Setting up a commercial kitchen is a monumental task, but the foundation of any successful food establishment lies in its equipment. Beyond just buying appliances, it's about strategic investment in tools that ensure efficiency, safety, hygiene, and the consistent quality of your output.
Whether you're opening a bustling restaurant, a cozy café, a catering service, or a large-scale institutional kitchen, certain pieces of equipment are non-negotiable. They are the workhorses that allow your culinary vision to come to life.
Here are the top 5 must-have commercial kitchen equipment pieces that form the bedrock of any professional food service operation:
1. Commercial Range
Why: This is the heart of most kitchens, offering versatile cooking capabilities from sautéing and simmering to baking and roasting —all within one compact unit. As more venues shift to energy efficiency and sustainability, electric ranges are becoming the go-to choice.
Key Considerations:
- Versatility: Look for units with multiple cooking zones and spacious ovens for handling varied menu items.
- Efficiency: Electric models deliver consistent, even heat and are easier to clean and maintain—ideal for modern, all-electric kitchens.
- Oven Type: Electric ovens promote faster, more even cooking—perfect for roasting, baking, and batch preparations.
- Sustainability: Electric equipment supports cleaner energy usage, making it easier to align with green kitchen standards and future-proof your setup.
Phoeniks Recommends:
- MKN Optima 850mm: Engineered for high-capacity cooking, the Optima 850 mm range boasts a robust design and broader surface area for a greater efficiency. Its powerful performance, modular flexibility, and seamless hygiene zones suit even the most demanding hotel and restaurant kitchens.
- MKN Optima 700mm: Designed for compact commercial kitchens, the Optima 700 mm line offers high performance modular cooking with a slim 700 mm depth. Features like integrated hygiene strips and ergonomic layouts make it ideal for professional environments where space and cleanliness matter.
- MKN Counter SL: This low-profile, compact solution is perfect for open kitchens and front-of-house setups. The Counter SL line combines minimalist design with top-tier performance, offering easy-to-clean surfaces and intuitive controls that elevate your kitchen’s presentation and workflow.
- Adventys 650 Series: Precision meets power in the Adventys 650 series, featuring advanced induction cooking technology made in France. With rapid heat response, energy efficiency, and a compact 650 mm depth, it’s designed for modern professional kitchens focused on sustainability and performance. A major advantage of the 650 series is its single-phase power connection, offering easier, more flexible installation compared to traditional three-phase system.
2. Commercial Combi Ovens
Why: Electric combi ovens are the forefront of modern commercial cooking, combining convection and steam for precise, high-efficiency performance. As more kitchens transition to all-electric set-ups, combi ovens stand out for their flexibility, sustainability, and ease of use—handling everything from baking and roasting to steaming and regenerating with one piece of equipment.
Key Considerations:
- Electric Power & Efficiency: Electric combi ovens offer consistent heat, faster recovery times, and greater energy efficiency—ideal for all-electric and low-emission kitchens.
- Cooking Modes: Look for models that allow seamless switching between dry heat, steam, and combination modes to suit a wide range of dishes.
- Programmability: Advanced touchscreen controls with pre-set and custom cooking programs ensure consistent results and reduce the need for constant monitoring.
- Size & Capacity: Available in compact, stackable formats for tight spaces or larger models for high-volume preps.
- Self-Cleaning Functions: Built-in cleaning cycles save time and reduce the need for manual scrubbing, improving hygiene and workflow.
Phoeniks Recommends:
- MKN FlexiCombi Ovens: The FlexiCombi Ovens provide multifunctional cooking in a single footprint which is idea for kitchens seeking versatility and consistency. With intelligent controls, self-cleaning systems, and powerful steam and convection combinations, they help simplify even the most complex menus.
- MKN Space Combi Ovens with built-in hoods: Compact yet powerful, the SpaceCombi with integrated hood offers full combi oven performance without requiring additional ventilation. It’s a plug-and-play solution for small kitchens, open cooking areas, or sites with ventilation constraints.
3. Commercial Fryer
Why: A must-have for any kitchen serving high-demand items like fries, chicken, or seafood, electric commercial fryers provide fast heat-up times, stable oil temperatures, and cleaner operation. As more kitchens move toward energy-efficient and gas-free setups, electric fryers are becoming the preferred choice for consistent results and lower emissions.
Key Considerations:
- Electric Efficiency: Electric fryers offer precise temperature control, faster recovery, and reduced ambient heat—perfect for all-electric kitchens.
- Capacity: Available in single or twin-basket models to suit different volumes of service.
- Oil Management: Filtration systems extend oil life and maintain food quality.
- Safety & Hygiene: Features like automatic shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and easy-to-clean components support safer, more efficient operation.
Phoeniks Recommends:
- Unlock the full potential of your Commercial kitchen by adding the fryer in the MKN Optima 850 mm line up or MKN Optima 700 mm line up; a combination built for performance, speed and consistency.
- In compact kitchens, the MKN Counter SL fits perfectly, offering modular flexibility without compromising the performance.
4. Vegetable Slicer
Why: A commercial vegetable slicer saves time and ensures uniform cuts, improving kitchen efficiency and food presentation—ideal for prepping large volumes of fruits and vegetables.
Key Considerations:
- Speed & Precision: Look for machines that handle high output without compromising on consistency.
- Blade Variety: Interchangeable discs allow slicing, dicing, grating, and julienning for a wide range of applications.
- Safety & Ergonomics: Non-slip bases, safety interlocks, and ergonomic feed hoppers are essential for safe, fatigue-free use.
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable parts and smooth surfaces reduce cleaning time and help maintain hygiene standards.
Phoeniks Recommends:
- Brunner Anliker Vegetable Slicing machine range: Swiss precision and safety define the Brunner Anliker range. These vegetable slicers deliver uniform cuts at high speeds, with patented safety features and easy-to-clean construction that built for volume production in professional kitchens. The antimicrobial blades preserve nutrients and vitamins of the fruits & vegetables. The only vegetable cutter with dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning.
5. Bratt Pans / Pressurised Bratt Pans:
Why: Known for their versatility, electric Bratt pans are ideal for bulk cooking methods like braising, frying, boiling, poaching, and even shallow frying—making them a go-to solution for high-output commercial kitchens.
Key Considerations:
- Multi-functionality: A single unit can replace multiple cooking appliances, save space, and streamline workflow. Pressurised Bratt pans can also allow multi-zone cooking, making them exceptionally versatile.
- Tilting Mechanism: Manual or motorised tilting options make transferring food and cleaning much easier.
- Capacity & Power: Choose pan size and heating capacity based on your production volume.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for models with rounded corners, seamless inner pans, and integrated cleaning features.
- Pressure Cooking Capability: Pressurised Bratt pans can significantly reduce cooking times while preserving flavour and nutrients.
- Safety Features: Ensure units have secure locking systems, pressure release valves, and thermal cut-offs for operator safety.
- Temperature Control: Precise thermostatic controls allow consistent results and prevent overcooking.
- Energy Efficiency: Pressurised models retain heat more effectively, reducing energy consumption during high-volume production.
Phoeniks Recommends:
- Integrate the Bratt Pans with MKN Optima 850 mm or MKN Optima 700 mm to streamline workflows, optimise cooking zones and maintain consistent quality during peak service.
- MKN FlexiChef: The award-winning FlexiChef redefines multitasking in kitchen. With functions like pressure cooking, frying, boiling, and braising all in one unit, it boosts productivity while reducing cleaning time thanks to its automatic SpaceClean system and ergonomic design.
Key Considerations When Investing
When selecting equipment for your commercial kitchen—especially if you’re planning or transitioning to an all-electric setup—these factors are key:
- Energy Efficiency & Sustainability: Electric equipment is increasingly favoured for its lower emissions, compatibility with renewable energy sources, and improved energy ratings. It supports future-ready kitchens aiming to meet sustainability targets and reduce operating costs.
- Quality & Durability: Commercial environments are tough—invest in electric models that offer consistent performance and built to withstand continuous use.
- Space & Layout: Electric appliances often have more compact, modular formats and generate less ambient heat, making them ideal for tight spaces and open kitchen designs.
- Budget & Long-term Value: While upfront costs may vary, electric units offer better efficiency, faster ROI, and lower maintenance over time.
- Compliance & Safety: Electric kitchens reduce gas related risks and make it easier to meet evolving fire, health, and environmental regulations. Always verify your local codes before purchasing and installing.
Investing wisely in your commercial kitchen equipment is not just about filling a space; it's about building a robust, efficient, and safe environment that empowers your team to deliver culinary excellence consistently. Choose smart and watch your kitchen thrive.
At Phoeniks, we specialise in premium electric commercial kitchen equipment that meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and sustainability. Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading your current setup, our expert team is here to help you create a kitchen that works as hard as you do. Book an upcoming demo to explore our full range of equipment. For a tailored consultation, get in touch via our Contact Us page or call us on 1300 405 404.