A commercial kitchen fit out can be both challenging and exciting at the same time. On one hand, you have a space that you have to consider carefully to ensure that it is completely functional and safe. On the other hand, there is the opportunity to redesign and rebuild it completely from scratch. The layout of your commercial kitchen, the equipment that you intend to use, and the space that you have to work with are just some of the many things to think about. Naturally, you also have to consider how much you are prepared to spend on this exciting project. There are many variables that you have to take into account so that you can arrive at the perfect commercial kitchen fit out . If you are looking for guidance on how to design and fit out your own commercial kitchen, then this blog post is for you. We will discuss various aspects of commercial kitchen design and fit out, including the essentials needed to get started. The Essentials When it comes to the essentials needed for a commercial kitchen, the most important thing to consider is safety. This is especially relevant in light of the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations regarding commercial kitchens. To find out more, visit the OSHA website. You can also contact OSHA directly at info@osha.gov. Next on the list is good ventilation. This is vital for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it ensures sufficient air flow throughout the kitchen. There are three basic guidelines for creating good ventilation: Laminates and paint are highly flammable, and in the event of a fire, can cause serious burns or death. Remove large quantities of dust through frequent cleaning. Consider installing some form of ventilation system (either natural or mechanical). Good ventilation is also important because it helps control the temperature in your commercial kitchen. In a hot kitchen, having less air movement makes the room feel more comfortable. Moreover, having an underfloor heating system (like a radiant heater) helps keep your kitchen at a comfortable temperature, regardless of whether you are heating or cooling. The Design As mentioned, the layout of your commercial kitchen is extremely important. This includes everything from the size and shape of the room, to the location of the counters and appliances. As a general rule, work areas should be located at a comfortable distance from the sink, and most importantly, the oven. The reason behind this is that accidents can and do happen, and having these work areas close to the kitchen's central area makes them more susceptible to accidental contact and potential injury. In addition to the layout, you also have to think about the materials used for the construction of the kitchen. This will directly affect the cost of the kitchen, as well as the workability and durability of the layout. Steel and concrete are highly durable and affordable building materials, while wood and plastic might be cheaper, but are also less practical and more prone to damage and wear. As for the shape of the room, the most basic and fundamental guideline is that it should be as close to square as possible. This not only makes the room look more spacious, but it also helps with the flow of the cooking process. For example, if you happen to have a lot of space above the countertop, you might eventually run out of room below, as there will only be so much space for dishes and food preparation. The Equipment A large part of the fun and satisfaction of creating a commercial kitchen comes from using various appliances and tools to prepare foods. To that end, you might be wondering what kind of equipment you will need for the job. This is primarily determined by the type of cuisine that you will be preparing, but it is also shaped by personal preference. Generally speaking, you will need the basic equipment needed for any kitchen, whether it is a home or a commercial one. This includes a stove and oven, as well as a sink and dishwasher. Naturally, you will also need a fridge/freezer and either a manual or an automatic dishwasher. Moreover, if you are serious about cooking, then you will also want a mixer, food processor, and deep fryer. In addition to these five essentials, you might also want a waffle maker, sandwich maker, or corn dog press. All of these appliances and tools make the job of a professional chef much easier, and the experience much more enjoyable. As for the type of cuisine that you will be preparing, this will have a direct impact on the type of equipment that you will need. For example, if you are a bakery, then you will need a oven than can reach very high temperatures. This is why you will need a standalone stove rather than a range. Space This is the most obvious guideline when it comes to designing and constructing a commercial kitchen: the more space that you have, the more options and possibilities that you will have for the design and layout of your kitchen. Large spaces, typically found in factories or large companies, have the advantage of allowing for more intricate designs and layouts, as well as providing for more versatility when it comes to cooking. If you have a small kitchen, then you have to be extremely careful in how you use it. Specifically, you have to avoid putting any unnecessary strain or pressure on the limited amount of space that you have. This goes for both the kitchen itself, as well as the surrounding area. In these cases, keeping the space uncluttered and simple is the key to a successful and enjoyable design. Many kitchens come in small or medium sizes, and while this is perfectly suitable for a personal chef who is cooking for family and friends, it might be a bit cramped if you have a larger group of people to feed. Location The location of your commercial kitchen has a significant impact on the design and usability of the space. This is because the natural light that comes in through the window is one of the most important aspects of visually seeing what you are doing, as well as ensuring that you can work comfortably and safely. If possible, you should try to position your commercial kitchen so that the light comes in from multiple sides. This will give you the advantage of being able to cook even in the dark, if necessary. Moreover, the position and design of the kitchen will determine whether or not you have room for other cooking appliances, such as a bar or island for instance. You should also try to position your kitchen so that it is close to the living area or area where you will be eating, as this makes it easier for family and friends to help out, as well as for everyone to stay seated while eating. Designing and constructing a commercial kitchen is both challenging and exciting at the same time. On one hand, you have a space that you have to consider carefully to ensure that it is completely functional and safe. On the other hand, there is the opportunity to redesign and rebuild it completely from scratch. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of the essentials needed for a commercial kitchen. From there, you can find out more about specific items, as well as design and create the perfect kitchen.
commercial kitchen fit out|the OSHA website|info@osha.gov
