Many businesses struggle with small commercial kitchen spaces, where the need for efficiency, workflows, and scale collide with the reality of the space at hand. With proper planning, you can push your kitchen to its limits, providing a comfortable working environment that can handle the intensity of the busy period.
At Grey Simmonds, we provide innovative designs and equipment for commercial kitchens, ensuring your space can be utilised to its full potential. In this guide, we will explore how to design and maximise your space, select equipment and ensure efficient workflow in a small commercial kitchen.
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Steps for Designing Your Commercial Kitchen
1. Site Survey
The first step is to learn your needs and understand how your commercial kitchen functions, alongside the space we have to work with. We build this knowledge through an initial site visit, where we ascertain specific criteria such as:
- What type of food will be prepared
- How many covers are needed
- What the budget will be
- What items will be retained or removed (in the case of a refurbishment)
2. Initial Design
Following the site visit, we create the initial design for your space, focusing on layout, equipment, and workflow to meet your operational needs. This design serves as a starting point for discussion, where we review and make any necessary adjustments based on feedback before finalising the plan.
For small commercial kitchens, this stage is vital to ensure your final build matches the needs and scale of your space.
3. 3D Visualisation
To give you the best view, we bring your design to life using the latest 3D design software. This provides a more realistic, visual representation of your kitchen before installation – helping you get a feel before committing to work. We can also create a video walk through of the layout so you can get a dynamic look at the project’s potential.
4. Quotation Approval
Once you are happy with the design, we will then supply a fully detailed quote and make any amendments where necessary to stay within your budget. Upon a commitment from you, we will produce service drawings (Gas, Electrical, Plumbing) to aid your contractors, and start getting everything ready for installation.
5. Installation
Our in-house project managers oversee the entire delivery and installation process, including:
- Managing the project timeline
- Equipment consolidation and delivery
- Contractor co-ordination
- Handling on-site challenges
From layout implementation to final checks, we ensure the installation runs smoothly, meeting all operational requirements and industry standards, and delivering a fully functional commercial kitchen that’s ready for use.
6. Completion
Once everything is in place, we’re still not done. We provide training and a comprehensive handover folder including all information relevant to the project. This includes:
- Equipment user manuals
- Instructions on how to clean and maintain appliances
- Warranty and service numbers
- Other relevant information
We can also offer service and support to maintain and repair all types of commercial catering equipment.
Space Saving Strategies for Small Commercial Kitchens
Designing a small commercial kitchen means thinking creatively about how to adapt to a restrictive space. A well-planned kitchen isn’t just about fitting equipment into a tight footprint; it’s about creating a space where chefs and staff can move freely without compromising speed or safety.
By combining smart designs, lightweight equipment, and practical storage solutions, you can transform even the most compact kitchen into a high-performing hub.
Some of the most effective space-saving strategies include:
- Vertical storage systems to keep surfaces clear and maximise wall space.
- Compact multi-purpose prep stations that combine storage with preparation areas.
- Slimline or undercounter appliances, chosen to deliver both power and space efficiency.
- Mobile or foldable workstations to provide flexibility during peak hours.
- Strategic zoning to reduce unnecessary movement between cooking, prep, and cleaning areas.
Must-Have Equipment for Your Commercial Space
In a small space, each piece of equipment must be properly considered, while still having to achieve all the goals of a regular commercial kitchen. High-quality, multi-functional appliances are often the method of choice ¬– ensuring consistent results without overcrowding.
Key equipment for compact commercial kitchens includes:
- Versatile ovens and hobs that support multiple cooking styles in one unit.
- Undercounter refrigeration for chilled storage without taking up valuable floor space.
- Energy-efficient dishwashers designed for fast turnover and compact installation.
- Stainless steel prep counters with integrated shelving for durability and storage.
- Essential small appliances like mixers, slicers, and blenders to speed up prep tasks.
Common Layout Mistakes for Small Kitchen Designs
Even the strongest designs can be undone by avoidable errors. Many small commercial kitchens struggle because equipment is positioned without considering workflow, or storage is treated as an afterthought. When staff are forced to cross paths, wait for equipment to free up, or work in cramped conditions, efficiency drops and stress levels rise.
We help you balance workflows, functionality, and compliance, all while considering the end needs of your kitchen. By taking into account your working needs from the early project stages, we ensure a commercial kitchen design that elevates your day to day while avoiding needless complexities and conflict.
Enhance Your Small Commercial Kitchen with Grey Simmonds
Efficient equipment and space utilisation will maximise the usage of your small kitchen space, while being aware of the strategies and common mistakes will help you to avoid any issues down the line as you scale.
Working with an expert designer is the best way to achieve greatness in your small commercial kitchen. Ensure your space is small but mighty with the help of Grey Simmonds. Our expert, proven design capabilities are matched only by the quality of our installation services, giving you the full package for your kitchen renovation.
Start making the most of your space today by getting in touch.
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