Ghost Kitchen Equipment: Streamlining Your Delivery-Based Business

What Are Ghost Kitchens?

Ghost kitchens, also known as virtual or cloud kitchens, are commercial kitchen facilities used exclusively to make food for delivery or takeout, without offering dine-in service. These operations rely on online ordering platforms and third-party delivery services, letting restaurants reach customers without needing a traditional storefront. Ghost kitchens may house a single brand or multiple restaurant concepts under one roof. Relatively new, ghost kitchens are reshaping the foodservice industry .

How Do Ghost Kitchens Work?

Ghost kitchens reach customers either through their own websites or by using online ordering platforms and apps. Many are housed in shared commercial spaces, existing restaurants, or cloud kitchen facilities, supporting multiple restaurant brands at once. By eliminating the need for front-of-house staff, signage, and seating areas, ghost kitchens significantly reduce costs and let operators focus on speed, consistency, and order volume. This enables both established and new restaurants to launch quickly.

Can You Run a Ghost Kitchen From Home?

In some areas, it's possible to operate a ghost kitchen from your home, but this depends entirely on local zoning laws, health codes, and licensing requirements. Most ghost kitchens, however, are operated out of licensed commercial spaces, as these spaces are better equipped to meet food safety standards, streamline deliveries, and handle heavy-duty cooking equipment.

Essential Ghost Kitchen Equipment by Cuisine

Because ghost kitchens serve a wide variety of menu types, your equipment needs will differ based on the cuisine you offer.

Pizza

Ghost kitchens focused on making pizza require reliable, high-output equipment to keep up with demand. An efficient pizza oven—whether conveyor, deck, or impingement—is essential for making evenly cooked pizzas with minimal wait time, while a dough mixer lets operators prepare dough in bulk. To streamline assembly, refrigerated prep tables keep sauces, cheeses, and toppings organized, within reach, and at food-safe temperatures. Explore KaTom's full line of pizza equipment to outfit your pizza ghost kitchen for speed and efficiency.

Fried Foods

For ghost kitchens serving fried foods, compact equipment that prioritizes speed and safety is key. Countertop fryers are great for back-of-house use , as they offer quick recovery times and a small footprint. To maintain food quality between batches, heat lamps help keep fries, chicken tenders, and other fried foods hot and ready to eat. KaTom's collection of fast food restaurant equipment provides various options tailored to quick service.

Salads & Smoothies

Ghost kitchens offering salads, smoothies, and other produce-heavy dishes need equipment that supports freshness and cleanliness. A high-powered commercial blender enhances quick, consistent blending for smoothies and purees. For easy prep and storage, operators can organize their greens, fruits, and toppings in refrigerated prep stations. If your menu focuses on fresh, made-to-order drinks, you'll also want to look into our selection of juice bar equipment.

Bowls & Tacos

Efficient prep and holding equipment maintain speed and food quality in ghost kitchens that serve grain bowls, burritos, and tacos. Along with refrigerated prep tables, choosing a dependable rice cooker ensures consistent batches of rice or grains, and a food warmer keeps proteins and toppings warm. Choosing equipment for modular setups enables kitchens to create structured assembly lines for high-volume service.

Asian Cuisine

Ghost kitchens preparing stir-fry, noodles, or dim sum need equipment that supports high-heat cooking and batch prep. A commercial wok range, paired with a wok or stir-fry pan, is ideal for fast, high-temperature stir-frying. For sides and staples, rice cookers deliver consistent results, while steamers are useful when making dumplings, buns, and vegetables. For a complete setup, explore our full range of Asian cooking equipment and restaurant supplies.

Smart Equipment for Small Spaces

When operated in small facilities, ghost kitchens benefit from compact, ventless, or multi-functional equipment that maximizes efficiency without overwhelming the workspace. Options like countertop cooking appliances are great for streamlining operations while minimizing ventilation requirements and footprint needs. Many countertop models are designed for plug-and-play use, which offers easy installation and customization for altering menus.

Don't Forget the Delivery & Packaging Station

A well-organized delivery and packaging station ensures fast, efficient order fulfillment. Equip your ghost kitchen with commercial shelving to store to-go containers, cups, and other supplies, stainless steel work tables for packing orders, and warming cabinets to keep food at a safe serving temperature until it's picked up. Together, these tools streamline the handoff process and maintain food quality from kitchen to the customer.

Energy-Efficient & Budget-Friendly Equipment

Choosing energy-efficient equipment can help reduce long-term operating costs in your ghost kitchen. ENERGY STAR appliances save on utility costs by using less electricity and water while still delivering reliable performance. For those looking to save on upfront costs, KaTom also offers scratch-and-dent equipment that's fully functional at a discounted price. To make getting started even simpler, flexible financing options are available to help you equip your ghost kitchen without exceeding your budget.

Shop Ghost Kitchen Equipment at KaTom

Whether you're starting a new brand or expanding a virtual, delivery-only concept, KaTom has the equipment and supplies to get your ghost kitchen up and running. From commercial kitchen equipment and refrigeration to ice machines, kitchen supplies, and disposables, you can find everything you need to support a high-efficiency delivery model. To start building a setup tailored to your space, budget, and menu, browse our selection of ghost kitchen equipment.