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Whether you're operating a food truck, compact kitchen, or concession stand, making the most of your limited space is crucial. Fortunately, there are many compact kitchen equipment options on the market to help you optimize your workspace without compromising on functionality. From small countertop appliances to versatile multi-functional units, this equipment is designed to maximize efficiency and streamline operations in tight spaces. We've curated a selection of the most popular and highly regarded small kitchen equipment based on customer feedback, industry research, and insights from our foodservice experts.
Shop All Food Truck Cooking Equipment
Check out our top choices for the best compact kitchen equipment:
- Best Range/Oven for Compact Kitchens: Southbend S36D S-Series 36" Natural Gas 6-Burner Range with Standard Oven
- Best Sink for Compact Kitchens: Regency 39" 16-Gauge Stainless Steel Three Compartment Commercial Sink
- Best Ventilation System for Compact Kitchens: Halifax FTHO430 Package Type 1 Hood System
- Best Fryer for Compact Kitchens: Regency 18 Gauge Stainless Steel 12" x 36" Solid Wall Shelf
- Best Wall Shelves for Compact Kitchens: AvaMix Revolution BFP534SS Batch Bowl Food Processor
- Best Refrigerator for Compact Kitchens: True TWT-27-HC 27 5/8" Worktop Refrigerator
- Best Freezer for Compact Kitchens: True TWT-27F-HC 27 5/8" Worktop Freezer
- Best Countertop Griddle for Compact Kitchens: Garland E24-24G 24" Heavy-Duty Electric Countertop Griddle
- Best Countertop Range for Compact Kitchens: Vulcan VCRH24-1 Natural Gas 24" 4 Burner Countertop Range
- Best Countertop Food Warmer for Compact Kitchens: Vollrath 71001 Cayenne Full Size Countertop Warmer
Compact Kitchen Equipment
The equipment you choose to fit into your limited space will be the cornerstone of your kitchen setup. In a tight kitchen space, the less you struggle with operating your equipment, the more productive and efficient your kitchen will be. Look for appliances and tools that are user-friendly, intuitive, and streamlined to maximize functionality.
The Southbend S36D S-Series 36" natural gas 6-burner range with a standard oven enables you to fry and simmer food on top while utilizing the oven below for your baking and warming needs. The range boasts a 36 1/2" wide open top with 6 burners, providing ample space for cooking multiple dishes simultaneously without taking up too much space. Inside, the oven is equipped with 2-position rack guides and comes with 1 removable rack. Crafted with a durable stainless steel front and sides, this unit is built to withstand the rigors of a commercial kitchen environment. Operation is a breeze thanks to metal control knobs featuring a distinct red stripe for quick and easy adjustments.
Shop the Southbend S36D S-Series 36" Natural Gas Range with Standard Oven | $2,420.00
Read customer reviews for the Southbend S36D S-Series 36" natural gas range with standard oven.
Runner Up: Cooking Performance Group S36-N Natural Gas Range with Standard Oven
- Durable stainless steel front, sides, and overhead shelf
- Includes 6 non-clogging burners with removable cast iron grates
- Standard oven features 2-position rack guides with 1 removable rack
- Easy to operate with metal control knobs
- Requires a natural gas connection
- Grates are susceptible to rust over time
The Regency 39" 16-gauge stainless steel three-compartment sink is durable, corrosion-resistant, and fits perfectly in small spaces. Each compartment is dipped a minimum of 1/4" to facilitate better drainage, preventing water from pooling and ensuring a clean and efficient workspace, and the welded construction of the sink contributes to its long-lasting use and overall strength. It also features a 1 1/2" raised rolled edge, which is 2" tall on the front and both sides. Each compartment is designed with rounded corners, allowing you to rinse and wipe down the sink with ease.
Shop the Regency 39" 16-Gauge Stainless Steel Three Compartment Sink | $539.00
Read customer reviews for the Regency 39" 16-Gauge stainless steel three compartment sink.
- Designed with (3) 12" deep bowls and rounded corners for easy cleaning
- Stainless steel legs, sockets, bullet feet, and crossbracing for maximum strength and longevity
- Includes 1 1/2" IPS drain connection and 3 1/2" basket strainers
- Backsplash and rolled edges prevent splashes and overflow
- Stainless steel sinks are susceptible to water spots
- 16-gauge stainless steel is thicker, but will make more noise as you clean dishes
The Halifax FTHO430 Package type 1 hood system is well-suited for food trucks, concession trailers, and kitchens where overhead space is limited. Its compact design and efficient ventilation capabilities make it a practical choice for settings where space is limited. This hood system is designed for use over equipment with a surface operating temperature under 700 degrees Fahrenheit, as mandated by fire codes for type 1 hoods. It is ideal for a variety of equipment, such as fryers, griddles, charbroilers, and conveyor pizza ovens.
Shop the Halifax FTHO430 Package Type 1 Hood System | $1,859.00
Read customer reviews for the Halifax FTHO430 package type 1 hood system.
- Type 1 hood for grease-producing equipment
- Includes sloped-front hood canopy and exhaust fan
- 18-gauge 430 stainless steel construction on all exposed surfaces
- For food truck and concession trailer installations
- Exhaust-only system with no makeup air
The Vulcan CEF40 40 lb. electric countertop fryer is a great option for small concession stands and bars where fried foods are in high demand. The 16-gauge stainless steel frying tank is built to last, and the front condiment rail is perfect for storing towels, tongs, or food pans, keeping your workspace organized and efficient. Cleaning is made easy with the full-port ball-type drain valve and quick disconnect drain pipe, allowing for hassle-free maintenance and ensuring your fryer remains in top condition.
Shop the Vulcan CEF40 40 lb. Electric Countertop Fryer | $7,416.00
Read customer reviews for the Vulcan CEF40 40 lb. electric countertop fryer.
Runner Up: Avantco F102 20 lb. Dual Tank Electric Countertop Fryer
- Stainless steel front and sides with a 40 lb. stainless steel tank
- 1 1/4" drain valve with a quick disconnect drain pipe
- Front condiment rail is perfect for storing towels, tongs, or food pans
- Comes with twin fry baskets with plastic coated handles
- Two fry baskets limit output
- Electric fryers take longer to heat up than gas fryers
Compact Kitchen Storage
In a limited space, you must find a way to provide adequate storage without overcrowding the area. The goal is to store everything you need efficiently while allowing for a smooth and uninterrupted cooking process. Look for storage solutions that maximize vertical space. Some storage units are designed to double as food prep surfaces, providing an additional workspace in an optimized kitchen layout.
Regency 18-gauge stainless steel 12" x 36" solid wall shelves are reliable and efficient. Constructed from durable stainless steel, they are not only sturdy but also easy to clean, making them ideal for storing ingredients, supplies, and equipment in smaller kitchens. The material ensures that the shelf can withstand the demands of a busy kitchen environment, while also maintaining a sleek and professional appearance. They also come with support brackets that allow for easy installation and provide added stability.
Shop Regency 18 Gauge Stainless Steel Solid Wall Shelves | $44.99
Read customer reviews for Regency 18 gauge stainless steel wall shelves.
- 18 gauge stainless steel
- Includes 2 support brackets
- 230 lb. capacity
- Makes the most of unused wall space
- Metal shelves may warp over time
- Sharp edges
The True TWT-27-HC 27 5/8" worktop refrigerator combines functionality, durability, and workspace efficiency. It features a durable construction with a stainless steel front, top, and sides. The corrosion-resistant GalFan-coated steel back adds to its durability, making it suitable for busy kitchens. One of the standout features of this worktop refrigerator is its convenient worktop surface, allowing your staff to prepare meals without needing an extra table, saving valuable floor space.
Shop the True TWT-27-HC 27 5/8" Worktop Refrigerator | $2,475.00
Read customer reviews for the True TWT-27-HC 27 5/8" worktop refrigerator.
Runner Up: Avantco AWT-27R 27" Worktop Refrigerator
- Stainless steel exterior, GalFan coated steel back, and clear-coated aluminum interior
- Uses R-290 refrigerant; 115V, 1/6 hp
- Foamed-in-place insulation
- Self-closing and stay-open door features for easy loading and unloading of product
- Stainless steel exterior may rust over time
- Small backsplash provides minimal protection
The True TWT-27F-HC 27 5/8" worktop freezer features a spacious freezer portion that is readily accessible through its solid door. Inside, the freezer opens up to two shelves, making it easy to arrange ingredients as you see fit. The clear-coated aluminum interior and stainless steel floor are not only durable but also easy to clean, while the covered corners and foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation help provide structural rigidity and maintain internal temperatures. Additionally, the built-in worktop surface provides an additional food prep area for kitchens or food trucks with limited space.
Shop the True TWT-27F-HC 27 5/8" Worktop Freezer | $2,905.00
Read customer reviews for the True TWT-27F-HC 27 5/8" worktop freezer.
Runner Up: Avantco AWT-27F 27" Worktop Freezer
- Stainless steel exterior and clear-coated aluminum interior
- Convenient worktop surface with 3 9/16" backsplash
- Foamed-in-place insulation and auto-defrost function
- Self-closing and stay-open door features for easy loading and unloading of product
- Stainless steel exterior may rust over time
- Aluminum interior may be prone to dents
Compact Kitchen Appliances
Countertop kitchen appliances can be placed on a flat surface, allowing you to easily prepare orders in tight spaces. Their portability allows for seamless use, as you can turn them off and swiftly remove them from the counter when you need to use the space for something else. Look for durable construction, user-friendly controls, and energy-efficient features to streamline operations.
The Garland E24-24G 24" heavy-duty electric countertop griddle may have a small footprint, but don't let its size fool you. With an 8 kW heating element and a 3/4" thick griddle plate, this unit can handle up to 300 hamburgers or 460 pancakes per hour, making it a reliable workhorse for busy establishments. Each 12" section of the griddle is equipped with its own tubular heating element and hydraulic thermostatic control, allowing for precise heating and temperature control from 100 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It also features a recovery signal light, alerting you when the griddle has reached the desired temperature.
Shop the Garland E24-24G 24" Heavy-Duty Electric Countertop Griddle | $5,170.00
Read customer reviews for Garland E24-24G 24" heavy-duty electric countertop griddle.
- 3/4" thick griddle plate
- 4" sanitary legs
- Recovery signal light
- Stainless steel front and sides
- Requires a hardwired connection
- Electric griddles take longer to heat up
The Vulcan VCRH24-1 Natural Gas 24" 4-burner countertop range provides maximum heat distribution and control for your cooking needs. The stainless steel front, sides, and top not only give the unit an attractive look but also make it easy to clean. Constructed with heavy-duty cast-iron top grates, this countertop range retains heat efficiently for optimal cooking results. Each burner is equipped with an infinite heat control valve, allowing independent cooking for up to four different items simultaneously.
Shop the Vulcan VCRH24-1 Natural Gas 24" 4 Burner Countertop Range | $1,779.00
Read customer reviews for the Vulcan VCRH24-1 natural gas 24" 4 burner countertop range.
Runner Up: Avantco Chef Series CAG-R-4-24 24" 4 Burner Gas Countertop Range
- Cast iron top grates for optimal heat retention
- One infinite heat control valve per burner
- Standing pilot with each burner for easy ignition
- Full width front crumb tray
- Requires a gas or propane connection
- Stainless steel construction prone to rust over time
The Vollrath 71001 Cayenne countertop warmer can accommodate a 4" deep food pan. Its dome-shaped element focuses heat directly into the well, promoting more efficient heat transfer and ensuring that your food remains evenly warm. Moreover, the heating element uses 25% less energy than traditional heating elements, making it an energy-efficient choice for your kitchen. The back feet of the warmer provide stability, keeping it level on your countertop and minimizing the risk of spills or accidents. It also comes with thermostatic controls that allow you to set a precise temperature.
Shop the Vollrath 71001 Cayenne Full Size Countertop Warmer | $211.00
Read customer reviews for the Vollrath 71001 Cayenne full size countertop warmer.
Runner Up: Avantco W50 12" x 20" Full Size Electric Countertop Food Warmer
- Eye-catching stainless steel exterior
- Holds up to a 4" deep full size food pan
- 120V, 700W
- Thermostatic controls allow you to set a precise temperature
- Requires an electrical connection
- Must be used with water
Compact Kitchen FAQ
Shopping for a compact kitchen can be a difficult task. To help you through the process, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the topic.
What Is a Compact Kitchen?
Most kitchens range from 500 to 2,000 square feet, so anything less than 500 square feet can be considered a small commercial kitchen. However, since each restaurant is different, there is no typical size for a commercial kitchen.
What Are the Different Types of Compact Kitchens?
A small or compact kitchen can be found in a range of foodservice concepts and may be beneficial in certain environments. Some of the most common types of small kitchens include:
- Food trucks
- Concession stands
- Walk-up window restaurants
- Small diners
- Independent bakeries
Back to Top
When it comes to outfitting a commercial kitchen, space constraints can often pose a challenge. Not every product can fit in a small kitchen while still delivering high-end performance, and you must find the right balance to provide the best level of service. By educating yourself on the best products, equipment, and storage solutions for compact kitchens, you can optimize workflow and productivity, setting your business up for success.
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