Understanding Ingredients and Cooking Techniques

If you are building a new restaurant, you will need to invest in some commercial restaurant equipment. There are a few things you need to keep in mind as you go through the selection and buying process.

Look for the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Logo

When it comes to purchasing restaurant equipment, you will want to look for the blue National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) logo.

The NSF is a neutral party that reviews equipment and determines if it is suitable for use in a commercial kitchen. They put the equipment through a demanding third-party inspection process. This process verifies if the equipment is food-safe, easy to keep clean, and sanitary. NSF equipment will meet any health regulations that you should face in regard to the equipment you use in your restaurant.

Not all food-safe equipment will have an NSF logo, but the logo is a good sign that the equipment will withstand the conditions of a commercial kitchen.

Always Consider the Warranty Offered

Next, you will always want to look at the warranty that a manufacturer offers for their products. Look at what type of standard warranty is offered for the equipment and if they offer any extended warranty program or service program. Read the warranty carefully before purchasing any equipment and see what type of maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid.

Service calls for commercial restaurant equipment can be expensive, which is why having an extended warranty that will cover those service calls is so important. A good warranty can save you in service calls and repair costs over time.

Check Local Codes

Finally, before purchasing any commercial kitchen equipment, you will want to check into the local codes, such as building codes, health codes, and fire codes, for commercial kitchens. Code requirements can vary from one state to another and even from one jurisdiction to another in the same state, so you will want to ensure you have a detailed understanding of local codes to ensure that any equipment you purchase meets code requirements. You also want to ensure the set-up that you want for your restaurant complies with local building codes. You don't want to invest in equipment or commit to a layout that will get you fined.

So remember, when shopping for commercial equipment, you will want to look for equipment that has the blue NSF logo on it. Always consider the warranty offered with the equipment and look for warranties that will reduce your equipment service costs. Get familiar with local building, health, and fire codes, and ensure all equipment you have meets those requirements. Look beyond what you need and think about what will work in your commercial kitchen.