Commercial Cooking Equipment Costs (Part 2 )

Cooking equipment forms the heart of every commercial kitchen. The type of cuisine you serve determines the appliances required.

For example:

• Arabic Restaurant

• Indian Restaurant

• Chinese Restaurant

• Italian Restaurant

• Steak House

• Burger Restaurant

• Cloud Kitchen

• Hotel Kitchen

Each requires a different cooking line.

Common Cooking Equipment

Equipment Approximate Cost (AED)4 Burner Cooking Range4,500 – 8,5006

Burner Cooking Range 7,500 – 15,000

Oven Range 9,000 – 18,000

Tilting Bratt Pan 12,000 – 28,000

Deep Fat Fryer 2,000 – 10,000

Char Broiler 4,500 – 15,000

Salamander Grill 2,800 – 8,500

Stock Pot Burner 2,500 – 6,000

Pasta Cooker 5,000 – 12,000

Electric Griddle 3,000 – 10,000

Expert Advice: Instead of purchasing based only on price, select equipment that matches your menu, expected customer volume, and future business growth. Overbuying wastes capital, while underbuying can reduce productivity during peak hours.

2. Refrigeration Equipment Costs

Maintaining food at safe temperatures is essential for hygiene and compliance with Dubai Municipality food safety standards.

Restaurants generally require:

• Upright Refrigerators

• Freezers

• Under Counter Refrigerators

• Salad Preparation Counters

• Display Chillers

• Blast Chillers

• Beverage Coolers

Estimated Costs

EquipmentApproximate Cost (AED)

Upright Refrigerator 4,000 – 12,000

Upright Freezer 5,000 – 13,000

Undercounter Refrigerator 4,500 – 10,000

Pizza Preparation Counter 6,500 – 18,000

Salad Counter 5,000 – 14,000

Blast Chiller 12,000 – 45,000

Display Refrigerator 5,500 – 25,000

3. Walk-in Cold Room Costs

Cold rooms are no longer optional for medium and large restaurants.

They help:

• Reduce food waste

• Maintain consistent temperatures

• Improve inventory management

• Increase storage capacity

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations

Typical costs:

Cold Room Size Estimated Cost (AED)

Small 18,000 – 40,000

Medium 40,000 – 80,000

Large 80,000 – 250,000+

Factors affecting cost include:

• Insulated panel thickness

• Refrigeration system capacity

• Ambient temperature

• Digital controls

• Floor insulation

• Door type

• Shelving

4. Stainless Steel Fabrication Costs

Every commercial kitchen requires custom stainless steel fabrication.

Unlike residential kitchens, commercial kitchens are designed around workflow rather than aesthetics alone.

Typical fabricated items include:

• Work Tables

• Wall Shelves

• Storage Racks

• Preparation Tables

• Hand Wash Stations

• Pot Wash Sinks

• Drain Tables

• Exhaust Canopies

• Grease Traps

• Floor Drains

• Trolleys

• Cabinets

Estimated Budget

Small Restaurant

AED 15,000 – 35,000

Medium Restaurant

AED 35,000 – 70,000

Large Restaurant

AED 70,000 – 200,000+

Why SS304 Stainless Steel Matters

One of the most common questions we receive is:

"Can I save money by choosing lower-grade stainless steel?"

While lower-grade materials may reduce the initial purchase price, they often result in:

• Rust formation

• Reduced hygiene

• Higher maintenance costs

• Shorter equipment lifespan

• Increased replacement expenses

Food-grade SS304 stainless steel is widely preferred for commercial kitchens because it offers:

• Excellent corrosion resistance

• Smooth hygienic surface

• Long service life

• Easy cleaning

• Attractive professional appearance

At Zahra Kitchen Equipment Manufacturing LLC, we manufacture custom fabrication using premium food-grade SS304 to deliver durability and compliance with commercial kitchen standards.

5. Exhaust Hood & Ventilation System Costs

Many restaurant owners underestimate the importance of proper ventilation.

A poorly designed ventilation system can lead to:

• Excessive heat

• Smoke accumulation

• Grease buildup

• Poor air quality

• Employee discomfort

• Failed inspections

• Increased fire risk

A professionally engineered system includes:

• Exhaust Hood

• Grease Filters

• Exhaust Ducting

• Fresh Air Supply

• Ecology Unit (where required)

• Exhaust Fan

• Fresh Air Fan

• Fire Rated Duct (if applicable)

Estimated Costs

SystemApproximate Cost (AED)

Small Kitchen 18,000 – 35,000

Medium Restaurant 35,000 – 80,000

Large Restaurant 80,000 – 250,000+

Fresh Air Supply Is Just as Important

Many businesses focus only on removing hot air, but forget to replace it.

Without proper make-up air:

• Kitchens become excessively hot

• Exhaust performance decreases

• Negative air pressure develops

• Doors become difficult to open

• Air conditioning efficiency drops

A balanced ventilation system improves:

• Staff comfort

• Cooking efficiency

• Air quality

• Equipment performance

• Compliance with engineering best practices

6. Dishwashing Area Costs

The dishwashing section is often overlooked during budgeting, yet it plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and operational flow.

Typical equipment includes:

• Three-compartment sinks

• Pot wash sinks

• Dish landing tables

• Soiled dish tables

• Dishwasher machines

• Clean dish racks

• Stainless steel shelving

Estimated investment:

AED 15,000 – 120,000

depending on restaurant size and automation level.

7. Hidden Costs That Many Restaurant Owners Forget

One of the biggest reasons restaurant projects exceed budget is not because of equipment prices—it is because of hidden costs that are often overlooked during planning.

These may include:

• Electrical upgrades

• Gas piping installation

• Plumbing modifications

• Floor drain adjustments

• Waterproofing

• Wall protection

• Fire suppression systems

• Additional ducting

• Structural supports for exhaust hoods

• Equipment delivery and crane lifting (if required)

• Commissioning and testing

• Staff training

• Preventive maintenance contracts

Setting aside a contingency budget can help absorb these unexpected expenses and keep the project on track.

Expert Insight

A commercial kitchen should never be viewed as a collection of individual machines. It is an integrated production environment where layout, workflow, equipment selection, ventilation, and compliance all work together to support safe and efficient food preparation.

Choosing an experienced turnkey partner from the beginning can reduce costly redesigns, improve operational efficiency, and shorten the timeline from concept to opening day.

In Part 3, we'll dive into the detailed costs of cooking equipment, refrigeration, stainless steel fabrication, ventilation systems, exhaust hoods, cold rooms, and hidden expenses—with practical budgeting advice that keeps readers engaged and naturally positions Zahra Kitchen Equipment Manufacturing LLC as the trusted partner for complete commercial kitchen projects.

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Commercial Kitchen in Dubai in 2026? Complete Cost Guide Part3

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