Is it time for a (new) commercial kitchen installation?

Published on: 15 September 2023 | Author: Maarten Derboven, Projectleider

5 things to bear in mind when designing your commercial kitchen

Commercial kitchens in various sectors

Hospitals, care homes, schools, businesses, government organisations… there are numerous sectors where commercial kitchens are used on a daily basis. In addition, we are increasingly seeing commercial kitchens being complemented by buffet restaurants, coffee corners or cosy seating areas where staff, visitors or patients can help themselves to meals and drinks.

Are you looking for a new commercial kitchen installation for your organisation? If so, there are a number of things you need to bear in mind, starting with your requirements and what your kitchen installation should provide as an ideal solution.

We’ve put together five key points to bear in mind when choosing your commercial kitchen design.

KDG Grootkeuken Installatie in Onderwijs | D&L Concepts

1. A commercial kitchen with extras?

Are you simply looking for a professionally equipped commercial kitchen, or would you like this kitchen to be expanded to include a coffee corner, a buffet or self-service area, or refrigerated display units for visitors… It all depends on the requirements your facility needs to meet. It’s also a good idea to analyse the space, so you know exactly what structural work is required. Do you want to be able to expand your commercial kitchen in the future? If so, make sure this is taken into account right from the design stage.

Need help with your commercial kitchen design?

KDG Grootkeuken in Onderwijs | D&L Concepts

2. Needs analysis

What will the commercial kitchen be used for? That is one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself when planning your commercial kitchen design. Will it mainly be used to prepare cold dishes, such as sandwiches and salads, or will hot dishes also be prepared? Are there any specific dietary requirements? Will the kitchen be used solely internally or also by the public? And will there be a need for extensive and prolonged refrigeration or freezing? All these factors must be analysed at the initial stage so that you can tailor the design of your commercial kitchen accordingly.

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3. Efficiency and user-friendliness of your commercial kitchen

The layout of your commercial kitchen has a major impact on its user-friendliness and the efficiency with which kitchen staff will be able to work. Is there enough space to move around easily, even when several chefs are working at the same time? Arrange the workstations efficiently, ensure user-friendly worktops and provide sufficient storage space.

TIP: Don’t lose sight of ergonomics when designing your commercial kitchen. Consider worktops at the correct height or adjustable workstations, and sinks positioned correctly to allow you to work whilst standing.

Discover our approach to commercial kitchen design

4. Hygiene & safety

As all sorts of food will be handled in your commercial kitchen on a daily basis, it is important that the facilities comply with the strictest food safety regulations. Be sure to choose low-maintenance materials that are easy to clean. A user-friendly hand-washing station is also a ‘must-have’ in any commercial kitchen.

Safety also plays an important role; ensure that your commercial kitchen complies with all applicable safety regulations and that items such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are in good working order.

Food&I Professionele Catering Keuken | D&L Concepts

5. Select the correct equipment

Ovens, hobs, extractor hoods, sinks, fridges and freezers, dishwashers… There’s a lot involved in setting up a fully equipped commercial kitchen. Think carefully in advance about which appliances are absolutely essential for your brand-new commercial kitchen. It’s also worth giving careful thought to energy efficiency; by choosing energy-efficient appliances, you can save a great deal on running costs over the years.

Always opt for commercial kitchen equipment from top-quality brands or for bespoke solutions.

Our strengths as a commercial kitchen specialist

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Designing your new commercial kitchen

Designing a new commercial kitchen is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration. By taking the above points into account, you can create a commercial kitchen design that is efficient, functional and safe for your culinary activities.

Be inspired

Are you looking for a brand-new commercial kitchen, fully equipped with high-quality appliances? Discover some of our projects in commercial kitchen design and installation