7 Tips on Choosing a Kitchen Equipment Supplier for Restaurants
Studies show that the restaurant industry in Australia is currently worth about $18.5 billion and is continuing to grow. However, opening a restaurant can be a long process in a competitive market.
One of the things you must consider is your equipment supplier options. Do you want help choosing the best equipment for large kitchens?
Keep reading this guide for the top seven tips to follow when selecting a kitchen equipment supplier.
1. Prioritize Quality
Quality is one of the most important characteristics to consider when choosing equipment for restaurants. Unlike a kitchen in your home, commercial kitchens are almost always running and busy.
Some appliances may be in use for hours without a single break. Because of this, you need high-quality appliances that will withstand this level of wear and tear.
Your suppliers should offer commercial-grade materials that offer a longer service life. You should also be careful when choosing refurbished materials, as these may not offer the same quality as new appliances.
2. Look at Product Selection
Product selection is another essential factor to consider when you choose a kitchen supplier for your restaurant. It is better to find a company that offers all of the products that you need for your kitchen instead of having several different suppliers.
First, you should make a list of all the products that you need for your kitchen. Different types of kitchens may require different products.
Some of the essential restaurant kitchen items include ovens, ranges, mixers, food preparation equipment, freezers and refrigerators, and more.
You may also want to work with a supplier that offers additional products, like a restaurant point of sale system, washing equipment, and anything else you may need for your restaurant.
Most restaurant suppliers have a showroom or a website where you can browse through each of their products. Make sure they offer every product that you need for your kitchen!
3. Consider Ease of Use
Finding kitchen equipment that is easy to use is necessary for a commercial setting. This is because most commercial kitchens have high turnover rates for employees.
You don’t want to spend weeks training employees how to use complicated equipment only for them to quit a few months later. Having equipment that is easy to use will make it much easier to train employees and speed up the procedures in your kitchen.
The equipment you buy should be user-friendly and self-intuitive to operate. It should also be easy to clean and have good ergonomics.
4. Understand Availability and Delivery
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been international supply chain issues that have affected product delivery, product availability, and more. Because of this, you need to find a supplier that will be able to deliver your equipment as soon as possible.
When talking with different suppliers, you can ask them about their product availability. Do they have any products in their showroom that are not currently available?
Similarly, you should ask them about delivery details. When can you expect your kitchen supplies to be delivered? Do they charge additional delivery fees?
These questions are essential to ask, as problems with delivery and product availability can delay your restaurant’s opening.
5. Research Reputation
Reputation is just as essential as product quality and competitive pricing when you are selecting a kitchen supplier. It will help you learn more about their services, the way they treat customers, and more.
One way you can research a supplier’s reputation is by reading online reviews. What do past customers have to say about their experience working with the supplier?
You can also find companies with a great reputation when you ask for recommendations. If other restaurant owners recommend working with a specific supplier, you can feel confident that they provide the highest quality services.
6. Ask About Maintenance and Installation Services
When you buy expensive restaurant equipment, you should find a company that offers additional services. For example, you don’t want to pay another company to come and install your new equipment or maintain it throughout the years.
Instead, you should find a company that offers maintenance and installation services for their company as well.
This way, you will have one company to help you with all the different aspects of your kitchen equipment. If something goes wrong, you can contact your supplier and get help with everything that you need.
7. Consider Kitchen Equipment Budget
Finally, you must consider your kitchen equipment budget before you select a supplier. Kitchen equipment is a large investment and can significantly lower your profits.
Because of this, you may want to ask different suppliers about the costs of their products. This way, you can select appliances that fit your budget without having to sacrifice overall quality.
You can also buy the most important kitchen supplies first and hold off on those that are not as necessary.
Lastly, you should consider warranty options when you set your kitchen equipment budget. Having warranties on your products will provide you with peace of mind and will protect you financially if something happens to your equipment.
Looking for a Kitchen Equipment Supplier in Australia? We Can Help
Opening a restaurant is an exciting opportunity that has great potential. Getting the best kitchen equipment will ensure that your kitchen is up to standards and offers you everything that you need.
Make sure you thoroughly research your kitchen equipment supplier and consider each of these factors before making a decision. If you are looking for Australia’s best commercial kitchen supplier, Snowmaster can help!
Contact us today to learn more about our products!