Small Changes That Can Help Kitchens Control Costs

With food and operating costs remaining high, kitchens are looking closely at where everyday savings can be made. Food waste is an obvious place to start. WRAP estimates that food waste costs the UK hospitality and food service sector around £3.2bn each year. Even a 1% reduction would equate to around £32m in savings across the sector.

For individual operators, portion control is one practical way to help tackle this. Using the right tool can make portion sizes more consistent, helping to avoid over-serving while making it easier for staff to work quickly during busy service.

Portion control made simple

Serve with precision and consistency using the high quality stainless steel Portioner Scoop (7980) designed for commercial kitchens. The ergonomic handle features a smooth spring release mechanism, allowing for effortless scooping and quick release with minimal hand strain.  Perfect for ice cream, mashed potatoes, cookie dough, and more. List price £7.23 each for 2oz, 2.5 oz, 3oz or 4.5oz.

Spoodles

For a busy kitchen, having clearly identifiable portion sizes available at a glance provides a straightforward way to support consistency without adding another complicated process for staff.

The Solid Spoodle - Red - 2oz (0770) has a list price starting from £3.34. It is made from high-quality stainless steel with a mirror finish.

Available in five sizes and colour coded for easy identification, the range includes 2oz Red, 3oz Ivory, 4oz Green, 6oz Black and 8oz Blue.

An easy-use handle features a thumb grip for comfort, while the cool-to-touch plastic handle is colour coded to correspond with the portion size. The spoodle range is also dishwasher safe.

A perforated option

For operators who prefer a perforated design, the Perforated Spoodle - Red - 2oz (0775) offers the same colour-coded approach across five sizes: 2oz Red, 3oz Ivory, 4oz Green, 6oz Black and 8oz Blue.

With a list price starting from £3.34, it is made from high-quality stainless steel with a mirror finish. It also features an easy use handle, thumb grip, cool-to-touch colour-coded plastic handle and is dishwasher safe.

Offering both solid and perforated versions gives kitchens a choice while retaining the same straightforward approach to identifying portion sizes.

Choosing equipment with running costs in mind

Portion control is only one consideration when looking at operating costs. Durability matters too. Utensils and cookware that stand up to regular use can help reduce the need for replacement, while well-designed products can make routine jobs easier for staff.

For distributors, this can be a useful part of the conversation with customers. The purchase price is only one consideration; how a product performs day after day can be just as important.

For Chef Set, the focus is on practical products that help kitchens get on with the job whether that means making portion control more consistent, choosing equipment built for regular use or simply making everyday tasks easier.

When margins are under pressure, it is often these small, practical decisions that can make a difference.

Further Information

Sources

WRAP – UK Food Waste & Food Surplus: Key Facts, July 2025
UK food-waste data and supporting statistics.

House of Commons Library – Food Waste in the UK
Overview of UK food-waste data, including figures and sources relating to hospitality and food service.

About Us
Chef Set Ltd is a UK manufacturer and supplier of professional  light catering equipment, established in Birmingham, in 1978. The company supplies durable, high-quality kitchen essentials to the hospitality industry, combining strong manufacturing expertise with reliable service and value.

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Website: www.chefset.co.uk