Commercial kitchens are typically large-scale kitchens that prepare food for customers, colleagues and students. Appliances such as commercial refrigeration and air quality management / air ventilation systems are at the heart of the kitchen, and are often devised to handle high volumes of orders, large turnovers and diverse ranges of food at subsequent preparation stages, making meal preparation and delivery more efficient.

Built bespoke for high output, commercial kitchens are built with a focus on meal preparation and delivery to ensure fast and flavourful food production.

This blog will explore the main principles of a commercial kitchen, diving into what exactly this is, the different types of commercial kitchens, and of course, their benefits.

What Is A Commercial Kitchen?

A commercial kitchen is a large and strategically planned environment to facilitate the efficiency of getting large volumes of food and meals out throughout the day.

Helping to prevent contamination and ensure food safety, commercial kitchens must undergo regular checks and maintenance cleans to ensure that food safety standards are being followed, as well as helping to maintain the basic standards in which you need. With commercial kitchens accommodating commercial-grade kitchen equipment, such as modular kitchens, griddles and commercial fryers, professional kitchens are “crucial for operational efficiency and success in the catering industry”.

Where do you find commercial kitchens?

You’ll find commercial kitchens in the following places:

1. Restaurants
2. Hotels
3. Fast Food Restaurants
4. Public Houses 
5. Cafes

What are the different types of commercial kitchens?

1. Catering Kitchens

Often used by catering companies who need to prepare and pack food for events that are located at a venue outside of catering facility, these are often off-site functional spaces that businesses use when an on-site kitchen is either impractical or not accessible at all. From the Chef and Sous-Chef, to the Kitchen Porter and Dishwasher, everyone has their role to play within a commercial kitchen. Work better as a team by optimising your commercial kitchens for maximum productivity.

2. Commissary Kitchens

A popular choice for brands that operate food trucks or kiosks, a commissary kitchen allows for food and provisions to be produced and stored without having to make a major investment in property purchase.  Also regarded as a “rentable kitchen”, it is also the perfect option for businesses who need something to help with food restoration but not necessarily have to budget to be able to buy the whole kitchen.

3. Ghost Kitchens / Virtual Kitchens

Also known as a “cloud kitchen”, “dark kitchen” or “virtual kitchen”, ghost kitchens don’t operate out of an existing restaurant and have no brick-and-mortar counterpart.  Offering digitally rendered takeout options only for their guests, their operating costs are low and added flexibility are just some of the numerous advantages to this type of kitchen.

What Are Commercial Kitchen Regulations?

The basic requirements for maintaining a commercial kitchen, the regulations help to contribute to the fundamental safe operation and cleaning of your kitchen altogether. Here are three of the most important rules to follow:

1. Food Hygiene

From the sanity of proper handwashing, sickness rules and hair nets to the storage and transportation of raw, cooked and hot and cold food, there are important kitchen regulations that individuals must follow.

2. Food Waste

Additionally, the disposal of food is another part of commercial kitchen regulations, which should be built into your kitchen layout and daily operations. Remember: Compost, Waste and Recycle.

3. Kitchen Ventilation

On top of this, your kitchen must have efficient air ventilation and extraction ways, with industrial grade hobs and cooking units creating an abundance of steam and smoke that must be removed effectively.

Why is kitchen ventilation important in commercial kitchens?

• Heat control 
• Air quality 
• Fire Safety 
• Equipment longevity 
• Energy efficiency 
• Workplace comfort 
• Odour control

At M&E Contrax, we can create and install bespoke HVAC solutions for your kitchen, with tailored services for optimal air circulation and moisture control, encouraging a better working environment.

Commercial Kitchen Installation From M&E Contrax 

Whether you’re needing to upgrade some areas within your commercial kitchen, or are thinking of installing a brand-new kitchen, let our team at M&E Contrax help you turn your visions into a reality.  Dedicated to providing you with an unparalleled kitchen experience, we will make sure that your commercial kitchen fitting and installation journey is straightforward and ultimately, stress free here at M&E Contrax.

From improving your efficiency and workflow, to experiencing significant energy & cost savings, to boosting staff morale and retention, there are endless benefits that you can receive by upgrading your kitchen.

What’s more, our seamless integration of high quality materials with professional skills and expertise will mean that you can achieve your personal and professional goals. Whether this is handling a high volume of orders or handling different types of food at varying preparation stages, commercial kitchens are the key to keeping your kitchen in check.

Why M&E Contrax?

With a team of industry experts, you’ll be given regular communications throughout the process to ensure that you are kept in the loop and are fully aware of what’s going on.

• 24/7 Emergency Support
• NICEIC Accredited
• Friendly, Professional Team
• Personalised Approach To Client Service
• Positive Track Record of Kitchen Installations

Book Your Commercial Kitchen Installation Today

Contact us to ask about your commercial kitchen installation queries and questions, where our team will be more than happy to help. 
Simply phone us on 01364 654271 or send us an email to enquiries@mecontrax.co.uk and we will get back to you shortly.