailored to your menu and operational goals.

Map the food journey

Once your menu is set, consider the flow of food through your kitchen. From preparation to service, every step should be seamless.

• Will you have a counter where customers pick up orders?

• Does your kitchen need a staging area for delivery orders?

• Are wait staff delivering meals to tables?
  

Designing a layout that supports these transitions will keep your team efficient, even during busy periods.

Smooth workflows minimise time spent moving food around and reduce the risk of confusion or accidents. Safety is also paramount; ensure proper equipment placement to avoid hazards and allow safe movement throughout the kitchen.

Optimise storage and refrigeration

An efficient kitchen also relies on smart storage and refrigeration placement.

• Position dry storage near prep areas to save time gathering ingredients.
• Place refrigerators and freezers close to cooking stations to maintain food safety and allow easy access.

Strategically placing these units reduces congestion and keeps your kitchen running smoothly during peak times.

 

Renting equipment: A cost-effective solution

New kitchen equipment can be a significant investment. Renting equipment offers a cost-effective alternative, helping you manage upfront costs and maintain healthy cash flow.

SilverChef's Rent-Try-Buy allows you to rent high-quality kitchen equipment from the start, with the flexibility to upgrade, change, or purchase equipment as your business grows. This ensures you're always equipped with the tools you need while keeping finances under control.

 

Maintain your equipment

Proper maintenance of kitchen equipment not only extends its lifespan but also ensures food safety and operational reliability. Here's how to keep everything in top condition:

• Establish a daily cleaning schedule to remove grease, residue, and other contaminants.
• Schedule regular inspections and maintenance checks to identify and fix issues early.
• Train staff on proper equipment usage to prevent damage and misuse.
• Address malfunctions promptly to avoid costlier repairs down the line.

 

Planning for success

Designing a commercial kitchen involves more than just selecting equipment; it's about creating a space that aligns with your menu, workflow, and business objectives. Rent-Try-Buy provides the flexibility to adapt as your needs evolve, ensuring you have the right tools to succeed from day one.

Learn more about how SilverChef can support your hospitality equipment needs today!