How to Choose the Right Concession Cooking Equipment.
- To outfit a concession trailer kitchen, you'll need essential equipment like refrigeration (refrigerators and freezers), cooking appliances (fryers, griddles, ovens, etc.), food preparation surfaces, sinks, and safety equipment, all while adhering to health and fire codes.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of equipment categories:
- Essential Equipment:
Refrigeration:
Refrigerators: Countertop glass door refrigerators, salad preparation refrigerators, and worktop refrigerators are common choices. Freezers: Essential for storing frozen ingredients and beverages.
- Cooking Equipment:
Fryers: If your menu includes fried items, ensure you have a fryer and adhere to fire safety regulations.
Griddles/Flat Tops: Ideal for burgers, sandwiches, and other flat-top cooked items. Ovens/Microwaves: For baking, reheating, or preparing certain dishes. Ranges/Stoves: For cooking on a stovetop.
- Food Preparation:
Food Preparation Surfaces: Stainless steel work surfaces are a must for food safety and hygiene.
Cutting Boards: Use food-safe cutting boards for preparing ingredients. Food Prep Equipment & Cooking Utensils: Include items like knives, cutting boards, mixing bowls, and other necessary utensils.
- Sinks:
Four-Compartment Sink: Essential for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes and utensils.
- Safety Equipment:
Fire Extinguisher: A necessary safety precaution. Food Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring food is cooked to safe temperatures. First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit is always a good idea.