The Complete Restaurant Equipment Checklist for New Owners (2026)
Opening a restaurant? Here's every piece of equipment you'll need. from commercial ovens to smallwares. organized by kitchen station with budget estimates.
Opening a restaurant?
Free kitchen design, expert consultancy, and 5-year easy financing available at Horeca Store.
Your Complete Restaurant Equipment Checklist
Opening a restaurant requires significant equipment investment. typically between $75,000 and $300,000 depending on your concept and size. Having the right equipment from day one prevents costly delays and ensures you can serve customers efficiently from your grand opening.
This checklist covers every major category. Horeca Store stocks all of these items with competitive pricing, free kitchen design consultancy, and 5-year easy financing to help you manage costs.
Cooking Equipment
The heart of any commercial kitchen. Your cooking line depends on your menu concept.
| Equipment | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Range (6-burner) | $2,000–$8,000 | Full-service restaurants |
| Convection Oven | $3,000–$15,000 | Bakeries, multi-concept |
| Commercial Fryer (double) | $1,500–$5,000 | Fast casual, fried foods |
| Flat Top Griddle | $1,000–$4,000 | Breakfast, burgers |
| Charbroiler/Grill | $1,500–$6,000 | Steakhouses, BBQ |
| Pizza Oven (deck) | $3,000–$20,000 | Pizza concepts |
| Salamander/Broiler | $1,000–$3,000 | Fine dining, finishing |
| Wok Range | $2,000–$5,000 | Asian cuisine |
Pro tip: Horeca Store carries all major brands including Vulcan, True, and Atosa. Use our free kitchen design service to optimize your cooking line layout.
Refrigeration
Proper cold storage is non-negotiable for food safety and health inspections.
| Equipment | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in Cooler | $5,000–$15,000 | Essential for high-volume |
| Walk-in Freezer | $6,000–$18,000 | Bulk storage |
| Reach-in Refrigerator (2-door) | $2,000–$5,000 | Line-accessible |
| Reach-in Freezer | $2,500–$6,000 | Prep area |
| Prep Table with Refrigeration | $1,500–$4,000 | Pizza, sandwich stations |
| Bar Refrigeration | $1,000–$3,000 | Under-counter units |
| Display Cases | $2,000–$8,000 | Bakeries, delis |
Food Preparation
Efficient prep equipment saves labor hours and ensures consistency.
- Commercial food processor ($500–$2,000)
- Commercial mixer (20-60 qt) ($1,500–$8,000)
- Prep tables (stainless steel) ($300–$1,500 each)
- Commercial blenders ($200–$800)
- Meat slicer ($500–$3,000)
- Vegetable cutter ($300–$1,500)
- Cutting boards and knife sets ($200–$500)
Dishwashing and Sanitation
Health departments require specific dishwashing capabilities.
- Commercial dishwasher (high-temp) ($3,000–$15,000)
- Three-compartment sink ($500–$2,000)
- Hand washing stations ($200–$500 each)
- Grease trap ($500–$3,000)
- Cleaning supplies and chemical dispensers ($200–$500)
Storage and Shelving
Organized storage prevents waste and improves kitchen flow.
- Wire shelving units ($100–$400 each)
- Dry storage shelving ($200–$600)
- Sheet pan racks ($200–$500)
- Ingredient bins ($50–$200 each)
- Can racks ($100–$300)
Front-of-House Equipment
Don't forget the customer-facing essentials.
- POS system ($1,000–$5,000)
- Tables and chairs ($100–$500 per set)
- Booth seating ($500–$2,000 per booth)
- Host stand ($200–$800)
- Beverage dispensers ($500–$3,000)
- Coffee machine ($2,000–$15,000)
Smallwares and Supplies
The items you'll reorder regularly.
- Pots, pans, and cookware sets
- Utensils (spatulas, ladles, tongs)
- Plates, bowls, and glassware
- Napkins, to-go containers
- Cleaning supplies
Budget Summary by Restaurant Type
| Restaurant Type | Equipment Budget | Key Items |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Casual | $75,000–$150,000 | Fryers, griddle, prep tables |
| Full Service | $150,000–$300,000 | Full cooking line, walk-ins |
| Pizza Shop | $100,000–$200,000 | Pizza oven, dough mixer, prep |
| Coffee Shop/Cafe | $50,000–$100,000 | Espresso machine, display cases |
| Food Truck | $30,000–$75,000 | Compact cooking equipment |
Save Money with Horeca Store
Horeca Store helps new restaurant owners save money and get started faster:
- 100,000+ products from trusted brands at competitive prices
- Free kitchen design. Our experts design your layout for free
- Free consultancy. Not sure what you need? We'll guide you
- 5-year easy financing. Spread costs over 60 months
- Pre-opening bundles. Save up to 25% on curated equipment packages
- Fast nationwide shipping. Delivery to all 50 states
Use Restaurant Site Finder to analyze your location and get a personalized equipment checklist based on your winning concept.
Contact Horeca Store:
- Shop: www.thehorecastore.com
- Call: 866.446.7322 [blocked]
- Email: [email protected]
5-Year Easy Financing
0% APR*Spread your equipment costs over 60 months with low monthly payments. Get approved in minutes.
About Horeca Store
HorecaStore is the fastest-growing online restaurant-supply company in the U.S., stocking 100,000+ products from trusted brands. Restaurant Site Finder is a free tool provided by Horeca Store to help aspiring restaurant owners make data-driven decisions.
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Ready to Analyze Your Restaurant Location?
Get a free AI-powered competitive analysis, then shop equipment at Horeca Store.