Cooking Like A Professional

If you plan on operating a restaurant or diner, you need to recognize the importance of countertop appliances. While you may be familiar with countertop appliances for home use, commercial models have greater capacity and are made for preparing food and beverages in larger quantities. Most commercial restaurant equipment for the counter is also quite durable and made to withstand the rigors of constant use. While equipment such as toasters and blenders are commonplace, there are other machines that are equally important and should not be overlooked. Here are indispensable countertop appliances for your restaurant that you won't want to be without:

1. Beverage Dispenser

Just about every restaurant or diner, large or small, will utilize this essential piece of equipment for dispensing beverages. Whether you plan on mixing and preparing fresh fruity drinks, juices, or a frozen mix, a beverage dispenser should be on your food-prep counter. Here are a few options:

• Hot Chocolate Dispenser: A commercial fresh mix dispenser for hot chocolate should include a continuous stir action, as well as an anti-clogging faucet for efficiency and easy maintenance. Also look for an adjustable digital thermostat so you may set the temperature as you desire. The heating elements will typically be made of stainless steel, and the stainless steel boiler tank may hold several liters of liquid.

• Frozen Beverage Dispenser: This countertop machine can mix up frozen cocktails with ease. It may also be used for preparing frozen slush or icy beverages. Look for a model with a defrost mode, which can save you time and speed up production considerably.

• Juice Dispenser: This machine will make fresh fruit juice from oranges, pineapple, and other fresh fruits. Single bowl dispensers are fine for small volumes, although the double or twin bowl will offer a larger capacity.

2. Tabletop Gyro Machine

If your eatery serves deli-style gyro sandwiches, a countertop gyro machine is a must-have. A gas-operated, vertical, standing gyro broiler machine may feature four individual burners. It will cook various types of meat, such as chicken, turkey, pork, beef and veal. Gyro machines are ideal for preparing recipes for pita sandwiches and wraps.

Look for a model with the motor positioned on top of the machine. This will help to ensure the grease or fat drips downward. In addition to broiling meats on the gyro machine some units rotate for preparing rotisserie style chicken.

3. Display Food Warmer

Most diners and small restaurants will find this commercial equipment invaluable. Compact enough to sit on the counter, a display food warmer will keep prepared foods warm, as it offers an unobstructed view of the contents to your customers.

A display warmer is ideal for displaying warm, wrapped sandwiches to go. They are also perfect for holding freshly baked soft pretzels, cookies, and hot dogs. Basically, any prepared "to-go" food item that needs to be kept warm can be placed inside the warmer. Look for a model with adjustable shelves, so you may display various food items at once. Incandescent lighting and temperature control are also a must. As an alternative to the display merchandiser, you might choose a heat lamp or heated shelf for warming and displaying your foods and snacks.

Another type of tabletop food warmer is what is known as a soup warmer. Choose a kettle-style model with several quart capacity. These electric soup warmers are often constructed of cast aluminum or stainless steel. They are made to cook, heat, or warm soups of all kinds.

When looking for restaurant equipment, it's a good idea to purchase several pieces at once. This may save you time as well as money. Some restaurant equipment suppliers may offer discounts when purchasing in large quantities.