Restaurant Supply Blogs

Our blogs offers expert tips, buying guides, and industry news for restaurant owners and foodservice professionals. Discover kitchen equipment reviews, maintenance advice, and restaurant management insights to help your business thrive.

Top Buying Guides

Featured

How-To-Guide

If you have a deli or operate a sandwich shop, one of the best pieces of equipment that you can have is a meat slicer. Prepare your meats quickly, accurately, and consistently.

Start Up Guides

If you have a deli or operate a sandwich shop, one of the best pieces of equipment that you can have is a meat slicer. Prepare your meats quickly, accurately, and consistently.

Restaurant Equipment and Supplies FAQ

What equipment do I need to open a restaurant?

Most startup restaurants need a complete equipment bundle, including ranges, refrigeration, sinks, prep tables {link to}, and smallwares. RestaurantSupply.com offers turnkey solutions to get you operational fast and up to code.

Can I finance commercial restaurant equipment?

Yes, RestaurantSupply.com offers financing and lease-to-own options. Flexible terms and easy approval help spread the cost of equipment over time—ideal for new or growing businesses.

Do I need a business license to buy commercial kitchen equipment?

No. Anyone can shop at RestaurantSupply.com. Whether you're a home chef, caterer, or food truck owner, you don’t need a business license to purchase professional-grade tools.

How long does commercial kitchen equipment last?

The lifespan of commercial kitchen equipment typically ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on usage frequency, maintenance routines, and equipment type. Heavy-duty items like commercial ranges and refrigerators can last over a decade with proper care, while high-use appliances such as deep fryers and blenders may require replacement every 5–7 years. Stainless steel work tables, shelving, and cookware often last much longer—sometimes decades—making them valuable long-term investments. Regular servicing and preventive maintenance are key to extending the life of your restaurant equipment and maximizing ROI.

How do I choose the right commercial refrigerator?

Look at storage capacity, energy efficiency, compressor location, and style (reach-in, undercounter, or walk-in). RestaurantSupply.com provides filters and guides to help you compare units and brands side-by-side.

How do I set up a commercial kitchen?

A well-functioning kitchen includes cooking appliances, cold storage {link to}, prep stations {link to}, warewashing, and smallwares. RestaurantSupply.com offers kitchen layout consulting and NSF-certified equipment to meet health code standards.

Should I get a countertop or floor deep fryer?

Countertop fryers are compact and best for low-volume use, while floor models handle heavy-duty frying in fast-paced restaurants. We carry both with oil filtration systems to reduce waste.

What features should I look for in a commercial rice cooker?

Choose models with auto shutoff, large capacity, non-stick or stainless steel interiors, and NSF certification. These features ensure consistency and easy cleaning in high-output kitchens.

What are the top features to look for in a commercial waffle maker?

Look for a rotary waffle maker with dual non-stick grids, audible timers, and high-volume durability. Ideal for breakfast buffets and self-serve stations.

What are smallwares in a commercial kitchen?

Smallwares include essential tools like spatulas, pans, mixing bowls, tongs, and food containers. They directly affect food prep speed, safety, and presentation in commercial kitchens.

What does NSF certified mean for restaurant equipment?

NSF certification means the equipment meets strict health and sanitation standards. NSF-listed items are often required by local health departments and are clearly labeled on RestaurantSupply.com.

Where can I find restaurant equipment reviews and buying guides?

RestaurantSupply.com provides in-depth buying guides and user reviews for categories like ice machines, ranges, and refrigerators, helping you compare features and find the best fit.

What cleaning supplies do restaurants need to stay compliant?

Restaurants must have 3-compartment sinks, degreasers, floor mats, mop buckets, drain brushes, and food-safe sanitizers to meet sanitation guidelines.

How often should commercial kitchen equipment be serviced?

Preventive maintenance is recommended every 6 to 12 months, depending on use. Regular service ensures your equipment stays efficient, safe, and within warranty coverage.

What is the difference between a restaurant supply store and a restaurant depot?

A restaurant supply store like RestaurantSupply.com provides nationwide access to commercial-grade kitchen equipment, smallwares, and disposables through a convenient online catalog. Unlike local depots, which may require membership or in-person pickup, we deliver directly to your business or home, offering expert support and comprehensive product specs to guide your purchasing decisions.

What are the key differences between a food processor and an immersion blender?

Food processors are versatile machines for chopping, shredding, and slicing, ideal for batch prep of vegetables, doughs, and sauces. Immersion blenders (also called stick blenders) are handheld and used to puree soups, emulsify sauces, or blend drinks directly in the pot. Many commercial kitchens use both to streamline operations and expand menu versatility.

What are the advantages of a convection oven in a commercial kitchen?

Convection ovens feature internal fans that circulate hot air, cook food evenly, and reduce bake times. They’re excellent for baking pastries, roasting meats, and preparing multi-tray batches without flavor transfer. RestaurantSupply.com offers countertop and full-size convection ovens with programmable controls, steam injection, and ENERGY STAR® compliance.

What is the best commercial pebble ice maker to buy?

Pebble or nugget ice makers are prized for their chewable ice and fast output. RestaurantSupply.com carries top-rated models from Scotsman {link to} and Hoshizaki, ideal for healthcare and hospitality environments.