A typical restaurant kitchen is always bustling. Dishes cooking on every burner, ingredients coming and going from fridges, the whir of mixers, and the comforting clink of freshly washed plates ready for new orders. However, this pace and precision is only possible with a range of commercial kitchen equipment.
If you are considering supplying this equipment to restaurants and small kitchens, you should know the function and value of each item and understand why chefs depend on them daily. This article will examine twelve essential pieces of commercial kitchen equipment to sell in 2025.
Table of Contents
How big is the market for commercial kitchen equipment?
The 12 essentials: What every commercial kitchen needs
1. Commercial ranges
2. Refrigeration units
3. Commercial ovens
4. Ice makers
5. Commercial fryers
6. Food prep counters and cutting tables
7. Salamander broilers
8. Steam tables
9. Coffee and espresso machines
10. Griddles and charbroilers
11. Food holding and warming cabinets
12. Mixers
Final words
How big is the market for commercial kitchen equipment?
The commercial kitchen equipment market is on a steady rise, driven by new restaurant concepts, food trucks, and urban eateries popping up everywhere. According to Future Market Insights, the market will grow from US$ 11.631 billion to US$ 23.094 billion from 2023 to 2033 at a 7.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
The growing popularity of fast foods and short-order meals will also boost the demand for commercial cooking equipment. Additionally, experts value the US commercial cooking equipment market at US$ 1.3 billion, which accounts for 34% of the entire regional market.
The 12 essentials: What every commercial kitchen needs
1. Commercial ranges
A commercial range is often the central piece of a kitchen. It’s where chefs handle everything from delicate sauces to sizzling stir-fries. Retailers can stock two types of this equipment: gas and electric ranges.
Gas ranges are a chef’s choice for precise heat control. They allow quick adjustments and are perfect for sautéing vegetables or flash-searing meat. Electric ranges, in contrast, are easier to install, making them ideal for small commercial kitchens where space and layout might limit gas access.
Retailers can stock both styles in different sizes (like compact models with two burners or larger units with built-in griddles) to give restaurants flexibility. This allows them to choose what suits their cooking style and kitchen layout best.
2. Refrigeration units
Freshness is non-negotiable in any kitchen, so many kitchens don’t joke around with their refrigeration units. Retailers can also offer different types, including reach-in, walk-in, and under-counter refrigerators.
Reach-in refrigerators keep key ingredients within arm’s reach, while walk-in coolers provide much-needed storage for bulk items and prep-ahead ingredients. Under-counter refrigerators fit neatly into prep areas for smaller kitchens, freeing up space for chopping and plating.
Pro tip: Energy-efficient models are becoming more popular because they cut electricity costs, which is a welcome benefit for restaurant owners working with tight margins.
3. Commercial ovens
Commercial ovens come in many types, allowing kitchens to handle various dishes perfectly. For example, convection ovens offer circulating heat to allow chefs to pull off even baking, cutting cooking time and ensuring no cold spots, even during peak hours.
On the other hand, combi ovens, which combine steam and convection, are perfect for dishes needing a little moisture, like bread or delicate fish. And then there’s the deck oven, a must for pizza shops and bakeries.
4. Ice makers
Commercial kitchens are not all about food—some establishments, like cafes and bars, focus more on drinks. So, they’ll need a reliable ice maker. Some restaurants even need this commercial kitchen equipment for food prep, especially for fancier menus.
Commercial ice makers come in different sizes and ice types (cubes, flakes, nuggets). One popular type is under-counter ice machines, which can fit into smaller spaces easily and give users easy access to ice.
5. Commercial fryers
Who doesn’t love fries? In fact, fries are often a big part of many menus, meaning a reliable fryer is also non-negotiable. But don’t worry. Businesses can offer many commercial fryer options, ensuring their target consumers get nothing but the best.
Floor fryers are popular for their incredibly high oil capacity. They also work well for kitchens with a steady flow of fried orders. Another amazing option is countertop fryers, which offer something more compact and efficient. They are a better fit for smaller spaces or kitchens with lower volumes of fried items.
Remember ventless fryers. These options are practical solutions for kitchens without extensive ventilation systems and can reduce installation costs and setup time.
6. Food prep counters and cutting tables
Food prep stations are where most of the magic happens before any dish reaches the stove. Typically, manufacturers make prep counters from stainless steel for maximum durability. They are also easy to clean and withstand heavy chopping, slicing, and dicing.
But that’s not all. Retailers can offer models with built-in drawers or shelves underneath to keep tools and ingredients nearby. It’s handy for maximizing functionality in extremely busy or limited-space kitchens.
7. Salamander broilers
These are compact, high-intensity broilers that kitchens use to add the finishing touches to dishes. For example, they can melt cheese over a gratin or crisp the top of a crème brûlée. Although they may be unnecessary for all kitchens, salamander broilers are popular in fine-dining settings.
8. Steam tables
Steam tables are one of the most important equipment for buffets and self-serve settings. They help keep prepared dishes warm and ready to serve without drying them out. Steam tables can also be portable for catering to small kitchens or built-in units for larger venues.
This commercial kitchen equipment can also have some fancy features. For example, steam tables with adjustable heat zones will allow restaurants to hold multiple dishes at different temperatures, keeping everything perfect from the first serving to the last.
9. Coffee and espresso machines
High-quality coffee is a staple at restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve it. But to reach that much-loved quality, they will need good commercial and expression machines, especially those with programmable settings and built-in grinders.
These machines give staff a quick way to serve fresh coffee anytime. Also, look for models that balance ease of use with reliability, allowing even staff without barista experience to make great coffee consistently.
10. Griddles and charbroilers
A staple in many kitchens, griddles offer a large, flat cooking surface ideal for various menu items, from burgers and pancakes to grilled vegetables. Similarly, charbroilers bring out a smoky, grilled flavor that is especially popular with meats. Remember to stock these kitchen must-haves in different sizes and heat settings, ensuring chefs can choose options to cook various items side-by-side, saving time during busy hours.
11. Food holding and warming cabinets
Restaurants that prep large batches need a way to keep dishes hot until they serve them. That’s where food-holding and warming cabinets come in. This commercial kitchen equipment can help maintain texture and flavor, especially during peak hours. Another thing to consider is Insulated models, as they help save on energy costs and keep food warm longer.
12. Mixers
Commercial mixers are great for bakeries and pizza places. One option retailers can offer is planetary mixers, which, thanks to interchangeable attachments, are versatile enough to handle everything from cake batter to pizza dough. Alternatively, businesses can use spiral mixers if they frequently handle heavier doughs.
Spiral mixers are also great for high-output bakeries or pizzerias. Retailers should consider targeting models with variable speeds to ensure the machines can keep up with the demands of busy kitchens and ensure consistency batch after batch.
Final words
Every commercial kitchen is a unique ecosystem, with each piece of equipment supporting the workflow that brings dishes to life. By offering high-quality, reliable tools like commercial ranges, energy-efficient refrigerators, and ice makers, retailers will provide the tools chefs need to work efficiently and creatively.
So, it is important to understand why each piece matters and how it impacts the kitchen daily. This will help ensure marketing strategies hit the target and establish businesses as the go-to for new and experienced commercial kitchens.
