In the world of foodservice, the spotlight often shines on the big-ticket items—commercial ranges, walk-in coolers, and high-capacity gq2. But any seasoned chef or kitchen manager knows that it’s the smallwares—the often-overlooked utensils, prep tools, and gadgets—that keep a kitchen humming.
Think of smallwares as the “gears” in the machine. Without them, the entire operation grinds to a halt. With the right ones, your team can work faster, waste less, and deliver a better dining experience. At Standard Restaurant Supply, we’ve seen firsthand how investing in the right smallwares can transform a kitchen from chaotic to efficient.
In this post, we’ll highlight the smallwares that make the biggest difference, why they matter, and how they can improve your workflow.
The Power of Prep: Tools That Cut Down Time Before Service
Prep time is where many kitchens win or lose the battle against the clock. A few thoughtful upgrades in your prep tool arsenal can save hours over the course of a week.
Key examples:
- High-Quality Chef’s Knives – A razor-sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife isn’t just faster—it’s safer. With proper care, a good knife can outlast multiple cheap replacements.
- Mandoline Slicers – Consistent cuts mean faster cooking times and more visually appealing plates. Adjustable mandolines are perfect for high-volume slicing.
- Bench Scrapers – An inexpensive tool that helps move ingredients from cutting board to pan in seconds, reducing spillage and wasted motion.
- Digital Portion Scales – Exact measurements aren’t just for baking. Scales ensure consistency in portion sizes, which means better cost control and customer satisfaction.
Workflow Tip: Group your prep smallwares by task (chopping, mixing, measuring) and store them near the stations that use them most.
Utensils That Keep the Line Moving
When the dinner rush hits, efficiency is everything. The right utensils keep dishes moving out of the pass without bottlenecks.
Key examples:
- Heat-Resistant Spatulas & Tongs – Durable tools that can withstand constant high heat without melting or warping.
- Ladles with Portion Markings – Save time and guarantee consistent servings without having to measure each time.
- Perforated and Solid Spoons – Speed up plating by draining excess liquid or saucing precisely.
- Turners (Metal & Silicone) – Ideal for everything from flipping delicate fish to heavy burgers.
Workflow Tip: Keep duplicates of high-use utensils within arm’s reach of each station to eliminate “tool sharing” delays.
Gadgets That Do the Heavy Lifting
While smallwares are, by definition, smaller than major equipment, some gadgets are absolute game-changers for speed and consistency.
Key examples:
- Immersion Blenders – Puree soups, emulsify sauces, and mix batters directly in the pot—no messy transfers needed.
- Commercial-Grade Peelers – Ergonomic peelers reduce fatigue and make quick work of potatoes, carrots, and apples.
- Citrus Juicers – Hand or lever-operated juicers extract more juice in less time, perfect for bar service or fresh dressings.
- Microplanes & Zesters – Finishing dishes with fresh citrus zest, nutmeg, or grated cheese adds flavor without slowing service.
Workflow Tip: Train staff on the correct and safe use of gadgets to get the most out of their capabilities and lifespan.
Storage & Organization Tools That Prevent Chaos
Even the fastest tools won’t save you if your kitchen is disorganized. The right smallwares for storage and organization can keep every station stocked and ready.
Key examples:
- Ingredient Bins with Scoops – Keep flour, sugar, or dry goods accessible while preventing contamination.
- Clear Polycarbonate Food Pans – Stackable, easy-to-clean pans keep mise en place visible and ready to go.
- Magnetic Knife Strips or Knife Blocks – Safe, space-saving knife storage that keeps blades in peak condition.
- Labeling Systems – Date and name labels ensure rotation and compliance with food safety regulations.
Workflow Tip: Standardize storage containers so they stack neatly and interchange lids—reducing the hunt for the “right size” during service.
Why Investing in Quality Smallwares Pays Off
It can be tempting to buy the cheapest spatulas or knives, but in a busy kitchen, cheap tools are expensive in the long run.
Here’s why quality matters:
- Durability – Fewer replacements mean lower long-term costs.
- Efficiency – Well-designed tools shave seconds off every task, adding up to hours saved each week.
- Safety – Sturdy, ergonomic tools reduce the risk of injury and strain.
- Consistency – Better tools produce consistent results, which customers notice.
At Standard Restaurant Supply, we stock smallwares from trusted commercial brands—tools built for the demands of professional kitchens.
Building Your Smallwares Arsenal: A Starter Checklist
If you’re outfitting a new kitchen or upgrading an existing one, here’s a quick starter checklist to ensure you’re covering the essentials:
Prep Tools:
- Chef’s knives (8–10”)
- Paring knives
- Cutting boards (color-coded for safety)
- Mandoline slicer
- Mixing bowls (stainless steel)
- Bench scraper
- Digital scale
Cooking & Plating Utensils:
- Heat-resistant spatulas
- Solid and slotted spoons
- Tongs (multiple lengths)
- Ladles (various sizes)
- Fish turner
Specialty Gadgets:
- Immersion blender
- Zester/microplane
- Citrus juicer
- Commercial peeler
Storage & Organization:
- Polycarbonate food pans
- Ingredient bins
- Knife storage system
- Labeling supplies
How to Keep Your Smallwares in Top Shape
Buying the right tools is only half the battle—maintenance keeps them performing like new.
Best practices:
- Sharpen knives regularly (weekly for high-volume kitchens).
- Avoid abrasive cleaners on non-stick or silicone surfaces.
- Store smallwares properly to prevent damage—no tossing knives into drawers.
- Inspect frequently and replace worn tools before they fail mid-service.
At Standard Restaurant Supply, we carry not only the smallwares themselves but also the maintenance tools—knife sharpeners, replacement blades, and storage solutions—that extend their lifespan.
Final Thoughts
In professional kitchens, efficiency isn’t just about working faster—it’s about working smarter. The right smallwares save time, reduce waste, improve consistency, and make your staff’s lives easier.
From perfectly balanced knives to ergonomic peelers, every tool you choose shapes the way your kitchen operates. When you source smallwares from Standard Restaurant Supply, you’re getting more than just utensils—you’re investing in smoother service, happier staff, and satisfied customers.
Ready to upgrade your smallwares? Browse our collection and see how the right tools can make a big difference in your kitchen.