Are you in need of smallwares for your commercial kitchen but not sure where to start? With so many options in the market, it is easy to get confused about what to buy and what to skip. You might end up spending money on tools that look useful but don’t really help in daily cooking. That’s where Denson CFE comes in. We are here to guide you with a simple list of essential smallwares. The kitchen products that can be used for multiple cooking tasks, eliminating the need for spending money for less important culinary items. 

At Denson CFE, we understand how important it is to invest in tools that offer value, versatility, and durability. Whether you are opening a new restaurant, upgrading your kitchen setup, or simply trying to stay organized, the right smallwares can save time, reduce waste, and improve workflow. Let’s take a look at the top 10 essential smallwares that every commercial kitchen should have and why they are worth the investment.

Smallwares for Every Commercial Kitchen 

Running a commercial kitchen takes more than just great ingredients and skilled chefs. It also needs the right tools that make daily tasks easier, faster, and more organized. These tools, called smallwares, may look simple, but they play a big role in saving time and improving workflow. So if you are preparing ingredients, cooking, or serving food, smallwares help at every step. Below is the list of top 10 essential smallwares that every commercial kitchen should have. These items are useful for different cooking tasks and give great value for your money.

1. Chef Knives 

A chef’s knife is one of the most important tools for any cook. It is used to chop vegetables, slice meat, dice onions, mince garlic, and much more. A high-quality knife saves time, improves precision, and makes the cooking process more efficient. Most professional chefs prefer a good 8 to 10-inch chef’s knife because of its versatility. Alongside this, paring knives are great for delicate tasks like peeling fruits or deveining shrimp. 

Bread knives with serrated edges are essential for cutting through crusty loaves without crushing them, while boning knives help in trimming as well as cutting raw meats with ease. When choosing a knife, go for one with a comfortable handle and high-carbon stainless steel blade that stays sharp and does not rust easily.

2. Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are more than just a surface to chop ingredients, they are also essential for maintaining hygiene in the kitchen. In commercial kitchens, color-coded cutting boards are commonly used to prevent cross-contamination.

For example, red boards are used for raw meat, green for vegetables, blue for seafood, and yellow for poultry. This practice is especially important in food service environments where health and safety standards are strict. 

Plastic cutting boards are ideal because they are non-porous, easy to sanitize, and durable under constant use. Moreover, rubber cutting boards are also a good option as they stay gentle on knife edges and stay firm in place during chopping vegetables.

3. Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls are one of the kitchen essentials that are almost used in every stage of food preparation. Whether you are whisking up sauces, tossing a quick salad, or marinating meat for the grill, they help keep ingredients organized and within reach. In commercial kitchens, chefs often use stainless steel mixing bowls because they are strong and safe for many types of food. 

These bowls don’t react with acidic ingredients, so they won’t change the taste or color of what you are making. They are also light to carry, easy to clean, and work well with both hot and cold foods. Since they can fit inside one another, they take up less space, which is a big help in smaller kitchens.

4. Tongs

Tongs are simple tools but very important in a busy kitchen. They help chefs handle hot or delicate food without touching it directly. This keeps the food clean and protects the chef’s hands from burns or injuries. Good-quality stainless steel tongs with a strong spring give a firm and steady grip. They are useful for flipping large pieces of meat or gently picking up soft vegetables. 

Furthermore, some of the tongs have silicone tips that won’t scratch non-stick pans and make it easier to handle delicate foods. Such versatile tools should be available at different kitchen stations like food preparation, grilling, frying, and serving areas. Having the right tongs ready at each place helps the kitchen run smoothly, especially during busy times.

5. Spatulas and Scrapers

Spatulas and scrapers are true multitaskers in the kitchen, helping chefs with everything from mixing to plating. Silicone spatulas are especially helpful for scraping sauces, folding batter, or cleaning mixing bowls. They are heat-resistant, flexible, and won’t damage non-stick surfaces in the kitchen. On the other hand, metal spatulas are best for grilling and flipping items on flat-top surfaces. They make it easy to lift food cleanly without tearing or breaking it. 

For bakers and dough preparation, bench scrapers or dough cutters are essential tools. They assist in portioning, smoothing, and even in cleaning work surfaces after flour-heavy tasks. These tools may be small, but they help reduce food waste, maintain cleaner workstations, and improve the overall precision of your cooking.

6. Food Storage Containers

Food storage containers are key to maintaining freshness, preventing waste, and staying organized in any commercial kitchen. They help store raw ingredients, leftovers, and prepped items efficiently. With labeled containers, kitchen teams can track inventory, reduce confusion, and follow food safety guidelines. Most professional chefs use clear polycarbonate containers that are popular in kitchens because they are strong, resistant to stains, and transparent. 

Many of these containers also have measurement marks, which help with portion control and reduce food waste, saving money. At Denson CFE, available food containers are stackable and come in various sizes to accommodate different storage needs. When paired with proper lids, they create airtight seals that protect food from contamination and extend shelf life.

7. Covers & Lids

Lids are one of the important smallwares used in busy kitchens. They keep food fresh, maintain the right temperature, prevent spills, and protect food from dust as well as germs. Denson CFE offers stainless steel covers and lids of various brands such as Vollrath, Browne, Winco and so forth. Whether you are covering food in the fridge or using steam table lids to keep food warm, each lid has its purpose. 

Plastic snap-on lids work well for sealing containers in cold or dry storage, while stainless steel lids are best for keeping food hot or for transport. Using the right lid helps the kitchen run smoothly by allowing safe stacking, easy labeling, and quick access during busy times. Choosing strong, well-fitting lids is a simple way to improve efficiency and protect your food.

8. Food Pans

Food pans are essential tools found in every part of a commercial kitchen. They serve multiple purposes, from preparing and storing ingredients to cooking and serving meals. These are the most versatile and valuable investments for any kitchen. The pans come in standard sizes such as full, half, and third pans that fit perfectly into preparation tables, steam trays, and storage racks. This consistent sizing helps save space and keeps the kitchen organized. 

Stainless steel food pans are ideal for commercial ovens and other cooking equipment. While plastic pans are better suited for cold storage and in keeping ingredients fresh. Since they come in different depths, chefs can choose the right pan size depending on volume and use. Food pans generally help streamline workflow, reduce unnecessary dish use, and improve kitchen layout efficiency.

9. Measuring Tools

Measuring tools include a variety of items used to get the right amount of ingredients for cooking. Common tools are measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients like flour and spices. For liquids, measuring jugs or pitchers with clear markings are used. Kitchen scales, either digital or dial types, are important for weighing ingredients, especially in baking where exact amounts are needed. 

Accuracy is very important in cooking, especially in busy kitchens where consistency matters. Measuring tools help ensure recipes turn out the same every time. This helps control portion sizes, reduce food waste, and provide customers with a reliable dining experience. For dry ingredients, stainless steel measuring cups and spoons are a great choice. They are strong, dishwasher safe, and easy to store. 

For liquids, clear measuring jugs or pitchers with markings are used which make pouring simple and precise. Digital and dial kitchen scales are also important, especially for baking, where weighing ingredients gives the best results.

10. Colanders and Strainers

Colanders and strainers are essential tools that are used every day in any busy kitchen. They help with common tasks like rinsing vegetables, draining cooked pasta, or straining sauces and soups. A strong colander with a wide base is especially helpful when you need to drain large amounts of food or wash fresh produce quickly and efficiently. 

Fine mesh strainers are best for more detailed tasks. You can use them to sift flour, remove lumps from sauces, or rinse smaller items like rice or quinoa. Stainless steel strainers are the most reliable choice in commercial kitchens because they not only make food preparation easier but also improves the quality of the final dish. They help ensure ingredients are properly cleaned and liquids are removed at the right time. 

Though simple, all of the above smallwares play a big role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly and maintaining food quality.

To Wrap It Up All, 

Denson CFE is a trusted supplier of commercial kitchen products. And, choosing the right products for your commercial kitchen is an investment in both the efficiency of your kitchen and the quality of your service. We offer our customers a wide range of commercial cooking equipment, including everything from bakeware and cookware to smallwares and more. Don’t miss our Clearance Aisle, where you can find great deals on trusted equipment at discounted prices. With us, you get reliable products, helpful service, and everything you need to keep your kitchen running smoothly.