Here’s a common mistake many restaurant & café owners and designers make: spending too much time, money and effort on the dining section and treating the design of the kitchen merely as an afterthought. The commercial kitchen is the driving force of any food business, so planning its fit-out is indispensable. It must accommodate all the work needed to be done day in and day out. 

So, if you plan to design, renovate or purchase an existing restaurant or café in Australia, let us guide you in your kitchen-focused commercial fit-out. For starters, here are the must-have features of a stylish, functional commercial kitchen and some tips to boost efficiency, lower safety risks and maximise its space.

1. Durable and Hygienic Flooring

Let’s start from the ground up. The foundation of any great commercial kitchen is its flooring, and there’s a reason epoxy resin flooring is the go-to option. Epoxy resin flooring creates a seamless and durable surface. It is usually resistant to stains, bacterial growth and slips, which is critical in a fast-paced kitchen environment where spills are inevitable. You can even ask your contractor to add quartz granules to the epoxy mix for added decoration and extra slip resistance in high-traffic areas.

2. Efficient Ventilation Systems

With a well-designed ventilation system, you can maintain good air quality, regulate temperature, and ensure a comfortable working environment for your staff. Consider a combination of exhaust hoods over cooking areas and make-up air systems. This duo works to remove hot, greasy air and replace it with fresh, clean air. Efficient ventilation systems can also help reduce your commercial kitchen’s energy costs. 

3. Ergonomic Workstations

The heart of any kitchen is its prep area. Ergonomic workstations are vital for maintaining staff productivity and preventing workplace injuries. So, when designing these areas, always consider the workflow and the kitchen staff’s particular needs.

For instance, a high-volume pizzeria might need custom-height workstations for pizza preparation. The slightly lower height can allow chefs to apply just the right amount of pressure when kneading dough, reducing strain on their backs and shoulders.

One size doesn’t fit all. So, take the time to observe your staff’s work patterns and design workstations that cater to their specific needs.

4. Smart Storage Solutions

In a commercial kitchen, space is always at a premium. So, smart storage solutions are necessary. For instance, a clever system of pull-out racks in the dry storage area can effectively double the usable space. Vertical storage solutions like wall-mounted racks can also save space while keeping things within easy reach.

A mix of open and closed storage options works, too. Open shelving near prep areas enables quick access to frequently used items, while closed cabinets are perfect for storing less-used equipment and maintaining a clean, uncluttered look. 

5. High-Quality, Energy-Efficient Appliances

From grills and ovens to fryers and holding cabinets, cooking appliances often account for 35 to 65% of total energy usage in commercial kitchens. So, invest in top-notch, energy-efficient kitchen appliances. They may be too pricey upfront but pay dividends in the long run. Not only do they perform better and last longer, but they also help reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.

6. Adequate Lighting

Never underestimate the power of good lighting in a commercial kitchen. Beyond providing brightness, it’s about creating the right ambience and ensuring safety.

A layered lighting approach is often recommended for commercial kitchens. That means bright, even lighting for prep areas and cooking stations, supplemented with task lighting for specific workstations. Exploring open commercial kitchen design ideas in Australia? Try adding some decorative lighting elements that can inject a touch of style visible to customers.

commercial kitchen lighting

7. Easy-to-Clean Surfaces

Stainless steel is a classic choice for all the good reasons—it’s hygienic, heat-resistant, and stands up to heavy use. You can’t go wrong by going all-stainless steel in the busiest areas of your commercial kitchen. But if you want to explore other options, take a look at quartz composites. Often used in food servery counters, quartz composites offer the durability of stone with added benefits like non-porosity and resistance to bacteria growth. For instance, if you run a high-end sushi restaurant, having a stunning white quartz for the sushi prep area can make the area look sleek. Plus, it is incredibly easy to keep spotless throughout the service.

8. Efficient Waste Management Systems

As you draw up your commercial kitchen layout, think about your waste management. Consider incorporating multiple waste stations throughout the kitchen, each with separate bins for recyclables, compostables, and general waste. The goal is to make waste disposal as convenient and hygienic as possible for your staff. A busy yet tidy commercial kitchen looks more than stylish—it’s impressive.

9. Flexible Power Solutions

In today’s tech-driven world, having ample and flexible power solutions is critical. Install more power points than you think you’ll need—trust us, you’ll use them.

Ask your commercial kitchen fit-out contractor to incorporate retractable power cables from the ceiling for central island workstations. This provides flexibility and eliminates tripping hazards. If your budget allows, explore installing smart power outlets that your staff can control via a central system for easy energy management.

10. A Well-Designed Plumbing System

Last but certainly not least, a well-designed plumbing system is crucial for any commercial kitchen. This goes beyond just having enough sinks (though that’s important too!). Consider the placement of water lines for easy access. In larger kitchens, it is often recommended to install multiple hot water systems to ensure instant hot water at every station. Hot water is the life-blood of restaurants and other food businesses; it’s vital for washing hands, dishes and equipment. Also, don’t forget about drainage—a slight slope in the floor towards drains can make cleaning much easier and prevent water pooling, keeping your kitchen look immaculate. 

Summing It Up

At the end of the day, it all boils down to balancing practicality with aesthetics. Each feature on this list contributes to creating a commercial kitchen that looks great, is productive, ensures everyone’s safety, and stands the test of time. 

Want to learn more about commercial interior fit-out for your restaurant kitchen? Don’t hesitate to contact us here at Mathiou Services. We can point you in the right direction and help you achieve a stylish commercial kitchen tailored to your needs.