Cannabis and Commercial Kitchen Equipment: A Growing Bond

Explosive. 

That’s the word that best describes the growth of the cannabis industry when it was legalized in Canada four years ago. 

It contributed a whopping $43.5 billion to the country’s national GDP, generated $11 billion in sales nationwide, and created close to 100,000 jobs.

But that explosive growth didn’t come alone; it came with issues in the supply chain. Raw materials became scarce, petroleum products skyrocketed, and the price of steel—a key component used in most cannabis equipment—also surged.

How can cannabis producers, cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and testing facilities keep up with the demand if there’s a lack of cannabis equipment supply?

Cannabis Equipment Used in Large-Scale Production 

First, let’s identify the equipment used in producing cannabis products. What does a manufacturer need to produce and distribute quality and safe cannabis flower, edibles, etc.?

Scales 

If precision is needed in baking, it’s imperative in making edibles. Manufacturers need to consistently deliver a safe dose of THC in every serving. 

To do so, meticulous math is required. And you can’t do math without the help of scales. Using scales allows manufacturers to design precision cannabis products that provide tailored experiences while protecting consumers at the same time. This also rings true when weighing cannabis bud in grams and ounces before packaging them for sale.

Scoops 

Scoops are the scale’s partner in delivering accurate doses of THC and CBD. It also makes consistent portions of edibles possible.

Containers

Moisture and air affect cannabis in many ways. If the product is not properly stored, air and moisture will feed mould and bacteria and cause them to spoil more quickly.

Air also contributes to the breakdown of THC and other cannabis substances which affect the potency and flavour of the strain. To prolong shelf life, you need to store them in containers and storage holders that won’t let air and moisture in. 

Work Tables

Work tables are the cannabis kitchen’s workhorse. It’s where you sort, slice, chop and prepare everything you need to make edibles. If it’s not high quality, it will rust, bend, and get worn out fast. You need to choose a durable work table designed to withstand the demands of a commercial cannabis kitchen or production facility.       

Shelves

Shelving is a great way to organize different products either for storage or display purposes. Aside from being durable, commercial cannabis shelves must meet local firecodes and sanitation standards. 

Commercial Range 

To cook edibles, you need a commercial range with sufficient power and cooking surface so you can concoct delicious baked goods, candies, and other edibles consistently. 

Some even have features that make cooking edibles more efficient. Things like grates that allow you to move pots between burners with ease and burners that can accurately distribute heat to cook food evenly.

Can You Use Residential-Grade Equipment?

The production of edibles in Canada are strictly regulated. Aside from the required licences, manufacturers must also adhere to standard operating procedures which residential equipment and supplies won’t be able to meet.

A cannabis kitchen is like a commercial kitchen in more ways than one:

Higher Resistance to Heat

In food processing operation, utensils and equipment must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at certain temperatures for a specific duration. 

Commercial-grade equipment and supplies usually have higher temperature limits than conventional kitchen equipment and supplies. Some also release harmful chemicals when heated.

Durability 

Commercial equipment has been built to withstand continuous use which is why they are often made from heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel or iron.

Easy to Clean and Sanitize 

Bacteria, mould, and other microorganisms don’t adhere and survive on surfaces made from stainless steel. That makes commercial kitchen equipment easier to sanitize. 

That is also the reason why stainless steel is the first choice of material when it comes to strict hygienic conditions such as in hospitals, commercial kitchens, and food processing.

Speed and Volume

Commercial-grade kitchen equipment is also built to produce large quantities of food at high speeds. It can handle the pressure of a busy cannabis kitchen more than residential-grade kitchen equipment can.

Reliability 

Because commercial kitchen equipment is durable, you can be sure that it will serve its purpose for a very long time. 

Unlike its domestic counterparts, they rarely fail to perform even under extreme pressure especially when properly maintained. And fewer equipment failures mean more time spent on production.

Safer Work Environment 

The advantages of using commercial kitchen equipment isn’t limited to speed, volume, and hygienic food preparation and practices. When properly cleaned and maintained, they can also prevent untoward incidents which could injure your staff.

Meeting the Demands of Cannabis Operations

Having the right cannabis equipment is the first step in producing high-quality, safe, government compliant cannabis products. And nothing else can do the job better than commercial kitchen equipment.

S.T.O.P. Restaurant Supply is your trusted Canadian supplier of commercial-grade ranges, work tables, and other equipment needed for cannabis producers, cultivators, processors, manufacturers, and testing facilities. We also design, install, lease, and finance commercial kitchen solutions that would fit the high demands of cannabis edible production.

Get in touch with us today to know more.