The catering team is the driving force behind any catering business. It is crucial that you spend some time planning your operation before purchasing any catering equipment. There can be a big difference between the equipment you want and the equipment you need for the job and selecting the right ones will contribute to the ease and success of your catering operation.
Here are some tips for selecting the right catering equipment:
o Plan ahead. It is like your mise-en-place or your preparation before the operation. Your level of planning and preparation will determine your success. Remember: people who fail to plan plan to fail.
o If you are a new business, you need to decide how much space to allocate to your commercial kitchen and how much to your customers. The kitchen space must be proportional to the maximum number of customers it will serve. Think of your kitchen as the engine of your catering operation. A small kitchen will have a hard time coping with a large number.
o Decide what type of food you are going to produce. This will determine your equipment needs.
o Set the maximum number of people you will serve. This will help you decide on the size or performance of the team.
o Decide on the design. It is best to consult with a professional designer, as you must take into account where the equipment is placed, the service space for your staff, traffic flow and many other factors.
o Research brands to ensure you are buying quality equipment. Base your decision on quality and performance and then try to buy for the best possible price. Many people try to economize and opt for second hand equipment. Good second-hand equipment is hard to find and even when you do find it, the chances of it breaking down mid-service are high.
o Inferior quality equipment is just as bad as second hand equipment. Remember that you need to depend on the equipment every day to produce good quality products and earn a living.
o Make sure there is adequate warranty and after-sales service with the equipment. Although all vendors perform warranty work during business hours Monday through Friday, it’s good to know that they have trained technicians and parts to repair your equipment quickly.
o Hire a preventive maintenance contract with your provider or have your equipment checked periodically to ensure that it is always operating at optimum performance.
o Learn how to use your equipment and make sure your staff are familiar with the equipment’s operating procedures. This will prolong the life of your equipment, prevent injury or tragedy, and create staff satisfaction.
o Clean your equipment regularly and keep it clean. Hygiene is very important when it comes to handling and preparing food and drinks.
The guide above should help you select the right catering equipment for your operation. If in doubt, check with your supplier to ensure you get the best catering equipment for your needs.