Buying Guides
All About Chafing Dishes
Chafing dishes are a caterer’s best friend. Whether you own a catering company, or a restaurant that offers catering services, learn all you need to know about chafing dishes.
Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum: Which is Better?
Price, ease of cleaning, strength, and more all vary greatly between different types of metals.
Insulated Food Delivery Bags | Buying Guide
Restaurants are switching to mainly delivery and take out options due to the current climate amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Insulated food delivery bags are perfect for preserving this freshness while safely delivering these foods.
How Much Dinnerware, Drinkware, and Flatware to Order: Recommended Estimates
There are many factors to consider when trying to determine how much dinnerware, drinkware, or flatware to order. Here, we offer sage tips and tricks to help calculate how much you might need so you never run out in a rush.
What are Charger Plates?
Charger plates, sometimes referred to as show plates, are a growing trend often observed in elegant and private dining setting such as banquets, catered events, and exclusive golf clubs. These large plates, used for displays and suggestive selling, elevate the ambiance and the overall dining experience – really giving a charge to your tabletop presentation.
Outdoor Restaurant Furniture | Buying Guide
Add outdoor furniture to your restaurant and create a comfortable, functional space for your customers. If you’re in a region that gets to enjoy pleasant weather for multiple seasons, an outdoor seating area may be for you. Customers appreciate outdoor dining for the views and to enjoy the weather, especially during the summer. Dining al fresco is a popular trend that restaurants are continuing to adopt for the benefit of their customers. We’ve created a guide for buying commercial outdoor furniture to help you create a perfect outdoor space.
What Commercial Juicer is Best?
Have you decided to introduce juicing to your business? If you’re starting, you’ll need a quality commercial juicer. There are several types of juicers available, and it can be confusing to pick the right one. Think about why you’re introducing juicing to your business. Are you making nutrient-dense cold press juices? Check out the Masticating Juicer. Or, are you looking to add some fresh orange juice to your breakfast menu? Look at a Citrus Juicer. We’ve laid out three of the main types of juicer to help you narrow down your search.
Cambro Food Storage Tips & Solutions to Protect Your Bottom Line
Did you know that every day, 4-10% of food purchased by restaurants gets thrown out? As food, on average, is 1/3 of a restaurant’s operating costs, this has a direct impact on the bottom line. Cambro offers several solutions to enhance food storage, reducing waste, preventing cross-contamination and foodborne illness, and protecting your bottom line.
Cres Cor: Good, Better, and Still the Best
Cres Cor, founded in 1936, is a proud family-owned company centrally located in Cleveland, Ohio and offers state-of-the-art, energy efficiency equipment.
Affordable Storage Solutions with Central Exclusive and Value Series Shelving
Having proper storage space in your foodservice operation is essential to running an organized kitchen. At Central, we understand that importance, which is why we are proud to offer our Central Exclusive and Value Series lines of commercial shelving. These...
Vent vs. Ventless Dishwashers: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
Ventless dishwashers alleviate the need to install a Type II hood in your commercial kitchen, adding more flexibility to your dish room layout. Learn all about the pros, cons, and additional considerations for ventless dishwashing units.
Undercounter vs. Door Type vs. Conveyor Dishwashers
Sanitation is always the number one priority, and your commercial dishwasher is the greatest ally in a fast paced foodservice. When is it time to upgrade from an undercounter to a door type, and to a conveyor?
What is the Difference Between an Equipment Stand and a Chef Base?
When you purchase a large piece of cooking equipment for your commercial kitchen, it’s important to have the right set up to ensure that your cooking station is at its most efficient. That means having the ability to access what you need at arm’s reach, saving...
The Right Underbar Equipment for Optimum Bar Efficiency
The right underbar equipment can greatly enhance speed and efficiency of bar service. Learn all about the available solutions here.
The Deal About Draft Beer Dispensers and Solutions to Enhance Beer Service
Draft beer dispensers are a great way to expand bar product offerings while offering guests something they love – beer on tap! Learn all about the advantages of draft beer dispensers and bar dispensing solutions.
Choosing Bakeware That’s Right for Your Bakery
The bakeware in your kitchen can make the difference between delicious and disaster. We’ve laid out everything for choosing the best bakeware.
Commercial Drinkware: Everything You Need to Know About All the Types of Glasses
Everything you need to know about selecting the right commercial drinkware, from the specific types of glassware (drinking, bar, wine, beer), glass construction, ordering recommendations, care and maintenance, and more. Our definitive guide to glassware.
The Types of Drinking Glasses to Know
Learn the differences between all of the common types of drinking glasses so you know which is best for your dining room.
Types of Bar Glasses for Ultimate Bar Service
Learn all about the common types of bar glasses to enhance your bar service, from beer and wine glasses, to specialty cocktail glassware solutions.
Craft Beer Glasses: The Best Glass for Each Type of Beer
The craft beer glass you use to serve different styles of beer goes a long way towards presentation and experience. Learn the best glasses for beer types.
All the Types of Beer Glasses to Rock Your Beer Service
Guarantee guests the ultimate night out by ensuring your beer offerings are served in the best type of beer glass for its style. Learn all about the types of beer glasses.
20 Essential Food Prep Supplies You Need
The food prep space in your kitchen is the epicenter of activity. You slice, mix, dice, and chop at this station, so you need the right tools to be efficient. Without enough or the right supplies, chefs can’t make the best food for your business. We created a checklist of the essential supplies you need for your food prep station.
Charbroiler vs. Griddle
The number of pieces of equipment available to commercial kitchens is always growing. Ovens, ranges, fryers, griddles, holding cabinet, microwaves, and more, foods can be prepared with a plethora of different kinds of equipment. Think about a piece of chicken. It can...
Preschool and Early Childhood Classroom Furniture
Preschool and early childhood classrooms should be full of fun and learning. Creating a stimulating learning environment in a preschool classroom is essential for active minds. The furniture in an early childhood classroom provides a fun and safe place for young learners. We’ve written the essential buying guide for furnishing a preschool classroom – Including everything from tables and chairs to active play and toys.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Dish Room
Every commercial foodservice needs a reliable dish room; however, there’s more to a dish room than simply the dishwashing unit. Important considerations include the setup and flow, type of dishmachine, add-ons, accessories, and type of foodservice. We outline the important considerations here.
Doyon Ovens: How To Buy
Whether you are baking, roasting, or cooking, having the proper oven and skill set is essential for being successful in a commercial kitchen. Find the perfect oven from Doyon.
Carter-Hoffmann Holding and Transport Cabinets: How to Buy
Holding and transport cabinets allow operators to keep food at safe temperatures until it is ready to be served, even while transporting the food offsite to events or the like. Carter-Hoffmann offers holding cabinets in a variety of sizes and styles perfect for any commercial operation.
Classroom Furniture Ideas
The modern classroom is very different from even 20 years ago. It has tablets, dry-erase walls, and also couches. Not only do classes have these fun improvements, but they’re also getting students more involved and collaborative. It’s essential to buy the right kind of furniture for your classroom so learners can be set up for success in academics and relationships. We’ve written a guide on purchasing classroom furniture and flexible seating so that you can create a thriving learning environment.
Why Your Commercial Kitchen Needs Heat Lamps
When foods fall below proper temperatures, the risk of foodborne illness and of dissatisfied customers increases. Read more to learn how heat lamps help combat these potential issues.
Melamine Dinnerware – Everything You Need to Know
What is melamine? Is melamine dinnerware microwave safe? Is it safe to eat off of? Is it recyclable? How much melamine dinnerware should I order? All your melamine questions answered in our Melamine Dinnerware Buying Guide.
Buying Guide for School Kitchens | Printable
School kitchens are different from your standard commercial restaurant kitchen. Specific supplies are needed to serve multiple meals a day to large groups of students, all the while keeping their vulnerable immune systems and food sensitivities top of mind. While a school only operates in certain months of the year, the cafeteria needs to be well prepared for high volume cooking and serving during these months.
The Inside Scoop on Ice Cream Equipment and Supplies
What ice cream equipment and supplies are essential to your ice cream shop? Read on to find out more!
Advance Tabco Worktables
Advance Tabco is an industry leader in stainless steel commercial work tables. They carefully manufacture durable tables meant to last years in your foodservice establishment. Picking the right worktable can be a daunting task. We’ve created the ultimate buying guide to Advance Tabco worktables to help find the best table for you.
Crepe Makers: How to Use and Go-To Recipes
Learn the best way to use a commercial crepe maker to add fun and exciting options to your restaurant’s menu that customers want!
MetroMax Polymer Shelving – The Forever Shelving Solution
For over 80 years, Metro has been the industry leader in commercial shelving. Metro's wire shelving has been the industry standard since 1965. Their focus has been on providing customers with uncompromised reliability and flexibility to create unique storage solutions...
Pastry and Bakery Display Cases | Buying Guide
You have likely been in a coffee shop, bakery, or grocery store and been tantalized by a pastry or baked good in a display case. Businesses utilize bakery display cases to merchandise their baked goods and show them for sale. These glass display cases are used to create tempting presentations in the hopes of making a last-minute sale while customers wait in line to check out. Display cabinets are also excellent for displays in restaurants to sell house-made desserts.
Vulcan Fryers: Good. Better. Best.
In a market flooded with options, how do you know which models are best for your operations?
What is a Steam Table Pan?
Steam pans are an industry standard for serving and warming food. These pans come in several sizes and configurations and are used in a steam table (or hot food table). A steam table can be used as a buffet station for self-service, or in a back-of-house cook line for convenient plating of meals. Steam pans can be made of a variety of materials, but the most popular are stainless steel and plastic. We’ve compiled the most useful information for finding and buying the right steam table pans for you.
Wine Central: 12+ Wine Glass Types + Tips + Brands
If you’re not offering wine service at your restaurant, you’re missing out on major profit opportunity. But guests want more than just wine – they want an experience. How you serve your wine and what you serve it in makes a difference. Learn about many popular types of wine glasses, as well as tips for purchasing, care and maintenance, and glassware brands with our Wine Glasses Buying Guide. Which type of wine glass should you use? Find out here.
The Complete Buying Guide to True T-Series Reach-In Refrigerators and Freezers
The T-Series is True Refrigeration's signature, award winning, best-in-class reach-in refrigerators and freezers. These upright cabinets are designed with enduring quality to protect your long-term investment. True has three standard model variations to choose from:...
Buying Restaurant and Bar Furniture
The furniture in your restaurant can make or break a customer’s experience. If it’s comfortable and high-quality, they’re probably going to want to stay a little longer. Adding quality furniture can instantly boost the appearance and atmosphere in your business. In this article, we’ve broken down the main types of restaurant and bar furniture and what types work best in your environment.
Automated, Undercounter Dishwashing vs. Manual Compartment Sinks
Don’t gamble on sanitation. If you’re still washing dishes manually, you can’t guarantee a consistent, thorough clean every time. If this is a gamble you’re taking, you could be increasing your risk of physical harm. Learn the pros and cons of automated undercounter dishwashing compared to manually washing and sanitizing with a compartment sink.
Supply List for School Kitchens and Cafeterias
School kitchens are different from your standard commercial restaurant kitchen. Specific supplies are needed to serve multiple meals a day to large groups of students, all the while keeping their vulnerable immune systems and food sensitivities top of mind. While a school only operates in certain months of the year, the cafeteria needs to be well prepared for high volume cooking and serving during these months.
Aluminum Furniture: Your Commercial Patio Hero
If you’re looking to furnish a patio at your restaurant, bar, or café, aluminum furniture might be for you. This metal is durable and easy to clean, and it also is resistant to rust, making it perfect for outdoor use. There are several reasons to consider aluminum for commercial patio use.
Pizza Pans, Screens, Disks, and Stones: Everything You Need to Know
Each pan is not created equally! Do you know the difference between each type of pan?
China vs. Plastic: What’s Best for Dinnerware?
Deciding which type of dinnerware to feature in your foodservice operation can be daunting. There’s just so many options to choose from and several questions to ask. Will it coordinate with the current setup? Can it enhance the dining room ambiance? Will it withstand heavy use, or will it need replacing frequently?
How to Find the Best Meat Knife for You
It’s confusing to pick out a meat knife for your commercial kitchen. There are several types of meat knives that all have different uses. We’re here to take out the hassle in buying professional knives for cutting, preparing, and carving meats.
Need for Speed: Fast Cook Ovens
As consumers’ lifestyles continue to accelerate, they increasingly demand food in seconds rather than minutes — can they help?
Restaurant Hood System: Why it Matters and Everything Your Kitchen Needs
The Importance of a Restaurant Hood System A restaurant hood system is an essential piece of equipment for a safe commercial kitchen. These ventilation systems are the first line of defense to preventing fires in the kitchen. Restaurant Hood Systems are designed to...
Determining the Right Mixer for your Pizza Operation
Picture your perfect pizza. Maybe you have a sense of adventure and load your pie with pineapple, bacon, and jalapeno. Perhaps you enjoy the classics like pepperoni or sausage. A quality dough mixer is the heart of any pizzeria and will be vital to creating fresh...