Central Kitchen

Catering Type - Central Kitchen

Also known as - Commissary kitchen,Satellite kitchen,Production kitchen,Catering kitchen,Kitchen Equipment for Large Groups,Staff Kitchen,Food Facorty,Catering Industry,Employee Dining Solutions,Catering Equipment for Company Events,Commercial Kitchen for Employees,Employee Dining Hall Kitchen and solutions,Meal Provisioning for Businesses

Complete Guide - A central kitchen is a large-scale kitchen that is responsible for centralized food production and distribution to multiple satellite outlets or dining establishments. This centralized approach aims to enhance production efficiency and maintain consistency in the quality and flavor of food across all outlets. This model is commonly employed in chain restaurants, the hospitality industry, and large corporate cafeterias.

Central Kitchen Project -INEO Kitchen Equipment China

Central Kitchen Project Case Studies

◉Meil Staff Kitchen Project Installation Support in Mongolia

◉Mobil House Staff Kitchen Project in Bangladesh

◉Huawei Dhaka Staff Kitchen Project in Bangladesh

◉Tanzania ZNZ Staff Kitchen Project

An in-depth tour of Central Kitchen at BV School

Equipment List

A central kitchen offers a range of benefits, including standardization, cost reduction, increased efficiency, brand development, and the ability to generate additional income. By investing in the right equipment and implementing a central kitchen strategy, restaurant owners can streamline their operations, improve consistency, and ultimately enhance the overall dining experience for their customers.

Storage Equipment

When it comes to setting up a central kitchen, having the right storage equipment is essential. This equipment not only helps you keep your ingredients organized but also ensures that they are stored properly to maintain freshness and quality. Here are some key storage equipment options to consider for your central kitchen:

1. Blast Freezer: A blast freezer is a must-have for any central kitchen. It allows you to quickly freeze meat, seafood, and other ingredients at extremely low temperatures, preserving their freshness and flavor. With a blast freezer, you can easily store large quantities of ingredients and have them ready for use whenever needed.

2. Commercial Freezers: In addition to a blast freezer, you will also need commercial freezers for storing a wide range of ingredients. These freezers come in various sizes and configurations, allowing you to choose the ones that best suit your storage needs. Consider investing in walk-in freezers for easy access and vertical freezers for efficient use of space.

3. Refrigerators: Refrigerators are essential for storing perishable ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Choose commercial refrigerators that have ample storage space and adjustable shelves to accommodate different types of ingredients. You may also want to consider refrigerators with glass doors for easy visibility and access.

4. Shelving Units: Shelving units are crucial for organizing and maximizing storage space in your central kitchen. Opt for stainless steel shelving units that are durable and easy to clean. Consider using wire shelves for better air circulation and to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris.

5. Food Storage Containers: To keep your ingredients fresh and properly organized, invest in high-quality food storage containers. Look for containers that are microwave and freezer-safe, as well as stackable for efficient use of space. Clear containers are ideal for easy visibility and identification of ingredients.

By investing in the right storage equipment, you can ensure that your central kitchen operates smoothly and efficiently. Proper storage not only helps maintain the quality of your ingredients but also makes it easier for your staff to find and access what they need.

Food Processing Equipment

When it comes to running a central kitchen, having the right food processing equipment is essential. This equipment plays a crucial role in efficiently preparing and processing large quantities of ingredients. From washing and peeling vegetables to chopping and grinding meat, food processing equipment can save valuable time and effort in the kitchen.

Commercial Washers/Peelers are a must-have for any central kitchen. These machines can handle the task of processing large quantities of leafy and root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots. They make quick work of cleaning and peeling, allowing your staff to focus on other important tasks.

Choppers are another essential piece of equipment for a central kitchen. These machines can quickly chop leafy and root vegetables and switch between dicing, slicing, and shredding, depending on your food preparation needs. They are versatile and efficient, making them a valuable asset in any central kitchen.

For meat processing, a meat grinder/chopper is a must. These machines can quickly chop meat for meat patties, burger patties, sausages, and more. They save time and effort compared to manual chopping, allowing your kitchen to handle large quantities of meat efficiently.

A mixer or pastry machine is also essential for making large amounts of dough or batter at one time. This is especially useful for making semi-finished products for baked goods and increasing efficiency in the kitchen.

Investing in high-quality food processing equipment is crucial for the success of a central kitchen. It not only saves time and effort but also ensures consistency and efficiency in food preparation. With the right equipment, your central kitchen can handle large quantities of ingredients and meet the demands of multiple outlets efficiently.

Food Cooking Equipment

When it comes to a central kitchen, having the right cooking equipment is crucial for preparing a wide range of dishes efficiently and consistently. Here are some essential cooking equipment options to consider for your central kitchen:

1. Gas/Induction Cooker: Gas or induction cookers are versatile and widely used in commercial kitchens. They are perfect for frying, soup making, grilling, baking, and cooking a variety of foods. These cookers can be placed in the cooking area of the central kitchen and can even be rented out to other small restaurants if there is enough space.

2. Commercial Steamer: A large steamer is essential for preparing large quantities of rice, seafood, meat, and other foods. It can make 20-40 plates of rice at a time and is a great tool for steaming food quickly and efficiently.

3. Cooking Machine: A large stir fryer or cooking machine can be used to automatically reheat food with a menu. It can also be used to reheat sauces, making it a valuable asset in a central kitchen.

4. Commercial Grills: If your central kitchen needs to provide finished food, a commercial grill is a great option. It is perfect for making fried noodles, steak, and other fried foods.

5. Commercial Fryer: A commercial fryer is suitable for cooking donuts, French fries, fried chicken, fried fish, burger patties, and other fried products. It can be used to cook and fry food in the central kitchen before transporting it to the restaurant for re-frying, saving time and ensuring consistent quality.

It is important to choose cooking equipment that meets the specific needs of your central kitchen. Consider the type of dishes you will be preparing and the volume of food you will be handling. By investing in high-quality cooking equipment, you can ensure efficient food preparation and maintain the consistency and quality of your dishes.

Cleaning Equipment

Keeping a central kitchen clean and hygienic is essential for maintaining food safety and ensuring the quality of the dishes prepared. To achieve this, it is important to have the right cleaning equipment in place. Here are some essential cleaning equipment items that every central kitchen should have:

1. Commercial Dishwasher: A commercial dishwasher is a must-have for central kitchens to efficiently clean used bowls, utensils, and other kitchen tools. Look for a dishwasher that can handle the volume of cleaning required and choose between an uncovered or ultrasonic dishwasher, depending on your needs.

2. Disinfection Cabinet: A disinfection cabinet is used to sanitize towels, knives, and cutting boards, ensuring that they are clean and safe to use. These cabinets use hot air circulation to kill bacteria and maintain the hygiene of kitchen tools.

3. Range Hood: A range hood is an important piece of equipment in the cooking area of a central kitchen. It helps to remove smoke, grease, and odors from the air, creating a safer and more comfortable working environment.

In addition to these essential cleaning equipment items, it is important to have proper cleaning supplies such as cleaning agents, sponges, and brushes. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the kitchen equipment and surfaces will help to prevent the buildup of dirt and ensure the longevity of the equipment.

Remember, cleanliness and hygiene are key factors in maintaining a successful central kitchen. By investing in the right cleaning equipment and implementing proper cleaning practices, you can ensure the safety and quality of the food prepared in your central kitchen.

Principles of Choosing Central Kitchen Equipment

Quality is of utmost importance, as the equipment needs to be able to handle a large amount of ingredients and work consistently over time. Look for dealers with extensive experience and a reputation for providing high-quality commercial kitchen equipment.

Space is another crucial consideration. While central kitchens often require large equipment, it's important not to exceed the maximum order capacity and waste valuable space. Make sure the equipment fits well within the available space without crowding out other essential items.

Consider the ease of movement when selecting central kitchen equipment. If you plan to have short or long-term contracts with different partners, it may be necessary to group machines together based on order requirements. Opt for machines with wheels that are easy to move and can improve the efficiency of food preparation.

Safety is paramount in a central kitchen, where multiple people may be operating large equipment. Consider using electronically controlled commercial kitchen equipment, such as induction cookers and steamers, to reduce safety risks associated with open flames and improve energy efficiency.

Cleanliness and hygiene are also important factors to consider. Choose equipment with stainless steel casing or machines with wheels, as they are easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel is smooth and resistant to dust and grease accumulation, while equipment with wheels allows for easy cleaning of the floor and walls.By following these principles, you can ensure that your central kitchen is equipped with the right equipment to meet your needs efficiently and effectively.