Kitchen remodels are probably one of the most common construction projects, and for good reason. The kitchen nourishes our bellies and a home or building. As a result, Pinterest and HGTV have more than enough kitchen remodel ideas for every home in America. But if you’re looking for commercial kitchen ideas, they can be harder to come by. To help bridge that gap, here are 5 commercial kitchen ideas for your next remodel, plus an overview of the difference between commercial and residential kitchen remodeling.
Commercial Kitchen vs Residential Kitchen
Before we dive into some commercial inspo, let’s start with the basics: what is the difference between a commercial and residential kitchen? A residential kitchen is a kitchen (if that wasn’t obvious) in a single-unit family home. If someone is renovating a residential kitchen, they often own the space and intend to live in it.
Commercial kitchens have a much broader definition. They can be found in restaurants, offices, and even multi-family units. The last one may be surprising, since many of us think of an apartment or condo as a residential space. While it is, it’s also a source of revenue for the landlord, meaning if a landlord is renovating a kitchen in a multi-family unit, it falls under the commercial kitchen umbrella.
Assembly Line
An assembly line kitchen optimizes a space so that you can assemble meals quickly. On the left side of the kitchen, for example, there could be a prep area, in the center an area to cook meals, and on the right an area to heat meals until a server can take it to a table. These are great for restaurants with high volume production or catering companies.
Zoning Kitchen
Zoning kitchens are another great option for restaurants, especially those that make a lot of dishes. With this kitchen layout, the space is divided into “zones” where different dishes can be made. There could be, for example, a dishwashing zone, inventory zone, cooking zone, and meal heating zone where waiters can pick up dishes.
This could also be a good layout for more spacious office kitchens. In this scenario, the zones may be a table where staff can eat, a refrigeration zone, a zone with a microwave and storage space, and a zone where someone could cook a larger meal.
Galley Kitchen
A galley kitchen has all the stations or equipment placed against one wall. It’s a versatile option that works for restaurants, multi-family units or office spaces—especially when square footage is limited. In fact, the layout’s name comes from boats, where a kitchen in the galley had to make the most of a small space.
Island Kitchen
The hallmark feature of this kitchen is a countertop in the center of the space (aka the island). Any kitchen equipment goes against three or four of the walls. The island kitchen creates space for conversations and community, though it also requires a lot of space, making it a less-than-ideal option for a commercial kitchen with a lower square footage. As you might imagine, this layout is great for offices or apartment or condo units with a lot of space.
Open Kitchen
Another option for smaller offices or multi-family units is an open kitchen. Similar to a galley kitchen, most of the equipment and storage is placed against one wall. Unlike a galley kitchen, an open kitchen is open to the rest of the space (i.e. a living room and dining room in an apartment or a breakroom in an office space).
Other Commercial Kitchen Concerns
Alongside the kitchen layout, there are other commercial kitchen concerns you’ll want to brainstorm. These include:
- Lighting
- Countertop type
- Sinks
- HVAC
- Plumbing or electricity adjustments
- Any new walls to build or tear down
- Flooring materials
When making a decision on different building materials for a residential kitchen, personal preference and budget matter most. For commercial kitchens, budget still matters, but the right option often comes down to what will best suit your business’ needs or appeal to the right tenants for your condo complex or other multi-family unit.
You also want to consider any local laws, such as fire safety regulations, or any permits you may need for the project. A commercial contractor who is local to your area can help you navigate these concerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my commercial kitchen cool?
Commercial kitchens can get hot and steamy fast. To keep things cool, consider investing in a robust HVAC system and proper ventilation. Installing exhaust fans can also help.
What is the best layout of a commercial kitchen?
The best layout for a commercial kitchen depends on the purpose of the space. If you’re looking to add compact kitchens to apartments, an open kitchen or galley kitchen might be a good option. If the commercial kitchen is for a busy restaurant, an assembly line layout may work better. A commercial contractor can way you through layout options and help you select the best one for your needs.
What type of kitchen design is best for an apartment?
The best type of kitchen design for an apartment depends on the apartment’s square footage. For smaller apartments, open kitchens or galley kitchens can make the space appear bigger. In larger apartments, an island kitchen may make it easier to maneuver around the space.
Working with a Contractor
It might be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning: you should work with a commercial contractor on your commercial kitchen remodel. Ideally, this contractor will be:
- Local to your area
- Experienced with commercial kitchen remodels
- Aware of your business goals and how the remodel supports your business vision
- A transparent, effective communicator
- Open to discussing the pros and cons of different commercial kitchen ideas
We hope you found these 5 commercial kitchen ideas for your next remodel useful – If local to Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or the Hampton Roads area, consider Carlton Building Services for your commercial kitchen remodel. This local contractor has a proven track record of finishing commercial kitchen renovations and remodels on budget and on time.
