Investing in equipment for a chocolate shop

Starting your chocolate shop can be an exciting endeavour. It can also be a little overwhelming. One of the most important things to consider is that you need reliable kitchen equipment to make it as easy as possible.

When it comes to making a good decision about your kitchen equipment, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you buy from specialised kitchen equipment manufacturers. These appliances are built to last and are often easier to keep clean. You should also look for appliances that are energy efficient and easy to use.

Before you purchase any kitchen equipment, assess your needs and plan accordingly. You might also want to consider purchasing refurbished items to keep the costs down. We've put together a list of some basic pieces of kitchen equipment that every chocolate shop should have.

Catering fridges and freezers

Having reliable refrigeration for your ingredients is a must. Investing in commercial-grade catering fridges and freezers is a good idea because they are specifically designed to handle high-volume demand. They are also usually quite customisable and have the option to purchase more shelves, so you can customise your layout exactly how you require it.

Catering quality refrigeration will help ensure that all of your ingredients remain safe and at the correct temperature throughout the day. You can also be assured that if something does go wrong, the included after-sales service will have you back in business very quickly. Something no food business can do without!

 

Mixers

Mixers are essential when making chocolates, as they provide an easy way to combine ingredients consistently. Investing in a high-quality mixer can save you time, money, and effort in the long run as it will help ensure that all of your ingredients are mixed properly with minimal effort on your part.

You should look for one that can meet the capacity your demand requires and is easy to clean. Removable parts turn cleaning into a much quicker chore. Various speeds can also be a useful function.

Cooking blender

A cooking blender is another appliance that can be helpful when making chocolate. Whether you’re making truffles or ganache, having a good quality cooking blender will make life much easier when it comes time to whip up some delicious treats.

Not only does this appliance allow you to mix different ingredients, but you can also keep it at a warm enough temperature, so the chocolate is easier to mix. It allows for a lot of control as you can set the temperature precisely. Look for one that does not make too much noise, as it will be used frequently.

 

Stovetop or induction hob

When making chocolates from scratch, having access to heat sources is also important, as they allow you to melt chocolate without risking burning or scorching it. Stovetops are a good idea for this as they allow for a lot of capacity, so you can have multiple kinds of chocolate on the stove at the same time.

Another handy helper is an induction hob . Not only is this portable, making it a great mobile option, so you can move your chocolate to where needed, but it also heats up very quickly. It allows you to keep your chocolate at exactly the right temperature, which helps you make consistent products every time.

Bain marie

Another way to melt your chocolate, while still keeping the quality and texture consistent, is a bain marie . These machines use hot water as an indirect source of heat, so they can never burn or overcook. The result is a smooth and glossy finished product.

Look for a bain marie that has enough capacity for your shop. It should also include space for GN containers, so you can keep different types of chocolate melted at the same time, ready for use at a moment's notice. Bain maries that come with a drain tap can be especially useful as they are easier to clean.

 

Display fridges

If you plan to sell fresh chocolates in your store, then having a beautiful display fridge is a must. These allow customers to easily view all your products without having to worry about them melting.

A good display fridge should be the right size to accommodate all your products without being too crowded. It should also be aesthetically pleasing, so customers are attracted to your products. Look for one that has precise temperature control and is energy efficient. It should have adjustable shelves and be easy to clean.

 

Stainless steel tables

Stainless steel tables are not only durable, but are also amazingly easy to keep clean, which makes them ideal for any professional kitchen. They provide enough surface area for mixing ingredients quickly and efficiently while still being lightweight enough to move around when needed.

Look for ones that meet your specific size requirements. A storage shelf underneath is also a good idea, as it gives you plenty of room to keep other ingredients and any utensils you might need. Some of these also come with wheels, which can be helpful if you frequently need to move your workspace to another location.

GN containers

GN containers are another very handy workspace tool. Having GN containers on hand helps keep any food items, like toppings or other ingredients, organised and easily accessible during busy times in the kitchen. They come in various sizes, so there are infinite combinations you can choose to suit what you require.

Look for ones that are made from durable and easy-to-clean materials, like stainless steel or polycarbonate. You can also get matching lids to keep food items contained. These also include a recess for spoons, so if you have a chocolate topping station, they are ideal for this.

Outfitting a new kitchen with all the necessary appliances can be intimidating, but with careful planning and research, anyone can create an efficient workspace capable of producing delicious treats. The key is to have the right equipment on hand, so your business is a success. Don't skimp on quality when purchasing these appliances – invest in good quality items from reputable suppliers so that they last long after the opening day has come and gone!