Commercial kitchen design goes beyond the aesthetics of the space to ensure optimal functionality, safety, and efficiency. Every commercial kitchen should have a separate space for each key element including food storage, food preparation and cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing. Depending on the size of the kitchen, the space allocated for each element may vary. Each space must be designed to meet the specific needs of each commercial kitchen operation. An efficient commercial kitchen layout takes into account both the order in which different tasks are performed and the equipment that will be used. The design should create a safe, easy-to-navigate workspace that minimizes steps and cross-traffic. For a kitchen to function properly, all items should be readily accessible. In most commercial kitchens, a few basic pieces of equipment are key and should be positioned close to each other: ovens, fryers, and prep stations. In addition, careful planning should provide space for waste disposal, shelving, and refrigeration units.Commercial Kitchen Design: The Basics
Creating an effective layout for a commercial kitchen design requires careful planning, with an eye toward placing equipment, storage, and workstations in a manner that maximizes efficiency and safety. Taking the time to plan the layout properly is essential to ensure the flow of the kitchen runs without a hitch. Depending on the space available, some items may need to be repositioned between shifts to accommodate additional storage or countertops. To optimize commercial kitchen layout, allow a minimum of three feet of space between each piece of equipment in the kitchen. This is an essential safety and efficiency measure as it gives staff members enough room to quickly and safely move around. Also, consider the size of each piece of equipment when selecting it and make sure it’s appropriate for the space. In addition, plan out equipment that will need to be replenished regularly and store it near the front of the kitchen, both to prepare the staff members for a shift and to make it easier to restock.Commercial Kitchen Layout: Optimizing Space
Good ventilation is key when creating an efficient commercial kitchen design. Regularly cleaning and maintaining kitchen ventilation hoods along with other components of a ventilation system is important for optimal safety and performance. Any commercial kitchen should include an exhaust fan (or hood) at the top of the space to draw steam, smoke, and odors out of the work area. The hood is connected to a vent that runs through the roof for proper ventilation. The design and size of the commercial kitchen hood are determined by the type and number of cooking devices the commercial kitchen has, and the amount of heat generated from the cooking appliances. When designing kitchen ventilation, be sure to choose a commercial kitchen hood that is correctly sized and appropriate for the kitchen. Check with local building codes to determine appropriate venting systems and cooking equipment.Kitchen Ventilation and Commercial Kitchen Hood Design
Choosing the right commercial kitchen equipment is essential for creating an efficient layout design. Before buying any equipment, assess the purpose for which it will be used and make sure it fits in with the kitchen layout and style. Selecting appliances that are the correct size for the space is also important for preventing overcrowding. Also, make sure that all of the equipment is NSF-approved. The National Sanitation Foundation certifies that all commercial kitchen equipment meets performance and safety standards. Additionally, many states have their own requirements for commercial kitchens, so be sure to check and comply with any regulations that apply to the area. Choosing Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Commercial kitchens need to be designed and equipped to withstand the rigors of high-volume, long-term use. This means using materials that are durable, easy to clean, and designed to handle heavy traffic and wear. Most commercial kitchens use stainless steel for commercial kitchen equipment, as the material is strong, easy to clean, and more resistant to wear and corrosion. When selecting materials, also consider corrosion aims and fire safety standards. Stainless steel is a great choice for the exterior casing of stoves, ovens, and refrigerators, as it is a fire-resistant metal. Other materials such as plastic and aluminium can be used for internal surfaces, but they are not as corrosion-resistant.Finishes for Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Commercial steam cooking is one of the most energy efficient and cost effective ways to prepare food. Steam cooking is often used in restaurant kitchens in order to ensure that food is cooked quickly and evenly. Steam ovens use pressurized steam to penetrate food quickly and evenly, resulting in food that is cooked to perfection in a shorter amount of time. There are many advantages to using steam cooking in a commercial kitchen. Steam ovens require less energy to operate than other types of ovens, making them an efficient and cost effective way to heat food. Steam can also be used to tenderize food, resulting in tastier and juicier food. Additionally, steam is able to penetrate deep into food, resulting in food that is cooked evenly and quickly. These benefits make steam cooking an ideal choice for busy commercial kitchens.Commercial Steam Cooking: Basics and Benefits
Fire safety is a top priority for any commercial kitchen. A well-designed commercial kitchen layout should include adequate fire suppression and prevention systems. Every commercial kitchen will require a fire suppression system; a system designed to detect and extinguish fires before they spread. When designing a fire suppression system for a commercial kitchen, it’s important to consider fire-prone areas such as grills, ovens, and deep fryers. Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems should be designed to include detection, suppression, and control. Detection systems should detect the presence of smoke or heat and alert staff members to the potential danger. A suppression system should then eliminate the fire or contain it until staff are able to safely extinguish it. Additionally, a fire control system should make sure the fire is out and doesn’t start up again.Fire Suppression and Fire Prevention for Commercial Kitchens
Safety is a priority in any commercial kitchen and the design should take into consideration safety hazards. To ensure safety, commercial kitchen floors should be skid-resistant, counters should have rounded edges, and cabinets free of sharp edges. Additionally, design your commercial kitchen with adequate lighting and ventilation to ensure staff members can clearly see and move around the space. In order to protect staff members from potentially dangerous situations, all restaurants should have a clear and comprehensive set of safety guidelines in place for the commercial kitchen. These guidelines should be posted in a visible spot in the kitchen, and each staff member should know and follow the rules. A few common safety guidelines for restaurants include always locking gas valves when not in use, keeping flammable items away from heat sources, and using cold water to put out fires.Restaurant Safety in the Commercial Kitchen
When designing a commercial kitchen, it’s important to consider how the space will be used. The layout of the kitchen should be designed to maximize efficiency and workflow. By taking the time to plan out the layout properly, commercial kitchens can be designed to run smoothly and without disruption. When designing a commercial kitchen, consider the order in which tasks will be performed, the type of equipment that will be used, and how to best position the equipment to optimize workflow. Additionally, consider the type and size of the space when selecting equipment and appliances. Choosing wisely can help ensure that the kitchen is designed for efficiency and that every piece of equipment fits into the space.Commercial Kitchen Plans: Smart Design for Efficiency
Consulting with professional commercial kitchen designers can be beneficial for creating a well-laid out kitchen. Professional commercial kitchen designers are trained to understand the ins and outs of a commercial kitchen layout and can help create a space that’s both efficient and safe. When consulting a professional kitchen designer, first discuss the types of kitchen equipment, tasks, and services the kitchen will provide for. Experienced designers will take this information and create a kitchen that is designed for maximum efficiency and to meet the needs of the kitchen. Additionally, they can provide guidance for choosing the best materials and finishes for the equipment, and take into account the regulations for building codes and safety regulations in the area.Commercial Kitchen Consulting: Prioritizing Kitchen Efficiency