Three Important Guidelines for a Commercial Kitchen Fitout

The process of fitting out a commercial kitchen is challenging. Therefore, if you are opening a new restaurant, consult a specialist for the kitchen fitout. Keep in mind that an improper setup could cause your business to fail. For instance, poor consideration for the preparation operations could lead to food contamination. Moreover, commercial kitchens have a lot of fire hazards. A professional consultant will help you plan, design and set up your space for maximum safety and productivity. In addition to choosing an expert, here are crucial tips for a successful restaurant kitchen fitout.

Plan the Layout

The layout of the commercial kitchen is the most critical issue to consider when planning for the fitout. This aspect will affect safety, productivity and long-term energy expenses. Therefore, think about each element of your kitchen with care before beginning the design. The floor plan should maximise food safety to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. In general, a good commercial kitchen fitout plan should promote the flow of production in a single direction.

For instance, the storage area should be followed by the cleaning and preparation zone. Then, you should have the cooking section and finally, the plating and serving area. This will minimise contact between raw and cooked food. Also, the increased distance between the storage zone and the cooker will maximise energy efficiency. Additionally, the organised kitchen will minimise clashes as the employees work, maximising productivity.

Consider the Equipment

When planning for your commercial kitchen fitout, think about the best equipment for your business needs. Focus on appliances intended for commercial use. Avoid residential-grade items because their rate of wear will be accelerated in a heavy-use environment. Also, when selecting the equipment, evaluate the available space. Make sure that the kitchen will not be congested.

Limited space will increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, plan for the integration of your equipment into the commercial space with care. For instance, ensure that you can connect your kitchen appliances to electrical sockets or gas pipes with ease. If there are existing utility connections, liaise with a qualified contractor or consult your fitout specialist for guidance.

Calculate the Costs

Finally, calculate the costs for the fitout before beginning the commercial kitchen project. This type of undertaking can be expensive due to the required equipment and large features like cabinets. Therefore, understand the expenses to avoid halting the fitout midway. If the potential expenses are too high, look into cost-reduction options. For example, choose second-hand appliances or used cabinets as long as the items are safe.