How do I choose the right commercial oven for my kitchen?

Choose an oven based on your menu, space, and service volume. Convection ovens suit high-output kitchens, while combi ovens offer flexibility with steam and dry heat. Always check ventilation and power requirements before purchasing.

What are the key factors when buying a commercial griddle or char-grill?

Look for consistent heat distribution, solid construction, and energy efficiency. Match size to your service volume and ensure your ventilation system can handle the heat output safely.

How does the type of menu affect the cooking equipment I need?

Your menu determines your equipment. A breakfast café needs griddles and toasters, while a steakhouse depends on grills and fryers. Align your equipment with the food you serve most often.

What is the difference between a combi oven, convection oven and deck oven in a professional kitchen?

Combi ovens use both steam and dry heat for versatility, convection ovens circulate hot air for even cooking, and deck ovens deliver direct heat ideal for baking bread and pizzas.

What are the most common mistakes new kitchens make when selecting cooking equipment?

Common mistakes include buying equipment too early, ignoring ventilation and power needs, and underestimating space. Always plan your layout and utilities before purchasing.

10th Dec 2025

Step-by-Step: Choosing the right catering equipment for your kitchen

Choosing the right commercial cooking equipment is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when setting up a kitchen. Every appliance you buy affects how your team works, how consistent your dishes are, and how efficiently your kitchen runs. It’s not just about picking the most powerful or expensive model; it’s about matching your equipment to your menu, your space, and your business goals.

Matching your equipment to your kitchen

Start with your menu. What you serve should guide what you buy. For example, a café focused on breakfast will need griddles, toasters, and combination ovens, while a restaurant serving high-volume plated meals will rely on ranges, fryers, and convection ovens.

Before purchasing, consider your space, power supply, and ventilation. Commercial equipment is built to perform under pressure, but it needs room to breathe, proper air extraction, and stable electricity or gas connections.

Herits insight: Think long-term. Choose equipment that can handle your busiest service, not just your average day. That extra capacity keeps your kitchen running smoothly as your business grows.

Quality, reliability, and consistency

Look for equipment that offers both performance and consistency. Ovens should deliver even heat across every shelf. Griddles should maintain temperature across the entire surface. Fryers should recover heat quickly after each batch.

Brand reputation and build quality matter. Stick with trusted manufacturers that use heavy-duty components and offer good access to replacement parts.

Herits insight: Refurbished doesn’t mean second best. At Herits, all refurbished cooking equipment is tested, cleaned, and certified for professional use, giving you dependable quality at a fraction of the cost.

Choosing the right type of oven

Commercial ovens come in several types, each with a specific purpose:

Convection ovens circulate hot air for even, consistent baking and roasting.
Combi ovens offer steam and dry heat options, ideal for versatility and energy savings.
Deck ovens provide intense, direct heat, perfect for pizzas and bread.

Choose based on your menu and space. A combi oven is the most flexible option, while convection ovens suit high-volume kitchens.

Avoiding common mistakes

Many new kitchen owners buy equipment too soon or without considering workflow. Plan your layout before you buy. Make sure prep areas, cooklines, and refrigeration are positioned logically to reduce movement during service.

Other common errors include skipping ventilation requirements or underestimating power needs. These can lead to delays and costly rework during installation.

Building or upgrading your kitchen?

Herits supplies quality refurbished commercial cooking equipment that helps you stay efficient without overspending.

Explore our range or call 01803 501066 to speak with our team about your setup.