Whether you’re planning to start a small coffee house or you’re looking to tempt the pallet of guests with an extensive menu, there are several appliances you’ll need to purchase. When developing your business plan, these appliances need to be listed and included in your startup costs. While some may be more obvious depending on your needs, others are often forgotten when people first start a food-based business.

Fully Functional Grill
A grill needs to be more than just a surface that gets hot. The appliances needs to be able to cook foods at specific temperatures if you want to avoid being cited by the health department. Before buying a grill, make sure that it will fit your restaurant’s cooking requirements perfectly.

Commercial Food Freezer
One item that gets overlooked often is that of the freezer. As opposed to a home-based unity, a commercial freezer will hold far more foods while keeping the materials at optimal temperatures. If you plan on serving a large number of goods, you’ll need a place to store the product. Commercial units are specifically designed for larger loads.

Dishwasher
A dishwasher for a restaurant needs to go beyond what you might have in the home. It’ll need to support a large number of plates, cups and silverware. It’ll also need to provide a certain temperature while having a drainage system that follows the requirements of your local health department codes. Failure to meet these demands could prompt the health department to force the removal of the appliance.

Grease Traps and Removal
While most commercial grills and ovens will have their own grease traps, you’ll still need proper removal plans. In many areas around the United States, it’s illegal to drop this material in dumpsters. However, there should be local facilities that can take used grease off of your hands.

Hood Exhaust Fans
Without a proper hood and fan, grease could accumulate within the facility. Table tops, chairs and other surfaces can begin to collect layers of grease while you cook. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to keep your hoods cleaned and regularly maintained.

Although you may think that you can get by with cheap appliances, the cost will be reflected in the quality of food you prepare. This means that some aspects of your business will be obvious to your patrons as cheap equipment often doesn’t offer the same quality as commercial products. Sacrificing the right equipment to save a dollar or two may be detrimental to your business.