Have you ever considered how much the demand for restaurants has influenced the growth of technology? Food service equipment is one of the branches of technology that developed primarily because people like us wanted somewhere to eat in public and food prepared by someone else.

1. THE AMAZING
EVOLUTION OF FOOD
SERVICE EQUIPMENT

2. Have you ever considered how much the demand for restaurants has influenced
the growth of technology? Food service equipment is one of the branches of
technology that developed primarily because people like us wanted somewhere to
eat in public and food prepared by someone else.
Today we are investigating some of the fantastic developments within the food
equipment sector, and how far technology has come in helping to prepare meals.
Commercial kitchen equipment is everywhere, from school cafeterias to fast food
chains and fancy restaurants.

3. The First Instances of Commercial Food Equipment
While the first examples of something resembling restaurants only appeared in
the 18th century, places resembling fast food drive-throughs were present as far
back as the Greco-Roman world (332 BC – 395 AD). Thermopolia – which
translates into ‘a place where something hot is sold’ – were pitstops where
passers-by could grab a hot meal.
The main examples of food equipment used here were:
● Meat hooks
● Mincers
● Spatulas

4. ● Colanders
● Ladles
● Pots
● Kettles
It’s worth noting the other examples that would follow over the next few
centuries. In Chinese tea houses, they would cook food on cast-iron stoves,
serving food from a written menu. Further west, in medieval Europe – even
though they lacked written menus in restaurant-resembling establishments –
they used frying pans, pepper mills, tongs, mallets, waffle irons, weighing scales,
and even cheese graters to serve food.

5. The First Literal Restaurant
According to some legends, a Frenchman named Monsieur Boulanger opened his
establishment in 1765. Apparently, he even had the term ‘restaurant’ written on
the sign outside. Even though this establishment was mainly for the working
class, it didn’t take long before another opened a similar place dedicated to the
wealthy upper class.
Their tools included:
● Cast Iron Pots
● Roasting Spits
● Baking Kettles
● Spit-Jacks
● Gelatin Molds

6. 19th Century Food Equipment Growth
During the early 19th century, restaurants – and food equipment as a result –
became increasingly popular. New designs came about, and many people were
enjoying various foods prepared by chefs in establishments for the working class
and upper class.
The rapid industrialisation of Europe meant that there was an increasing number
of workers who now needed to eat during their lunch breaks. More importantly,
they needed somewhere to eat.
Restaurants exploded in popularity during this time in both Europe and North
America, along with food equipment, including:

7. ● Apple Corers
● Corkscrews
● Can Openers
● Gelatin Molds
● Potato Peelers
● Salad Spinners
● Gas Cooking
● Refrigeration

8. The 20th Century and the Exponential Growth of Food Equipment
The 20th century saw the most growth in the development of food equipment.
While certain basic tools were retained – such as pots, pans, spoons, and so on –
the main change came from the massive influx of convenience devices.
Sturdier materials became more popular in kitchens, such as steel, tin, silver,
nickel, and aluminum. We also saw the rise of complete refrigeration and
freezing units, dishwashers, sinks, electric ovens, microwaves, and more.

9. Fast food restaurants became even more popular as commercial chains now had
ways to quickly produce large quantities of food, all thanks to their equipment.
Order Your Food Equipment Today
If you need food service equipment for your modern commercial kitchen, our
team can supply it. We offer many tools and machines to make your kitchen
operations run smoothly. Browse our range now and order for delivery.