Opening a new restaurant is exciting—but it can also be stressful. 

From hiring staff to designing your menu, there’s plenty to figure out before opening day—including what restaurant equipment you’ll need.

For new owners working with tight budgets, deciding what equipment your kitchen really needs can feel overwhelming. But this is a place where you should be deliberate and do lots of research—having the right equipment can make or break your kitchen’s efficiency.

Serv-Ware offers reliable, affordable commercial equipment and has worked with hundreds of dealers to help open new restaurants. 

We drew on our years of experience to compile a list of must-haves for new restaurant builds—from refrigeration to work tables—that every new owner should consider.

👉 Here’s a quick list of five restaurant equipment essentials: refrigeration, gas ranges, tube fryers, work tables, and reach-in fridges. Keep reading to learn more.

Equipment Essential No. 1: Refrigeration

It might seem obvious—every kitchen has one—but reliable refrigeration is absolutely essential restaurant equipment.

You might think any ol’ fridge will do, but it’s crucial to have reliable refrigeration. Because so much of your profits (and expenditures) come from your raw goods, making sure that your fridges don’t break—which could potentially cause food to spoil and threaten the safety of your guests—is vital.

We recommend working with a supplier that can help you choose the right refrigeration system for your restaurant’s needs. Whether you need top-rail refrigerators that let kitchen workers prep and grab ingredients easily, or bottle coolers if you plan to have an extensive bottled beer menu, matching your refrigeration needs to your restaurant menu can be tricky. Experienced suppliers can help you make the right decision about the type of commercial refrigeration you need.  

Equipment Essential No. 2: Gas Ranges

You’ve got plenty of refrigeration for all your ingredients—now, how are you going to cook them? A gas range is the workhorse of your kitchen.

Gas ranges are versatile tools for sautéing, simmering, baking, and boiling food, and gas-powered burners allow chefs and cooks to control temperature and heat. All of Serv-Ware’s gas ranges have ovens and are designed with a variety of features to meet the needs of any restaurant style.

For example, if you anticipate doing a lot of searing and sautéing (think a steakhouse or fine dining establishment), you’ll likely need a model with extra burners; likewise, if you’re opening an all-day, quick-service restaurant with lots of breakfast options, you might want something with a flat-top griddle to make large-batch foods. Serv-Ware has a variety of configurations to meet your needs. 

Equipment Essential No. 3: Tube Fryers

Frying is a versatile cooking technique for both sweet and savory foods, and is key for restaurants looking to serve food quickly. It might not seem essential, but with popular items like fries and the challenge of frying to order on a stovetop, a commercial fryer quickly proves its worth.

When looking for a commercial fryer, prioritize a model that can ensure even heat distribution and easy cleaning.

Equipment Essential No. 4: Work Tables

So much of the work that happens in a kitchen happens during prep. Having a strong prep routine—and the right tools, like work tables—keeps your kitchen running smoothly and ensures chefs have everything they need when it’s time to serve.

Prep tables and work tables are vital for maintaining order and speed in a busy kitchen. Because things move quickly in a kitchen and your restaurant’s needs often change, we recommend looking for stainless-steel tables with adjustable shelving that are compatible with sinks or under-counter refrigeration to save space.

Always prioritize work tables that double as storage hubs (you’ll always need more storage). Having stainless steel work tables also means prep stations will be easy to clean and can withstand wear and tear.

Find suppliers that offer tables in a variety of sizes so you can arrange them efficiently in your restaurant kitchen setup. Serv-Ware has over 60 work tables in various sizes to fit any kitchen.

Equipment Essential No. 5: Reach-In Freezers

A freezer lets you order in bulk and plan for long-term inventory needs. While refrigerators handle daily ingredients, freezers let you buy in bulk and save on ordering costs.

As with a reliable refrigerator, having a freezer you can trust reduces the risk of food spoilage. Look for models that are energy-efficient and can reliably maintain a constant temperature.  

Final Restaurant Equipment Tips for New Owners

Equipment is the name of the game for new owners: if your equipment fails, your business fails. So make sure to do your research, consider your space’s needs, and work with a trusted supplier with a proven track record of producing reliable restaurant equipment.
Ready to outfit your new restaurant? Explore Serv-Ware’s full catalog of commercial refrigeration, cooking equipment, prep tables, and more.