Top 5 Commercial Kitchen Equipment Brands That Will Boost Your Business Success

Running a successful food business is about more than just great recipes and stellar customer service. The backbone of any thriving restaurant or food service establishment is the kitchen equipment that keeps everything running smoothly. Whether you’re flipping burgers, preparing gourmet meals, or serving up ice-cold desserts, investing in high-quality commercial kitchen equipment is vitally important to boost efficiency, maintain consistent quality, and maximize profits.

In this article, we’ll explore five of the top commercial kitchen equipment brands that can help you elevate your food business to the next level and get that kitchen equipment list.

Henny Penny: Perfecting Fried Food with Pressure Fryers

When it comes to fried foods, Henny Penny is a brand that stands out. Known for its exceptional line of pressure fryers, open fryers, combi ovens, and holding cabinets, Henny Penny provides equipment that ensures faster cooking times without compromising on quality.

Their pressure fryers are specifically designed to lock in moisture while creating that signature crispy coating that customers crave. This makes them perfect for fried chicken, fish, and other crispy delights. The pressure frying technology reduces oil absorption, leading to healthier results and less waste.

In addition to their fryers, Henny Penny offers holding cabinets that keep food fresh and hot for longer periods without drying it out. This is a must-have feature for businesses that need to prepare food in bulk and maintain consistency throughout busy service hours.

Ideal for fast-food chains and restaurants focusing on fried offerings, Henny Penny ensures that your food comes out golden and crispy every time.

Taylor: Master of Frozen Desserts and Grilled Foods

If frozen desserts or quick-grilled items are on your menu, Taylor is the go-to brand. Taylor has built its reputation on creating reliable and efficient equipment, with a particular focus on soft-serve ice cream machines and grills.

Taylor’s soft-serve ice cream machines are known for their ease of use and consistent results, making them a favorite for ice cream parlors, frozen yogurt shops, and fast-food chains offering frozen treats. The machines are also designed for quick cleaning and minimal downtime, which means you can serve more customers without delay.

On the other side of the spectrum, Taylor’s grills offer fast and efficient cooking for burgers, sandwiches, and grilled items. The combination of these two types of equipment can streamline operations for businesses offering both frozen desserts and fast-cooked meals, allowing them to cater to a wide range of customer preferences.

Vulcan: The Backbone of Professional Kitchens

Vulcan is a name synonymous with professional kitchens around the world. Renowned for its ovens and ranges, Vulcan offers versatile cooking solutions that can meet the needs of any busy kitchen.

Vulcan’s ovens come in various configurations, from convection to combi ovens, which provide precise control over cooking conditions, ensuring perfectly baked goods and roasted meats every time. Meanwhile, their ranges are designed for heavy use, with high-BTU burners and durable materials that can withstand the demands of a high-volume kitchen.

The reliability and precision of Vulcan’s equipment make it ideal for a variety of restaurants, from fine dining establishments to bustling cafés. Durability, consistency, and performance are key traits that make Vulcan a trusted brand among professional chefs.

Hobart: Your Go-To for Dishwashers and Mixers

In any commercial kitchen, keeping things clean and prepped is just as important as cooking great food. This is where Hobart shines. Specializing in commercial dishwashers and mixers, Hobart has been a trusted name in the industry for decades.

Hobart’s commercial dishwashers are known for their speed and efficiency, making quick work of even the dirtiest dishes. Whether you’re running a small café or a large-scale restaurant, Hobart dishwashers can handle high volumes, ensuring that you never run out of clean dishes during peak hours.

In addition to dishwashers, Hobart’s mixers are a vital part of food preparation, especially for bakeries, pizza places, and any business that requires large-scale dough mixing or batter preparation. Their mixers come in various sizes to fit the specific needs of your business, and they are designed for long-lasting performance.

True Refrigeration: The Ultimate Cold Storage Solution

No kitchen can function without proper refrigeration, and True Refrigeration offers some of the best cold storage / food storage solutions in the market. Whether you need reach-in refrigerators, freezers, or under-counter units, True has a variety of products designed to meet your specific needs.

True’s equipment is known for being energy efficient, which can save you money on utility bills while maintaining the perfect temperature for food safety. Their products are built to last, ensuring that your investment pays off for years to come.

For any restaurant or food service business, maintaining food at the right temperature is critical to both quality and safety, and True Refrigeration offers reliable solutions for cold storage that you can depend on.

Choosing the Right Commercial Kitchen Equipment for Your Business

While these top brands are all exceptional, choosing the right equipment for your business depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of food you serve. Consider factors like the size of your kitchen, the volume of food you produce, and whether energy efficiency is a priority for you.

Also, think about the durability and ease of maintenance of the equipment. Investing in high-quality equipment upfront can save you from costly repairs and downtime in the future.

The Impact of Quality Equipment on Business Success

Investing in top-tier kitchen equipment doesn’t just improve the efficiency of your kitchen—it can boost your overall business success. With faster cooking times, more consistent food quality, and less equipment downtime, your staff can focus more on creating great food and less on dealing with equipment malfunctions.

Moreover, reliable equipment ensures that your customers get the same experience every time they visit, which builds trust and keeps them coming back for more. In the long run, this kind of consistency can significantly enhance your reputation and profitability.

The right kitchen equipment can make or break a food business. Brands like Henny Penny, Taylor, Vulcan, Hobart, and True Refrigeration offer some of the best solutions available today, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Whether you’re focused on fried foods, frozen desserts, professional cooking, cleaning, or refrigeration, these brands have got you covered.

Invest wisely, and you’ll find that the right equipment not only makes your job easier but can also lead to a more successful and profitable business. Visit our website at www.dsl-nw.com for Henny Penny and Taylor equipment distribution to take your business to the next level.

October 9, 2024 Cez Acuna Henny Penny, Industry News, Taylor Company Comments Off

How Dessert Freezers Can Boost Your Sweet Business

Are you running a sweet business and looking to increase your sales? If so, then investing in a reliable dessert freezer may be the key to success for your shop. Not only will it allow you to increase the variety of treats you can offer customers, but it also provides several other benefits that could give your business a long-lasting advantage. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring why adding a dedicated dessert freezer can help boost profits and make management easier. Read on to learn more about how having an effective dessert freezing system in place can help take your sweet business from good to great.

Close up of woman hands holding delicious ice cream or frozen yogurt at the toppings bar and selling to teen girls customers

Benefits of Adding Dessert Freezers to Your Business

As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to increase your revenue and give your customers the best experience possible. Adding dessert freezers to your establishment can help you achieve both of these goals. Not only will you be able to offer a wider range of products to your customers, but you’ll also be able to increase your profits by tapping into the lucrative dessert market.

Enhanced Product Quality: Dessert freezers maintain consistent temperatures, ensuring that ice creams and frozen desserts maintain their ideal texture and flavor. This consistency leads to higher customer satisfaction as they can rely on consistently delicious treats.
Increased Product Variety: With dessert freezers, businesses can expand their menu by offering a wider range of frozen desserts and flavors. This versatility can attract more customers and boost sales, especially during hot weather or special occasions.
Improved Profit Margins: Efficient dessert freezers can help businesses reduce waste by preventing product spoilage. Additionally, they allow for better inventory management and bulk production, leading to cost savings and increased profit margins.

With dessert freezers, you can keep your desserts fresh and ready to serve, ensuring that your customers always have access to high-quality treats that will keep them coming back for more.

Best Practices for Choosing and Placing Your Dessert Freezers

When it comes to choosing and placing your dessert freezers, there are a few key best practices that will ensure you’re providing the best possible experience for your customers:

Consider Freezer Size and Style:
- Determine whether you need standalone freezers or built-in units to suit your space and aesthetic.
Mindful Freezer Placement:
- Ensure your freezers are strategically placed for easy access by both customers and staff.
- Avoid obstructing foot traffic or creating congestion in your establishment.
Think About Dessert Types:
- Tailor your freezer choice to the type of desserts you’ll be offering.
- For ice cream businesses, prioritize freezers that maintain a consistently cold temperature to prevent melting.

By following these best practices, you’ll be well on your way to providing your customers with delicious and perfectly chilled desserts.

Ideas to Keep Customers Coming Back for More Frozen Delights

In the world of frozen desserts, competition is fierce. If you want your customers to come back for more, you need to provide them with an exceptional experience. Start with the basics. Your storefront should be welcoming and clean. Your staff should be knowledgeable and friendly. Beyond that, consider what sets your product apart. Are you using unique flavors or locally sourced ingredients? Do you offer customizable options like mix-ins or toppings? These can be great ways to keep your customers interested and coming back for more. Consider implementing a loyalty program or hosting special events to further engage your customers and show them that you appreciate their business. By prioritizing the customer experience and going above and beyond in your product offerings, you’ll be sure to keep your customers coming back for more frozen delights.

Creative Ways to Make a Unique Dessert Experience for Customers

As a dessert lover, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a unique and delicious dessert experience. That’s why as a dessert chef or business owner, it’s important to stand out from the crowd by offering creative dessert options that will leave your customers coming back for more. From offering interactive dessert stations where customers can customize their own treats, to incorporating unexpected flavors and textures, the possibilities are truly endless. By taking the time to craft a truly unique dessert experience, you can set yourself apart from the competition and leave a lasting impression on your customers. So why settle for generic desserts when you can offer something truly special? Get creative and watch your business soar!

In conclusion, investing in dessert freezers and offering frozen treats is a great way to help your business succeed. By being mindful of the best practices for choosing and placing your freezers, creating promotion and sales strategies, focusing on customer satisfaction, and finding creative ways to stand out from the competition, you can create an unforgettable frozen experience for your customers. So why wait? Take advantage of the many benefits of owning a dessert freezer today and don’t miss out on capturing more profits for your business! Start by exploring our inventory of certified freezers designed with all the features needed to confidently promote and provide delicious desserts to delight even the most discerning customers. With a combination of quality product offerings that bring convenience and pleasure to customers everywhere, choosing dessert freezers can be an investment you are sure to see returns on soon.

October 24, 2023 DSL Northwest Desserts, DSL Northwest Blog, Taylor Company Comments Off

Small Kitchen, Big Potential: The Solutions for Limited Kitchen Space

In the culinary world, big spaces don’t always dictate success. Small kitchens hold immense potential, offering unique advantages that can transform your restaurant’s operations and elevate the dining experience. Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur or a passionate chef starting your culinary venture, this blog will be your ultimate resource for turning your small kitchen into a powerhouse of efficiency and creativity.

In the fast-paced and competitive restaurant industry, every square inch of space matters. We understand the challenges you face when crafting a functional and productive kitchen within limited dimensions. That’s why we’re here to provide expert insights and recommendations on the essential equipment that will make a significant difference in your small restaurant kitchen.

The Power of Small Kitchens in Restaurants

Having a compact kitchen space can be a strategic advantage for your restaurant, offering benefits that extend far beyond mere square footage constraints.

Efficiency: Compact kitchens encourage a streamlined workflow, where every movement and action are purposeful. Moreover, with carefully curated equipment and a well-thought-out layout, chefs can effortlessly navigate their domain, saving precious time and effort. The proximity of workstations fosters collaboration and seamless communication among team members, fostering a cohesive and efficient kitchen environment.
Creativity: Necessity is the mother of invention, and small kitchens inspire creative solutions. Hence, chefs become masters of improvisation, innovating with limited resources, and conjuring delectable dishes that defy kitchen size. As a result, the constraints of a compact space often push culinary boundaries, giving birth to unique and imaginative creations that captivate discerning diners.
Cost-Effectiveness: Operating a small kitchen can be a prudent financial choice, particularly for startup ventures. In addition, lower rent, reduced energy consumption, and optimized use of resources lead to cost savings that can be redirected into enhancing the quality of ingredients and services. In an era where sustainability is paramount, small kitchens align with eco-friendly practices, promoting a greener approach to food preparation.

By harnessing the advantages of a compact space and making informed equipment choices, you can elevate your restaurant to new heights of success.

Space-Saving Solutions

To optimize the available area and ensure seamless operations, it is essential to consider incorporating space-saving solutions that maximize functionality without compromising on performance. Here are key categories of space-saving equipment that can transform your compact kitchen:

Countertop Equipment

Make the most of your countertop real estate by investing in compact yet powerful countertop appliances. Whether it’s beverage freezers or space-efficient combi ovens, these versatile tools can handle various culinary tasks without occupying valuable floor space. By strategically placing these appliances, chefs can access essential tools conveniently while maintaining an uncluttered and organized work area.

Versatile equipment

Embrace the power of multipurpose equipment that performs multiple functions, reducing the need for separate tools. For example, a combi oven that functions as a convection oven, a grill, and a steamer can save considerable space and offer diverse cooking capabilities.

Smaller equipment

Seek out compact versions of essential tools, such as single-platen grills and small fryers. These smaller alternatives deliver the performance of their larger counterparts while taking up minimal space, freeing up valuable room for other essential components.

Equipment Must-haves for Small Kitchens

Combi Ovens

Combi ovens are indispensable workhorses that combine the functions of convection ovens, steamers, and even grills in a single unit. These versatile appliances offer precise temperature control and humidity regulation, making them ideal for preparing a wide array of dishes with consistently outstanding results. Moreover, combi ovens maximize cooking efficiency and save floor space, making them a must-have for small restaurant kitchens.

Examples of Combi Ovens

Combi Ovens FPG-115-FlexFusion Platinum — *Henny Penny FlexFusion Platinum Combi Oven*

*Henny Penny FlexFusion Platinum Combi Oven*

Countertop Freezers

When it comes to frozen desserts and beverages, countertop freezers are invaluable assets for small restaurant kitchens. These space-saving freezers provide easy access to frozen treats without the need for excessive bending or reaching.

Examples of Countertop Freezers

Fryers

Crispy and delicious fried foods can be a menu highlight in any restaurant, and compact fryers are the key to achieving this in small kitchens. Opt for fryers with a smaller footprint, ensuring they can fit seamlessly into your kitchen layout. These efficient fryers not only occupy minimal space but also offer quick heating and fast cooking times, allowing you to serve up delectable fried delicacies without compromising on taste or texture.

Examples of Fryers

*Henny Penny Evolution Elite Open Fryer*

Henny Penny_PFE 500 — *Henny Penny Evolution Elite Open Fryer*

Single or Double Platen Grills

These versatile grills are designed for small restaurant kitchens, offering high-performance cooking while minimizing the floor space needed. Whether it’s succulent steaks or juicy burgers platen grills provide the perfect sear and smoky flavor that discerning diners crave.

Examples of Fryers

Taylor_Commercial Grills L820 — *Taylor L819 Commercial Grill*

Indeed, with the power of strategic equipment selection and innovative space-saving solutions, your compact kitchen can become a haven of culinary artistry and streamlined operations. Moreover, by incorporating essential equipment like combi ovens, countertop freezers, space-efficient fryers, and platen grills, your small kitchen can reach new heights of culinary excellence. Let your small kitchen shine as a testament to culinary ingenuity and the potential it holds for unforgettable dining adventures.

August 23, 2023 DSL Northwest DSL Northwest Blog, Henny Penny, Taylor Company Comments Off

Preventive Maintenance vs. Scheduled Maintenance: Ensuring Equipment Reliability in Restaurants

Maintaining the efficiency and reliability of restaurant equipment is important to keep up with kitchen operations especially during demanding hours. Two common approaches to equipment maintenance are preventive maintenance and scheduled maintenance. While both methods aim to keep restaurant equipment in optimal condition, they differ in their approach and benefits.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive Maintenance (PM) is a proactive scheduled approach that involves regular annual and sometimes quarterly inspections, adjustments, and cleaning tasks to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. Its primary purpose is to prevent equipment breakdowns, extend the lifespan of a restaurant equipment, and minimize unexpected downtimes.

Benefits of a Preventive Maintenance

1. Quarterly/Yearly Approach

A preventive maintenance program can be planned quarterly, semi-yearly, or yearly and is generally done on a single specific piece of equipment. It takes a proactive approach by checking all primary systems in the unit and replacing wear items such as belts gaskets and filters. If any issues are identified and work order is created to solve the issue while on site or a return service call can be scheduled to repair the identified issue. By addressing minor issues early on we can limit costly breakdowns and repairs and the challenges with equipment being down. By identifying and addressing minor issues in a timely manner, preventive maintenance saves money by reducing repair expenses and optimizing the lifespan of your equipment.

2. Focuses on Specific Equipment

PM programs are generally done on high importance equipment such as fryers, combi ovens, clamshell grills, refrigeration and “mission critical” kitchen equipment. By focusing on a specific piece of equipment, preventive maintenance ensures that each piece receives the necessary attention, addressing potential risks. This targeted approach in preventive maintenance helps maximize the effectiveness of maintenance efforts, reduces the chances of overlooked or neglected equipment, and ensures that repairs and inspections are conducted at least once a year.

Scheduled Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance (SM) involves performing maintenance activities at predetermined intervals, regardless of the equipment’s current condition. Scheduled maintenance focuses on more of the entire kitchen, not just one specific piece of equipment. This type of maintenance can be scheduled for an entire 12 months and focuses on several pieces of equipment in the restaurant. The primary purpose of scheduled maintenance is to ensure routine tasks are consistently carried out to maintain equipment performance, compliance, and safety. Scheduled maintenances are great for high-demand and busy kitchens to ensure that every piece of equipment is running as expected and delivers consistent results for every use.

Benefits of a Scheduled Maintenance

1. Time-based Approach

A scheduled maintenance relies of a fixed timetable rather than the actual condition of the equipment. This means that maintenance tasks are performed at predetermined intervals regardless of whether the equipment is currently experiencing issue. Similar to a vehicle having set service checks every 5000-6000 miles, this type of maintenance provides a structured approach to equipment care, allowing restaurants to allocate resources, plan workflows, and ensure that maintenance tasks are consistently performed.

Each SM plan is built to the unique specifications and agreement with the owner for the equipment in their kitchen. These programs are highly customizable based on the specific need of the customer and each scope of work is unique based on the customer’s needs.

2. Standardized Tasks on Several Restaurant Equipment

Standardizing maintenance activities simplifies planning and ensures consistent care for all equipment in the kitchen. It streamlines maintenance by having standardized tasks for each equipment type. This approach prevents oversight and guarantees a consistent level of care. It enhances efficiency, reliability, and safety in operations. Ultimately, its goal is to support optimal kitchen performance and ensure that the restaurant delivers consistent results every time.

While both types of restaurant kitchen maintenance focus on the overall reliability of a kitchen equipment, the key differences between preventive maintenance and scheduled maintenance lies in their frequency, focus, and scope. Preventive maintenance is performed quarterly/semi-annually/annually and is focused on a specific piece of equipment. Scheduled maintenance operates on shorter intervals between 60 to 90 days, covers a broader range of equipment, and is customizable to your specific equipment and needs. Both strategies play essential roles in maintaining equipment reliability, longevity, and operational efficiency.

If you’re running a busy kitchen and need to keep up with the demands of your customers, then it might be time to plan a meeting with one of our qualified service sales consultants. There is no obligation, and we can identify what your specific needs are and recommend the plan that fits your business the best.

For busy kitchens in the Northwest, our team of expert technicians and service sales consultants at DSL Northwest can provide you with plans for either preventive maintenance or scheduled maintenance. You may call us at 877-665-1125 or email us at sales@dsl-nw.com.

June 29, 2023 DSL Northwest DSL Northwest Blog, Henny Penny, Taylor Company Comments Off

Why Chefs Prefer A Two-Sided Grill Vs. Flat Top Grill

Cooking equipment is restaurants come in different shapes and sizes. Each has its own unique features that make it ideal for specific cooking tasks. Among the most popular cooking appliances are flat top grills and two-sided grills. While a flat top grill has its own versatility in commercial kitchens, it can be challenging to cook certain foods evenly. This is where the efficiency and speed of using a two-sided grill comes in.

Using Flat Top Grills in Commercial Kitchens

When it comes to cooking, a flat top grill is a versatile and efficient tool. It is essentially a large, flat cooking surface that can be heated to a high temperature and used to cook a wide variety of foods. With its large surface area, a flat top grill is perfect for cooking pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast items.

A downside of a flat top grill is that it can be difficult to cook certain foods evenly. For example, if you’re cooking a steak, you may end up with a burnt crust and a raw center because of uneven heat distribution from both sides of the meat. Consistency is hard to achieve with a flat top grill. To solve this problem, chefs from America’s most demanding kitchens prefer to use a two-sided grill.

Benefits of using a Two-Sided Grill

A two-sided grill is essentially two flat top grills that are hinged together. This allows you to cook food on both sides at the same time, ensuring that the food cooks evenly and in less time. Because you can cook both sides of a food at once, you can cook more in less time. This makes them an excellent choice for busy restaurants or food trucks. Two-sided grills are particularly useful for cooking things like burgers, paninis, and quesadillas. They are also great for cooking thicker cuts of meat like steak.

Overall, while a flat top grill is a great tool for cooking, a two-sided grill is the preferred option for many chefs due to its even cooking capabilities and efficiency. If you’re in the market for a new commercial grill, a two-sided grill is definitely worth considering.

To find out more about two-sided grills, you can visit Taylor’s commercial grills page or contact our team at 877-665-1125 or email us at sales@dsl-nw.com.

June 2, 2023 DSL Northwest DSL Northwest Blog, Taylor Company Comments Off