The 4 Best Stainless Steel Items to Showcase Your Open Kitchen
The open kitchen concept in the commercial world is becoming a trendy & functional design element. After all, it’s not often that patrons can get a look at the back of house operations from the comfort of their own seats. But what purpose does an open kitchen really serve & what’s the best equipment to show it off?
In this article, we’ll go into detail about what an open kitchen really is. We’ll then offer up some IMC stainless steel equipment to showcase the concept to your guests. Let’s jump right in.
Open Kitchen – The Definitive Dining Experience
Open kitchens literally “break down the walls” between kitchen staff & curious diners. By eliminating these boundaries, you can deliver an enhanced sensory experience that increases the appetite & sense of hunger of your patrons.
Additionally, you convey a sense of trust & confidence in your work by displaying your kitchen activities to your patrons. Satisfying a customer’s curiosity is the true essence of an open kitchen design.
The other reason to consider an open kitchen concept is hygiene. In the age of COVID-19, patrons want to see how safely food is being prepared in a controlled environment. Assuring customers of the food’s freshness & safety builds more trust & enhances the overall setting.
In a recent study by Harvard Business Review, they found that kitchen staff tends to prepare their food better when they can see the customers. This brings in an element of fine dining to the mix.
So, What Equipment Should You Consider?
An open kitchen concept is a visual feast, so you’ll need attractive equipment to play the part. Stainless steel products fit the bill as they are sleek, modern & luxurious. Contrast this to plastic or aluminum products where the visual appeal is just not there. Here are 4 product categories to consider for your open kitchen concept:
1. Cabinets
Topping off the list are cabinets. These can be standard storage cabinets, wall cabinets, or even base cabinets. Glass hinged doors are even more attractive, but a sliding door will really wow your patrons.
Cabinets are useful for storage & keeping your items safe. You’ll be using cabinets often, so patrons will definitely see them in action when they dine in. For an open kitchen design, we recommend wall cabinets as they save the most floor space & provide a striking piece for your back & side wall areas.
2. Shelving
This includes standard shelving or wall shelving. It’s another storage item, but this one is different in that your items are out in the open for everyone to see. Patrons want to catch a glimpse of what’s going on at all times in an open kitchen concept. Shelving gives them an opportunity to do this.
Standard shelving can be solid or louvered depending on your needs. They can also be stationary or mobile. To get the biggest reaction in an open kitchen, try out wall shelving units where it makes sense in your area.
3. Worktables
Worktables & prep tables are a vital component of any kitchen, closed or open. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to perform simple tasks such as preparing dishes or ingredients. Installing a large stainless steel worktable shows your patrons that you mean serious business. Strategically placing your worktable in the field of view of your customers will give you a leg up & increase attention.
IMC manufactures a wide variety of worktables – even some which include backsplashes & undershelves. For an open kitchen design, we recommend going all out and customizing your worktable with drawers, a backsplash & undershelf. In the end, try to pinpoint the right type & number of worktables that will enable you to get your kitchen tasks done efficiently.
4. Hand Sinks
Hand sinks relay the message to your diners that you are safe, responsible & care about other’s health. Having a few hand sinks placed in your open kitchen gives you a way for staff to quickly wash their hands before handling food items. A bonus would be a towel dispenser placed nearby so your staff can dry their hands & get back to work in a flash.
A multitude of IMC hand sinks exist – from free standing to wall mounted. For an open kitchen design, we recommend a free standing hand sinks with a foot pedal valve for the most hygienic wash possible.
IMC understands increasing popularity of open kitchen concepts & fully embrace their philosophy. Having attractive stainless steel equipment installed will only enhance the overall concept. To learn more about how IMC can cater to your stainless steel needs, click here.