Choosing The Right Commercial Catering Equipment: What To Consider

Equipping a commercial kitchen is a major investment that directly impacts your kitchen’s efficiency, food quality and compliance with industry standards. Whether you’re launching a new restaurant, upgrading a care home kitchen, or improving a school canteen, the equipment you choose plays a vital role in your long-term success.

At Marigolds Engineers, we help businesses make smart, future proof decisions when it comes to commercial kitchen design and equipment choices. To help you get started, here’s what to consider before committing to any new catering equipment.

1. Understand Your Menu and Cooking Style

Your kitchen equipment should support your cooking style. We start by reviewing your current or planned menu and workflow. What equipment do you truly need to maintain consistency, speed and quality?

Work with a catering equipment specialist who understands your sector and can align your equipment choices with your kitchen’s day to day demands.

2. Tailored Equipment For Your Sector

Different commercial kitchens have different priorities. We help you match your equipment to your operation.

Restaurants & Hotels

Prioritise flexibility and growth with combi ovens, precision cooking suites, and multifunctional appliances.

Production Kitchens

Look for high-capacity equipment such as bratt pans, tilting kettles, and blast chillers for efficient batch cooking.

Café, Schools & Canteens

Combine hot display units and efficient cooking tools to streamline service and keep food presentation appealing.

3. Maximise Kitchen Layout and Space

Space is often at a premium in commercial kitchens, so smart layout planning is essential. Oversized or poorly positioned equipment can hinder workflow, cause hazards, or make daily cleaning a challenge.

At Marigold Engineers, we offer full kitchen design and layout services ensuring al your equipment fits seamlessly and complies with UK catering regulations.

4. Prioritise Quality and Durability

In a busy kitchen, your equipment must be reliable and durable. While budget options might seem attractive, they often result in more breakdowns and higher long-term costs.

We recommend equipment from trusted manufactures with stainless steel finishes for longevity, hygiene and ease of cleaning. It’s a smarter investment that pays off over time.

5. Choose Energy-Efficient Catering Equipment

Energy-efficient commercial equipment helps cut utility bills while reducing your environmental footprint.

Induction Vs Gas Cooking:

Induction Hobs

• Fast, efficient and precise temperature control
• Cool to touch surfaces and pre-set programs
• Ideal for open kitchens or flexible layouts
• Higher initial cost, but long-term savings

Gas Cooking Equipment

• Instant heat and excellent control
• Widely preferred by chefs
• Less energy efficient 35%-65% of heat escapes
• Requires gas hook-ups and proper ventilation

Choosing the right energy source depends on your kitchen’s priorities speed, cost, layout flexibility and staff familiarity.

6. Focus on Hygiene, Cleaning & Maintenance

Hygiene is non-negotiable in any professional kitchen. Choose equipment with:

• Smooth, wipeable surfaces
• Removable components for easy cleaning
• Self-cleaning functions to save staff time

Proactive maintenance is key our team can advise on service intervals and long-term care to keep your kitchen running smoothly.

7. Ensure Compliance with UK Standards

All catering equipment must meet UK gas, electric, fire and hygiene regulations. Non-compliance puts your team and customers at risk and can lead to costly fines or closures.

Our fully qualified engineers can install, test and certify your equipment in line with the latest standards, giving you complete peace of mind.

8. Decide Whether to  Purchase or Lease

Outfitting a commercial kitchen doesn’t have to be financial burden. Many businesses choose to lease equipment, which spreads the cost over time and allows for future upgrades.

If you’re starting small focus on core items like:

• Combi Ovens
• Refrigeration Units
• Ware Washing Equipment

From there, you can scale up as your business grows.

Essential Equipment to Consider

Here are some must-have items for most commercial kitchens:

• Combi Ovens – Versatile cooking using steam, convection or a combination
• Refrigeration – Keeps ingredients safe and fresh
• Multifunctional Equipment – Like the Rational iVario, which fries, boils, griddles and pressure cooks in one
• Specialist Equipment – Griddles, pasta cookers, solid fuel grills and more to elevate your menu

Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or replacing a single unit, our experienced team at Marigold Engineers can guide you through every step from specification and layout design to professional installation.