KITCHEN VIEWING CHECKLIST

Essential Questions & Red Flags

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Print or bring on phone/tablet
  • Fill out one checklist per kitchen viewed
  • Rate each section out of 5 stars
  • Red flags = dealbreakers - walk away if you see 3+

Companion to: Kitchen Decision Pack Chapter 2 (Choosing Your Kitchen)

BASIC INFORMATION

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£_______ (Hourly: £______/hour)

SECTION 1: LOCATION & ACCESS

Item✓ / ✗ / N/ANotes
Within 30 min of target customer areaDistance: ___ miles
Safe neighborhoodSafe: Y / N
Adequate parking for loading/unloadingSpaces: _____
Loading bay or designated delivery areaLocation: ______
Accessible via public transportStation: _______
ULEZ compliant zoneCompliant: Y / N
Close to suppliers/wholesalers (within 5 miles)Nearest: ______

Red Flags:

  • ☐ Difficult to find/access
  • ☐ No parking within 200m
  • ☐ High crime area
Location Rating:☆☆☆☆☆ (___/5 stars)

SECTION 2: FACILITY CONDITION

Item✓ / ✗ / N/ANotes
Clean and well-maintainedCondition: ____
Good lighting (bright, no flickering)Adequate: Y / N
Proper ventilation (no lingering odors)Ventilation: ___
Floors clean, non-slip, intactMaterial: _____
Walls wipeable and intactCondition: ____
Ceiling in good condition (no water damage)Leaks: Y / N
Temperature comfortableTemp: _____ °C
Pest control evidence visibleLast service: __

Red Flags:

  • ☐ Visible mold or water damage
  • ☐ Evidence of pests (droppings, insects)
  • ☐ Strong chemical or sewage smells
  • ☐ Broken or damaged flooring
  • ☐ Poor lighting (dim or flickering)
Facility Condition Rating:☆☆☆☆☆ (___/5 stars)

SECTION 3: EQUIPMENT & APPLIANCES

ItemQuantityCondition (1-5)Notes
Ovens (convection, deck, combi)________/5Model: _____
Cooktops/ranges________/5Gas / Electric
Refrigerators (reach-in)________/5Temp OK: Y/N
Freezers________/5Temp OK: Y/N
Work tables (stainless steel)________/5Size: ___ sqft
Sinks (3-compartment, handwash)________/5Hot water: Y/N
Commercial dishwasher________/5Working: Y/N
Mixers________/5Size: ___ qt
Food processor________/5Working: Y/N
Shelving (wire/stainless)________/5Enough: Y/N
Extraction/ventilation hood________/5Over all: Y/N

Critical Questions:

  • Can I bring my own small equipment? ☐ Yes ☐ No
  • Is there equipment I cannot use? ☐ Yes ☐ No (Which: _________)
  • Who maintains/repairs equipment? ____________________
  • Average repair turnaround time? _____ days

Red Flags:

  • ☐ Equipment visibly broken or very old
  • ☐ Refrigerators not maintaining proper temp (<5°C)
  • ☐ No 3-compartment sink (HACCP requirement)
  • ☐ Insufficient work table space
Equipment Rating:☆☆☆☆☆ (___/5 stars)

FINAL DECISION

☆☆☆☆☆ (___/5 stars)
_____ (walk away if 3+)

Kitchen Decision Pack | Kitchen Viewing Checklist | Compare all kitchens before making final decision