Singapore’s food and beverage industry continues to evolve rapidly in the post-COVID era. Delivery-led brands, multi-concept operators and centralised production models have moved from experimentation to mainstream adoption. Today, many food businesses operate from production kitchens designed to maximise efficiency, consistency and scalability while keeping overheads under control.
Facilities such as Smart City Kitchens’ central production units provide food operators with strategically located, purpose-built environments that support high-volume preparation and delivery. While the infrastructure and location are already in place, selecting the right commercial kitchen equipment remains a critical step in ensuring operational success, food safety compliance and long-term growth.
This guide outlines the essential commercial kitchen equipment that food businesses in Singapore should consider when setting up a production kitchen in 2026.
How much commercial kitchen equipment do you need?
Before purchasing equipment, it is important to assess what your operation genuinely requires — and what it does not. Over-investing too early can strain budgets, while under-equipping can slow service and impact food quality.
Start by asking the following questions:
- What cuisine are you producing?
Different cuisines demand different equipment. A rice-based concept may require high-capacity rice cookers and pressure cookers, whereas Western menus may rely more on ovens and grills.
- What is your expected order volume?
Production kitchens often serve multiple brands or high daily volumes, making durability and output capacity key considerations.
- What budget can you realistically allocate?
Commercial kitchen equipment is a long-term investment. Prioritise core appliances first, then scale as demand grows.
- Are there regulatory requirements to follow?
All equipment must comply with Singapore Food Agency (SFA) guidelines and local fire safety regulations.
Once these fundamentals are clear, you can build a practical equipment list that supports your production kitchen model.
#1. Ovens
Ovens are a cornerstone of most production kitchens. Unlike domestic units, commercial ovens are designed for continuous use, fast recovery times and consistent results.
Popular options in 2026 include:
- Convection ovens for even heat distribution and speed
- Deck ovens for bread, pizza and baked goods
- Combi or steam ovens for moisture-controlled cooking
- Conveyor ovens for high-volume, standardised output
When choosing an oven, consider whether it is central to your menu, the available floor space, and whether a specialist oven will improve efficiency or product quality.
#2. Stoves and cooktops
Stoves remain essential for sautéing, boiling and high-heat cooking. Operators typically choose between:
- Gas stoves, offering responsive temperature control and suitability for wok cooking
- Electric or induction cooktops, which are energy efficient, easier to clean and increasingly popular in modern production kitchens
Many high-output kitchens opt for heavy-duty range systems that combine multiple cooking functions into a streamlined workflow.
#3. Fridges and freezers
Reliable refrigeration is critical for food safety and inventory management. The Singapore Food
Agency recommends:
- Chilled storage at 4°C or below
- Frozen storage at –18°C or below
When selecting fridges and freezers, consider storage capacity, energy efficiency and accessibility during peak production periods. Walk-in cold rooms suit bulk storage, while reach-in units support daily preparation and service.
Modern refrigeration systems often include digital temperature monitoring and alerts, helping operators stay compliant and reduce spoilage.
#4. Ventilation systems
Proper ventilation is non-negotiable in any commercial kitchen. Without adequate airflow, heat, smoke and grease can create unsafe working conditions and regulatory issues.
When planning ventilation, assess:
- Kitchen size and layout
- Compliance with local fire safety standards
- The volume of heat and smoke generated by the equipment
Grease hoods are typically required over cooking appliances, while heat or steam hoods may be necessary above dishwashers and steamers.
#5. Speciality commercial kitchen equipment
Beyond core appliances, many production kitchens require speciality equipment based on cuisine and menu offerings, such as:
- Woks and wok burners
- Pizza ovens
- Tandoor ovens
- Steamers and bamboo baskets
Selecting the right speciality equipment can significantly improve cooking efficiency and product authenticity.
#6. Safety equipment
Operators should always verify that all safety requirements are met.
Key safety equipment includes:
- Fire extinguishers suitable for grease fires
- First aid kits
- Security and monitoring systems
Regular checks ensure compliance with health, safety and workplace regulations.
#7. Food preparation and storage equipment
Efficient preparation is the backbone of any production kitchen. Essential items include stainless steel prep tables, shelving, food storage containers, mixers, slicers and food processors.
Stainless steel remains the preferred material due to its durability, hygiene and ease of cleaning — all crucial in high-volume environments.
Building for scale in 2026
Choosing the right commercial kitchen equipment is not just about today’s menu — it is about future growth. Many operators working from central production kitchens aim to support multiple brands, test new concepts, or expand delivery reach.
Central production units are designed to support this flexibility, allowing food businesses to focus on optimisation rather than infrastructure management.
With the right equipment in place, production kitchens can operate efficiently, maintain consistency across brands and scale sustainably in Singapore’s competitive food landscape. Here, we share a list of some of the best commercial kitchen equipment suppliers in Singapore.
Still deciding whether a production kitchen is right for your business?
Explore Smart City Kitchens’ facilities or get in touch with us to learn how a central production model can support your growth in 2026 and beyond.