Adding breakfast can turn empty morning hours into sales, using the same rent and many of the same staff. Breakfast menus lean on a small set of equipment used hard for a few hours. Get those pieces right and breakfast runs smoothly. Get them wrong and the morning rush backs up fast.
If waffles are on the menu, a commercial Belgian waffle maker such as the Waring WW180X single or WW250X double uses a rotating design for even browning.
Know Your Breakfast Volume
Estimate how many guests you expect in your busiest breakfast hour, and what they order. Eggs, pancakes and breakfast sandwiches all run through the griddle. Toast, bagels and English muffins run through the toaster. Coffee touches almost every ticket. Size these three stations first.
The Griddle Is the Center
Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, French toast and hash browns all come off the flat top. Measure how many items need to be on it at peak. A 36″ griddle fits many small operations. A busy diner may need 48″ or more, or two griddles. A thermostatic griddle holds plate temperature more evenly, which helps with eggs and pancakes. The Cookline CGG-36T-HD 36″ countertop gas griddle and the Cookline CGG-48T-HD 48″ countertop gas griddle are thermostatic options. If your existing griddle handles lunch burgers, check whether it can also handle breakfast volume.
Toasters
A slot toaster works for low volume. The Prepline PT-4S 4 slice toaster suits a small cafe. When toast and bagels are on most tickets, a conveyor toaster keeps product moving without anyone babysitting slots. The Hatco TQ3-10 conveyor toaster – 420 slices/hr is one example. Check the product page for bread thickness limits and electrical requirements.
Coffee and Beverages
Coffee is often the highest margin item on a breakfast ticket. Match brewer capacity to your peak hour. A thermal brewer keeps coffee hot without a burner scorching it, such as the Waring WCM60PT medium volume thermal coffee maker. If you plan fresh juice, a juicer like the Waring 6001C heavy duty juicer can be a menu feature. Plan counter space and power outlets for all of it.
Holding
Bacon, sausage and hash browns are often cooked ahead in batches. A drawer warmer keeps them hot and moist without drying out on a steam table. The Prepline DW1 single freestanding drawer warmer is an example. Hold hot food at 135F or above and track holding times.
Cold Storage at the Line
Eggs, butter, milk, cut fruit and batter need to be close to the griddle. A refrigerated chef base under the griddle keeps them at hand. Make sure the unit holds 41F or below, even with frequent opening during the rush.
Prep and Batter
Pancake and waffle batter is usually mixed in bulk. A heavy-duty immersion blender or mixer speeds this up. Use covered containers labeled with the time the batter was made.
Waffles and Specialty Items
Waffles need a waffle iron and their own space. Breakfast burritos and sandwiches may need a panini press or a steamer. Add these only if the item is going to be a core seller.
Staffing and Flow
Breakfast tickets are small but fast. Put the toaster, griddle and coffee where the flow is short. A cook should be able to pull eggs, drop toast and plate without walking across the kitchen.
Check Utilities First
A conveyor toaster and coffee brewers may need dedicated circuits. Gas griddles need hood coverage. Confirm with a licensed electrician or gas fitter and your local officials before you buy.
Next Steps
Estimate your peak breakfast hour, then size your griddle, toaster and coffee setup. Browse griddles and commercial toasters to compare options. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Cookline CGG-36T-HD 36″ Commercial Countertop Gas Griddle with Thermostatic Controls – 90,000 BTU (model CGG-36T-HD)
- Brand: Cookline
- Heavy-Duty Construction: High-grade stainless steel exterior designed for long-lasting commercial durability.
- Precision Thermostatic Controls: Independent temperature dials allow precise heat regulation per burner zone.
- Triple U-Shaped Burners: 3 stainless steel burners provide even heat distribution across the 36″ cooking surface.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Cookline CGG-48T-HD 48″ Commercial Countertop Gas Griddle with Thermostatic Controls – 120,000 BTU (model CGG-48T-HD)
- Brand: Cookline
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Premium stainless steel front and sides built for demanding commercial kitchens.
- 1-Inch Thick Polished Steel Plate: Superior heat retention and uniform thermal distribution for heavy volume cooking.
- 4 Independent Thermostatic Controls: Precise heat adjustments ranging from 200°F to 500°F across distinct cooking zones.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Prepline PT-4S 4 Slice Commercial Toaster – 1.5″ Slots, 120V (model PT-4S)
- Brand: Prepline
- Prepline PT-4S 4 Slice Toaster with 1 1/2″ Slots
- Toasts up to 225 Slices per Hour
- 2 Removable Crumb Trays
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Hatco TQ3-10 Conveyor Toaster – 420 Slices/hr w/ 2″ Product Opening, 120v (model TQ3-10)
- Brand: Hatco
- Efficient Conveyor Toaster producing 420 slices per hour with a 2-inch opening, featuring ColorGuard sensing and energy-saving power mode.
Waring WCM60PT Medium Volume Thermal Coffee Maker – Automatic, 120v (model WCM60PT)
- Brand: Waring
- Medium Volume Thermal Coffee Maker
- Pourover or Plumbed
- 3.9 Gallons Per Hour
Waring 6001C Heavy Duty Juicer w/ Stainless Bowl & Cover (model 6001C)
- Brand: Waring
- Waring 6001C: Heavy-duty stainless steel juicer with a vibration-reducing Gyro base and high-speed motor for rapid, pulp-free juice extraction.
Prepline DW1 Single Freestanding Drawer Warmer- 450W, 120V (model DW1)
- Brand: Prepline
- Temperature range: 80-220°F
- Adjustable vent for moisture control
- Includes 1 stainless steel pan
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.