Essential Restaurant Equipment Checklist for 2024

In California's restaurant industry, staying ahead of the game requires the right kitchen equipment. If you’re a chef or restaurant manager, you’ve come to the right place! Chefs' Toys has got you covered with an ultimate checklist of must-have commercial cooking equipment for 2024. But first, let's talk about energy-efficient kitchen practices to save you money for the new year!

Energy-Efficient Kitchen Practices

Dive into the trend of energy-saving equipment in California restaurants. Start off 2024 by saving money on utility costs. Chefs’ Toys offers a curated selection that aligns with green kitchen practices, from energy-efficient kitchen equipment to eco-friendly disposables.

Energy Star Certified Equipment Energy

Energy star-rated equipment is designed to save you money and energy. With features like efficient compressors and improved insulation, Energy Star equipment consumes at least 20% less energy than standard models. By using less energy, this equipment reduces greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change. Plus, many Energy Star models are made with eco-friendly materials and use non-toxic refrigerants, making them a more sustainable choice for your restaurant.

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Eco-Friendly Disposables

Eco-friendly disposables are made from renewable resources, such as bamboo, sugarcane, and cornstarch, which are more environmentally friendly than traditional materials like plastic and styrofoam. These products also require less energy to produce, which helps to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Because eco-friendly disposables are compostable, they can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the landfills and incinerators.

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Induction Burners

Induction burners are a more efficient and environmentally friendly option for cooking due to the use of an electromagnetic current to heat the cookware directly. Because the burners only heat the cookware and not the surrounding air, they also help keep your kitchen cooler. Induction burners are also considered safer than traditional gas or electric burners as there is no open flame or hot coil that can potentially cause a fire.

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Must-Have Equipment for 2024

Equip your California kitchen with must-have commercial cooking equipment. Explore our top picks for restaurant owners looking to elevate their culinary game in 2024.

1. Advanced Commercial Ovens

Designed to optimize temperature control and save energy, our catalog of convection and combi ovens meets the diverse needs of California's kitchens. We understand that every kitchen has unique requirements, and we strive to provide tailored solutions to meet those needs. Some key features of our advanced commercial ovens are energy savings, temperature control, versatility, and ease of use.

The Equipex FC-60/1 Sodir Ariel countertop convection oven is a reliable choice for baking pastries and entrees. With its unique airflow design, it ensures uniform baking controlled by the thermostatic controls.It comes with four 13-inch by 18-inch wire shelves and features a double glass door that is removable and cool-to-the-touch for easy cleanup.

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The Kintera KCO-1 / 919591 Convection Oven, Natural Gas, 1 Deck is versatile unit is perfect for high volume restaurants and foodservice establishments, allowing you to cook, warm, roast and bake all in the same unit. Constructed of durable stainless steel, this oven features a forced air, two-speed fan motor system with a cool down feature for faster results without sacrificing flavor and texture.

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2. Cutting-Edge Refrigeration

Chefs' Toys offers a wide range of refrigeration units to meet all of your kitchen needs. From small under-counter refrigerators to large walk-in coolers, our units are designed to keep your ingredients fresh and safe. Our cutting-edge technology ensures temperature precision to prevent spoilage and waste, while also conserving energy to save you money. With our commercial refrigeration, you can trust that your ingredients will be stored properly and kept at the optimal temperature for maximum freshness.

Looking for quality equipment without breaking the bank? The Kintera KUC60R Undercounter Refrigerator has got you covered. Equipped with a 15 cubic feet capacity, a solid state thermostat with digital display and heavy duty epoxy coated wire shelves, this unit is sure to satisfy your kitchen needs. And with 2 years of warranty on parts and labor plus an additional 3 year warranty for the compressor part, you can trust in its durability.

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The True T-49-HC T-Series Solid Door Reach-in Refrigerator comes equipped with a high-tensile strength steel front and door to minimize dents and scratches, while the sides, top, and back are constructed from durable anodized aluminum. The refrigerator's positive self-sealing door provides a tight seal and locks, ensuring everything inside stays fresh and secure. The unit's oversized, factory-balanced refrigeration system maintains a cabinet temperature of 33°F to 38°F (.5°C to 3.3°C) and is powered by a bottom-mounted compressor that draws air from the coolest, cleanest part of the kitchen.

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3. Multi-Functional Work Stations

Our work tables & stations are designed to make the most of your kitchen's available space, allowing you to work more efficiently and effectively. With features such as built-in cutting boards, deep sink basins, and ample storage space for ingredients, tools, and utensils, our workstations are the perfect solution for any kitchen. Our multi-functional work tables are sure to streamline your flow and help you create delicious dishes with ease.

The GSW WT-EE3096 Economy Stainless Steel Work Table is ready to work as hard as you do. Made with a polished 18-gauge stainless steel top and galvanized undershelf, legs, and gussets, this model is reinforced with a welded-on hat channel and recessed gussets to reduce lateral movement. Plus, with adjustable ABS bullet feet and 6 legs for extra strength, it's built to last. This worktable is a great benefit to any busy kitchen.

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Maximize your space with the GSW DS-1260 Double Over Shelf! This reliable and sturdy 18-gauge stainless steel shelf securely fastens to any worktable, providing extra storage space for your kitchen needs. Its polished finish and robust design make it a multi-functional and multi-applicable workstation for your commercial kitchen.

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4. Precisional Cooking Equipment

With precise temperature control and cooking times, you can achieve consistent results every time you cook, leading to less food wastage and more satisfied diners. Also, precision cooking equipment avoids under or over-cooking and can increase productivity by cooking multiple dishes at once with minimal supervision. You can even improve the overall quality of your dishes because precisional equipment allows for a higher level of complexity and depth of flavor.

With its compact design, easy-to-use interface, and versatility, the Vollrath Induction Range is a must-have for any cooking enthusiast. Prepare your favorite meals with induction-ready pans of up to 14 inches in size and enjoy the flexibility of 20 power levels. Safety is a top priority, so the range automatically turns off when it detects an empty pan. Complete with a LED readout, this range offers a temperature range of 100 to 400 degrees and 20 power levels for precise cooking.

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With an 11.89-gallon bath capacity and 4.49-gallon-per-minute pump, cooking large quantities with the PolyScience HydroPro Sous Vide Immersion Circulator is a breeze.  Create your favorite dishes with ease thanks to "My Presets" and a large touch screen that allows easy manual input of cooking parameters. The device also features a maximum temperature of 194F, a coilless heating chamber, low water detection, and 360-degree adjustable flow direction.

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5. Spot-Free Commercial Dishwashers

A commercial dishwasher saves time and money on labor costs, ensures dishes are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and is environmentally friendly. It is an essential piece of equipment in any commercial kitchen, where food safety is a top priority. Investing in a commercial dishwasher is recommended for efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility.

6. Durable and Compact Storage Containers

Food storage containers help organize food, prevent cross-contamination, preserve freshness and flavor, reduce waste, and save money in commercial kitchens. They ensure food quality and safety for customers, making them an essential investment for any kitchen. Looking for durable and compact containers help maximize product life and organization.

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7. Thirst-Quenching Beverage Equipment

Beverage equipment is important for customer satisfaction, streamlining operations, ensuring consistency and quality, and saving time and money in the long run. It is essential for providing a range of drink options and preparing drinks quickly and accurately. Investing in high-quality equipment can reduce repairs and downtime.

Vollrath VBBD3-37-F Electric Beverage Dispenser is the answer. These aesthetically pleasing countertop dispensers are designed to accommodate any level of operation, making them perfect for your business. The clear, polycarbonate bowls are visual merchandisers that enable customers to quickly select their favorite chilled beverage, while the spacious ABS plastic drip trays keep countertops clean.

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We take pride in our strict selection process when curating commercial kitchen equipment. Our team of commercial equipment professionals is here to offer expert advice to restaurant owners in California. Trust us to provide insights into our decision-making process and help you make informed choices for your kitchen. Need some assistance? Speak with a equipment professional now.

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Elevate your kitchen, enhance your operations, and set the stage for culinary success with Chefs' Toys. Explore our full catalog for an in-depth look at the essential restaurant equipment for your California restaurant.