How to Equip a Small Break Room

A break room isn't just a place to grab a snack or microwave leftovers; it’s a space that supports your team’s productivity. Well-implemented break rooms help employees refuel, relax, and stay energized as they return to work.

This guide covers the supplies every break area should include, followed by a few ideas to elevate any office breakroom space. Whether stocking an office kitchenette or upgrading a corporate staff lounge, the right gear helps create effective and comfortable break rooms.

Breakroom Supplies List

Outfitting a break room requires commercial equipment capable of holding up to daily use and fulfills your team's needs. Here are the must-haves for any small office break room:

Furnishings

Employees need ample room to prepare and eat their meals. Break rooms or outdoor areas can become busy places during the lunch rush, so ensure enough seating, tables, and storage to accommodate your entire staff.

• Dining tables: Provide seating access
• Dining seating: Use durable restaurant chairs or stools
• Office furniture: Custom seating and tables for work environments
• Outdoor furniture: Customize outdoor break areas
• Employee Lockers: Store personal items for efficient workflow
• Residential shelving: Hold mugs, tea, napkins, and more
• Kitchen carts: Ease transportation of food and supplies to and from break rooms

Food Storage

Employees need a place to store or purchase lunches, so you'll need reliable and spacious refrigeration. Remember to maintain and monitor your storage to prevent items from spoiling in the refrigerator. Some offices implement a policy of emptying the breakroom fridge on certain cadence, such as every Friday or every other Friday.

• Break room refrigerators: Store drinks and small lunches
• Undercounter refrigerators: Fit efficiently under breakroom counters
• Reach-in refrigerators: For larger break rooms serving many employees
• Glass door merchandisers: Showcase drinks or packaged meals for sale
• Open-air merchandisers: Display mini market snacks and meals
• Freezers: Provide extra storage for frozen meals

Food Prep

Every break room needs a place for employees to heat and prepare their meals. Ensure enough food prep equipment, along with the proper tableware and condiments, to cover everyone's dining needs.

• Microwaves: Commercial models heat food quickly and withstand heavy use
• Toasters and toaster ovens: Rethermalize sandwiches, pizzas, and other meals
• Undercounter ice makers: Provide ready-to-use ice
• Tabletop organizers: Hold items like napkins, straws, and condiments
• Kitchen organizers and dispensers: Store dry food and seasonings
• Disposable serveware: Includes extra forks, knives, and spoons for those in need

Drink Supplies

Make sure you have the right water dispensers and drink machines. Offering fresh coffee and tea can also help energize your team.

• Water dispensers: Offer hot and cold water service
• Coffee makers: Automatic models quickly serve fresh coffee. Single-cup brewers are ideal for office environments
• Tea equipment: Brew tea or simply dispense hot water
• Condiment organizers: Arrange teas, creams, sugars, and more

Cleaning & Maintenance

Break rooms require consistent care to remain organized and hygienic, so make sure to stock the necessary cleaning supplies. It may help to set up a cleaning schedule, checklist, or rules for maintaining the space.

• Decorative trash bins: Handle waste while complementing office decor
• Drop-in sinks: Provide space to wash dishes and hands
• Cleaning supplies: Stock brooms, mops, cleaning cloths, and other supplies

Small Employee Break Room Ideas

Ideal break rooms are spaces where employees can relax, unwind, and recharge. It takes intentional planning to provide an inviting area where people can gather and relax, rather than just quickly eat and go.

Here are some ideas for enhancing office break rooms:

• Bulletin boards: Feature announcements, share encouraging notes, spotlight featured employees, and post fun facts
• Indoor plants: Establish a natural feel and enhance air quality
• Mini markets: Offer convenient access to breakroom snacks and drinks
• Kitchenettes: Include items like blenders, hot plates, and cooking utensils
• Mini library: Stock popular books and provide employees a chance to share their own
• Breakroom games: Puzzles, board games, or even table games like ping pong
• Featured art: Hang wall art or murals to showcase employee creations or local artists
• Creative Seating: Add plush seating, recliners, and nap chairs
• Doodle wall: Dry erase walls work for sharing prompts, questions, or drawings
• Outdoor spaces: Patios can feature flower beds, gardens, or lawn games
• Suggestion jars: Get ideas from your employees about how to make the break space better

Shop Office Breakroom Equipment at KaTom

Office break rooms require dedicated planning and care to meet the needs of employees. For everything from tables and chairs to microwaves and refrigerators, KaTom offers reliable staff lounge equipment. Shop disposable tableware, serving supplies, and drink dispensers to outfit your break room and enhance your workplace.