Opening a kebab shop is an exciting venture, tapping into a global love for one of the most popular street foods. The key to success lies in serving delicious, consistent food efficiently and safely. To do that, you need the right professional equipment.

While it might seem like a long list, having the correct tools from day one will streamline your operations, ensure food safety compliance, and set you up for success. This checklist covers the essential equipment every new kebab shop needs to get started.

The Star of the Show: The Vertical Broiler

This is the heart of your operation. Known as a döner machine, shawarma machine, or gyro machine, the vertical broiler is what cooks the large cones of seasoned meat.

• Gas vs. Electric: Gas models are the traditional choice, offering powerful, radiant heat that many chefs prefer for authentic flavor. Electric models are a great alternative for locations with gas restrictions and offer precise temperature control.
• Sizing: The size you need (typically determined by the number of burners and meat capacity in kg/lbs) depends on your expected sales volume. It’s better to start with a machine that can handle your busiest periods.

The Essential Cutting Tool: The Kebab Knife

To get those signature thin, uniform slices of meat, you can’t use just any knife.

• Electric Kebab Knife: For any commercial operation, an electric döner knife is a must-have. It allows for incredibly fast, consistent, and effortless slicing, which is impossible to replicate by hand during a busy service.
• Traditional Long Knife: Still useful as a backup and for shaping the meat cone at the start of the day.

Cooking & Holding Equipment

Beyond the broiler, you’ll need equipment to cook sides and keep everything ready for service.

• Grill or Griddle: A flat-top griddle is incredibly versatile for toasting pitta breads, grilling halloumi, and cooking vegetables or shish kebabs.
• Deep Fryer: Essential for serving chips (fries), falafel, onion rings, and other popular fried sides. Consider a double-basket model to cook different items simultaneously.
• Bain-Marie / Food Warmer: This is crucial for food safety. A bain-marie keeps sauces, chili, and pre-cooked items at a safe, hot temperature, ready for serving.

Food Preparation & Refrigeration

Efficiency and food safety start with your prep and storage.

• Refrigerated Prep Counter / Topping Rail: This is one of the most important pieces of equipment. It combines a refrigerated base for storing ingredients with a cooled topping rail on top for your salads, sauces, and pickles. This keeps everything fresh, chilled, and within easy reach for fast assembly.
• Upright Refrigerators & Freezers: You’ll need ample cold storage for your raw meat, fresh vegetables, drinks, and other stock.
• Food Processor: A commercial food processor will save you countless hours of manual labor, helping you slice onions, shred cabbage, and prep vegetables in minutes.
• Stainless Steel Workbenches: Provide durable, hygienic surfaces for all your food prep needs.

Safety & Sanitation

These items are non-negotiable and required by health and safety regulations.

• Commercial Ventilation System: A proper extraction hood must be installed above your cooking equipment (broiler, fryer, griddle) to remove grease, smoke, and heat from the kitchen. This is a legal requirement.
• Sinks: Health codes mandate separate sinks for handwashing, food preparation, and dishwashing (a three-compartment sink is standard).
• Commercial Dishwasher: A high-temperature, fast-cycle dishwasher is essential for sanitizing utensils, pans, and containers quickly.

Front of House

• Point of Sale (POS) System: A reliable POS system is vital for taking orders, managing payments, and tracking sales data.
• Heated Display Unit (Optional): A glass display cabinet can entice customers by showing off cooked items like chicken wings or other hot snacks.

Starting a kebab shop is a marathon, not a sprint. Investing in the right professional equipment from the outset is the best way to ensure your business is built on a foundation of quality, efficiency, and safety.

Feeling overwhelmed? Contact our equipment experts today. We can help you design a custom kitchen package that fits your space, budget, and menu.