Setting up a restaurant kitchen in India without a proper equipment checklist is one of the most expensive mistakes a new restauranteur makes. You either buy the wrong things, miss essentials, or get oversold on equipment you don't need. This checklist is based on what 500+ restaurants across Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam have actually used — sized by operation.
How to use this: Find your restaurant size below. The list shows what you need, in what order to buy it, and rough price ranges. WhatsApp us the list and we'll send you current prices for everything.
Small Café / QSR (30–60 Seats)
Budget range: ₹1.5L – ₹2.5L equipment cost (excluding refrigeration)
| Equipment | Recommended Model | Priority | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter Coffee Machine | iBrew 1L or 2L Manual | Must | ₹7,000–12,000 |
| Insulated Milk Boiler | Pradeep 5L (Model 111600) | Must | ₹4,500–6,000 |
| Induction Cooker | Aeonic PA-TCT-03 (3.5kW) | Must | ₹8,500–11,000 |
| Electric Fryer | Pradeep Single 8L | If menu needs | ₹6,500–9,000 |
| Stock Pot Set | Pradeep 5L, 10L, 20L | Must | ₹3,500–6,000 |
| Water Boiler | Pradeep 10L | If needed | ₹4,000–6,000 |
| Frying Pan | Pradeep 28cm SS | Must | ₹800–1,200 |
Medium Restaurant (80–150 Seats)
Budget range: ₹3.5L – ₹5.5L equipment cost
| Equipment | Recommended | Priority | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter Coffee Machine | iBrew 2L Manual or 5L Semi-auto | Must | ₹12,000–22,000 |
| Insulated Milk Boiler | Pradeep 12L (Model 111612) | Must | ₹6,500–9,000 |
| Induction Cookers | Aeonic 2× PA-TCT-03 + 1× PA-TCT-05 | Must | ₹28,000–40,000 |
| Electric Fryer | Pradeep Double 2×8L | Must | ₹14,000–18,000 |
| Electric Steamer | Pradeep 28L (3-tier) | If steamed items | ₹22,000–28,000 |
| Bain Marie | Pradeep 3-pot | For buffet | ₹10,000–14,000 |
| Cookware Set | Pradeep NSF — full set | Must | ₹18,000–30,000 |
| GN Pans Set | Pradeep — 10 pieces | For holding | ₹5,000–8,000 |
What to Buy First vs Later
Week 1 (before opening): Induction cookers, fryer (if menu needs), basic cookware, milk boiler, coffee machine. These are operational day-1.
Week 2-4 (after first revenue): Steamer, bain marie, additional cookware, GN pans. Add these as volume grows.
Month 2+ (expansion): Additional induction units, upgrade coffee to auto, buffet equipment if adding buffet service.
5 Things NOT to Buy (Common Mistakes)
- Industrial exhaust before confirming menu — exhaust requirements depend on whether you have open flame or induction. Decide cooking method first.
- Domestic-grade equipment — domestic induction or fryers will fail within 3–6 months under restaurant duty cycles. Always commercial grade.
- More capacity than needed — a 30L milk boiler for a 30-seat café is wasted money and maintenance. Size correctly.
- Non-authorized equipment — "Pradeep" sold by non-authorized dealers often grey market. Warranty void. Buy from authorized channel partner only.
- Full buffet equipment on Day 1 — copper chafers and urns are for established restaurants doing banquet/buffet. Don't invest until you have consistent volume.
What is the minimum equipment needed to start a restaurant in India?
Minimum viable restaurant kitchen: 1–2 induction cookers (Aeonic), 1 fryer (if menu needs), basic cookware set (Pradeep 5–20L pots), 1 milk boiler (if serving beverages), 1 coffee machine. Total minimum: ₹30,000–60,000. Contact AV Horeca Solutions, Hyderabad for a custom checklist: +91 78420 59163.
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