Explore 96+ Awe-inspiring Commercial Kitchen Design Rules Of Thumb With Many New Styles

(40 reviews)

When it comes to creating a productive and efficient commercial kitchen, there are a few key elements to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the best kitchen design for your commercial space. Knowing the rules of thumb for kitchen design can make a big difference when deciding on the overall look, style, and functionality of your restaurant’s kitchen. Here are the best kitchen design rules of thumb to help you get started.

Create Zones for Different Cooking Processes

Commercial kitchens involve a myriad of different operations and processes. It is important to create zones for each activity to optimize efficiency and safety. This can include separating areas for food handling, dishwashing, equipment storage, and food preparation. Installing separate cooking surfaces, counters, and food preparation tables can also help to both minimize the transfer of bacteria as well as make sure workers are not overcrowded in any particular space. Moreover, zone areas should be designed with their own ventilation and lighting needs in mind.

Create Zones for Different Cooking Processes

Choose the Right Flooring Material

Commercial kitchens potentially have to deal with high volumes of traffic and food. Non-slip flooring materials like rubber or PVC provide the best balance between grip and safety, however, stainless steel or ceramic are also suitable options. It is also a good idea to pick flooring that is approved for the particular climate it will be used in, and one that will resist and stand up to moisture, stains, and grease.

Choose the Right Flooring Material

Choose the Right Lighting and Ventilation System

Lighting and ventilation are essential in commercial kitchens. They are the two most important criteria when it comes to creating a safe and usable environment. Adequate lighting is essential in order to reduce the possibility of accidents and promote the quality and accuracy of food production. Ventilation can help to keep the heat and humidity at an optimal level, while it also prevents smoke, odors, grease, and other airborne contaminants from affecting the rest of the kitchen.

Choose the Right Lighting and Ventilation System

Optimize Kitchen Equipment Spacing

The layout of the commercial kitchen will also have a direct effect on how well the staff can work within it. By making sure that the spacing between each piece of equipment and each work area is optimized, it can reduce the risk of accidents and also make it easier to carry out operations around it. This means that leaving enough room for workers to move around as well as making sure that pathways are kept clear.

Optimize Kitchen Equipment Spacing

Ensure Adequate Drainage and Grease Traps

Setting up adequate drainage and grease traps in your commercial kitchen is essential in order to make sure that the environment remains clean and safe. The drainage systems should be able to drain away any water that becomes accumulated as well as deal with any grease and food scraps effectively. Grease traps should also be in place to minimize the chance of pipes and drains becoming clogged.

Ensure Adequate Drainage and Grease Traps

Allow Sufficient Space for Pass-Throughs and Carts

Pass-throughs and carts are an important part of the design of a commercial kitchen. They are useful because they can make it easier for workers to transfer food from one area to another. It is important to leave enough space in the layout for these kinds of features and to make sure that they do not become a hindrance to any of the other operations.

Allow Sufficient Space for Pass-Throughs and Carts

Ensure Food Safety Standards are Met

Food safety is of utmost importance when setting up a commercial kitchen, and as such, there are certain regulations and codes of practice that must be adhered to. This includes making sure the environment remains clean and hygienic at all times, that all staff are trained in food safety and hygiene, and that there is proper storage and temperature control in place.

Ensure Food Safety Standards are Met

Ensure Easy Cleanliness and Sanitation

Making sure the kitchen has easy cleanliness and sanitation is essential in order to maintain the quality and safety of the food being produced. This means that all surfaces must be made out of materials that can be easily cleaned, while easily accessible areas like the floors, walls, and ceiling must also be kept clean. It is also important to install the right kind of cleaning equipment and detergents in order to make sure the area is up to standard.

Ensure Easy Cleanliness and Sanitation

Utilize Space Above and Below Equipment

Although space will often be precious in a commercial kitchen, it is important to think about how to use the space above and below the equipment effectively. This could involve placing small cabinets and shelves above the ovens, sinks, and other pieces of equipment in order to store ingredients and utensils. Having a few drawers below the preparation tables is also a great way to keep ingredients close at hand.

Utilize Space Above and Below Equipment

Employ Smart Storage Solutions

In most cases, commercial kitchens lack the necessary amount of storage space that is needed to keep all of the tools and ingredients that need to be stored in the kitchen. As such, it is important to employ smart storage solutions. This might involve investing in shelving systems that can make the most of the available space, as well as installing shelves near the kitchen equipment to make it easier to access ingredients.

Employ Smart Storage Solutions

Primary: Aim for Maximum Efficiency

Above all else, commercial kitchen design should aim for maximum efficiency. This means that the design layout should be such that it helps to reduce the wastage of resources, minimize the time taken for activities, and increase the overall productivity of the kitchen. Additionally, it should also prioritize the safety and comfort of the cooking staff, ensuring that they have all the space and tools they need to carry out their jobs with ease.

Primary: Aim for Maximum Efficiency

Commercial Kitchen Design Rules of Thumb

commercial kitchen design rules of thumb When designing a commercial kitchen , ensuring that all health and safety regulations are duly met is a must, particularly for restaurants. Doing so helps safeguard the customers’ health and keeps the food service up to code throughout state inspections. This article will provide a few guidelines that can help ensure compliance when building a commercial kitchen.

Design a Single Work Triangle

commercial kitchen design rules of thumb The work triangle is considered the foundational principle of commercial kitchen design. It includes the locations of the refrigerator, sink , and stove , which should all be within 24 feet of each other and arranged to create an efficient work space. The area between these three main devices should have enough space for employees to move around freely without the risk of running into each other. Additionally, the distances between each respective device should be no more than 12 or 9 feet depending on the intended size of the kitchen.

Allow Space for Storage and Amenities

commercial kitchen design rules of thumb Other items that should be taken into account when designing a commercial kitchen are adequate storage, as well as preparation , cleaning, and dining areas. Some important amenities to include in the plan are a working and sanitary surface for food preparation, a generous sink for washing vegetables and dishes, food storage shelves, and sheltered free flow areas for items that can wilt or melt easily such as ice cream.

Create a Well-Ventilated Kitchen

commercial kitchen design rules of thumb Establishing a commercial kitchen also implies providing a working environment that meets the health codes’ requirements, which can be achieved by implementing proper ventilation systems . This helps keep the environment free of fumes, smoke, steam, and grease particles. Cookers that generate smoke and steam require special attention, since a powerful ventilation system should be installed in that specific area. In turn, safety measures should also be implemented for fires that are common in grease and oil-related activities.

11