A Guide To Choosing The Right Catering Equipment – Getting Started
With the economy as it is, many pubs are beginning to introduce all day dining in a bid to optimise profitability. This can be a daunting process for pub owners who are new to the world of catering.
To avoid costly mistakes when starting out, pubs need to take several things into consideration. Firstly, there are the practicalities, such as how much space there is in the kitchen, and how much they have to spend. Just as important however, is making sure that the equipment is large enough to handle the needs of expected customer numbers, and the types of food that are going to be served.
A good place to start before choosing catering equipment is getting to grips with the industry terms. All catering equipment falls into three categories, light, medium and heavy duty. The light duty equipment is generally counter-top equipment which measures 400mm or less from front to back, and caters for small numbers. At the top end, heavy duty pieces cater for larger numbers of customers, and are usually found in bigger pubs and hotels.
The good news is despite the current challenging economic conditions powerful, serviceable equipment can still be obtained at an affordable price. Take for example Lincat’s Silverlink 600 range of modular catering equipment. Well-built and flexible, it combines high levels of performance with style and value for money.
Not only does Silverlink 600 deliver quality and capacity, all equipment in the range is designed and built for easy cleaning and safety of operation. With a comprehensive one year parts and labour warranty, it represents a far better option than buying a second hand, unsupported ‘bargain’.
Nick McDonald of catering equipment manufacturers Lincat Ltd believes choosing the right equipment from the outset is crucial for first-time caterers:
“A key consideration for caterers is making sure they invest in equipment that is the right duty level. There is no point in spending thousands of pounds on heavy duty kit if it isn’t getting some serious use on a daily basis. Similarly, caterers shouldn’t skimp and buy light duty countertop equipment expecting it to withstand heavy use. As it is often very difficult to predict which equipment will be necessary in practice, initially, it is often better to invest in modular equipment, which can be easily added to or changed at a later date.”
Most of all it’s important to buy from a reputable manufacturer which is capable of producing equipment that complies with relevant regulations, as well as provide back up service and a supply of spare parts. Warranty details should be checked before purchase.
Even if buyers know exactly what their current equipment needs are, it is good practice to consider future expansion when picking catering products. Choosing units with power to spare, rather than running it flat out, or choosing two smaller products over one larger piece of equipment makes long term sense, by reducing the effects on profitability during breakdowns.
Caterers should not fall into the trap of thinking that cheap or second hand products are the most cost-effective route. Cheap equipment with an unfamiliar brand name will almost certainly be imported, and whilst initial outlay will almost certainly be less, this route can prove expensive when spares are not immediately available and food is off the menu.
Good hygiene is of paramount importance in catering and the best equipment should be easy to clean, safe to operate and be free of dirt traps. Some combi-steamers, used to produce all types of food from roasts to all-day breakfasts using a combination of wet and dry heat, even have their own self-cleaning system.
Both purchase costs as well as installation and ongoing energy costs should be considered before a purchase is made. Initially, electrical equipment is often cheaper, but energy costs are generally lower with gas. However, all gas equipment now has to be installed with an interlocked extraction system, which can make electrical equipment a more attractive choice.
Faced with a myriad of options, independent dealers can offer impartial advice and bar owners should head for a dealer showroom to assess the design and quality of different brands for themselves before joining the food revolution in the hospitality industry.
Before purchasing any catering equipment, take a look at Lincat’s catering equipment blog site, which offers useful information including buying guides, catering news and advice for chefs. Alternatively, check out the main site for further information on a variety of professional catering equipment.
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