5 Ultimate Tandoor Equipment List for Hotel Management
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Tandoor equipment is the backbone of authentic Indian cuisine, especially in the hotel management and culinary industry. These essential tools, including various types of tandoor ovens, skewers, and accessories, are vital for creating the smoky, charred flavours that define dishes like naan, tandoori chicken, and paneer tikka.
A tandoor, traditionally a large vase-shaped oven made entirely of clay, is now often constructed with a clay interior and a metal exterior for durability and efficiency. In this blog, we’ll explore the 5 must-have tandoor equipment for hotels, restaurants, and culinary schools in India, offering insights to elevate your kitchen skills and attract food enthusiasts to your establishment.
Why Tandoor Equipment Matters in Indian Culinary Arts
In India, the tandoor is more than just a cooking tool—it’s a cultural icon. From roadside dhabas to five-star hotels, tandoori dishes are a crowd favourite, known for their unique texture and flavour.
For hotel management professionals and culinary students, mastering tandoor-based cooking is a valuable skill that enhances menu offerings and customer satisfaction. Equipping your kitchen with the right tandoor tools ensures consistency, efficiency, and authenticity, which are key to standing out in the competitive hospitality industry.
Investing in high-quality tandoor equipment not only improves food quality but also streamlines operations, reduces cooking time, and enhances the dining experience.
Whether you’re running a fine-dining restaurant or a catering service, this equipment list will help you create a tandoor station that draws in customers and keeps them coming back for more.
5 Essential Tandoor Equipment List for Hotels and Culinary Kitchens
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the tandoor equipment you need to set up a professional tandoor station in India:
- Tandoor Ovens
The heart of any tandoor setup, the oven itself comes in various types to suit different needs. Choosing the right one depends on your kitchen’s size, budget, and menu.
– Clay Tandoor: The traditional choice, made entirely of clay and insulated with natural materials like mud or straw. Ideal for small restaurants or catering businesses, clay tandoors impart an authentic smoky flavour but require regular maintenance.
Fact: In India and Pakistan, tandoori cooking was traditionally associated with Punjab, where Punjabis embraced the tandoor at a regional level. Over time, it gained popularity as a mainstream cooking method.
– Stainless Steel Tandoor: Modern and durable, these tandoors have a clay interior and a stainless steel exterior. They’re easy to clean, portable, and perfect for hotels with high-volume cooking.
– Gas Tandoor: Powered by LPG or natural gas, these are convenient for commercial kitchens with limited ventilation. They heat up quickly and are suitable for urban hotels.
– Charcoal Tandoor: Preferred for their rich, smoky flavour, charcoal tandoors are a favorite in traditional restaurants and dhabas. They require skilled handling to maintain consistent temperatures.
– Electric Tandoor: Compact and easy to use, electric tandoors are great for small-scale operations, culinary schools, or cloud kitchens. They’re low-maintenance but may lack the traditional flavour profile.
Pro Tip: For hotels, a combination of gas and charcoal tandoors ensures versatility. Invest in a medium-to-large-sized oven (800-1000 mm diameter) to handle bulk orders during peak hours.
- Skewers (Seekhs)
Skewers are essential for grilling meats, vegetables, and paneer inside the tandoor. They come in various shapes and materials to suit different dishes.
– Round Skewers: Used for kebabs, tandoori chicken, and fish tikka. Made of stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning.
– Flat Skewers: Ideal for paneer tikka, mushrooms, or larger meat pieces, as they prevent food from rotating during cooking.
– Angled Skewers: Designed for whole chickens or large cuts of meat, offering better grip and even cooking.
– Bamboo Skewers: Used for smaller appetizers or catering events, though less common in professional kitchens.
Pro Tip: Stock at least 20-30 skewers of varying sizes to handle diverse menu items. Regularly inspect and replace worn-out skewers to ensure food safety.
- Tandoor Accessories
These tools enhance efficiency and safety while working with a tandoor.
– Tandoor Cushion (Gaddi): A heat-resistant cushion used to slap naan or roti dough onto the tandoor’s inner walls. Made of cotton or special fabric, it protects hands from high heat.
– Skewer Holder: A stand to organize and store skewers when not in use, keeping the kitchen tidy.
– Tandoor Cleaning Brush: A long-handled brush to clean the tandoor’s interior and remove ash or food residue.
– Tongs and Hooks: Heavy-duty tongs and hooks for placing and removing skewers safely.
– Ash Scraper: Used to remove charcoal ash from the bottom of the tandoor, ensuring optimal airflow and heat.
– Thermometer: A high-temperature thermometer to monitor the tandoor’s heat, especially for gas or electric models.
Pro Tip: Invest in heat-resistant gloves and aprons to protect staff from burns, especially in high-pressure kitchen environments.
- Fuel and Ignition Tools
The type of fuel used impacts both flavour and operational costs.
– Charcoal: The traditional fuel for authentic flavour. Opt for high-quality, low-smoke charcoal to minimize ash build-up.
– LPG/Natural Gas: Used in gas tandoors for convenience and consistent heat. Ensure a steady supply and proper regulators.
– Fire Starters: Chemical-free fire starters or kindling for charcoal tandoors to ignite the oven quickly.
– Blower: A manual or electric blower to stoke the fire and maintain high temperatures.
Pro Tip: For eco-conscious hotels, explore sustainable charcoal options or hybrid tandoors that combine gas and charcoal for flexibility.
- Maintenance and Safety Tandoor Equipment
Keeping your tandoor in top condition extends its lifespan and ensures food safety.
– Clay Repair Kit: For traditional clay tandoors, a repair kit with clay and binding agents helps fix cracks.
– Insulation Material: Sand, vermiculite, or ceramic fibre to insulate the tandoor and retain heat.
– Fire Extinguisher: A must-have for safety, especially in charcoal or gas tandoor setups.
– Ventilation System: A chimney or exhaust system to manage smoke, crucial for indoor kitchens.
Pro Tip: Schedule regular maintenance checks to prevent downtime during busy service hours. Train staff on fire safety protocols to handle emergencies.
Choosing the Right Tandoor Equipment for Your Business
When selecting tandoor equipment, consider the following factors:
– Menu Requirements: If your menu focuses on breads like naan, prioritize a tandoor with a wide mouth. For kebabs, choose one with ample skewer space.
– Kitchen Space: Compact electric or gas tandoors are ideal for small kitchens, while larger charcoal tandoors suit open, well-ventilated spaces.
– Budget: Clay tandoors are cost-effective but require more upkeep. Stainless steel or gas tandoors are pricier but offer longevity.
– Customer Volume: High-traffic hotels need larger, faster-heating tandoors to meet demand without compromising quality.
For hotel management students, understanding these choices is key to designing efficient kitchen workflows and budgeting for equipment purchases.
Where to Buy Tandoor Equipment in India
India has a thriving market for tandoor equipment, with suppliers catering to both small businesses and large hotel chains. Some reputable options include:
- Local Manufacturers: Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur have specialized tandoor makers offering custom-built ovens.
- Online Platforms: Websites like IndiaMART, TradeIndia, and Amazon India offer a range of tandoors, skewers, and accessories with customer reviews.
- Hospitality Equipment Suppliers: Companies like Elanpro, Trufrost, and Kitchenrama provide commercial-grade tandoors with warranties.
- Culinary Equipment Showrooms: Visit showrooms in metro cities for hands-on testing and expert advice.
Pro Tip: Always check for certifications (e.g., ISI or ISO) and read reviews to ensure quality. Negotiate bulk discounts for large orders.
Final Words
Equipping your hotel or culinary kitchen with the right tandoor equipment is a game-changer for delivering authentic Indian flavors. From choosing the perfect tandoor oven to stocking up on skewers, accessories, and safety tools, every item plays a role in creating a seamless and flavorful cooking experience. By investing in quality equipment and showcasing your tandoor’s potential, you can attract food enthusiasts, boost customer satisfaction, and elevate your brand in India’s competitive hospitality industry.
Ready to fire up your tandoor station? Start by auditing your kitchen’s needs, exploring trusted suppliers, and experimenting with innovative tandoori dishes. Want to turn that passion into a profession? Enroll in our Certificate in Indian and Tandoor (CIIT) course and master the art of tandoori cooking under expert guidance. To Know more call us at +91-9888011222.
