Specify the kitchen before comparing equipment

Sourcing commercial kitchen equipment from China should start with your floor plan and operating load. Two ovens or refrigerators that look similar online may differ in capacity, dimensions, electrical requirements and included accessories. A low listing price does not confirm that the unit will fit, connect safely or be serviceable at your location.

Document your menu, peak-hour output, available space and utilities. Then shortlist commercial refrigeration, commercial ovens and fryers, or coffee shop equipment.

What to include in your supplier RFQ

1. Equipment type and use: restaurant, café, bakery or central kitchen.

2. Required dimensions, daily and peak-hour capacity, target temperature or power.

3. Electrical supply: voltage, phase, frequency and connection; for gas equipment, the applicable standard.

4. Material, configuration, accessories, packaging and any branding requirements.

5. Quantity, delivery city, required date and spare-parts needs.

Ask suppliers to state packed dimensions and weight, minimum order quantity (MOQ), production lead time and warranty terms in writing. Without the same specification, quotations are not directly comparable.

Confirm these points before paying

**Electrical compatibility and safety.** Ask the manufacturer to confirm the exact model and configuration against your local supply. Request conformity documents for that model; a generic certificate image is not proof that your chosen unit is covered.

**Quality and completeness.** A pre-shipment photo or video check should show the model plate, critical components, accessories and packaging. For expensive or business-critical equipment, consider an approved sample, pre-production check or inspection before dispatch.

**Service and spare parts.** Request a list of wear parts, prices and availability. Clarify what the warranty covers—parts, labour, return freight or factory repair only.

**Freight and landed cost.** Collect packed dimensions and gross weight for each unit. If combining several machines, include chargeable volume, palletisation, protection for fragile parts and insurance. TEAM A→Z can coordinate sourcing, supplier communication, inspection and delivery; import and conformity requirements should be confirmed for the specific product and tariff code.

Pre-order checklist

  • The quoted model and specification match your brief.
  • Site dimensions and electrical/gas connections are confirmed.
  • MOQ, included accessories, packaging and lead time are clear.
  • Warranty, spare parts and inspection scope are documented.
  • The freight estimate includes volume, pallets and insurance.

### Is restaurant equipment cheaper to buy from China?

It depends on the equipment, quantity, compliance documents, service and freight. Compare the total landed cost—not just the factory quotation.

### What should I ask a supplier first?

Ask for the exact model and datasheet, MOQ, packed dimensions and weight, production time, warranty, spare-parts availability and documents relevant to that model.

### Can TEAM A→Z inspect restaurant equipment?

Depending on the project, we can coordinate supplier checks, photo/video updates or a pre-shipment inspection. The scope and limitations should be agreed before the order.

**Send your kitchen plan and equipment list.** TEAM A→Z can help compare supplier offers: discuss your sourcing request.