20 Essential Commercial Kitchen Equipment, Tools & Utensils Every Kitchen Needs
Running a restaurant, bakery, catering business, or hotel kitchen in Nigeria requires more than just good cooking skills. You need the right commercial kitchen equipment & tools to keep up with demand, maintain hygiene, and deliver consistent food quality.
Commercial kitchen equipment refers to the heavy-duty appliances and tools specifically designed for use in professional foodservice settings like restaurants, hotels, catering businesses, and cafeterias. These machines are built to handle large volumes, operate for extended hours, and meet strict hygiene and safety standards.
While regular kitchen equipment and utensils are intended for home use and smaller meal preparations, commercial kitchen equipment is engineered for efficiency, durability, and performance in high-demand environments. For example, a home blender is designed for occasional use, while a commercial blender is made to process large quantities of ingredients several times a day.
Simply put, commercial tools are the industrial-grade versions of the everyday kitchen tools—more powerful, more robust, and essential for running a successful food business.
Whether you’re just starting or upgrading your kitchen, this guide outlines 20 must-have commercial kitchen equipment & tools to equip your commercial kitchen for success.
1. Commercial Gas Cooker or Stove
A gas cooker is the engine of the kitchen. Commercial cookers are built with heavy-duty burners to withstand continuous use. Many models come with multiple burners and ovens, allowing you to boil, fry, steam, and bake simultaneously. This equipment is crucial for preparing Nigerian staples like rice, soup, stew, yam, and more.
afess.ng offers single to six-burner gas cookers with or without ovens — perfect for restaurants of any size.
2. Industrial Blender
An industrial blender helps you blend soups, smoothies, spices, and sauces quickly and efficiently. Unlike domestic blenders, commercial-grade blenders can handle large volumes and are built with stronger motors, making them essential in juice bars and kitchens.
️ Choose from 2L to 5L capacities at afess.ng depending on your workload.
3. Food Processor
Need to chop onions, shred vegetables, or mix dough in minutes? A food processor can replace hours of manual work. It improves consistency and reduces prep time — vital for fast-paced kitchens.
Great for salad bars, bakeries, and catering businesses, shop on afess.ng
4. Commercial Refrigerator & Freezer
This keeps perishable items like meat, vegetables, and dairy fresh and safe. A commercial fridge has a larger capacity and better insulation than home-use models. For food businesses, it’s important to have both cold storage and freezing capacity.
❄️ Find upright chillers, under-counter fridges, and chest freezers at afess.ng.
5. Deep Fryer
Used to prepare fries, chicken, chin chin, akara, puff-puff, and plantain. A commercial deep fryer ensures even frying at the right temperature, preventing food from becoming soggy or undercooked.
Look for models with oil drainage and temperature control. Get the best with afess.ng
6. Bain Marie / Food Display Warmer
Ideal for buffet services, restaurants, and cafeterias, a bain marie keeps food warm and fresh for serving. It’s commonly used to display jollof rice, fried rice, chicken, beans, and stews.
️ afess.ng offers bain maries with adjustable temperature knobs, sneeze guards, and lighting for better presentation.
7. Stainless Steel Work Table
This is where most of your food prep happens. Stainless steel is hygienic, easy to clean, and resistant to rust. Many tables come with shelves below for storage.
A must for maintaining food safety and keeping your kitchen organized. Get quality stainless steel with afess.ng
8. Microwave Oven
Reheat meals, defrost ingredients, or cook light meals. A commercial microwave is faster and more durable than household versions, which is ideal for bakeries and cafes.
⚡ Quick heating keeps your service moving during rush hours.
9. Commercial Oven (Gas or Electric)
Needed for baking bread, grilling meat, roasting chicken, or making pastries. Go for models with multiple trays and temperature controls. Commercial ovens are essential for both bakers and chefs.
From meat pies to pastries, you can count on consistent results.
10. Kitchen Sink & Drainboard
Cleanliness is non-negotiable in a commercial kitchen. A stainless steel sink allows for quick washing of pots, produce, and dishes. Some come with drainboards and splashbacks for extra hygiene.
Make sure your kitchen meets health regulations with the right sink.
11. Exhaust Hood / Ventilation System
Essential for removing smoke, grease, and heat from the kitchen. A proper ventilation system keeps your kitchen safe, odor-free, and comfortable for staff.
afess.ng supplies exhaust hoods that comply with safety standards.
12. Shelving & Storage Racks
Store ingredients, cooking utensils, pots, and small appliances neatly. Good shelving maximizes space and keeps items within reach.
Use labeled racks to follow the FIFO (First In, First Out) method for perishables.
13. Chef Knives & Cutting Boards
Every kitchen should have a variety of knives — chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, and boning knife. Combine them with color-coded cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination.
Color coding: Red for raw meat, Green for vegetables, Blue for seafood, etc.
14. Mixing Bowls (Stainless or Plastic)
You’ll need bowls for marinating meat, mixing dough, or preparing batter. Stainless steel bowls are durable and do not retain odors or stains.
Available in sets of different sizes for various tasks.
15. Measuring Cups & Spoons
Consistency is key in commercial food prep. Measuring tools ensure your recipes taste the same every time — especially important in bakeries.
⚖️ Look for stainless steel options that are easy to wash and long-lasting.
16. Cooking Pots & Frying Pans
Go for heavy-bottomed stainless steel or aluminum cookware for fast and even heat distribution. Non-stick options are ideal for frying without excess oil.
Sizes range from small saucepans to large cooking pots for bulk meals.
17. Serving Spoons, Tongs & Ladles
Used for serving and handling food hygienically. Tongs are ideal for picking hot items, ladles for soups and stews, and serving spoons for dishing out rice or salads.
Having several on hand helps speed up service.
18. Colander / Strainer
Used to rinse vegetables, drain pasta, or wash rice. It’s a simple but indispensable tool in any kitchen.
Prevents water from collecting in food and speeds up prep time.
19. Thermometers & Timers
Food thermometers help you cook meat and fish to the correct internal temperature, preventing foodborne illness. Timers ensure nothing gets overcooked or forgotten.
⏱️ Digital options are fast and more accurate.
20. Food Storage Containers
Used to portion meals, store dry goods, or pack customer orders. Choose airtight, stackable, and labeled containers for efficiency.
Reusable plastic or stainless steel options available at afess.ng.
Final Tips for Equipping Your Kitchen
When shopping for commercial kitchen tools and appliances in Nigeria, focus on:
- Durability: Can it withstand daily use?
- Ease of cleaning: Does it meet hygiene standards?
- Power supply: Does it support gas, electricity, or both?
- Size: Will it fit your kitchen and your needs?
- Support: Is there warranty or after-sale service?
Shop Premium Kitchen Equipment in Nigeria on afess.ng
Looking for quality and affordable kitchen equipment for your restaurant, hotel, bakery, or fast food business?
Visit afess.ng — Nigeria’s number one store for commercial kitchen supplies.
We deliver nationwide and stock everything from blenders to bain maries, ovens to fridges, and even full kitchen setups.