Commercial Kitchen Equipment and Small Tools

Heavy equipment: what a commercial range or chef base needs

The big items here include commercial gas ranges, such as a 36-inch model, and chef bases, such as a 52-inch two-drawer unit with its volume stated in cubic feet. Both are built for a working kitchen: a commercial gas range needs the correct gas supply and a hood with proper clearances, and a chef base is a drawer cabinet, often refrigerated, designed to carry a countertop cooking appliance. Check the voltage, gas type, width, depth and height against the room and the floor loading before choosing.

Commercial-style does not always mean a commercial hookup. Some units are rated for 120 V and a standard outlet, while others need 208/230 V or a high-output gas line. Local rules for commercial installations can add ventilation, fire-suppression and clearance requirements, so confirm what applies to your kitchen before you buy equipment sized for a restaurant.

Scales, kettles and grinders: the small tools in this aisle

Alongside the heavy equipment sit small commercial-style tools: digital kitchen scales, multi-use kettles, spice grinders and a rechargeable fruit peeler. For a scale, the two numbers that matter are capacity and the smallest increment it displays; power is by AAA batteries or a rechargeable lithium cell. Kettles and cookers list volume in liters or cups and wattage, so check that the plug and voltage match your outlet.

Questions about Commercial Kitchen Equipment and Small Tools

Do I need a hood over a commercial gas range?

In almost every installation, yes. Gas ranges produce heat, grease and combustion gases, and commercial kitchens are usually required to have a ventilation hood sized to the range. Check local codes and have the gas connection made by a licensed installer.

What do capacity and increment mean on a kitchen scale?

Capacity is the heaviest load the scale can weigh, and increment is the smallest step it shows, such as 1 gram. A scale with a higher capacity usually has a coarser step, so pick one that covers your heaviest bowl and the smallest quantities you measure.

What is a chef base?

A chef base is a low, sturdy cabinet with drawers, often refrigerated, built to carry a countertop cooking appliance such as a griddle. Its width and volume are listed, and it must match the width of the equipment placed on top.