Buyers’ Guide to Prime Cooking Equipment

At Advantage Catering Equipment, we know that choosing the right cooking equipment can make all the difference in a busy commercial kitchen. From ranges to ovens, grills to steamers, this guide will help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

Ranges: The Heart of Your Kitchen

The cooking range is the centrepiece of any professional kitchen. Ranges come in various formats:

• Basic Gas or Electric Ranges – Radiants with an oven underneath, ideal for everyday cooking.
• Solid Tops and Boiling Tables – Perfect for high-volume kitchens.
• Tabletop Ranges – Compact options without oven space, suitable for smaller kitchens.

Read our full guide to cooking ranges for more detail.

Ovens: Versatility for Every Kitchen

Ovens are more than just part of a range. Depending on your kitchen needs, there are several types:

Microwave Ovens

Commercial microwave ovens are built for heavy-duty use, unlike standard home models. Ideal for reheating, defrosting, or quick cooking.

Convection Ovens

These ovens evenly distribute heat via an internal electric fan, ensuring consistent cooking – especially crucial for baking pastries and desserts.

Combination (Combi) Ovens

Combi ovens are the workhorses of commercial kitchens, offering multiple cooking modes including dry, wet, fan, or still heat. They save time and space by combining several cooking methods in one unit.

See our separate guide to understanding microwave ovens, or read our full guide to combi ovens for more detail.

Grills and Salamanders

Grills and salamanders are essential for grilling meats and finishing dishes.

• Conventional Gas Salamanders – Standard in most UK kitchens.
• Electric Salamanders – Provide consistent heat with variable settings.

A branding plate can be added to achieve that chargrilled look on steaks and burgers, cooking from both sides for perfect sear marks.

Griddles and Char-Grills

Griddles

Perfect for breakfast items, burgers, and thin cuts of meat. Choose between:

• Steel Griddles – Affordable and popular, available in carbon or stainless steel.
• Chromed Griddles – Easier to clean and less likely to stick.

Char-Grills

Bring the authentic barbecue taste to your kitchen. Two common heat systems:

• Lava Rock Grills – Traditional smoky flavour, though cleaning and even heat distribution require attention.
• Gas Jet Grills with Protective Shrouds – Easier to clean, carbonises fat to produce barbecue flavour without lava rocks.

Steamers: Gentle & Efficient Cooking

Steamers are ideal for fish, vegetables, and steamed puddings. They prevent tying up combi ovens for long cooking times.

• Pressureless Steamers – Cook gently at atmospheric pressure, perfect for delicate items like fish.
• Pressure Steamers – Operate like a commercial pressure cooker, cooking faster and tenderising tougher cuts of meat.

Final Thoughts

This guide is a concise overview of essential cooking equipment for UK commercial kitchens. While not exhaustive, it's designed to help you choose equipment that suits your kitchen needs.

Browse our cooking equipment range.