Chef Set highlights practical portion control equipment as kitchens look for simple ways to reduce waste and improve consistency

With food, labour and operating costs continuing to put pressure on commercial kitchens, operators are looking closely at the small changes that can help control day-to-day costs.

Food waste remains an obvious area to address. WRAP estimates that food waste costs the UK hospitality and food service sector around £3.2 billion each year. For individual businesses, even small improvements in how food is prepared, served and portioned can help reduce unnecessary waste.

Portion control is one simple area where the right commercial kitchen equipment can make a difference. Consistent portion sizes can help reduce over-serving, improve cost control and make it easier for kitchen teams to work efficiently during busy service.

Portion control made simple

The Portioner Scoop (7980) from Chef Set is designed to help commercial kitchens achieve more consistent portion sizes across a range of applications.

Made from high quality stainless steel, the Portioner Scoop features an ergonomic handle and smooth spring-release mechanism, allowing food to be scooped and released quickly while helping to minimise hand strain.

Suitable for ice cream, mashed potato, cookie dough and other food preparation tasks, the scoop is available in 2oz, 2.5oz, 3oz and 4.5oz sizes, with a list price of £7.23 each.

Colour-coded spoodles

For busy catering operations, clearly identifiable portion sizes can make it easier for staff to select the right utensil during service.

Chef Set’s Solid Spoodle range (0770) is available in five colour-coded sizes: 2oz – Red, 3oz – Ivory, 4oz – Green, 6oz – Black, 8oz – Blue.

Made from high quality stainless steel with a mirror finish, the spoodles feature an easy use handle with a thumb grip for comfort. The cool-to-touch plastic handle is colour coded to match the portion size, making identification quick and straightforward.

The spoodles are also dishwasher safe, with list prices starting from £3.34.

Perforated spoodles

For kitchens looking for a perforated option, the Perforated Spoodle range (0775) follows the same five-size, colour-coded system.

The range is made from high-quality stainless steel with a mirror finish and features a thumb-grip handle with a cool-to-touch, colour-coded plastic handle. The spoodles are dishwasher safe and have list prices starting from £3.34.

Having both solid and perforated options gives professional kitchens the flexibility to choose the style that best suits their menu and preparation requirements.

Looking beyond the initial cost

Portion control is just one part of managing costs in a commercial kitchen. The equipment used every day can also have an impact on ongoing operating costs.

Durable catering equipment, Cookware and Kitchen Utensils that are designed for regular use can help reduce the need for frequent replacement, while practical designs can make everyday jobs easier for kitchen staff.

For distributors and catering equipment suppliers, looking at the longer term value of a product can therefore be an important part of the conversation. The initial purchase price is one consideration, but durability, ease of use and suitability for the job also matter.

At Chef Set, the focus is on practical commercial kitchen equipment designed around the everyday needs of professional kitchens.