Resources
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Display Case for your Foodservice Business
Whether a customer is grabbing a bite to eat or doing routine shopping in the deli, you want your merchandise to look appealing; and that starts with how you display your products. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right display case for your foodservice establishment. Refrigerated display cases offer both closed and open air units for a variety of uses. To find the ideal display cases for your business ask yourself: What is the floor plan of your establishment? Do you want customers to serve themselves? Are you displaying hot or cold foods? Here are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a merchandise display case. Use and Maintenance Determine what you’ll be using your display case for to decide if a refrigerator, freezer or open air merchandiser is needed. Refrigerated display cases are manufactured with a number of helpful features. For merchandising product, glass doors and open air models are best. If you plan to showcase items that are considered impulse purchases, then a lower profile glass door or open display unit may be more suitable. You may also consider display cases with worktops on the back if you’re opening a deli. Safety Keeping your customers safe will be one of your top priorities. While food and merchandise look better when they’re well lit, most health departments require that the lights in refrigerated display cases be encapsulated so that they are contained in case of breakage. This way, glass can’t get into open food. Check with your health department before you pick a case with front lights and shelf lights to keep your merchandise lit and visible. Also keep in mind that it’s important for open air models do not receive direct sunlight, nor should they be located under ventilation or air conditioning ducts. The additional heat and airflow will result in a disruption of the air curtain circulating throughout the merchandiser, which keeps stored items cool. As a result, the case may not be able to hold food at safe temperatures. Location, Location, Location Refrigerated display cases generally require an electrical supply and drain within 6 feet of the unit. Humidity in the air will result in a certain amount of condensation within the unit that can drip down the inside of the case, resulting in the need for a floor drain. If a floor drain is not available, then it is important to specify a unit with an electric condensate evaporator. Space Constraints In addition to location, keep in mind the space available for your display case. When shopping for a deli or ice cream display case, ensure that the refrigeration system is adequately sized for the amount and type of product you plan to display. Don’t forget to determine if the unit will be incorporated into existing cabinetry or fixtures. Keep in mind that not all reach-ins are the same width, height and depth. Durability Finally, make sure that your display case has a warranty so that in the unfortunate event that it is defective in materials or workmanship, you can get it back into working order quickly. Ready to start shopping? Burkett Restaurant Equipment offers a full selection of Curved Glass Display Cases, Glass Door Merchandisers, Horizontal Merchandisers, and Sushi Display Cases.
Read moreInspirations
Commercial Dishwasher Buying Guide
Restaurants go through 200-500 plates during a typical dinner rush alone. That's a lot of dishes! Think about it, there's a dish for salad, bread, dinner, dessert, and any extra plates a customer may ask for. If you had to hire someone to tediously wash all these dishes by hand every day a restaurant's operating expenses would be astronomical and the process would be entirely inefficient. Commercial Dishwashers cut operating costs in half and speed up the turnaround time for making dishes, utensils, and prep supplies clean ready to use. Another benefit of Commercial Dishwashers is their ability to heat water to a sanitary temperature to ensure that items are not only spotless, but sanitized. Before you select a kind of Dishwasher, you'll need to determine whether you'll require a High Temperature or Low Temperature machine. High Temp Dishwashers are environmentally friendly, more popular, and use soap and an internal heater to heat water to 180 degrees. A more-efficient Low Temp Dishwasher uses a chemical sanitizing solution and lower water temperature to properly sanitize the load. Just be careful because when using Low Temperature Dishwashers because the sanitizing solution you use can damage flatware, plates, and plastic items. Once you decide between the High and Low Temp Dishwashers, you will need to determine what kind of dishwasher best suit your establishment's needs. Below,is a comprehensive Buying Guide to help you make the right buying decision. Undercounter Dishwasher Machines: The most popular type of commercial dishwasher fit right under the counter. The Undercounter Machine is perfect for areas for smaller establishments where warewashing areas are smaller or combined with kitchen areas. These are available in both Low Temp and High Temp features. Conveyor Type Dishwashers: These are your big dishwashers that you load from one end and will automatically work its way to the other end of the machine during the cleaning process. The Jackson AJX-66 Conveyor can clean up to 248 racks per hour, using only .94 gallons of water per rack. Most useful at high production establishments such as hospitals and universities. They are available with either Low or High Temp features. Door Type Machines: The most commonly used Dishwasher in the food service industry, Door Type Dishwashers, provide quick and efficient ware washing by cleaning up to 80 racks per hour. All users must do is slide in the rack to be cleaned and remove it when its cycle finishes. While mostly available as Low Temperature Machines, there are several High Temperature options available as well. Glasswashers: Perfect for bars and other areas that have high volume of glassware that require fast turnaround, Glasswasher Machines can be stored undercounter and require chemical sanitizing. These are only available as Low Temperature machines.
Walk-In Coolers Buying Guide
Walk-In Coolers are an essential piece of equipment for larger commercial kitchens. In essence, a walk-in cooler is a very large refrigerator that is large enough to walk into (also called a vault). Perfect for storing ingredients that need to be kept cold, walk-in refrigeration has ample room and the ability to walk into it means that you can store even the bulkiest items and organize everything at the optimal temperature. Prior to entering the foodservice industry, I'm pretty sure you've never had a reason to think about or research the ins and outs of walk-in coolers. Keep in mind, that when using a walk-in cooler, food temperature will not drop as quickly as it would in a blast chiller. For example, Nor-Lake walk-in coolers and freezers will hold food temperatures at +35°F., -10°F., -20°F. This commercial walk-in cooler buying guide includes a brief questionnaire that will assist you in selecting the right equipment for your needs. What are you using the walk-in cooler for? Selecting the right walk-in depends on what you will be using it for. Here are a few examples: For beer or beverages.... You want a cooler unit that will hold beverages at a lower temperature than food items. For food... The walk-in cooler must be able to hold the food at 38-40 degrees. How cold should my walk-in cooler be? Walk-in refrigerators are perfect for storing crisp lettuce, mayonnaise, meats, and other foods that needs to be stored between 28- and 35-degrees Fahrenheit. Walk-in freezers will keep meats, seafood, desserts and icier cold by holding at below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Should I choose an inside or outside walk-in unit? A walk-in cooler can be placed inside or outside. Indoor Walk-In Cooler - If the unit will be inside, select the coolest place in your establishment to set it up. Outdoor Walk-In Cooler - It is important to decide where you will be placing the walk-In, as an outdoor box, will have a protective covering to protect from the elements. Does the walk-in coolers compressor location matter? Self-Contained Compressor - A compressor located on top, or side of the cooler will need 6 inches of clearance from the top of the compressor to function properly and not burn out the compressor. Remote Compressor - This compressor type sits on the roof of your building, basement, or the ground and a pre-charged tubing is used to push cold air through it. Is my floor strong enough for a walk-in cooler? Can your current floor hold a 1250+ pound walk-in cooler as well as the items inside of it without damaging the floor? If not, then you will need to have the floor reinforced. For example, if you will be using the walk-in as a keg cooler, it's a good idea to reinforce the floors anyways due to the weight of the kegs getting wheeled across the floor, loaded, and unloaded multiple times each day. If you are using the walk-in cooler to store produce, you may not need a reinforced floor. You will always need a reinforced floor for a walk-in freezer unless the concrete floor is already insulated. What do I need to know before buying a walk-in cooler? Knowing a few configurations before calling us will help us to better assist you in selecting the right walk-in unit for your establishment. What are your dimensions including height? What is the door specification and how many doors will you need? A standard door is 34" x 76" Where do you want the door hinges? Where will the refrigeration be... remote, side, top, or self-contained? Will you need 208/220 or 115 voltages: single or 3-phase?
Why Buy Vitamix?
Our Sales Consultants are often asked by customers "Why should I purchase a pricey Vitamix Blender as opposed to a less expensive one?" Here are just a few of the top reasons why Vitamix's value exceeds its initial expense. Name Brand Recognition... Making high-quality blenders for over 90 years, Vitamix is a world leader in foodservice blending products. Their machine can be found in 90% of coffee shops and 87% of smoothie shops. Lowest Total Cost of Ownership... While more expensive to purchase than other blenders, Vitamix has the lowest total cost of ownership. Their products are built to outperform and outlast any other blender on the market. With proper maintenance, couplings, blades, the motor and other parts have a longer life expectancy and are also less expensive to repair. Quality of Blend... Unlike other blenders, Vitamix's specifically designed ice blades, the container design, and motor horsepower offers a thorough blend the first time every time. Not Just a Drink Blender... While known for their beverage blenders, the Vita-Prep can handle thick, tough food ingredients, producing a quality blend each time. With a variable speed for perfect purées, savory soups and delicious frozen treats. The Vita-Prep 3 is a must in kitchens where volume and quality are key ingredients to a successful back-of-the-house. Noise Management... Load blenders can be a turn off for many customers. "The Quiet One" by Vitamix is the quietest blender on the market and used at international coffee shops like Starbucks. Other Vitamix Blenders come with a noise reducing cover for improved customer experience. Custom Programmability and Support... Nothing is worse for a customer than when they go back to a restaurant for their favorite drink only to have the consistency far different than the last time they had it. With a Vitamix, you'll have consistent drinks even if you have more than one location. Outstanding Warranty... Vitamix offers a 3 years parts and 1 year labor warranty on all commercial blenders, that does NOT include cycle count. So if you are looking for a high quality commercial blender with exceptional customer support and warranty program, in our educated opinion, Vitamix is a high contender.
Product Buying Guide: Commercial Griddle
Choosing the Right Commercial Griddle for Your Kitchen There are several types of commercial griddles on the market, and each comes with its own benefits and trade-offs. Understanding how they work can help you choose the best fit for your menu and kitchen operations. Manual Controlled Griddles The most affordable option, ranging from $545 for a Waring countertop unit to $5,984 for a 72” Star Ultra-Max. Manual griddles allow operators to adjust flame height and intensity without precise temperature measurement. These griddles are best when: Browning or cooking large batches like stew meat, stir fry, or hot dog and hamburger buns. Operating in settings where food is continuously loaded and flame adjustments can be made as cooking progresses. Note: Manual models are less ideal for everyday restaurants due to inconsistency with varied cooking loads. Thermostatic Griddles A step up from manual, thermostatic griddles provide incremental gas adjustments to maintain set temperatures. They are more consistent but may lag under heavy cooking loads and can “creep,” causing the temperature to drift upward over time. Best suited for: Breakfast items like eggs, pancakes, and grilled cheese. Everyday cooking where precise temperature control is not critical. Snap Action Thermostatic Griddles Designed for precision, these griddles operate with thermostats that are either fully open or fully closed. This keeps temperatures within ±10°F of the set point, ensuring consistency and faster recovery times. Advantages include: Rapid temperature recovery after adding cold or frozen foods. Increased productivity—up to 5 minutes faster under heavy loads. Excellent for high-volume kitchens needing precise temperature control. Chrome Top Griddles Though expensive, chrome top griddles offer premium benefits: Minimal flavor transfer between foods. Superior heat retention with less energy loss. Even cooking and browning across the surface. Easy cleanup with a nonstick finish (avoid metal utensils or harsh cleaners). For kitchens focused on quality, presentation, and efficiency, chrome tops can justify the added cost. Need Help Choosing? Selecting the right griddle depends on your menu, volume, and budget. If you have questions or would like expert recommendations, contact one of our knowledgeable Sales Team Consultants.
Immersion Blender vs Bar Blender vs Food Blender
Every product in your kitchen has a different use, regardless of how similar their actions are. You have a knife that cuts pieces of Filet Mignon, while a different knife is used for slicing and dicing vegetables. Blenders are no different. Some a free standing and blend smoothies, others are perfect for mincing vegetables, while some blenders allow you to mix food and drinks in any pot or mixing bowl. Immersion Blender... One of the easiest and most versatile blenders on the market, an Immersion Blender is a necessity in any commercial kitchen. While other blenders require that you use a specific mixing vessel, you can use any type of bowl, pot, or container with an Immersion Blender. However, one drawback to the Immersion Blender is you have to hold it as you are blending. Bar Blender...Simply pour your ingredients into the blender carafe and press a button to thoroughly mix, blend or puree your mixture. A Bar Blender is perfect for mixing liquids such as milkshakes and smoothies. Added benefits include, they are a hands-free appliance, offer a high and low power setting, and many also have a pulse feature for crushing ice. A Bar Blender however, will not properly chop food. Food Blenders... Food mixers usually have more features, options and speeds so you can process foods of all sorts of consistencies and varying degrees of being frozen. Food blenders can be used to prepare salsas, combine ingredients for various foods like cakes and specialty sauces. A drawback is you have to use the blenders carafe, which means having to pour a soup mixture for example into the blender carafe and then returning it to the pot- adding an extra step in your cooking process. Immersion Blenders and Food and Bar Blenders offer great benefits but each has a drawback that is available in the alternative. In the end, you need to consider the use of your Blender, before making a purchase. If you will be making a lot of mixed drinks, smoothies, and milkshakes, a Bar Blender will better suite your needs. On the other hand, if you plan to use a blender for soups, salsas, marinara sauces an Immersion Blender or Food Blender is the better option.
5 Most Common Types of Bakeware for Perfect Baking
Are you baking a cake or making cupcake muffins? Are you getting ready to bake up your classic cheesecake recipe or making your customers favorite dinner rolls? Having the proper pan will simplify the baking process and ensure perfect baked goods. Baking Sheet Pans... A necessity from the most elite commercial kitchen to a basic at home cook, Baking Sheets are a handy product. Use them to bake dinner rolls, prepare or to make tasty meat pies. Baking Sheets have rolled edges which makes them perfect for roasting foods that produce a lot of juice- such as apple strudels and come in 3 sizes- Quarter, Half, and Full-Size Sheet Pans. We carry a great selection of aluminum pans that are affordable, bake evenly, and are easy to clean. Just make sure not to bake acidic foods with them because the pans will create an unappealing metallic taste to the food. Cooking Sheets... Made with the same aluminum material construction as Baking Sheets, Cookie Sheets do not have rolled edges which makes them perfect for baking cookies or jelly-cake rolls! Unlike aluminum sheets, nonstick sheets are darker in color, and will bake cookies quicker than standard. While cookies will come out crunchy, the nonstick surfaces are easy to clean. Spring Form Cake Pans... Have you ever made a deliciously succulent cheesecake only for it to stick in a standard round Cake Pan? What makes Spring Form Pans unique is its interlocking sides which allows for the sides and bottom to be removed. Available in 6, 8, 9, and 12" sizes. Bundt/Angel Food Cake Pans... Now who doesn't love a perfectly rounded cake with a hole in the middle for easy serving? Characterized by a distinctive ridged ring, Bundt Pans, the center hold ensures an even bake. Our Bundt Pans are made from cast aluminum, with a fluted design and features a non-stick interior. Similar to a Bundt Pan, an Angel Food Cake Pan is used to create light and spongy cake. The main difference is the flat sides of the Angel Food Cake Pan allows for easy release. Cake Pans... There are a variety of cake pans available in different sizes and shapes that will help you create perfect cakes time and time again. 9" Round Cake Pans are perfect for making double-layered cakes with silky frosting or fruit compotes between each layer. Rectangular 9x12" Cake Pans are ideal for single-layered cakes, biscuits, and dinner rolls.
What is a Keg Cooler?
I think we can both agree that if a customer receives a beer at room temperature, they're not going to be too happy. While you can easily store beer bottles and cans in a standard refrigerator, it's not that easy when it comes to serving up chilled drafts of beer. Make sure your customers beers are always ice cold by using a Keg Cooler. A Keg Cooler, better known as a Kegerator or Beer Cooler is a draft beer dispensing device that dispenses beer that was stored in a keg. While a keg can be tapped without a Keg Cooler, the major benefit of using one, is it keeps the beer chilled and fresh while providing the signature foamy head which is ubiquitously equated with a well tapped draft beer. Regardless of shape or size, all Kegerators essentially have the same basic components: Carbon dioxide (CO2) cylinder Carbon dioxide regulator Coupler Tubing (special carbon dioxide tubing as well as line for the beer) Keg Faucet Refrigerator Stay tuned! Tomorrow we'll teach you how to select the right size Keg Cooler for your business. Make sure to leave us a Product Review on Keg Coolers for a chance to win a FREE case of Beer Mugs! Just leave a review- no purchase necessary. Click here to leave a review- I Want to Win a Case of Beer Mugs!
