Buying catering equipment can be bewildering, with so many manufacturers claiming their product to be the best. The cheapest equipment may prove to be a "false economy" in the long term. Many cheaper products are imported, meaning that spares are difficult and time-consuming to obtain.

TYPES OF CATERING EQUIPMENT

Convection ovens
Ovens underneath cooking ranges rely on the convection of hot air in the oven to spread the heat. A convection oven spreads the heat evenly by means of an electric fan built into oven wall. This is especially important in bakery and dessert work where an even temperature is critical. A good convection oven will provide a humidifier, a variable fan speed and a timer facility.

Grills
The conventional grill is usually gas-powered, but electric models are available. Grills with adjustable heat settings are available, but the usual method is to lower or raise the grill tray, thus keeping cooking even. A "branding" plate is a ridged, cast iron plate that sits on the grill pan. It is used to cook meat from both sides at once, giving a char-grilled appearance. Cleaning is a major problem with grills. Ensure it strips down easily to remove food and fat residues.

Griddles and Char-grills
Griddles are very simple used for preparing burgers and thin food items. The surface is steel (carbon or stainless) or chrome. Chrome is more expensive, but food tends to stick less, thus cleaning is easier. Char-grills are popular for the barbecue look and taste they bring to meat and fish. Lava rock is the most common and gives a traditional barbecue taste and smell. Its drawbacks are that the lava rock can become impregnated with food, which creates a lot of smoke in the kitchen when it burns off. The alternative is upward-facing gas jets with a protective steel shroud to prevent fat falling them. Fat falling onto the hot covers carbonises, producing smoke that gives the barbecue flavour. This system is easier to clean. Cleaning is a major issue for both griddles and char-grills. Ensure there is adequate access.

Steamers
Steamers lost a good deal of popularity with the rise of combi-ovens. However, they remain a useful piece of equipment. A dedicated steamer means that the combi-oven is not occupied for long periods when it could be used otherwise.
There are two types. A pressureless steamer cooks with steam at normal atmospheric pressure and is gentle for items such as fish. A pressure steamer is like a domestic pressure cooker, working with a sealed chamber that allows the steam temperature to rise, so cooking faster and able to tenderise tough meat.

Bratt pans and Kettles
Among the larger appliances, the bratt pan or tilting skillet is extremely versatile. These rectangular pans can be used for shallow frying, griddling, poaching, stewing and boiling in bulk. Pressurised versions have a sealed lid, reducing cooking time. Kettles, usually mounted on the floor also suit volume production, particularly of soups etc.

EQUIPMENT BUYING TIPS

1. Purchase any equipment from a highly regarded manufacturer. In this way, you can be confident of compliance with all relevant regulations. It will also ensure spare parts availability and ongoing maintenance.

2. Ensure that the equipment you buy is suitable for the purpose for which it is intended.

3. Ensure that the model you choose can cope with the required output. Good manufacturers will be able to provide output figures. However, check that the capacities and output quoted are like for like, i.e. for frozen, fresh or chilled product etc.

4. Consider future requirements and but the size of equipment that will allow for some future expansion.

5. Choose equipment that is a little more powerful than required. This saves wear and tear caused by running it flat out.

6. Consider the "pros" and "cons" of gas and electric powered equipment. Often, this will be dictated by circumstances. However, if both are viable, consider purchase and installation costs against everyday running costs. The purchase price of electric products is generally lower, but running costs are generally lower with gas.

7. Cleaning. Well-designed equipment should be devoid of any "dirt traps"

8. Ensure the quoted price includes all essential accessories and options.

10. Ensure any warranty includes parts and labour. If possible, have the manufacturer send out an engineer, rather than having to return a product for repair. This is obviously more convenient, and should reduce the "down time" of the piece of equipment.
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17 March 2010
"Chef wanted"..
"english/ continental chef required for a newly opened restaurant in essex. 40 hours a week. accomodation provided. please for further information contact mr. shah".
CO15
09 March 2010
"Chef wanted"..
"english/ continental chef required for a newly opened restaurant in essex. 40 hours a week. please for further information contact mr. shah" .
CO15
08 March 2010
A3 COMMERCIAL SHOP WITH 2 BEDROOM FLAT & GARAGE..
Option 1. full a3 licence chinese take away shop with 2 bedroom flat and garage - freehold price £450k option 2. - leasehold - lock up shop only - no accomodation - 12 years lease for 50k, along with rent is 365gbp per week based near heathrow, middlesex, approx 2 mi. .
UB3
"Indian Chef Partner wanted"..
"indian chef partner required for a newly opened restaurant in essex, terms & conditions are negotiable. please for further information contact mr. shah" .
CO15
03 March 2010
cards marked with invisivle ink for casino and private ..
at your demand, we can definitely make any kind of personalised device. we sell the followings: contact lenses able to make one see marked cards sunglasses making you able to see marked cards game cards marked with invisible ink rummy marked with invisible. .
£12
W1C
27 February 2010
Professional Barbecue Recipes! Secrets Revealed..
Have you ever been to a restaurant and ordered a plate full of succulent, mouth watering, fall off the bone, ribs? would you believe me if i told you that "competition bbq" is better than any barbecue you can get in any restaurant? now. you can learn the secret barbecue recipe. .
15 January 2010
Casio Cash Register Till..
Casio 160cr-b cash register till, used but in good condition & working order. this is one of many items we have available of catering equipment from a cafe, viewing is recommended at our premises in wakefield. give us a ring!.
£39
WF1
Chip Scuttle..
Lincast chip scuttle, model lcs. used and needs a good clean but in good working order. this is one of many catering equipment items we are selling, we recommend visiting us to browse the many items available. make us an offer on all our items!.
£89
WF1
Stainless Steel Prep Table with Shelf..
Stainless steel prep table, for use in any catering environment including cafes or restaurants. height: 87cm, width: 140cm, depth: 65cm. used but in good condition, this is one of 5 prep tables we have, part of a large collection of catering equipment including fryers, cookers . .
£90
WF1
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