Starting a restaurant is a big venture, and one of the most important early steps is equipping your commercial kitchen with the right appliances and tools. From cooking equipment and refrigeration to cleaning systems and smallwares, choosing the right gear is critical for performance, food safety, and long-term efficiency.
If you're opening a new venue in Brisbane, Perth, or anywhere in Australia, finding reliable kitchenware and hospitality supplies can set the foundation for your success. This guide outlines a practical, beginner-friendly commercial kitchen appliance checklist, so you know exactly what to prioritise — without getting caught up in technical details.
Every restaurant kitchen revolves around a few core cooking appliances. These vary slightly depending on your menu, but the essentials usually include:
• Convection ovens: Ideal for even baking and roasting thanks to circulating hot air.
• Deck ovens: Excellent for pizza, bread, and artisan baking.
• Combination ovens: Allow you to steam, roast, or bake with one machine.
Ranges and Cooktops
• Gas or electric ranges: Versatile for all types of stovetop cooking.
• Induction cooktops: Fast-heating and energy-efficient with precise temperature control.
Grills and Griddles
• Chargrills: Perfect for meats and vegetables with flame-cooked flavour.
• Flat-top griddles: Great for breakfast service and sandwiches.
Deep Fryers
• Essential for menu items like chips, calamari, schnitzels, or chicken.
When shopping for cooking equipment, consider suppliers that specialise in kitchen appliances and catering supplies. Whether you're sourcing from a kitchen warehouse or a kitchen supplier in Brisbane or Perth, make sure the equipment is commercial-grade and compliant with local safety standards.
Food safety and freshness rely on consistent refrigeration. You’ll likely need:
• Upright or under-bench fridges and freezers: For daily use and quick access.
• Walk-in coolers or freezers: Ideal for bulk storage of meats, produce, and frozen goods.
• Pizza or sandwich prep fridges: Combine workspace with cold storage for efficient meal prep.
• Dry storage racks: Keep non-perishables organised and off the floor.
Choosing energy-efficient refrigeration units can help reduce your long-term power bills, which is something every restaurant owner appreciates.
To keep up with service demands, you’ll need prep equipment that supports speed and consistency:
• Planetary mixers: Useful for sauces, dough, batters, and baking.
• Food processors: Save time on slicing, chopping, or grinding.
• Slicers: Deliver uniform cuts for meat, cheese, or vegetables — critical for portion control.
If you're offering dumplings, bao buns, or other steamed dishes, a bamboo steamer is a useful addition. It’s simple, affordable, and maintains food texture and flavour while cooking.
If your restaurant includes a coffee bar, smoothie station, or café corner, you’ll need:
• Espresso machines and coffee grinders: A must-have for any Aussie breakfast or brunch venue.
• Commercial blenders: For smoothies, sauces, or desserts.
• Juicers: Add fresh juice to your menu with minimal prep time.
Make sure your hospitality supplies include suitable cups, pitchers, and barista tools if beverage service is a focus.
Cleanliness is non-negotiable in any foodservice operation. You’ll need:
• Commercial dishwashers: Under-counter for small setups or conveyor-style for larger kitchens.
• Sinks with multiple compartments: For washing, rinsing, and sanitising by hand.
• Grease traps and oil filtration systems: Required in most commercial kitchens to prevent plumbing issues and reduce oil costs.
• Pre-rinse taps and spray nozzles: Speed up manual dishwashing and reduce water usage.
Commercial kitchens generate heat, grease, and smoke — all of which need proper control.
• Exhaust hoods and ventilation systems: Keep air quality safe for staff.
• Fire suppression systems: Required by code in many areas for grease fire prevention.
• First aid kits and anti-slip mats: For workplace safety and OH&S compliance.
Always work with licensed contractors for installation and make sure your hospitality supplies include safety basics from day one.
It’s easy to overlook the basics when thinking about big appliances, but smallwares are the items your chefs will use the most.
• Cookware: Pans, stockpots, saucepans, baking trays.
• Utensils: Tongs, spatulas, ladles, whisks.
• Cutlery: Knives, peelers, scissors.
• Measuring tools: Cups, spoons, scales for accuracy.
• Storage containers: For dry goods, sauces, or leftovers.
Buying in bulk from a kitchen warehouse can save both money and time when setting up your inventory.
Though not technically a kitchen appliance, a reliable Point of Sale (POS) system is essential for running your restaurant smoothly.
• Touchscreen terminals for order input.
• Receipt and docket printers for communication with the kitchen.
• Mobile ordering tablets if you offer table service or takeaway.
A well-integrated POS system helps streamline operations from the front to the back of house.
Setting up your restaurant kitchen is more than just ticking off a shopping list — it’s about designing a workflow that supports speed, quality, and safety. With the right mix of kitchen appliances, hospitality supplies, and essential tools, your kitchen will be ready to handle anything service throws your way.
Whether you’re launching a restaurant in Brisbane, Perth, or anywhere across Australia, investing in quality kitchenware will set your business up for success. Take a look at our range or get in touch to see how we can support your kitchen setup.
Q1: What are the must-have appliances for starting a restaurant?
A: Start with essentials like ovens, cooktops, refrigeration, dishwashing, and prep equipment. Tailor your list to your menu and service model.
Q2: Do I need commercial-grade appliances, or can I use residential ones?
A: Always use commercial-rated equipment. It’s designed for safety, durability, and compliance with health regulations.
Q3: Where should I buy hospitality supplies in Brisbane or Perth?
A: Look for reputable local hospitality supplies stores or national suppliers with warehouses in your region. This ensures faster delivery and better service.
Q4: Is it worth investing in energy-efficient kitchen appliances?
A: Yes. Although upfront costs may be higher, energy-efficient models reduce utility bills over time and are often more reliable.
Q5: What is the benefit of buying from a kitchen supplier instead of retail?
A: Kitchen suppliers offer bulk pricing, product support, installation guidance, and equipment warranties — all critical for a commercial kitchen.
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