A professional chef’s style kitchen is designed and equipped for commercial-grade cooking. It allows chefs to prepare restaurant-quality meals at home with high-end appliances, ample workspace, and clever storage solutions. While regular home kitchens can certainly get the job done, a pro-style kitchen takes things to the next level for serious home cooks.
High-End Appliances
The centerpiece of any pro-style kitchen is the commercial-grade appliances. They allow chefs to cook and prepare food efficiently and to restaurant standards.
Commercial Range
A powerful commercial range with multiple burners, a large oven, and often a grill or griddle is essential. Many feature powerful 18,000 or higher BTU burners that can swiftly boil water or sear meat. Luxury brands like Wolf, Viking, and Lacanche offer options with up to 6 burners. The oven is often double-stacked and convection enabled for even baking.
Ventilation Hood
A high-powered ventilation hood, often 600 CFM or more, is a must for clearing smoke, grease, and odors. Commercial style options from brands like Zephyr have a real exhaust vent instead of just a recirculating filter. This vents heat, grease, and fumes outside.
Refrigeration
A professional grade refrigerator and freezer keep ingredients safely chilled and frozen. Brands like SubZero offer models with double drawer freezers, commercial-style chilled pull-out drawers, and advanced climate control technology. Some units have separate refrigerator and freezer sections, while others are fully integrated.
Dishwasher
A dishwasher designed for high volume is useful for washing a lot of dishes at once. Many models have racks and jets designed for commercial use. Brands like Asko and Miele make dishwashers with extra spray arms and high-pressure jets for stubborn messes.
Ample Workspace
In addition to top appliances, ample, smartly designed workspace takes a pro kitchen to the next level.
Islands
A large, multi-level island provides additional prep space and storage. Islands keep the chef engaged with guests as they cook. They also allow for more than one cook to work in the kitchen simultaneously.
Countertops
Quartz, granite, butcher block, or stainless steel countertops withstand daily use. There should be plenty of surface area for prep work, equipment, and accessories. Commercial style edge details like a bullnose profile make the space feel polished.
Sink
A deep, heavy-duty stainless steel sink allows for easy cleaning of large pots and trays. Many pro sinks have two compartments, with one side fitted with a garbage disposal. Accessory grates allow for additional workspace.
Storage
The kitchen should contain lots of storage space for equipment, tools, pantry goods, and more. This includes drawers, cabinets, and shelving for organization. Appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers integrate to maintain clean sight lines.
Clever Storage Solutions
Smart storage is key in a pro kitchen. This keeps tools accessible and the workspace clutter-free.
Pull-Out Pantries
Install pull-out pantries to neatly stash dry goods and dinnerware while keeping items in arm’s reach. Pull-out shelves and door-mounted racks add storage within cabinets.
Pegboard Panels
Utilize pegboard panels for hanging commonly used tools like knives, spatulas, and ladles. Mount them to the wall or on insides of cabinets. Outline each tool in marker so there’s a designated space.
Pot Racks
Overhead pot racks conveniently store cookware with all sizes on display. Choose ceiling mounted racks or wall mounted racks. Some slide out or drop down for accessibility.
Hidden Waste Bins
Hide trash and recycling bins in pull-out cabinet compartments. This keeps them out of sight but easily accessible while cooking. Many feature two bins side-by-side for separating recyclables.
Spice Storage
Designate drawers or pull-out shelves for organized spice storage. Mini shelves keep jars visible and prevent spills. For extra convenience, mount racks on the inside of cabinet doors.
High-End Materials
Pro kitchens utilize heavy-duty materials that can withstand daily use in a commercial setting.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular material for its durability and clean look. Brands like Capital Cooking make pro hoods, tables, and other equipment from stainless. It’s easy to clean, heat resistant, and antimicrobial.
Thick Granite
Granite countertops 3 cm thick stand up well to heavy prep work. The material resists stains, heat, and scratches. It also tolerates exposure to acids from citrus, wine, and tomatoes.
Tile Backsplashes
Tile backsplashes behind sinks and stoves are water-resistant and easy to clean. Porcelain, ceramic, glass, and natural stone tiles hold up to splatters and spills. Subway tile is a classic choice.
Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops show nice looking wood grain. Maple or walnut varieties are naturally antimicrobial. Butcher block is also gentle on glassware and knives. Regular oiling maintains water resistance.
Bar Stools
Heavy-duty bar stools withstand the rigors of a commercial kitchen. Look for a metal base and vinyl, metal, or wooden seat. Adjustable height accommodates cooks of all sizes.
FAQs About Professional Chef’s Style Kitchens
What are some key differences between a regular home kitchen and a professional chef’s kitchen?
Professional chef’s kitchens use commercial-grade appliances and heavy-duty materials to meet the demands of daily cooking. They have more surface area, special storage solutions, powerful ventilation, and high-quality finishes. The layout is designed for multiple cooks. Home kitchens use versions of these features that are adapted for residential needs.
What design elements make a kitchen feel professional?
Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, tile backsplashes, high-end fixtures, ample solid surface work areas, wall-mounted pot racks and tool storage, specialized pull-out storage, and food prep sinks lend a professional chef’s kitchen vibe.
What kind of sink is best for a pro-style kitchen?
A deep, double-basin stainless steel sink allows plenty of space for washing cookware along with a side compartment for food prep. Look for heavy-gauge construction, sound-deadening, and accessories like bottom grids and drainboards. Brands like Elkay, Franke, and Kohler offer many commercial-style sink options.
How much space should you allocate for a professional kitchen?
Ideally, allocate 150-250 square feet of space for a spacious professional chef’s kitchen. This allows room for multiple cooks, appliances, ample counters, good traffic flow, and plenty of storage. Focus workflows in efficient triangular zones from sink to stove to fridge.
What type of flooring works best in a professional kitchen?
Tile is the most popular pro kitchen flooring for its water resistance, durability, and easy cleaning. Quarry tile, porcelain, and ceramic tile stand up to heavy daily use. Use slip-resistant tile and mats in front of sinks and stoves. Other options include poured concrete, stainless steel, and slip-resistant sheet flooring.
What is the best material for professional kitchen counters?
Granite, quartz, marble, and butcher block are common pro kitchen counter materials. Granite withstands heat, scratches, and stains. Butcher block shows attractive wood grain. Quartz is non-porous and resists microbes. All materials require regular sealing. Go with 3cm thickness for durability.
Should you get gas or induction cooking for a pro kitchen?
Gas is still the preferred choice of many chefs for its responsive, consistent heat. But induction bringsprecision and energy efficiency. Combine the best of both worlds with a gas range and induction cooktop for maximum flexibility. Ensure powerful ventilation.
What should you look for in a professional refrigerator?
Look for commercial models with sturdy stainless steel construction, generous 34″ depth, bottom freezers, temperature consistency, quiet compressors, and options like dual evaporators, customizable shelving, LED lighting, and door-in-door compartments. SubZero, Thermador, and Miele make luxury pro fridges.
How can you incorporate small appliances into a professional kitchen?
Designate space in cabinets or drawers to stow small appliances out of the way. Pull-out shelves, lazy susans, drawer dividers, and wall-mounted racks keep gadgets accessible yet tidy. Dedicate an entire cabinet just for appliances to keep the counters clear.
What are some ways to make a small kitchen feel more professional?
Incorporate high-end finishes like granite, tile, and stainless steel. Add commercial-style appliances, quality fixtures, and a deep sink. Build in vertical storage via tall cabinets, shelves, and pull-out pantries. Maximize every inch of space with a well-planned, efficient layout focused in work triangles. Light colors open it up.
Tips for Designing Your Own Professional Chef’s Kitchen
Clearly Define Goals
Consider how you currently cook and determine your needs. Decide which professional elements make the most impact based on your space, budget and cooking style. Focus on priorities rather than totally transforming the room.
Work With Experts
Consult designers who understand commercial kitchen workflow. They can help select optimal materials and high-quality components within your budget. Experts identify splurge-worthy elements with the biggest impact.
Invest in Key Appliances
Splurge on appliances like ranges, fridges, and dishwashers where quality matters. Look for power, durability, capacity, and features that match your cooking. Purchase the best you can realistically afford in these categories.
Incorporate Storage Solutions
Take time to think through kitchen organization. This ensures everything has a designated place. Work with designers to build in custom pull-outs, racks, and other storage specific to your space.
Allow Ample Prep Space
A spacious island and perimeter counters allow multiple cooks to work simultaneously. At least 4 feet open space around islands keeps traffic flowing freely. Include space for small appliances to stay out on counters.
Include Commercial Elements
Incorporate details like stainless steel, tile walls, food prep sinks, powerful ventilation, bar seating, and floor drains. Add high-end faucets and fixtures. These purposeful elements bring in pro flair.
Light it Brightly
Proper lighting illuminates tasks and creates an inviting ambiance. Use a mix of general overhead lighting, bright task lighting, accent lighting, and undercabinet lighting. Windows and skylights add natural light.
Choose Durable Surfaces
Look for countertops, cabinets, floors, and backsplashes that resist moisture, food stains, impact, and heat. Ease of cleaning is also important for high-traffic areas. Durability prevents costly damage and repairs down the road.
Provide Adequate Venting
Sufficient airflow removes smoke, grease, and odors produced by commercial-style cooking. Overhead ventilation should be ducted outside. Open windows also improve airflow. Outdoor kitchens need portable fans.
Conclusion
A professional chef’s kitchen allows home cooks to prepare meals with commercial precision. Outfitting your space with high-end appliances, durable finishes, clever storage, and ample workspace takes cooking to a restaurant-level. While a full remodel can be expensive, integrating key commercial elements gives a taste of pro flair. With good planning and design, you can build a kitchen that matches your cooking skills and passion for the culinary arts.
