It’s important for clubs to always have the most essential pieces of equipment in an a la carte kitchen first.
The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the house, so it needs durable equipment that can withstand the pressures of daily use while also creating high-quality food. Every kitchen has its own unique menu that helps determine which equipment fits their food preparation and cooking needs. However, there are several standard pieces of preparation and cooking equipment every a la carte kitchen should have.
Obviously, some of the most important pieces of equipment for a club’s a la carte kitchen would be the refrigeration and a range. The refrigerators and freezers needed will depend on the size and layout of the kitchen, but both walk-ins and reach-ins will be necessary. Several oven and range designs and models are available to fit any style and space needs for the kitchen. Both standard and convection ovens are considered necessary, but combination ovens, which combine elements of the two, can be used if space is an issue. Most kitchens use gas burners, as they are much faster and more responsive than electric. A range hood to sit over the stoves to suck up grease, moisture and heat will also be needed.
Griddles and flat-top grills are used to cook a variety of foods, from steaks to pancakes, and are perfect for cooking large quantities of foods at once. They use a heat source beneath a flat plate which allows food to cook quickly and evenly. A char-broiler is a piece of cooking equipment that features a series of grates that are heated with a heating element. Char-broilers can handle a range of different cooking operations. They allow you to cook your food on a grated surface for the purpose of searing in the flavors and also imparting some charring to induce a slightly smoky flavor, making them ideal for cooking meats.
Deep fryers can be used to prepare a variety of foods, from fish and hot chips to donuts. They come in stand-alone or counter-top varieties, with other variations depending on the food preparation needs. It is important to consider the temperature range and capacity needed when considering a deep fryer. Steamers are used to quickly steam, poach, stew, thaw out or reheat food in what is generally considered a healthier preparation method.
When it comes to food preparation, a standing floor mixer is needed for batter. Whether for cakes and pastries or for pizza dough, mixing large quantities with a standing floor mixer is more efficient than mixing manually. A slicing machine maintains consistency and saves on time and labor. There are different slicers available like food slicers, vegetable slicers, and meat slicers, which are able to cut meat, cheese, or other food items with speed and precision. Another piece of equipment that will cut down on time is a food processor. A food processor is a versatile tool that can perform a number of tasks such as dicing, chopping, slicing, and pureeing.
High-quality food requires essential and high-quality equipment, and with the necessary equipment a club’s kitchen staff can carry out their work better and members will also be happier with their dining experience.