Deli Equipment

Commercial Deli Equipment: What You Need to Know

A community and neighborhood fixture for centuries, the modern deli is filled with equipment that isn't just utilitarian; it's also made to look good for the customer. At the forefront of this equipment is the deli case, which not only displays the meats and cheeses on offer but also acts as a non-salaried salesperson, enticing customers into purchases. Standing behind it is a host of equipment, including reach-in refrigerators and other cold storage, as well as a meat and cheese slicer.

Of course, there is a long list of deli supplies you'll need if you intend to sell your meats and cheeses by the pound or on sandwiches. From sandwich steamers to serving trays, these pieces enable you to serve your customers a delicious lunch. Choosing the right pieces for your application is vital to getting the best value for your investment.

Common Questions About Deli Equipment

What equipment is needed for a sandwich shop?

Just as every restaurant is unique, no two delis are the same. Depending on the type of food you're going to serve, some deli equipment in this category may be vital and some may not be of any use to you. We'll go over the different types of commercial deli equipment available to help you decide which might be the most beneficial.

Delis, or delicatessens, are foodservice establishments focused on serving sliced meats, cheeses, and salads and are often seen as a lunchtime destination. Delis have been branching out to serve unique items that extrapolate on the existing sandwich, soup, and salad model, but this category focuses on the deli restaurant equipment you'll need to serve sliced meats and sandwiches.

The first thing you'll likely need is a prep table, butcher block, or other commercial work table. Prep tables have large cutting board surfaces paired with refrigerated storage compartments that make assembling a sandwich quick and easy while maintaining appropriate food safety. These combination pieces save space compared to refrigerated storage compartments that are separate from your prep surface. They also enable you to show your customers their food is being safely prepared.

If you're hoping to sell meat or cheese for your customers to take home, you'll have to get a deli slicer. This is a specialized piece of sandwich shop equipment that enables you to cut meat to specific thicknesses to produce your ideal sandwich. While some models can also slice cheese, not all can. If this is important to your business model, double check the product specification page to be sure the model you're considering can slice cheese.

Deli cases merchandise your product by offering storage and good lighting behind a clear glass window. If you're relying on impulse purchases, a deli case is a necessity, but even if you aren't, these are a great way to showcase your premium goods and drive sales without needing to pay a salesperson. Open-air coolers offer an opportunity to merchandise grab-and-go packaged goods, such as drinks and salads, in a way that can help boost impulse sales.

These are the most prominent pieces of deli restaurant equipment, but you'll need a plethora of smaller pieces to make your restaurant work. Sandwich steamers and panini presses enable you to offer hot sandwiches, while cutting boards, knives, and gloves are all necessary parts of sandwich prep. Of course, if you want to offer nontraditional items, you'll need to look for additional commercial deli equipment.