When you are in the catering business, one ingredient for success is having the right equipment. This includes kitchen, serving and transporting equipment that allows you to juggle more than your fair share of logistics and organization during a catering job. After all, catering is more than just preparing sumptuous food, it is ensuring that the food does not go dry with time and that your presentation looks attractive and appetizing.

Examples of useful commercial kitchenware and equipment include food warmers, holding cabinets, slow cook ovens, enough dinnerware and flatware for your guests, a flatware caddy, a complete set of chafing dishes and buffetware and much more.

The question is, should you rent or buy your equipment? Let’s discuss the pros and cons, shall we?

Renting equipment: The advantages and disadvantages

ü  You have access (albeit) temporary to kitchen equipment, dinnerware and flatware or serving equipment that you otherwise cannot afford. Renting is a more affordable optionwhen you’re just starting out and are hesitant of putting the small capital you have into expensive equipment.

ü  Renting allows you to more easily manage your cash flow.

ü  Renting also allows you to have access to a wider range of choices when it comes to tableware.

ü  Renting allows you to experiment with different kinds of equipment. You get to test which equipment works best for you. If a particular piece is not effective, then you can look for other units.

ü  When renting, you are able to get newer, more modern equipment.

û  Renting equipment may come out as more expensive in the long term, especially if you are getting more and more catering jobs over time.

û  You may not have easy access at all times. There may be times when the equipment you want to rent is unavailable for the scheduled event.

û  Renting may mean extra work for you and your staff. In some case it means you have to pick up and deliver the rented equipment every time you need it.

Buying equipment: The advantages and disadvantages

ü  If you want to grow your business and are able to win more and more catering jobs, it will be cheaper in the long run to buy the equipment rather than just rent it. You see, aside from the rental fees, catering equipment rental companies may also charge environmental fees.

ü  Having the necessary equipment in your list will also work to impress your clients and shows that you are a professional organization.

ü  You also get to enjoy more tax advantages with buying the equipment through amortization. To learn more about the tax advantages, we advise you to talk with your accountant regarding how this works.

ü  It allows more convenience for you and your staff since the equipment is already in your business location and can be more easily transported to your current catering job.

ü  More importantly, owning your catering equipment gives you more control over your business.

ü  Nowadays, you also have enjoy savings when buying in bulk as there are a number of online stores that give easy access to wholesale restaurant equipment and discount flatware.

û  The main disadvantage of buying your kitchenware and serverware is that it will need a considerable capital outlay on your part.

To rent or to own? That is the question!

Although we have laid out the advantages and disadvantages of the two, the decision to rent or not will depend on you and the status of your business. When deciding, you should ask yourself how frequently you will be using a specific piece of kitchen equipment. If you will need the equipment often enough, then it should justify the cost of buying that equipment.

A good source of your catering equipment needs

Lionsdeal provides you with excellent deals on restaurant supplies, wholesale flatware and even more affordable dinnerware options such as melamine plates. Lionsdeal has built a solid reputation as a supplier of quality restaurant and catering equipment. It has also a huge inventory which you can choose from.

You can trust that Lionsdeal can deliver highly affordable prices, prompt and professional delivery, quality products from renowned manufacturers plus the convenience of choosing and making orders online.

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You have donned your toque and cooked up delectable dishes that will have everyone exclaiming, “My stomach is one happy place!” But as you know, in the catering business, you also need a host of equipment that will not only ensure that your food looks appetizing, but that it is safely transported from your kitchen to the party site and that the overall presentation looks professional.

Really, having the right equipment is essential to having a successful catering business. And wowing your clients not just with your cooking expertise coupled but also with smooth and seamless service, excellent logistical planning and implementation, as well as attractive presentation, will win you even more clients. After all, you are aiming to give your client not just a meal but a dining experience – where the taste, textures, looks and colors work together.

So, here are some of the catering must-haves that should be part of your catering business, aside from the standard kitchen equipment. With the right equipment, you can flawlessly manage various logistical and organizational aspects of your catering job and prove to your clients that you are the right choice:

Dinnerware. It cannot be denied that you will need good dinnerware, especially if you are planning to cater to more formal events. Aside from the dinner plates, you will need salad plates, bread and butter plates, soup bowls and teacup and saucer. You can also consider getting some place setting extras such as charger plates, rim soup bowls and accent plates.

Cabinets for transporting and holding food.When you are catering a large event, you need holding cabinets which you can use to store and heat pre-cooked foods. With holding cabinets, you ensure that the taste stays consistent, vegetables keep their crispness, the meats are moist and the food hot and ready to serve. Holding cabinets provide natural convection heat and humidity that keep your dishes for even prolonged periods (which is handy when the food is en route to the venue).

Chafing dishes.These are standard buffetware made up of large serving dishes with heaters underneath. These come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. When choosing chafing dishes, look for the following qualities – appearance, durability, portability and the ease of controlling the heat. The chafing dishes should also be stable enough so that it won’t be knocked over. It is also advisable to get chafing dishes that have lids that are supported by braces or that have rolling covers. This way, your servers don’t have to worry about where to put a hot lid while they are busy with a long buffet line. You should also invest in good chafing dish accessories, including tongs, food scoops, fuel holders, lighters for the fuel cells and water pans.

Serverware. Make your buffet table look even more delightful or serve your food with style using elegant serving platters, vegetable bowls, gravy boats (with stand), serving trays and pickle/relish dishes. Having these serverware at your buffet table adds an elegant touch and also allows you to provide an attractive array of mini appetizers.

Soup warmer.Soup warmers are usually large electronic tureens that keep the soup warm. These can also be used for chilli, stews and sauces.

Linen and Decor.You may also need to provide additional amenities such as chairs, table, table linen and tabletop accessories such as table card holders and salt & pepper shakers.

Uniforms.The members of your kitchen staff should wear the requisite cook’s jackets, trousers, toques and aprons. This is not just to present a professional image to the clients but also to ensure that the kitchen exercises proper hygiene by limiting hair and skin contact with the food. Your servers should also be in uniform so that diners can identify the wait staff. This avoids embarrassing instances where a guest mistakes another guest for a server.

It is crucial to understand that the right tools will help you integrate your processes from end to end, resulting in an efficient and impressive catering service. It is important that you also have the right supplier for your catering needs. Lionsdeal provides you with the catering and restaurant supplies you need at excellent prices.

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Every day we depend on kitchen supplies to provide us with enriched gourmet food and quality dishes.  When considering on purchasing kitchen or restaurant equipment, remember that it is an investment.  The supplies you purchase are essential part of getting quality dishes and depend on having high quality products that are reliable for the job.

Ovens, freezers, coolers, fryers, and grills should be considered as a major investment. These items can get really expensive and you want them to last for quite some time.  Even pots and pans are long lasting equipment that should be seen as an investment and with the purchase of these high dollar items, it would be wise to get a warranty from the supplier incase anything happens to the equipment.

The lists for kitchen supplies are endless and undaunting task to complete.  To ease the burden start by covering the basics; make a list of the tools that you would usually use every day.  This could cover products like bowls and plates, to pot and pans, to the different types of spoons you use. By making a list you will know exactly what you have and what else you will need to get in the future.

To make it easier on yourself we have provided a list of must have items that will take care of your costly trips back and forth to the store to purchase another utensil for your kitchen supplies.  Make sure this is a list of kitchen equipment that is a must in your house or restaurant. Without these item’s, you won’t be able to cook or eat.

- Kitchen Utensils:  tools for cooking such as spatulas, ladles, measuring spoons, long/short tongs.  Be sure to make not the amount needed for your cooking supply and also don’t disregard safety; a longer handle on a ladle could help decrease burns.

-Flatware: Unless you’re ok with eating with your hands you may not need flatware but most likely, everyone uses flatware. Forks, spoons, knives are sometimes a necessity when it comes to eating. It may be quite difficult to eat without them.

- Dinnerware:  are very important for they provide the use of serving food; having entrée plates, soup bowls, pasta bowls, salad plates, dessert plates, glasses, etc…  Take into account that plates might break so plan accordingly and have extra plates just incase.

- Pots and pans:  are the cookware that gets the most use, so you want to get something dependable and durable for its high volume use.  Depending on the quantity of people you are serving for, look for the size of pots and pans in need.  Not only look for sizes but type of pans like baking pans, saucepans, sauté pans, pizza pan, stockpots and other cookware that are a necessity for the kitchen.

- Janitorial supplies:  are supplies that help clean up and provide safety.  They include soaps, sanitizers, rubber floor mats, aprons, fire extinguisher, towels and other cleaning supplies.  No one wants to eat from an unclean environment which makes janitorial supplies a wise purchase.

Undoubtedly some other things will come up that you need to put into your restaurant supply and as long as you have the basics you should be fine.  If something else needs to be added you will sooner or later will take note and acquire those tools for use.

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Kitchen utensils are a very important part of any kitchen, whether you own a business or you’re just cooking at home.  These utensils can help you at work or at home.  They’re convenient because using the right kitchen utensil makes cooking or baking so much easier.  Here are a few of the common kitchen utensils.

Basting Utensils

Most people use a traditional baster to baste a turkey or other item.  However, this isn’t the only option available.  Special basting brushes work well.  It’s a more delicate way of basting that gives you a little more control than a traditional baster.  Several different basting spoons are also available.

Spatulas

When most people think of spatulas they see the flat silicone or rubber spatula.  These are the most common spatula used in a kitchen.  People often use them while baking.  Many of these spatulas are heat resistant, which makes them ideal for removing cookies and other items from a hot pan.

Stainless steel spatulas are quite different from the silicone or rubber ones.  These are often used for cooking.  Many people use them while grilling.  They can be very helpful for a person making hamburgers.

Icing spatulas are another type that can make a task so much easier.  Many bakeries and catering companies use these.  They are also convenient for anyone who makes cakes at home.  Using an icing spatula will help you get a smooth layer of icing without a lot of work.

Cooking Whips

These are great for cooking and baking.  Many people use cooking whips in the early stages of making a dish.  You can use a cooking whip that’s handheld, or you can have a whip that connects to a mixer.  You can choose from different styles, shapes, sizes, and materials.

Ice Cream Scoops

Having an ice cream scoop is really handy when you’re making dessert.  It can be as simple as putting some ice cream next to a piece of cake.  A recipe may also call for ice cream, and using a scoop is the easiest way to get it out of the carton.  You can even use the scoop to give a food item a specific shape for an improved presentation.

Other kitchen utensils and completely different items are also available through Lionsdeal.  You can find items at great prices from commercial kitchenware to disposable products to office supplies.  You can find almost anything through Lionsdeal.

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Lionsdeal is a great place to look if you need a solution for takeout and leftovers at your restaurant. They have all the restaurant supplies and equipment you will need in one place. Disposable products are one way to make it easy for your customers to take their food home.  Lionsdeal has a range of disposable products for a variety of foods.  Some disposable products can also help the daily operations of a restaurant run smoothly.

Hinged Lid Food Containers

These food containers are very popular because they’re easy to use and they can hold a large amount of food usually.  Plus, customers are used to using hinged lid food containers. They come in different sizes, colors, and materials.  Black and white is the most popular colors.  Many of the containers are made of foam, but some are plastic.  Certain types are even biodegradable.

Microwavable Food Containers

These food containers are growing in popularity because people can bring them anywhere.  A customer can bring the food to work with a microwavable food container.  This makes it much easier for them to finish their leftovers.

Straws

Straws are an easy item to forget when you’re considering what your restaurant should have to keep your customers happy.  They may be a small item, but they can make a big difference.  Sometimes it’s nice to have a straw in a drink as you sit in a restaurant.  Straws are also great for fast food restaurants, coffee shops, and other food industry businesses.

Practical Items

The disposable products in this category do not actually touch the food.  These are items that help daily operations of the restaurant.  For example, every restaurant needs garbage bags.  Without garbage bags the restaurant’s environment will become unpleasant quickly.

Paper towels are another disposable product that’s important to keep your customers happy.  These are important in the restrooms for customers after they wash their hands.  You will probably have some unhappy customers if you don’t have paper towels.

You can find many options for all of these items on Lionsdeal’s website.  You’ll also find other types of items.  Some of these include bar supplies, dinnerware, office supplies, and commercial kitchenware.  You’ll find a broad selection of everything that Lionsdeal carries.

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Baking a cake can be easy or it can be difficult.  It really depends on what kind of tools you have to work with.  If you have the right ingredients and the right kitchen supplies you’ll be able to whip up a cake in no time.  Lionsdeal offers a wide variety of baking supplies that will help you bake a cake.

Cake Pans

There are several types of cake pans available.  One of the most common types is the round layer cake pan.  You can choose from different sizes and different shapes of cake pans.  Round is the most common shape, but rectangular and square cake pans are also available.  Round bundt cake pans are available as well.

When looking for a cake pan you should also consider the material of the pan.  Aluminum is a common material.  Steel is another material option.  Some pans are also offered in a non-stick version of a material.  This makes it easier to bake with.  Experienced and new bakers will both enjoy the non-stick cake pans.

Cake Molds

Using a cake mold is a way to make personal cakes.  Many of the molds are designed to make cakes that are smaller than a regular sized cake.  In a way, these cakes are like large cupcakes.  Some cake molds create cakes that are specific shapes, such as snowflakes.  Many molds are made of non-stick material for convenience.

Baking Mats

Silicone baking mats are a new addition to baking.  They are an alternative to parchment or wax paper.  You can use these mats up to 1,000 times.  These mats can go on the bottom of a pan to create a truly non-stick surface.  You’ll be able to take your cake out without greasing the bottom of the pan.  Just stick the baking mat on the bottom of the pan, and then use a spatula to ease it off the paper.

Measuring Cups

You can choose from a few different types of measuring cups.  Standard measuring cups that are used for cooking with dry ingredients can be used for measuring dry ingredients for baking.  It’s also important to have a liquid measuring cup to make sure all your measurements are correct.  Another option is to use special bakers measuring cups.  These will help you get a precise measurement.  Dry ingredient and liquid bakers measuring cups are available.

Cake Decorating

Decorating the cake is a major part of baking a cake.  Having the right tools will improve the cake in the end.  Many different decorating tube tips are available from Lionsdeal.  You can choose from different shapes and sizes.  Marzipan tools are also available.

More baking supplies and other items are available online through Lionsdeal.  They carry a wide range of items, including commercial kitchenware, office supplies, catering equipment, dinnerware, and more.  No matter what you’re looking for you’ll find it at Lionsdeal.com.

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Whether you own a business or you’re just looking for items for your home kitchen, it’s important to choose the right utensil.  There are many multipurpose utensils, but the all purpose kitchen utensil has yet to be invented.  Lionsdeal knows how important it is to have the right utensils when you’re cooking.  That’s why they carry a wide selection of kitchen utensils that perform well in commercial and home environments.

Peelers

Having a peeler is very important because it’s efficient and safe.  Some people still use knives to peel potatoes and other items, but this is very dangerous especially in commercial kitchen environments.  The most common type of peeler is the handheld potato peeler.

Another type of peeler is an apple peeler.  Some manual apple peelers are available, but there are also electronic peelers.  Complete peeler sets are available.  These sets can come with different types of blades and devices.  Some sets have a corer included.  Other fruit peelers are also available.

Corers

Using a corer can make baking or simply eating fruit much easier.  The standard corer is designed for apples.  There are a wide range of apple corers available.  The one that’s right for you depends on the environment and who will be using it.  If only adults are using the corer, then a standard metal is just fine.  If children may wind up using it, then an alternative material should be used.

Chopping

Many recipes require some sort of knife work, such as chopping.  Using a knife is the traditional choice, but this can sometimes take a while.  A person who is not used to using a knife will take quite a while to chop for safety reasons.  There are special chopping devices that make the process safer and quicker.  Rotating choppers have become very popular in recent years.  They can chop a wide range of ingredients while you simply press down on the handle.

Spoons

Spoons are usually considered an essential item of kitchenware, but sometimes they are forgotten.  There are many types of spoons that every kitchen should include.  It’s a good idea to have multiple cooking spoons in the kitchen.  Having different sizes will make it easier to prepare a wide range of dishes.

Another important type of spoon is a soup ladle.  Many kitchens require at least two ladles of different sizes.  Most are used for stirring and serving soup, so they are solid.  However, there are also ladles that are perforated to strain through dishes for desired items.

These utensils are just a few of the variety of items that Lionsdeal offers.  Many specialty utensils are available that make running a commercial kitchen much easier.  Outside of kitchen utensils Lionsdeal also offers restaurant dinnerware, restaurant supplies and equipment, disposable products, appliances, and more.  You’re sure to find everything you’re looking for at Lionsdeal.

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There are many exceptional products that Lionsdeal offers, including Libbey glassware.  This glassware is great for restaurants, catering companies, bars, home use, and more.  It can be difficult to decide exactly what glassware is right for you, but there’s sure to be something for everyone at Lionsdeal.

About Libbey Glassware

Libbey Inc has been a trusted company for hundreds of years.  They are known for making quality glassware.  Over the years they have pioneered the glassmaking field and have discovered new ways to create glassware.  Libbey offers a wide range of glassware that is known for its quality.  Its selection has also drawn people to it over the years.  More options make finding the right glassware easier.

Restaurant Glassware

Using Libbey glassware in restaurants is common, because there are several useful styles to choose from.  Tumblers are a common choice for restaurant dinnerware. These glasses are essential for every customer to have any sort of drink.  Many styles and even colors are available to fit the style of any restaurant.

Some restaurants also like to have some specialty glassware.  Wine glasses are the most common specialty glasses at restaurants.  Many customers enjoy a glass of wine with dinner on occasion.  It’s very important to have the right type of glass.  If a customer orders wine and receives it in a tumbler, they will usually have a negative impression of the restaurant.  Using wine glasses adds class to a restaurant.

Bar Glassware

Many styles and sizes of specialty glassware are available.  Some glasses are specifically designed for alcoholic drinks.  Lionsdeal has a variety of these glasses, including the small spirits glasses.  Other glasses that are specifically designed for mixed drinks are also available.  General glasses that are often used at bars are available as well.  There are many styles to choose from to match the feel and style of the specific bar.  Having the right glassware will provide your customers with a positive impression.

Home Glassware

Businesses are not the only places that want nice glassware.  At home, glassware can be an important part of a dinnerware set.  This glassware may be simple tumblers for everyday meals.  A person may also want a nicer set of glassware to go with their nice china.  They can choose from a range of glassware.  Many different styles are available, so it’s easy to find the right glassware.

The glassware above is just one of the many items that Lionsdeal offers.  They also offer restaurant supplies and equipment, kitchenware, general bar supplies, disposable products, office supplies, and more.  Anyone from business owners to average citizens can find exactly what they’re looking for at Lionsdeal.

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Lionsdeal understands that every catering business, restaurant, and home requires excellent kitchenware.  To meet everyone’s kitchen needs, Lionsdeal offers a wide range of kitchenware items.  Many different items and brands are available.  One of the most well-known brands is Paderno kitchenware.

About Paderno Kitchenware

This Canada-based company is known for creating quality cookware.  When the company first started they only made pots.  At that time they focused on perfecting the production process of each pot.  With their dedication to perfecting, their items have become well-known.  These pots are now called Pots of Eternity because they are designed to last longer than any other item in a kitchen.  As the years went on, Paderno started to branch out and now makes a variety of kitchenware.  A few of their common items are explored below.

Pots & Pans

No matter how big or small a kitchen is it always requires pots and pans.  These items are very important for making a wide range of dishes.  There are a few material options for Paderno pots and pans.  Copper and nonstick carbons are two popular options.  Usually, copper pots are popular while nonstick pans are commonly purchased for baking.  Other materials are also available.  Also, both pots and pans are available in many different sizes and shapes for several purposes.

Kitchen Tools

This is a rather large category of kitchenware that includes various types of utensils and gadgets.  For example, pizza cutters are part of this category.  This is just one of the many items besides pots and pans that Paderno makes.  Another common item than many businesses and people at home use is an onion blossom cutter.  This kitchen tool makes cutting onions a breeze.  It also helps a person create a quick appetizer, which is especially handy at restaurant. Also, who doesn’t like a good food chopper? They keep away the strong onion smell that causes tears to form and chops your food nice and small.

Specialty Items

Paderno offers many specialty kitchenware items.  Quite a few of these items help anyone who likes to bake.  These items can be used at home or at a professional bakery.  Several tools are available, including dough blades, pastry wheels, and rolling pins.

Larger baking supplies are also available.  Many Pandero nonstick baking pans are available.  They come in different sizes and shapes.  A few of these baking pans are for cakes and bread.  Some of the pans are made of nonstick carbon while others are made of nonstick silicone.

Another popular baking item that Paderno offers is molds.  These are great for anyone who makes cakes often.  Lionsdeal carries a large selection of molds that range from letters to animals to flowers.  Every baker will be able to find the molds they’re looking for.

Kitchenware and baking supplies is just one part of Lionsdeal’s vast selection of items.  Lionsdeal provides a wide range of supplies for businesses, restaurants, catering companies, and everyday people.  A large selection of dinnerware, office supplies, disposable products, restaurant supplies, glassware, and more are available through Lionsdeal.

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Wide-Rimmed Aluminum Pizza Pans

Just as many other breads and crusts, the type of pan which is used to cook pizza is very important in determining how the pizza’s crust will turn out. Some like it thin,  thick or filled with gooey cheese. Choosing the correct pan is much easier once the differences are made clear.

Pizza, as you know comes in different sizes and shapes. It can be very small and round or very large and rectangle. Pizza pans are mostly made out of aluminum or steel which makes them more durable so that they virtually last forever. Cast iron pans are also used to make pizza pans and added a little flavor boost to your pizza.

Flatter pans will make the crust thin and crispy. There are a few different types of flat pizza pans. They all pretty much cook the same way and produce the same type of crust. The main difference would be in how they look and how convenient they are to use for the purpose you have in mind.

One type of flat pizza pan is a coupe style pan. This pan has a very small rim around the edge which gives more room for the pizza while keeping it from sliding off. Most of these pans have a smooth finish and a concave shape. They are best for displaying pizzas but not very great for carrying them since they have no rim which you can grasp.

For handling pizza, the best pan to use is a wide-rimmed aluminum pizza pan. This pan is light weight and comes with a wider edge which gives you something to grab when you are carrying the pie from the oven to serve it. These pans come in many sizes, such as the small 8 inch round as well as the much larger 15 inch round. For a delicious thin and crispy crusted pizza which will be easy to serve the wide-rimmed aluminum pizza pan is a must in the kitchen!

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