Starting a restaurant is no small feat, and every dollar counts. The good news? You don’t have to blow your budget on essential tools and equipment.
We’ve rounded up 18 budget-friendly products that help restaurant startups save money without sacrificing quality. From kitchen must-haves to front-of-house essentials, these picks will set you up for success—without draining your startup funds.
1. Stainless Steel Food Prep Container Set
Stainless Steel Food Prep Container Set
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$22.49
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
This stainless steel food container set includes a transparent lid and rack, perfect for cooking, baking, and buffet service. Durable, oven-safe (up to 500°F), and easy to clean, it’s ideal for storing, prepping, and serving party-sized portions with efficiency.
2. Alpha Grillers Instant Read Thermometer
Alpha Grillers Instant Read Thermometer
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$15.99
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
Get precise temperature readings in 2-3 seconds with this instant-read digital thermometer, perfect for grilling, baking, frying, and more. Featuring a large backlit display, water-resistant design (IP66), and pre-calibrated accuracy, it’s a must-have kitchen essential and a great gift!
3. Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 4-Piece
Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 4-Piece
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$24.99
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
This stainless steel mixing bowl set includes four nesting bowls with lids, a colander, and a non-slip silicone base for stability. Durable, dishwasher-safe, and space-saving, it’s perfect for mixing, prepping, storing, and serving in any kitchen!
4. 8QT Roll-Top Chafing Dish Bundle
8QT Roll-Top Chafing Dish Bundle
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$131.99
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
This stainless steel chafing dish features a mirror finish, dual fuel burners, and a retractable lid (90°-180°) for easy buffet access. Perfect for catering, restaurants, and events, it keeps food warm for extended periods and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup!
5. Insulated Pan Carrier & Hot Box
Insulated Pan Carrier & Hot Box
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$59.40
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
This thermal food carrier keeps dishes hot for over 4 hours without electricity, making it perfect for catering, food trucks, and events. Lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, it holds various pan types and allows direct serving on-site for seamless food service!
6. Hybsk FIFO Use-First Labels, 500 Roll
Hybsk FIFO Use-First Labels, 500 Roll
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$7.48
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02/22/2025 03:28 pm GMT
These 1.5″ “USE FIRST” stickers come in English, French, and Spanish, with 500 adhesive labels per roll for easy food rotation. Perfect for restaurants, kitchens, and inventory management, they help reduce waste and ensure proper FIFO organization!
7. Heavy-Duty 36″ Restaurant Floor Mat
Heavy-Duty 36" Restaurant Floor Mat
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$49.97
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02/22/2025 03:28 pm GMT
This anti-fatigue rubber mat provides all-day comfort, with drainage holes for easy cleaning and a safe, dry workspace. Featuring interlocking edges and light grease resistance, it’s perfect for workstations, assembly lines, and grease-prone areas.
8. Commercial 2-Tap Beer Kegerator
Commercial 2-Tap Beer Kegerator
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This NSF & ETL-certified commercial refrigerator ensures precise cooling (33°F-38°F) with energy-efficient R290 refrigerant and a quiet, durable design. Featuring spacious storage, adjustable shelves, and lockable casters, it’s perfect for restaurants, cafes, bars, and home use with a 3-year parts and 6-year compressor warranty.
9. Restaurantware Heavy-Duty Bus Tub
Restaurantware Heavy-Duty Bus Tub
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$16.37
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
This durable plastic bus tub is perfect for quick and efficient cleanup, featuring sturdy built-in handles for easy transport. With a sleek, low-profile design, it helps organize dirty dishes without clutter—ideal for restaurants, cafes, and kitchens.
10. Stromberg’s Poultry Processing Killing Cone
Stromberg s Poultry Processing Killing Cone
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$46.99
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02/22/2025 03:29 pm GMT
This heavy-duty poultry processing cone ensures mess-free, efficient slaughtering with dent-resistant, rust-proof galvanized steel. Designed for safety, easy cleaning, and quick mounting, it’s perfect for handling birds of all sizes, from chickens to turkeys.
11. Notrax 2′ x 3′ Anti-Fatigue Mat
Notrax 2' x 3' Anti-Fatigue Mat
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$24.29
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02/22/2025 03:28 pm GMT
This anti-fatigue mat features a pebbled anti-slip surface and closed-cell PVC foam to reduce strain and insulate against cold floors. With beveled edges for safety and a durable, crack-resistant design, it’s a cost-effective solution for workplace comfort and traction.
12. DuraSteel 30″x12″ Stainless Prep Table
DuraSteel 24"x30" Stainless Prep Table
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$97.67
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02/22/2025 03:29 pm GMT
This heavy-duty stainless steel work table offers a 300 lb capacity, adjustable undershelf, and NSF certification for commercial use. Perfect for kitchens, BBQs, and workshops, it features smooth mobility with locking brakes for stability and easy transport.
13. Norpro Mini Burger Press
Norpro Mini Burger Press, 1 EA, gray
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$24.60
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02/22/2025 05:24 am GMT
This nonstick cast aluminum slider press shapes six uniform 2-ounce patties, perfect for beef, chicken, turkey, and veggie burgers. Featuring a sturdy wood handle, it’s durable, easy to use, and ideal for homemade mini burgers!
14. 50-Pack Kraft Paper Takeout Containers
50-Pack Kraft Paper Takeout Containers
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$31.99
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
These 50-pack kraft paper takeout containers hold 50 oz (1400ml) and feature a leak-proof, oil-resistant interior to keep food fresh. Microwaveable, recyclable, and easy to fold, they’re perfect for restaurants, takeout, meal prep, and parties!
15. 24″x60″ Stainless Steel Work Table
24"x60" Stainless Steel Work Table
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$165.19
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
This heavy-duty stainless steel work table features a 500 lb capacity, adjustable shelf, and rust-resistant 430 stainless steel for durability. With rounded edges, adjustable feet, and easy installation, it’s perfect for kitchens, restaurants, garages, and more!
16. Heavy-Duty 6.6″ Cast Iron Burger Press
Heavy-Duty 6.6" Cast Iron Burger Press
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$25.99
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
This heavy-duty cast iron bacon press ensures even cooking with a durable design and heat-resistant wooden handle. Perfect for bacon, steaks, burgers, and more, it’s easy to clean and a versatile must-have kitchen tool!
17. OCS 3-Pack Restaurant Check Spindles
OCS 3-Pack Restaurant Check Spindles
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$13.99
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02/22/2025 03:30 pm GMT
Keep orders organized with this 6.5-inch check spindle, designed to reduce check loss and improve efficiency in busy restaurants and bars. Featuring a sleek plated finish, sturdy single-point design, and rubber feet for stability, it’s a must-have for streamlined service!
18. Rongta 80mm USB Thermal Receipt Printer
Rongta 80mm USB Thermal Receipt Printer
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$89.99
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02/22/2025 03:29 pm GMT
This high-speed POS thermal printer features auto-cutting, 250mm/sec printing speed, and USB/LAN/Serial connectivity for seamless transactions. With a wall-mountable design, wide compatibility, and cost-effective operation, it’s perfect for restaurants, retail, and hospitality businesses!
Getting your restaurant off the ground doesn’t mean spending a fortune. With these affordable finds, you can equip your kitchen, streamline operations, and create a great dining experience all while keeping costs in check. Because saving money at the start means having more to invest where it really counts.