New To Catering? Practical Tips On Choosing The Right Catering Equipment

With the economy as it is, many pubs are beginning to introduce all day dining in a bid to optimise profitability. This can be a daunting process for pub owners who are new to the world of catering.

Pubs need to select the best equipment to cope with numbers they plan to serve, the choice of food on their menu as well as more practical considerations of kitchen space and cost. Getting the right advice on the right products from the start will prevent costly mistakes and profit-swallowing refits.

The first step on the way to serving food is in understanding the industry terms used to describe catering equipment. Across the industry, equipment is either graded as heavy, medium or light duty. “Heavy duty” is used to describe equipment that measures 700mm from back to front or more. This equipment can generally be found in premises that cater for large numbers of customers, such as hotels or bigger pubs. Light duty on the other hand, describes counter-top equipment no more than 400mm in size.

The good news is despite the current challenging economic conditions powerful, serviceable equipment can still be obtained at an affordable price. Take for example Lincat’s Silverlink 600 range of modular catering equipment. Well-built and flexible, it combines high levels of performance with style and value for money.

Easy to clean and safely operate, the Silverlink 600 models provide a good balance of quality and capacity. All models are also supplied with a 12 month warranty on parts and labour, so they represent a far safer option than buying second hand, unsupported, ‘bargains’.

According to Nick McDonald, from catering equipment manufacturer Lincat Ltd, choosing the right pieces of equipment from the start can be the difference between success and failure for a first time caterer:

“One of our key tips, especially for first time investors, would be to make sure you buy the correct level of duty. Don’t expect a light duty countertop item to withstand heavy use. Equally, don’t think that you need to pay thousands of pounds for heavy duty kit if it is for light to medium commercial use. Modular equipment which can easily be changed or added to at a later date, is particularly useful for first timers, when the learning curve is steep and it can be difficult to predict what will actually work in practice.”

It is really important that caterers buy their equipment from reputable manufacturers, and that all equipment complies with relevant regulations and is offered with back up services and spare parts supply. Buyers should also make sure that they check the warranty details before purchase.

Even if buyers know exactly what their current equipment needs are, it is good practice to consider future expansion when picking catering products. Choosing units with power to spare, rather than running it flat out, or choosing two smaller products over one larger piece of equipment makes long term sense, by reducing the effects on profitability during breakdowns.

Caterers should not fall into the trap of thinking that cheap or second hand products are the most cost-effective route. Cheap equipment with an unfamiliar brand name will almost certainly be imported, and whilst initial outlay will almost certainly be less, this route can prove expensive when spares are not immediately available and food is off the menu.

Cleanliness and hygiene are incredibly important in catering, so it is best to choose catering equipment that is free of dirt traps, easy to clean and safe to operate. The best combi-steamers, which can be used to cook all kinds of meals, from breakfasts to the Sunday roast using a combination of dry and wet heat, have self-cleaning systems ready installed.

Purchase costs should be weighed up against installation and energy costs of gas or electrical equipment. Although electrical products are generally cheaper, energy costs are often lower with gas. With gas products now requiring interlocked extraction systems, electrical options can seem more attractive.

Faced with a myriad of options, independent dealers can offer impartial advice and bar owners should head for a dealer showroom to assess the design and quality of different brands for themselves before joining the food revolution in the hospitality industry.

Before you buy any catering equipment, take a look at Lincat’s catering equipment blog site, which provides useful information including buying guides, news on catering and chef’s tips. Alternatively, take a look at Lincat’s website for more information on its range of professional catering equipment.

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