From Sidelines to Snacks: Equipping Your Sports Canteen for Success

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game... and the ever-present rumble of hungry stomachs! Let's get your sport canteen ready! Dive into the essential kitchen equipment that'll transform your sports canteen from a dream to a delicious reality.

Cooking Equipment:

Griddle: Pancakes for breakfast, egg & bacon roll for brunch, and sizzling sausages for the win! A griddle expands your menu and keeps up with the demand during peak times.

Grill: The heart and soul of many canteens, a reliable grill is a must. Opt for one with ample grilling space and adjustable heat controls to handle everything from burgers to chicken shazlicks. Consider a gas or charcoal grill, depending on your fuel preferences and regulations.

Deep Fryers: Ideal for making crispy fries, potato cakes, dimmies and other fried favourites, commercial fryers are a staple in many sport canteen kitchens.

Hydration Heroes:

Refrigerators: From chilled drinks to storing prepped ingredients, you'll need at least one spacious refrigerator. Consider a couple of separate units for storing dairy products to maintain proper food safety and a display fridge for the grab & go drinks.

Freezer: Stock up on frozen treats, meat, and ice packs with a dedicated freezer. Choose an energy-efficient model to keep your running costs low.

Ice Machine: Keep drinks frosty and water jugs flowing with a reliable ice machine. Consider the volume you need based on your expected crowd size.

Food Prep Powerhouses:

Microwave: A versatile workhorse for reheating, defrosting, and even cooking some dishes. Choose a model with enough wattage and capacity for your needs.

Toasters / Sandwich Press: Perfect for breakfast bagels, lunchtime sandwiches, and even panini presses. Opt for a model with multiple slots to handle peak demand.

Food Processors: Chopping vegetables, whipping up dips, and making smoothie bases are a breeze with a food processor. Consider its size and power based on your menu complexity.

Serving Savvy:

Bain Maries / Pie Warmers: Keep hot food at safe serving temperatures with bain maries and pie warmers. Choose models with adjustable heat controls and lids for different dishes.

Food Steamers: From dumplings to dim sims, a quick and efficient way to sell food and feed hungry mouths.

Display cabinets: Showcase your grab-and-go offerings like sandwiches, fruit salads, and pastries in a refrigerated display cabinet. This keeps them fresh and tempts customers. Don’t need something so large? Opt of a smaller display base and dome lid to offer cakes, muffins, and slices.

Hot Water Urns and Kettles: Coffee and tea and the must haves for all canteens, having a vessel of hot water ready at your fingertips to brew the ideal beverage for your customers.

Soup Kettles: Keep those customers coming back by offering a wam cup of soup on those cold wintery days. 

Utensils and Disposables: Stock up on paper bags, plates, cups, cutlery, napkins, straws and other disposables. Biodegradable options are a great way to be eco-friendly.

Dishwashing Equipment: Don't overlook the importance of proper dishwashing equipment for maintaining hygiene and efficiency in your canteen kitchen. Invest in a commercial dishwasher capable of handling the volume of dishes and utensils generated during peak hours. Additionally, consider a dedicated pot sink for washing larger items that may not fit in the dishwasher.

Bonus Tip: Don't forget the essentials like tomato sauce, coffee, tea, milo, cookie snacks and dishwashing and cleaning supplies!

Remember, this is just a starting point. Tailor your equipment list to your specific needs, budget, and menu. Our team is here to offer different brands and models and offer competitive prices, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from other canteen operators. With the right kitchen equipment and a dash of passion, your sports canteen will be serving up smiles and fuelling victories in no time!