Alan ‘Bo’ Borenstein5 Best Stores for Restaurant Equipment in Vancouver
Finding the right restaurant equipment is not easy.
So if you own a small business and need new supplies or want specialized equipment to help your kitchen run more smoothly, this article is for you.
We’ve compiled a list of the best stores for restaurant equipment in Vancouver for you to discover!
How Much Does Restaurant Equipment Cost in Vancouver
Some people only need food preparation equipment, whereas larger restaurants may require complete cooking equipment.
However, you won’t be spending more than CAD 1,720 on food preparation equipment, small wares, commercial refrigeration, and stainless steel and storage.
The table below lists some of the most common types of products these companies sell and their average estimated cost.
Best Stores for Restaurant Equipment in Vancouver
When you think about the best equipment for restaurants, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options available.
In fact, it can be a bit of a challenge to find the right equipment for your restaurant when there are so many different products on the market.
We’ve assessed the following companies based on the criteria below:
1. Vancouver Restaurant Supply
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Inventory | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety of Products | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Quality of Products | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Vancouver Restaurant Supply (VRS) is a full-service business equipment company that provides various equipment for restaurants, hotels, school kitchens, cafes, and many more.
We were immediately impressed by their extensive inventory of high-quality equipment from nearly all major brands. They mostly have stainless steel equipment such as electric ovens, ranges, griddles, induction cookers, hot plates, and fryers.
Unfortunately, they have a limited selection of charbroilers, so customers who prefer to cook their burger patties on these devices may have to look elsewhere if they don’t find what they’re looking for here.
Even so, we liked that they have a fully-stocked food preparation equipment section from meat grinders to manual food processors.
Aside from that, we found it impressive that they host various events, such as marketing seminars, which we believe are beneficial to all business owners who want to learn more about how to properly promote their products.
Moreover, many of the customers we’ve spoken to comment on how VRS is their go-to store as they have an excellent selection of commercial cooking supplies.
In sum, we believe that Vancouver Restaurant Supply is one of the best stores for restaurant equipment in Vancouver as they provide a diverse collection of new restaurant equipment for almost all business types.
Pros
- Open six days a week
- Has equipment for various commercial needs
- Equipment from almost all major brands
- Fully-stocked food preparation equipment
- Almost all equipment made of stainless steel
Cons
- Limited selection of charbroilers
- Doesn’t sell used restaurant equipment
Customer Reviews
Excellent selection of commercial cooking supplies
“This place has it all—excellent selection of commercial cooking supplies. Even though it is industrial strength it’s perfectly suitable to use at home as well. You could spend your whole paycheck at stores like Cook Culture or Ming Wo OR you could spend HALF that amount at VRS. Honestly, very reasonable prices. The staff is friendly and helpful too so I will definitely return in the future!.” -R Y.
Great place to purchase products for a food business
“Great place to find everything you need for a food business. We use their store and services for our bakery and are very happy with the products and their service both on the phone and in person.” -Behnaz S.
2. Vortex Restaurant Equipment
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Inventory | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety of Products | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Quality of Products | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Vortex Restaurant Equipment is a restaurant equipment and supply company that offers a wide selection of commercial kitchen needs.
We were incredibly impressed with their comprehensive service area coverage as they can accommodate clients in Greater Vancouver and the rest of British Columbia.
With Vancouver’s thriving restaurant scene, we believe this gives them the advantage of being a go-to restaurant equipment store to a large customer base.
This store sells various cooking and beverage equipment, including baking ovens, refrigerators, food prep equipment, sinks, and dishwashers.
This company also has countertop products like display warmers, heat lamps, holding cabinets, and hotdog equipment that we think are ideal for food stands because they are small and portable.
Another thing we liked about this store is they also provide clients with an excellent selection of small wares that come in handy such as baking supplies, food storage inserts, cutlery, and many more.
Now, we would like to point out that they have relatively higher prices. We also wish they were open on weekends to accommodate more consumers.
Despite that, we still believe that Vortex Restaurant Equipment is one of the best stores for restaurant equipment in Vancouver, as they provide customers with many options for a more productive day in the kitchen.
Pros
- Free consultation
- Wide service area coverage
- Convenient online ordering system
- Plenty of small wares
Cons
- Relatively higher prices
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Top-notch customer service
“Amazing service! The team at Vortex will go above and beyond to source you any equipment or restaurant supply that you may need at the best value & quality! This is our first choice whenever we need to purchase new equipment & supplies for our cafes!.” -Sherri Z.
Reasonable prices and offers warranties
“Vortex is my go to food equipment store. Price is reasonable , service is superb. Tracy helped me to find some special equipment and she also helped me to look after any warranty claim. The relationship didn’t stop soon after the purchase.” -Roger T.
3. Paragon Food Equipment
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Inventory | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety of Products | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Customer Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Quality of Products | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Paragon Food Equipment is a locally owned and operated restaurant and equipment supply store with one of Vancouver’s most extensive inventories of restaurant equipment and commercial kitchen supplies.
We were immediately impressed by their never-ending selection of cooking equipment in-store and online. We believe this enables them to provide restaurant equipment to various businesses and individuals.
Another thing that caught our attention is that 90% of their online inventory is in stock, and they also have an 18,000-square feet showroom located at 760 E. Hastings Street.
Their spacious showroom, in our opinion, allows them to house their enormous supply, making it convenient for customers because they won’t have to wait for their orders to be ready.
We’d also like to point out that they have a massive selection of notable restaurant equipment brands, allowing them to meet commercial kitchen supplies and small wares needs.
Unfortunately, we’re not big fans that they only have one office location as we think it would be beneficial for clients if they open more branches.
Nonetheless, their large selection of restaurant equipment makes up for it, making them one of the best restaurant equipment stores in Vancouver.
Pros
- 18,000 square feet showroom
- 90% of online inventory is in-stock
- Numerous suppliers
Cons
- Closed on weekends
- Only has one office location
Customer Reviews
Great selection and service
“I’m a retired chef and shopped here for my restaurant over the years. Now I just like coming to Paragon to buy commercial smallwares for my home and friends. Selection and service are always great, and I’ve found their prices to be the best around….and I’ve shopped at all the other stores in the city. I’ve recommended this place to my chef and non-chef friends and they’re never disappointed!.” -Foodie Vancouver
Products always in-stock
“Absolutely love this place. Great selection and the staff cares about you without pushing at all. All the products we wanted we there and once we were arrived we got so much more. We will be back.” -Clint R.
4. Purerange Food Equipment
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Inventory | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Variety of Products | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Quality of Products | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Established in 2007, Purerange Food Equipment sells restaurant and commercial equipment in Vancouver.
What we liked best about this store is that they offer clients affordable prices through discounts and deals, which we appreciate because it makes their products accessible to many customers.
We also liked that Purerange Food Equipment also sells pre-owned food equipment, though they only have a limited selection because they’re often sold quickly.
What distinguishes Purerange is its full-service repair center, which specializes in almost all makes and models of restaurant equipment. They also provide a carry-in service for small appliances such as toasters, slicers, blenders, and many others.
We were also impressed that they have a spacious warehouse that houses a vast inventory of their products, ensuring that every order is available immediately.
They also have a section dedicated to small ware products like kitchen accessories, baking supplies, storage solutions, and so on.
Most customers we’ve spoken with have praised their services because they can explain their products regardless of make or model. They also advised business owners on the best equipment to purchase.
Business owners should drop by Purerange Food Equipment for their restaurant equipment needs as they house readily-available items for any kitchen.
Pros
- Sells used restaurant equipment
- Has repair services
- Huge inventory of products
Cons
- Limited used restaurant equipment
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Affordable restaurant equipment
“We visited 3 dealers in town and finally picked the folks at PureRange food equipment. Compared to other places, they are very knowledgeable. We like the fact they do not sell cheap equipment as this is our first restaurant and want to do it right. This is a company that knows their product, as they explained in detail the difference between different models and brands. Now, both my husband and I are not technical by any means so at times it was a little overwhelming, but it sure gave us a lot of confidence. Just before opening we had to have an inspection. Wes at PureRange always told us to test the equipment at least a few days before the inspection. Of course our construction was delayed, and this simply was not possible. We tested the equipment a few hours before the inspection and there was a problem with one of the coolers. We called Wes, and literally after getting off the phone an hour later their tech came. That’s service for you! Could not believe how quickly Jason their tech came. Turned out it was a minor problem. We passed the inspection and everything else went smoothly. They are knowledgable, friendly, the best service and of course great prices! Thank you PureRange.” -Dave R.
Knowledgeable staff
“Wes and Simon were so knowledgeable and were able to set up our restaurant with exactly what we needed. We have been in business and used other companies but the service and follow up were second to none.” -Monique L.
5. ABM Food Equipment
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Inventory | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Variety of Products | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Customer Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Quality of Products | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Operating Hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
ABM Food Equipment is a full-service restaurant equipment store in Vancouver that offers complete design, installation, and sales services.
We found it impressive that they offer various Restaurant Equipment Financing options. Customers can pay later, rent, or return restaurant equipment when they use ABM Food Equipment’s rent-try-buy service.
We appreciate their flexibility because having access to hassle-free financing options benefits many business owners.
However, we did notice the lack of cooking equipment they sell as they only have broilers and griddles under this section. Despite this, we appreciated the fact that they have a diverse range of food preparation and refrigeration equipment.
It’s also worth noting that they have a large inventory of used restaurant equipment, which includes everything from commercial ovens to storage solutions. To find out how much they cost, you’d have to send an inquiry.
Now, their used restaurant equipment only has a three-month warranty, so it’s best to test it immediately to see if it works properly.
Despite this, customers we’ve spoken with have expressed gratitude for ABM Food Equipment’s excellent service because their staff is very knowledgeable and well-informed, allowing them to answer almost all customer questions to make good decisions.
Overall, if you need restaurant equipment, then you should definitely check out ABM Food Equipment.
Pros
- Full-service restaurant equipment store
- Eight warehouses in Canada and U.S.A.
- Restaurant Equipment Financing available
- Sells used restaurant equipment
Cons
- Limited selection of cooking equipment
- Used equipment only has three-month warranty policy
Customer Reviews
Helpful staff and impressive equipment
“Terry was very helpful as soon as told him what I was looking for. I was impressed that the equipment I ordered came the following day. I couldn’t believe it especially when I put my order in at 3pm Wednesday through the phone. My order came in the follow day at 1030 am in Victoria, BC. Great service, price is good too.” -Em S.
Excellent selection of restaurant equipment
“Excellent selection of equipment all of which at a very reasonable price point and shipping rate. Friendly and very knowledgeable staff, very well informed about what they sell. Terry was awesome, very patient and attentive every time I called I got him directly or he returned my call from his personal line within 15-20min, even approaching a holiday. That kind of service is hard to come by these days, will definitely be purchasing again.” -Jamie C.
FAQs about Restaurant Equipment in Vancouver
The best restaurant equipment is crucial to ensuring the success of your kitchen. This includes everything from commercial refrigeration and gas boilers, to mixers and mixers’, cooking stands, and counters.
We hope our article on where to buy restaurant equipment was helpful. Check out our helpful article on the best hardware stores in Vancouver if you’re planning a trip to buy tools.
