Buying Guides
Merchandising Refrigerator and Freezer Buying Guide
Merchandising refrigerators and freezers are essential for the display and sale of packaged goods. This buying guide will walk you through all of the different types of merchandisers available, so you can make the best purchasing decision for your foodservice establishment.
Finding the Best Commercial Patio Heater for Your Business
Cooler weather shouldn’t mean that you need to close your patio. A commercial patio heater is ideal for extending the outdoor dining season at your restaurant or bar.
Make the Most of Every Kernel with a Commercial Popcorn Popper
Whether your foodservice business operates in a school gymnasium, movie theater, or large-scale concert venue, a commercial popcorn machine is a must-have for any concession stand. That’s why choosing the right commercial popcorn popper for your establishment is essential.
How to Find the Best Commercial Hot Dog Roller Grill
The hot dog roller grill is invaluable in the world of concession stand equipment. However, as simple as the hot dog roller is, there are some important things to consider before making the leap and buying one. Keep reading to learn more about these key considerations.
Steam Table Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing
Steam Tables Steam Tables, sometimes referred to as hot food tables, keep food at set serving temperatures. They are not designed to cook or heat foods from unsafe or uncooked temperatures, but rather to hold prepared foods at steady temperatures for serving. Such...
Undercounter vs. Door Type vs. Conveyor Dishwashers
Sanitation is always the number one priority, and your commercial dishwasher is the greatest ally in a fast paced foodservice. When is it time to upgrade from an undercounter to a door type, and to a conveyor?
Compartment Sinks Buying Guide
Compartment sinks—sometimes referred to as “pot and dish sinks” or “sanitizing sinks”—are used to manually clean and sanitize heavy-duty pots, pans, and utensils. These commercial sinks are available in different styles from one compartment to four compartments. Keep reading to learn about all the variables involved in finding the perfect compartment sink for your kitchen.
Prep School: A buying guide to Commercial Refrigerated Prep Tables
Which refrigerated prep unit is right for you? Does your kitchen have enough space? If you have questions, you’re in luck, because Prep School is now in session.
Commercial Deep-Fat Fryer Buying Guide: Fryer Types, Configurations, & All You Should Know
Commercial fryers are a kitchen’s best friend. There are four main types of fryers, and tons of configurations. Learn all about fryer types, designs, gas vs. electric, ventilation options, oil filtration and cleaning, and so much more with our Commercial Fryer Buying Guide.
What to Look for When Buying a Convection Oven
Convection ovens are one of the most popular pieces of commercial cooking equipment. Known for their speed and efficiency, convection ovens use fans to circulate heated air through the cooking cavity to help foods cook as much as 35 percent faster than conventional ovens. Because of their speed, the ovens require less labor and energy than most other ovens.
Plastic Food Storage Containers: Your Organization Solution
Easily taken for granted, plastic food containers are a staple supply in any food service operation. It’s beneficial to take the time to become familiar with the main types, materials and sizes. By paying attention to these attributes, you could save money in both the cost of the container and in the reduction of food waste through a more efficient operation.
Commercial Combi Oven Buying Guide
Combi ovens get their name because they offer three ways to cook from one unit: pressureless steam, convection heat, and a combination of the two. This unique ability makes it possible to steam, poach, roast, blanch, bake, rethermalize or reheat, prepare sous vide products, and in some models, proof. The ability to perform each of these functions make it possible for commercial kitchens to consolidate both a convection oven and a steamer into a combi oven, helping to justify the seemingly high cost of the equipment.
Commercial Ranges: What to Know Before Buying One for Your Kitchen
Ranges are one of the most prominent types of cooking equipment found in any commercial foodservice operation. Commercial ranges are popular for their simplicity and versatility, used for braising, sautéing, pan-frying, boiling, and simmering. Ranges come in a variety of sizes, styles and configurations to better address specific kitchen needs. To get started, it is important to understand the different types of ranges on the market.
Milk Cooler and Dispenser Buying Guide
Think milk coolers and dispensers are just for schools? Think again! Milk coolers and dispensers can actually reduce labor and delivery time in a variety of foodservice establishments, including hospitals, churches, grab-and-go eateries, college campuses, healthcare facilities, hotels, motels and many, many more. Read below to find out how the major benefits of these refrigerated units can be useful to any foodservice location.
Worktables — The Unsung Hero of Commercial Kitchens
When you add a new worktable to your space, you’re adding valuable storage space and prep space, but all worktables are not created equal. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the worktable that most effectively meets your needs, and we’re going to talk about them all.
Buying Bar and Restaurant Furniture and Planning Your Layout
The furniture in your restaurant can make or break a customer’s experience. If it’s comfortable and high-quality, they’re probably going to want to stay a little longer. Adding quality furniture can instantly boost the appearance and atmosphere in your business. In this article, we’ve broken down the main types of restaurant and bar furniture and what types work best in your environment.
Now Steaming: How to choose the right steamer for your kitchen
Take an in-depth look at the factors to consider when choosing a steamer and the various types of steamers available on the market.
Bar Refrigeration Solutions Buying Guide
Most drinks on a bar and restaurant’s menu cost pennies on the dollar to make, but can go upwards of 10 to 20 dollars. Customers are willing to pay for an experience, so make sure to give them one and watch your profitability grow. The right bar refrigeration solution can go along way in helping your business thrive.
Outdoor Restaurant Furniture | Buying Guide
Add outdoor furniture to your restaurant and create a comfortable, functional space for your customers. We’ve created a guide on commercial outdoor furniture to help you create a perfect outdoor space.
Commercial Mixers: Planetary Mixers vs. Spiral Mixers & What’s Best for Mixing Pizza Dough
What’s the difference between planetary mixers and spiral mixers? Is one type of mixer preferred to another for making pizza dough? What are the different uses for attachments? How important is determining the batch size in relation to the size of the mixing bowl? These and more answered here.
Food Pan Buying Guide: What is a Steam Table Pan?
Steam table pans are an industry standard for serving and warming food. These pans come in several sizes and configurations and are used in a steam table (or hot food table). A steam table can be used as a buffet station for self-service, or in a back-of-house cook line for convenient plating of meals. Steam pans can be made of a variety of materials, but the most popular are stainless steel and plastic. We’ve compiled the most useful information for finding and buying the right steam table pans for you.
Charbroiler vs. Griddle
The number of pieces of equipment available to commercial kitchens is always growing. Ovens, ranges, fryers, griddles, holding cabinets, microwaves, and more — foods can be prepared with a plethora of different kinds of equipment. Think about a serving of chicken: It...
Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Holding and Proofing Cabinets
Holding cabinets keep food in the perfect environment until ready to be served. But does your kitchen need an insulated or non-insulated model? Let’s take a look.
Restaurant Exhaust Hood Systems: Why a Range Hood Matters in Your Kitchen
A good restaurant exhaust hood system is a requirement. Not only are they necessary for fire prevention, but neglecting to maintain your hood system can result in health code violations and make for a physically uncomfortable environment for guests and staff. Learn everything you need to know about types of exhaust hood systems and how to maintain them.
How to Choose Your Commercial Meat Slicer Like a Pro: A Buying Guide
Meat slicers are ideal for businesses of all sizes in foodservice. We walk you through everything you need to know to buy a commercial meat slicer.
Undercounter and Work Top Refrigeration Buying Guide
If you’re looking for additional storage space in your establishment, try under your counters! Undercounter refrigerators and freezers can maximize your available space while providing a convenient cold storage solution.
Choosing the Best Walk-In Cooler or Walk-In Freezer for Your Kitchen
If you’re reading this buying guide, it means you’re probably looking to replace or upgrade a walk-in, or are looking to buy for the first time. This guide contains the things to consider when buying a walk-in.
How Clean is Your Water? A Water Filter Buying Guide
Normal tap water contains a number of suspended and dissolved solids, such as chlorine, bacteria, sediment, chemicals, and other harmful elements. These solids can cause water to look cloudy, smell bad or taste funny, and can also affect any menu item that is prepared with water. Luckily, a water filter can help.
Food Processors vs. Food Blenders vs. Food Choppers
Are you getting the most out of your equipment? Learn the differences between a food processor, a blender, and a chopper to make your kitchen more efficient.
Reach-In Refrigerator and Freezer Buying Guide
Reach-in refrigerators and freezers are a must for any commercial kitchen. Designed for back of the house use, the reach-in is the workhorse you rely on to keep your ingredients at safe temperatures before being transformed into the final product your customers love....
Vollrath Food Pans: The Super Pan V vs. Super Pan 3
Vollrath Super Pan Food Pans are considered the best on the market. The Super Pan 3 and Super Pan V come with unique benefits better situated for various segments. L:earn the key differences between the Super Pan V and Super Pan 3, how to best configure your food table for efficiency and presentation, essential accessories, and more.
Guide to Cambro’s Signature Food Pan Carrier Innovations
Cambro’s industry-leading food pan carriers have become essential in helping operations adapt to delivery, curbside pickup, and catered events. Learn key considerations like front loading vs. top loading and electric vs. non-electric, differences between Cambro’s signature models, cleaning and maintenance tips, and more.
Efficient Sanitizing Solutions for the Bar and Beyond
As the foodservice industry continues to adapt to stricter sanitizing guidelines, new innovations are hitting the market to enhance efficiencies and help operators to prioritize the health and wellbeing of patrons and staff.
Top 5 Most Versatile Smallwares for Food Prep
Space and time can be limited in commercial kitchens. We list our top 5 favorite smallwares that serve multiple purposes.
All About Chafing Dishes
Chafing dishes are a caterer’s best friend. Whether you own a catering company, or a restaurant that offers catering services, learn all you need to know about chafing dishes.
Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum: Which is Better?
Price, ease of cleaning, strength, and more all vary greatly between different types of metals.
Insulated Food Delivery Bags | Buying Guide
Restaurants are switching to mainly delivery and take out options due to the current climate amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Insulated food delivery bags are perfect for preserving this freshness while safely delivering these foods.
How Much Dinnerware, Drinkware, and Flatware to Order: Recommended Estimates
There are many factors to consider when trying to determine how much dinnerware, drinkware, or flatware to order. Here, we offer sage tips and tricks to help calculate how much you might need so you never run out in a rush.
What are Charger Plates?
Charger plates, sometimes referred to as show plates, are a growing trend often observed in elegant and private dining setting such as banquets, catered events, and exclusive golf clubs. These large plates, used for displays and suggestive selling, elevate the ambiance and the overall dining experience – really giving a charge to your tabletop presentation.
What Commercial Juicer is Best?
Have you decided to introduce juicing to your business? If you’re starting, you’ll need a quality commercial juicer. There are several types of juicers available, and it can be confusing to pick the right one. Think about why you’re introducing juicing to your business. Are you making nutrient-dense cold press juices? Check out the Masticating Juicer. Or, are you looking to add some fresh orange juice to your breakfast menu? Look at a Citrus Juicer. We’ve laid out three of the main types of juicer to help you narrow down your search.
Cambro Food Storage Tips & Solutions to Protect Your Bottom Line
Did you know that every day, 4-10% of food purchased by restaurants gets thrown out? As food, on average, is 1/3 of a restaurant’s operating costs, this has a direct impact on the bottom line. Cambro offers several solutions to enhance food storage, reducing waste, preventing cross-contamination and foodborne illness, and protecting your bottom line.
Cres Cor: Good, Better, and Still the Best
Cres Cor, founded in 1936, is a proud family-owned company centrally located in Cleveland, Ohio and offers state-of-the-art, energy efficiency equipment.
Affordable Storage Solutions with Central Exclusive and Value Series Shelving
Having proper storage space in your foodservice operation is essential to running an organized kitchen. At Central, we understand that importance, which is why we are proud to offer our Central Exclusive and Value Series lines of commercial shelving. These...
Vent vs. Ventless Dishwashers: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
Ventless dishwashers alleviate the need to install a Type II hood in your commercial kitchen, adding more flexibility to your dish room layout. Learn all about the pros, cons, and additional considerations for ventless dishwashing units.
What is the Difference Between an Equipment Stand and a Chef Base?
When you purchase a large piece of cooking equipment for your commercial kitchen, it’s important to have the right set up to ensure that your cooking station is at its most efficient. That means having the ability to access what you need at arm’s reach, saving...
The Right Underbar Equipment for Optimum Bar Efficiency
The right underbar equipment can greatly enhance speed and efficiency of bar service. Learn all about the available solutions here.
The Deal About Draft Beer Dispensers and Solutions to Enhance Beer Service
Draft beer dispensers are a great way to expand bar product offerings while offering guests something they love – beer on tap! Learn all about the advantages of draft beer dispensers and bar dispensing solutions.
Choosing Bakeware That’s Right for Your Bakery
The bakeware in your kitchen can make the difference between delicious and disaster. We’ve laid out everything for choosing the best bakeware.
Commercial Drinkware: Everything You Need to Know About All the Types of Glasses
Everything you need to know about selecting the right commercial drinkware, from the specific types of glassware (drinking, bar, wine, beer), glass construction, ordering recommendations, care and maintenance, and more. Our definitive guide to glassware.
The Types of Drinking Glasses to Know
Learn the differences between all of the common types of drinking glasses so you know which is best for your dining room.
