Opening a shop and rushing to lock in ovens, refrigerators, display cases, and dishwashers? Tap the brakes. The right equipment isn’t just about “working.” It needs to fit your concept, handle the required volume, be energy-efficient, and ideally be easy and quick to maintain. In short, you need a strategy. And since Cormofrost specializes in professional refrigerators, freezers, meat/deli display cases, food-processing solutions, ice production, warewashing–hygiene, and packaging (vacuum), let’s see how to piece everything together properly.

1) Start with your concept & menu

Decide what you’ll cook, how much, and at what pace. A grill house has different needs than a pastry shop, and a mini market with self-service fridges is different again. Will you need holding/display cases? Self-service refrigerators with or without built-in motors? Cheese slicers? Beverage coolers? It all depends on what you sell and how fast you sell it.

2) Measure space, workflow… and doorways

The best machine in the world becomes a bottleneck if it won’t fit through the door or breaks your workflow. Map the flow: receiving → storage/holding → prep → cooking → service → warewashing. Is there adequate ventilation? Can technicians access units for service without dismantling half the counter?

3) Energy efficiency: today’s bill, tomorrow’s profit

Fridges, freezers, and display cases run 24/7. Energy consumption is a game changer. Prefer equipment with solid insulation, efficient compressors, and low kWh/24h (where stated). You might pay a bit more upfront, but your electricity bill will thank you for years.

4) Don’t look only at the sticker price: consider TCO

Total Cost of Ownership includes:

  • Electricity & water consumption

  • Service & spare parts

  • Consumables (e.g., water filters for dishwashers, softeners)

  • Potential resale value

That’s how you avoid “bargains” that end up costing a fortune.

5) Hygiene, warewashing & packaging: the unseen wins

Your production is only as safe as its weakest link. Warewashing–hygiene, sterilizers, and open/closed-type vacuum packaging reduce waste, extend shelf life, and keep you confident during inspections.

6) Displays & refrigerators that sell… before you do

If your store has self-service or retail character, promo displays, beverage coolers, produce fridges, cheese cases, and meat/deli counters aren’t just storage. They’re selling stages: correct temperature, LED lighting, ergonomic access. Ask: “What catches the eye? What should the customer see first?”

7) Service, spare parts, warranty: without these… you’re stuck

Breakdowns happen. What matters is how fast you’re back up. Check:

  • Warranty duration and terms

  • Spare-parts availability

  • Technician response time

  • Whether remote diagnostics are provided

8) Ice production & food processing: the quiet heroes

In bars, cafés, and hospitality, ice makers are a must. So are food-processing tools (choppers, mixers, slicers) for consistent quality, speed, and safety. Don’t leave them for “later” — they define your final throughput.

The 7 key criteria to tick off (in one breath)

  • Concept & menu – What do you serve and at what pace?

  • Space & flow – Does it fit, ventilate, and service easily?

  • Energy efficiency – Will it lower the bill?

  • TCO – What will it cost me over 5 years?

  • Hygiene & packaging – Warewashing, sterilization, vacuum? Check.

  • Appearance & display – Does it sell the product before you do?

  • Service & warranties – Will I ever be left stranded?

The right equipment isn’t the “most expensive” or the “cheapest” — it’s the one that fits your concept, reduces operating costs, and runs flawlessly when your place is on fire (figuratively!). Tell us what you serve and the production pace you aim for, and let’s build a tailored equipment list together.

Have questions or need guidance to choose the right equipment for your business?
The Cormofrost team is here to help with professional food-service equipment and solutions tailored to your needs. We guide you every step of the way — from the first idea to full installation. Call us, send an email, or visit our showroom to find exactly what you need, with no delays and no surprises.