The right prep equipment can make an enormous difference in a chef's working life. Follow the advice of Ian Parsons, business development manager for Kenwood Catering, to ensure you get the best from any purchase you're considering.
Most pub chefs would love to have a larger kitchen to work in but for the majority increasing its physical size isn't an option.
Careful selection of prep equipment can, however, maximise workspace areas as well as helping you to optimise time, space and efficiency while you cook. Here are a few things that are worth considering.
Portability: only the most essential small appliances should be out on the bench top at any given time, so equipment needs to be relatively lightweight as well as durable, to withstand any knocks it might receive.
Footprint: purchase equipment with a small footprint as this will free up additional space.
Functionality: look for equipment which can be used for multiple purposes.
Manageability: all equipment must be relatively simple for staff to operate. Look for pieces that are ergonomically designed, especially when repetitive actions are required to operate them.
Health and safety: hygiene is of utmost importance for any kitchen. Select items that are easy to clean and that are designed to minimise food handling. Stainless steel fits the bill as the surface is impermeable, while polycarbonate items are both durable and dishwasher safe. Any tool or
attachment should be easy to remove. Interlocking safety features will reduce the risk of injury.
Quality: good equipment is an investment and enables kitchens to run smoothly. Cheap equipment, made from inferior materials, can prove more of a hindrance if it is unreliable or has just a short lifespan. Buying the most expensive kit isn't necessary, but you do need to choose items that can meet the demands of your kitchen.
After-sales service: investigate the warranty offered with the equipment you're considering buying and find out
what the company's policy is in the case of a defective product. Will they replace it if it goes wrong while under guarantee or will they repair it? Do they have plenty of spare parts - and how long will you have to wait for an engineer?