A steakhouse is a big part of American dining. Its success depends on good ingredients and skilled cooking. It also needs professional equipment and organized kitchen management. Below is a simple guide to help your steakhouse do well.
1. Important Kitchen Equipment: From Aging to Cooking
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Aging Cabinets
Dry aging needs a cold and humid space (32-35°F, 75-85% humidity) for 21-45 days to improve flavor. Wet aging keeps moisture with vacuum seals. Cabinets with UV sterilization, like True Refrigeration or Steaklocker, are good choices. -
Broilers
Use underfired broilers for charcoal flavor, overfired broilers for even heating, or conveyor broilers for fast and precise cooking. Brands like Montague and Garland are reliable. -
Charbroilers
These are used to make grill marks and lock in juices. Preheat to 500°F and cook steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium rare. Make sure to have a good ventilation system (500 CFM or more). -
Deep Fryers
For fries and onion rings, choose fryers like Pitco Fryer with dual baskets for different temperatures. Use oils with high smoke points and clean the fryer daily to maintain quality. -
Combi Ovens
These ovens can steam, roast, or bake. They are perfect for making sides and bread. Look for brands like Rational or Unox for easy control of humidity and heat. -
Mixers
Use mixers like Hobart for mashed potatoes, batters, or dough. For bread, spiral mixers work faster and better with high-gluten dough.
2. Back-of-House Setup: Prep and Storage
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Prep Areas
Use stainless steel worktables and antibacterial cutting boards. Set up different zones for raw meat, cooked food, and vegetables to keep everything safe. -
Storage Systems
Use commercial refrigerators and freezers with NSF certification. Keep the fridge at 39°F or less and the freezer at 0°F or lower. Use strong shelves for dry goods and always store food in the right order (first in, first out).
3. Front-of-House Essentials: Customer Experience
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Steak Knives
Use high-quality knives like Wüsthof or Victorinox. These knives should cut smoothly. Clean them by hand and sharpen them regularly. -
Pepper Mills
A good pepper mill, like Peugeot or Cole & Mason, has adjustable settings and grinds fresh pepper for more flavor. -
Seasonings
Offer items like sea salt (Maldon) or smoked paprika. Serve them in small dishes for a nice look.
ChefCoca provides all the equipment you need for your steakhouse. Our products are high quality and made to support your kitchen. From aging cabinets to fryers, we help you create the perfect steak experience.