What Equipment Do I Need to Start a Catering Business?
The Ultimate Equipment Checklist
Starting your own catering business from scratch can be an extremely daunting process, especially if you don’t know where to begin. Once you have all the first steps such as your property/ commercial space secured, it’s time to start thinking about all the equipment you’ll need. As you step into this dynamic industry, the importance of high-quality equipment cannot be overstated. In this guide, we’ll unravel the essential equipment that will set the stage for your culinary success.
Core Equipment
Preparation
The core of any catering operation lies in the preparation area. Investing in high-quality preparation equipment will ensure that your ingredients get the best treatment from the first encounter in your kitchen. Refrigerators, freezers, and work surfaces are essential to keep your ingredients fresh and organised. Cooksmills has a wide range of refrigeration and freezer options to choose from. From chest freezers to bottle coolers and everything in between, We offer a wide range of refrigeration options to choose from.
Our range of tables and counters makes the perfect work surface to prepare, chop, or assemble your culinary creations. Sinks are also needed for efficient cleanup while cutting boards, mixers, and veg prep machines are needed as your assistants in the kitchen.
You’ll also need quality utensils, ranging from knives to measuring tools, to ensure precision in all your culinary creations. Creating a well-organised and functional preparation space is the key to smooth and efficient meal preparation.
Cooking
Transform your culinary creations into masterpieces with the right cooking equipment. Our range of ovens features some of the top-quality ovens that help you create the best baked delights, while our stoves and grills offer versatility for a variety of dishes.
Depending on your menu, you may want to invest in our fryers for crispy perfection. These fryers are perfect for cooking sides like chips or even frying samosas with a crunchy exterior. If your menu features dishes with more delicate textures, our range of steamers is an excellent choice. These are perfect for steaming vegetables, chicken or even delicate flaky fish.
These tools not only showcase your culinary expertise but also allow you to cater to diverse preferences, ensuring your menu is as varied as it is delicious.
Presentation & Service
Elevate the dining experience of your customers with impeccable presentation and service. Chafing dishes keep your dishes warm and stylish while serving platters showcase your creations. When it comes to the presentation of your dishes, it's also important to ensure your plates, cutlery, and glassware are taken into account. It’s important to choose tableware that complements your brand and the atmosphere you want to create.
Attention to these details sets you apart, creating a memorable culinary journey for your customers and guests that goes beyond the taste of the food. For many people, dining out is an experience for all the senses. Your food must also be visually appealing, as this has a big impact on the overall experience.
Transportation
The journey doesn't end in the kitchen; it extends to the venue. Invest in trolleys to make it easy when moving items from the kitchen to the serving area, ensuring a seamless transition. Our trolleys are specially designed for effortless mobility. Each one is equipped with sturdy wheels to glide smoothly across different surfaces, allowing you to easily transport your dishes. The wheels are carefully engineered for stability, ensuring safe and secure movement, even with heavy loads.
If your catering business involves delivering food, consider investing in insulated bags or containers with temperature control. Reliability in transportation is the final step in delivering an outstanding catering experience.
Considerations
Menu & Cuisine
Tailoring your equipment to match the unique demands of your menu and cuisine is paramount. Consider the specific tools needed for your culinary creations. If your speciality lies in delicate pastries, invest in precision baking equipment. For those crafting classic Italian pizzas, or authentic Indian dishes, a well-equipped kitchen is essential. Understanding the nuances of your menu ensures that you not only meet but exceed your customer's expectations.
Scale & Budget
Take some time to decide between leasing and buying new or used equipment, and prioritise purchases based on your scale and budget. Starting small doesn't mean compromising on quality. Consider the equipment that will have the most significant impact on your operations initially. As your business grows, you can gradually expand your equipment. Striking the right balance between quality and cost-effectiveness is crucial for the success of your catering venture, especially in the early stages of your journey.
Leasing with Cooksmill
Cooksmill offers flexible leasing with Kennet Equipment Leasing, who can assist with leasing options to suit your requirements. Kennet Equipment Leasing provides UK businesses with finance and access to many of the top lenders as well as their own significant resources. They have been financing equipment since 1991, so you can rest assured knowing they are the perfect people to talk to about leasing equipment for your new catering venture.
We offer leasing on catering equipment orders over £1,000 excluding VAT. Leasing payments with us are a fixed monthly payment by direct debit. This makes it easier for you to forecast and budget accordingly. What makes leasing with us so convenient is that payments will not rise with inflation or interest rates. The amount you pay back per month depends on the value of the equipment and how long you have been trading.
One of the benefits of leasing is that all lease payments are treated as an allowable business expense and therefore attract tax relief for the full duration of the lease. Another benefit is that at the end of the agreement, you can own the goods for just one extra monthly payment. Leasing is available for items that are a tangible asset. Therefore, we cannot offer leasing on items such as food, drinks, cleaning materials or disposables.
For more information about leasing equipment with Cooksmill, call our Kennet Account Manager Adrian Chelsom on 01675 469207. You can also drop him an email at adrian.chelsom@kennet-leasing.co.uk
Pro Tips
Space-Saving Solutions
Maximise the efficiency of your kitchen space with innovative space-saving solutions. Consider compact storage units, multi-functional tools, and equipment that can adapt to various culinary tasks. A well-organised and clutter-free kitchen enhances productivity and creativity.
Technology Integration
Embrace the digital era by integrating technology into your catering operations. Explore inventory management systems to keep track of your supplies efficiently. Scheduling tools can streamline your workflow, ensuring timely deliveries and impeccable service. While traditional culinary skills are the heart of your business, technology serves as the backbone, enhancing overall efficiency.
Regulations & Permits
Stay ahead of the game by understanding and complying with local regulations and permits. This is not just about legal requirements; it's about ensuring the safety and well-being of your clients. Confirm that your equipment meets or exceeds food safety standards. This diligence not only protects your business but also establishes it as a reliable and trustworthy choice in the eyes of your customers.
Conclusion
In the world of catering, success is the result of thoughtful planning and selecting the right equipment. As you embark on your culinary journey, remember that each tool contributes to the flavours and experiences you orchestrate for your customers.
The preparation, cooking, presentation, and transportation aspects are the pillars that support your business. Tailoring your equipment to the unique demands of your menu and cuisine, navigating the choices based on scale and budget, and staying compliant with regulations ensure a robust foundation.
As a culinary entrepreneur, your success story is written not only in the flavours you create but also in the strategic decisions you make. Cooksmill’s wide range of equipment allows you to choose your equipment wisely and select the instruments you need for your successful catering venture.
Further Reading
A Buyers Guide to Incredible Indian Tableware
Becoming a street food chef (What you need to know)
Pizza Restaurant Equipment List – What You Need
