News

Guide: Using your Church Kitchen to Raise Funds

Your church kitchen can be a great way to raise funds for charity, your church community and general upkeep. Here’s our guide to making the most of the space.

Back together, still together: your Church as the centre of the community

Read about how your church can play an even greater role in your community, through fundraising, donations, and social activities.

Ideas wanted: gathering input for your kitchen project [kitchen resource]

The best way to know what your new kitchen will need is to ask the people who use it. Download your questionnaire and find out.

Four ways to cook up a treat for your congregation this Easter

As Easter approaches, your kitchen can come into its own. Here are four ways to celebrate with your congregation and community.

How to make your kitchen easy to use

Lots of people will use your church kitchen, some of them not part of the congregation. Read how to make it easy for everyone to use.

Your church kitchen project: Why, What, and Where

Planning a new church kitchen can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, our church kitchens expert Ian Badis is on hand to help. Here are his top tips.

Three ways to raise funds for your church kitchen

It can be an intimidating prospect to find the money for a church kitchen. Here are three ways to raise the funds.

Planning your new church kitchen? Here’s everything you need to know

Worried about upgrading your church kitchen or building a new one? Don’t be. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through each of the stages involved and help you plan for a dream kitchen that your caterers and congregation will love.

Hygiene in your church kitchen: What you need to know

With the Omicron variant reviving fears around the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, maintaining good hygiene in church kitchens is paramount. Here’s our guide to keeping your church kitchen clean as well as cook safely for your congregation.

Gas, electric or induction hobs: What’s the difference?

There are several options when it comes to updating your kitchen hob. We take a look at gas, electric and induction hobs to help you find the right option for your church kitchen.

The 12 kitchen tips of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, Steelplan gave to me… some kitchen tips for absolutely free!

Tackling loneliness: Incorporating elderly people at church events

Churches can be a positive force when it comes to accommodating lonely people. A semi-commercial kitchen can help support community events that bring people together.

How a new kitchen can help your church raise money

Do you want to raise money for your church? Here, Steelplan Kitchens explains how a new church kitchen can provide you a great return on your investment.

Hot drinks: Warming up your congregation this winter

Everyone loves a cuppa – Here’s how you can keep hot drinks flying out the door this winter.

4 common kitchen challenges and how to solve them

Steelplan Kitchens has the experience to provide solutions to any challenge. Here are 4 common kitchen challenges and how to solve them.

Our guide to preparing your church kitchen for winter

With the colder months now drawing in, we’re here to give you a comprehensive guide on how to keep your volunteers and congregation warm, safe and happy this winter.

Case Study: Chiddingfold Village Hall

Chiddingfold Village Hall in Surrey recently commissioned Steelplan’s services to transform their old, worn-out kitchen with new powder-coated steel kitchen cabinets and stainless-steel worktops. Take a look at our before and after pictures below.

3 different church kitchens, 3 different uses

No matter the requirement, Steelplan Kitchens has you covered. Here’s 3 examples of church kitchens in need of vastly different outcomes, and the different products you might need to support them.

How to prevent a pest infestation in your church kitchen

Insects and other pests can spread bacteria and disease in your kitchen if you let them. Here, we explain how to protect your church kitchen from infestations and why a powder-coated steel carcass semi-commercial kitchen is the best choice to keep pests away.

Do you need more storage in your church kitchen?

Do you have space for more storage in your church kitchen? We give you the lowdown on our wide range of storage solutions, while showcasing why powder-coated steel storage solutions are far superior to wooden/chipboard/MDF options.

Case Study: Brand new church kitchen gets the green light

A charming light green colour scheme is the tip of the iceberg this stylish new kitchen, which Steelplan Kitchens recently delivered to a client in Harrow. Take a tour of the new kitchen here.

Health and safety: is your church kitchen prepared?

Are you aware of the mandatory regulations surrounding health and safety in your church kitchen? In this blog, we’ll answer some of the biggest questions you might have about this important topic – as well as a few you might not have thought of.

Why a semi-commercial kitchen is the best option for your church

Why is a semi-commercial kitchen best for your church? Because it blends all the best bits of domestic and commercial kitchens, while negating the disadvantages of both – here, we explain how.

Case study: Another successful church kitchen transformation

Last year, Steelplan Kitchens helped a Poole-based church give its kitchen a revamp with sleek new worktops and appliances to suit its requirements.

Avoid these mistakes when renovating your church kitchen

The biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to renovating your church kitchen are all to do with one thing: creating a kitchen that just isn’t fit for purpose – a space that doesn’t reflect your needs, won’t last the test of time and could end up costing you more in the long run. We’ve summed up three of the biggest mistakes you can make below.

Community events: can your church kitchen keep up?

As the UK continues to open up, you may have already been thinking more about the kind of events that you can hold at your church to build your outreach and help foster a sense of community. But to do that you need a strong, durable kitchen that can keep up with the demands of cooking for a much larger group of people.

How can I get the right appliance for my church kitchen?

Below, we answer the questions you should be asking yourself when considering what appliances you need for your church kitchen, and explain how Steelplan Kitchens can help.

The hidden cost of flat-pack kitchens

If you’re not buying from a reputable semi-commercial steel kitchen supplier, chances are you will be getting a flat pack solution. In this article, we explain the hidden costs of flat-pack furniture and why they might not be the catch-all solion they seem.

Steel vs Wood: How long will your kitchen last?

From initial investment to replacement, a steel semi-commercial kitchen is the way forward for churches that don’t want to repeatedly revisit the same project again and again. Here’s why you should go for a kitchen that goes the distance.

Community cafés: Is it the right time to open one?

As the UK eases itself back to normality, the need for community and companionship is felt more keenly than ever – so is now the right time to open a community café within your church? We look at some of the factors to consider before you take the plunge – and give you a few pointers to help you get started if you do.

Semi-commercial kitchens: a splash of colour

With a semi-commercial kitchen, you can create a space that’s welcoming and warm but also practical and robust – whether you want subtle tones of blue or vibrant bursts of red, Steelplan Kitchens has the colour palette to make your church kitchen dreams a reality

Six materials to avoid in your church kitchen

The materials you use in your church kitchen will determine how long your renovation lasts. Invest in the right cabinets, counters and doors, and your kitchen will keep looking as good as new for many years to come. But get it wrong, and the space will soon start to look dated – as well as becoming harder to clean and more difficult to use safely.

Keeping pests at bay in your church kitchen

Whether you’re opening up a new church café or you just need a new kitchen to serve your congregation, effective pest management is essential for keeping everyone safe and well. But what exactly do you need to know?

Why you should avoid MDF and chipboard for your semi-commercial kitchen cabinets

If a new kitchen is on the cards at your church, or something you’re building funding for, it’s important to choose materials that will not only stand the test of time but also provide peace of mind when it comes to hygiene and food safety

Kitchen hygiene: your pandemic update

With many churches now re-opening their doors to more services and members of your congregation, it can be difficult to keep on top of all the new rules and regulations. Particularly when it comes to opening your community café or even just serving tea

The process of installation: what can you expect?

At Steelplan Kitchens, we understand that installing a new kitchen in your church can feel like a daunting task, with concerns over time, budgets and upheaval. But whether you’re after a full renovation or you have a small project in mind, we can help…

New kitchen: new features

Installing a new kitchen is an exciting time for any church, opening new opportunities to serve your congregation and welcome in new members. Plus, with these different features, you’ll soon forget your tired domestic kitchen that came before

Putting your church kitchen at the heart of Easter

While Easter might be a little different than usual, it’s still important to enjoy the time with your congregation and celebrate with your community. And what easier way to start the festivities than by utilising your kitchen?

Case study: St Pauls Aberystwyth

With tired cupboards in constant need of repair and volunteers regularly using the space, it was time for an upgrade at St Pauls Aberystwyth

What type of church café will you open?

Running a church café is an excellent way to bring in much-needed revenue, while also creating a warm and welcoming space for your community. But the type of semi-commercial kitchen you need will very much depend on what type of café you intend to open…

All-electric semi-commercial kitchens – what you need to know

If you’ve decided to take the plunge into a new semi-commercial kitchen for your church, we understand that it can be difficult to know whether you want electric or gas appliances. Here, we weigh up the different available options

Are you disposing of waste correctly in your church kitchen?

Understanding how to correctly dispose of waste is important for creating a hygiene and clean church kitchen – but it’s not as simple as just placing a bin under the sink

Semi-commercial kitchens: your added extras

Commercial kitchens are the ultimate in practicality – robust, strong and withstanding. But often cold and unwelcoming, you can bridge the gap with a semi-commercial kitchen from Steelplan

Steelplan Kitchens: catering for every possibility

Every church has a different need for a kitchen – whether that’s a community café, a fully-functioning restaurant or an upgrade – and at Steelplan Kitchens, we can help with any project

Large kitchen? Add an island…

With a large space, the opportunities are endless for your new kitchen and if you’re keen to install an island, at Steelplan Kitchens, one size doesn’t fit all

Installing the correct extraction & ventilation

Cooking produces vapour and heat in your church kitchen – so when you’re making up to 100 roast dinners, it’s vital that your system provides the adequate extraction and ventilation…

Your church kitchen: Christmas plans

From holiday playgroups to parties and nativity, there is plenty your church can do around Christmas time to create that sense of community spirit for children. But what opportunities does your kitchen offer during the festive period?

Steelplan case studies to inspire your kitchen

With many designs and ideas to choose from, we understand that it can be difficult to know where to start when embarking on a new kitchen project. But these previous installations might be all the inspiration you need…

Washing-up: what you need to know

There are many different ways to wash up in a semi-commercial kitchen, making it easy to choose the right one to suit your kitchen

Adding colour to your kitchen

SteelplanSteelplan Kitchens offer a range of different colours and materials to suit your new kitchen, but deciding what you want to achieve with your space is the starting point of any project

Your church kitchen, your way

Every church needs a new kitchen for different reasons. And every church has its own unique space to work with – but Steelplan can help any dream come to life

Cooking up a storm: which appliance?

If you've pulled funds together to install a semi-commercial kitchen, have you thought about what appliances you need to start feeding your community? Here, we round up the benefits of the different cooking appliances available

Keeping your kitchen clean

While a semi-commercial kitchen creates a warm and inviting place for your congregation to whip up a tea round for 10, or feed the homeless at Christmas, keeping it clean is essential…

Diving into blue hues…

When it comes to designing your new kitchen, Steelplan offers a variety of different colours to bring your plans to life, but blue is proving to be one of our most popular shades for many churches…

Your new kitchen: what’s on the menu?

Before making decisions on the new kitchen for your church, it’s important to understand the difference between a commercial setting and a domestic one – and the requirements they bring…

Keeping children safe in your church kitchen

Every church in the UK wants their community and congregation to feel welcome and happy while using the kitchen, and younger guests are no different…

Church kitchen inspiration

Whether you’re planning a brand-new community café or a complete overhaul of your outdated kitchen, these case studies have all the inspiration you need…

Serving food outside: what you need to know

Summer is in full swing, and with many churches now hosting outside events, there’s never been a better time to get clued up on barbecue and food safety outdoors

A full renovation: what to consider

Before going full steam ahead with your church’s renovation, there are many different things to consider – and a semi-commercial kitchen could be one of them

How accessible is your church kitchen?

The risk of injury in your kitchen is far greater for those with physical, visual, and cognitive impairments, but creating an accessible space is easy with the right advice from Steelplan Kitchens

Need kitchen inspiration? These case studies will help

When deciding on the design, layout and general feel of your kitchen, it can feel like a bit of a minefield. But with some Steelplan Kitchens’ inspiration, the perfect kitchen could be closer than you think…

Your new community café: what’s needed

Are you planning to run a community café from your new church kitchen? Before you begin, it’s important to understand safety measures and decide on how your café will be run…

Who’s cooking in your kitchen?

Whether you’re only planning to serve your congregation, or you’d like to feed the local community, it’s important to know who will be working in your new kitchen

Listed building? No problem

There are currently 300,000 listed buildings in the UK, and if your church is one of them, you might wonder if a new kitchen is possible. But with these examples from Steelplan, you can start planning today…

Semi-commercial kitchens: a domestic feel

Commercial kitchens in a church can feel unwelcoming and cold – the complete opposite to how you want your congregation to feel. But when a domestic kitchen isn’t suitable, semi-commercial is the answer.

Small kitchen? No problem

Whatever the size of your church kitchen, it plays an essential role in your community and congregation. And even the smallest space can be the biggest asset...

How to take your first steps...

If the time has come to install a new commercial or semi-commercial kitchen in your church, knowing where to start can be a challenge. But with the right plans, your dream kitchen can soon become a reality...

New church kitchen? Plan it remotely

Ready to install a new kitchen in your church? Get your plans in place today with Steelplan’s full virtual 3D tour – plan remotely, prepare for your church’s future...

It's your round: how to make tea for more than 60

Everyone loves a cup of tea, but when it comes to making a round for the congregation, a small, domestic kettle might not be up to the job...

Semi-commercial kitchens: what's what?

A semi-commercial kitchen is ideal for your church. Stronger than a domestic kitchen, but with similar aesthetics, it can be a durable, welcoming space that can withstand even the busiest community café.

Your new kitchen: step by step

You have the funding in place and a budget in mind, but what’s the next step to getting the church kitchen you and your community need?

One kitchen: one smart installation

When a Woking-based church got in touch with Steelplan Kitchens to install a brand new kitchen, we were quick to meet all their requirements and needs...

Different kitchens: different people

Church kitchens are as different as the people using them, so how can you cater for everyone?

Three questions to ask before updating your church kitchen

Installing a new church kitchen is a big decision, and no small undertaking. But Steelplan Kitchens can show you where to start...

Kitchen safety: what you need to know

Burns and accidents happen, especially in a busy kitchen, but prevention is the key to a happy and safe congregation...

Your kitchen, your way

Churches come in all different shapes and sizes, which means your kitchens do too! There’s no such thing as one size fits all at Steelplan Kitchens, and our happy customers are proof of that...

Three church kitchens coated in colour

Semi-commercial kitchens don’t need to look cold and institutional. In fact, they can be as warm, colourful and welcoming as you want...

Food safety: what you need to know

Feeling confident about the food your church provides is important to everyone in the kitchen – but with these simple suggestions, you can keep your congregation safe and satisfied

What worktop will you choose?

Need the durability of a commercial kitchen but the comfort of a domestic one? Steelplan Kitchens made-to-measure worktops are the ideal solution...

What's cooking? The best appliances for your kitchen

As experts in planning, designing and creating your kitchen, we understand that every church is different. Size, requirements, budgets – you name it, Steelplan have installed it. And it’s the same with appliances.

Christmas: a time for charity

Put your church at the heart of your community this Christmas: feed the homeless and bring hope to those less fortunate during Advent

Better serving your community

If you’re dreaming of installing a new kitchen in your church, but unsure where to even begin, Steelplan Kitchens has all the answers you need

Three churches, three very different kitchens

In search of a new lease of life, these three churches didn’t hold back on their kitchen renovation plans. And even with different spaces and designs, all three are now thriving...

Allergies: What you need to know

Cooking up a storm or supplying a chilly congregation with copious cups of tea is all in a day’s work for a church kitchen, but with allergens on the rise, it’s important to be prepared

Why is your church kitchen important?

Your kitchen can unlock new opportunities for your church – from better serving the community to bringing in much-needed funding. Here, we look at the possibilities for your church kitchen.

Harvest festival: Is your kitchen ready?

Harvest festival is an important part of every church’s calendar, but how much can you utilise your kitchen for September’s big event?

Small kitchen – BIG plans

Big or small, the church kitchen plays an essential role in the congregation. Here’s how to make the most of yours

Case Study: Dursley Tabernacle URC

With care in the community central to the work of Dursley Tabernacle URC, it was time to finally update their large, 70-year-old kitchen…

Case Study: Salvation Army Harpenden

With community at the heart of what they do, The Salvation Army in Harpenden needed to make big changes to their tiny, domestic galley-type kitchen…

New kitchen: where to start

If you’ve decided to install a new commercial or semi-commercial kitchen in your church, knowing how to begin the project can be tough. Here, we talk you through the first steps.

3D kitchens: the future of planning

When planning a new kitchen, it can be hard to visualise exactly what it will look like, but with Steelplan Kitchens’ new 3D virtual tour, you’ll see it from all angles.

GRANT FUNDING

Steelplan Kitchens joined forces with church and community funding specialist GBA Limited to create this guide to starting your funding journey.

COST MANAGEMENT: HOW TO KEEP YOUR KITCHEN IN BUDGET

Love it or loathe it, budgeting is fundamental to the success of any organisation – and an essential part of running a care home kitchen.

Care Quality Commission: Keeping your kitchen in line

Independent living is important to care home residents, but concerns over safety, security and hygiene can be restrictive, especially when it comes to promoting independence in the kitchen.

Care in the Kitchen

With changing attitudes to catering in the care industry, your kitchen could be a deciding factor for potential residents and their families.

2018: THE YEAR TO IMPROVE YOUR OUTREACH

Now the Christmas chaos is over, January is a great time to take a moment and reflect on how your church is serving the community. Here are a few ideas on how to improve your outreach in 2018.

KITCHENS, REVISITED: A UNIQUE SOLUTION FOR A LISTED CHURCH

Now the Christmas chaos is over, January is a great time to take a moment and reflect on how your church is serving the community. Here are a few ideas on how to improve your outreach in 2018.

RULES AND REGULATIONS – TIME FOR A REVIEW?

The role of your church kitchen can change depending on the needs of your community, but how can you make sure your health and safety procedures keep up?

Do your residents help with housework?

The Living Well Through Activity in Care Homes toolkit recommends that residents be allowed to help out in the home - but how can it help and why should you do it?

Steelplan Kitchens: What our clients have to say

We have over 30 years’ experience designing and installing semi-commercial kitchens in care homes, churches, fire stations and more. Find out what our customers have to say here….

Taking a risk: care home rated ‘outstanding’

A London care home that encourages residents to take positive risks, like making tea, has been praised by the Care Quality Commission.

Safety First: Training tips

Whether your kitchen is run by professionals or hard-working volunteers, it’s important to make sure that everyone is up to speed on hygiene and safety in the kitchen. Here’s our tips to get started.

Silly Season: 3 events to run from your kitchen

It’s Christmas! The season of goodwill will mean a lot more people in your church. We look at some fun ways to put your church kitchen at the centre of the celebrations.

Christmas service: How your kitchens are supporting your community at Christmas-time

It’s a great time of year to welcome the wider community to your church family. We find out how some of Steelplan’s featured Churches use their kitchens to celebrate at Christmas time.

WHAT IS A SEMI-COMMERCIAL KITCHEN?

Need a hard-wearing kitchen that doesn’t look cold and institutional? A semi-commercial kitchen combines a steel frame with a domestic look that wouldn’t look out of place in any home. Find out more…

SETTLING IN

Food is more than just fuel. It can give comfort and evoke memories, and for care home residents it can be an important part of the settling in phase. Here are a few tips to help new residents adjust to mealtimes…

CARE AT CHRISTMAS

Christmas can be a difficult time for residents, especially if it’s their first in a care home, but there are plenty of ways your home can get residents in the festive spirit…

SAFETY FIRST: WHAT’S YOUR POLICY?

Whether you have a kitchen in place or are in the process of renovating, now’s the time to address your safety policy. We share our advice here.

SPREAD THE WORD

If you’re investing in a new kitchen, make sure that you’re sharing the news with your community. Here are 6 tips to get you started.

CASE STUDY: OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE, WORCESTER

To say the church hall at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Worcester is kept busy would be an understatement. The church desperately needed a kitchen that could cope with everyday use.

CASE STUDY: OMEGA ELIFAR, YOUNG ADULT LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

Empowerment is at the heart of Elifar’s ethos. When they needed a new kitchen, they wanted a space that could be accessible to everyone. Steelplan had the solution.

3 TIPS: CATERING FOR DEMENTIA

Dementia can have a big impact on appetite. Here are three tips for your home that could help you to cater for residents with dementia.

WHY INSTALL A SATELLITE KITCHEN?

Independent living is an important part of any care home. Here’s how a satellite space can help your residents find freedom in the kitchen, without impacting on your team.

ST PHILIP’S, REIGATE

The kitchen at St Philip’s Reigate was a domestic model, given to the church second hand. As a temporary solution, it did the trick, but with more and more groups – including a local college – using the kitchen, the church needed something more resilient.

SAFETY FIRST: STAYING OUT OF HOT WATER

Whether you’re just offering tea and biscuits, or hosting larger-scale catered events, every kitchen needs to have appropriate heat and hot water safety measures in place.

HOW YOUR KITCHEN CAN HELP THE HOMELESS

With a good kitchen, your church can play an even greater role in the community, supporting people from all walks of life. Here’s how you can use your kitchen to help the homeless in your area.

WHAT TO COOK WITH YOUR KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

What you can serve from your kitchen depends on the cooking & heating equipment you choose (and your volunteer’s culinary skills). Here are a few hints on what to cook in your kitchen.

SAFETY FIRST: KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

If your church hosts children’s events – like mother and baby groups, after-school clubs, play groups or Sunday school – a kitchen can be a real blessing.

Planning process: 6 tips to get started

Get the planning process right and your new kitchen project should get off without a hitch. Here are a few tips to get started, from drafting up ideas to overseeing work when it starts.

Back to School: Events at your church

September is an important time for the younger members of your congregation. Here’s a few ideas on how you – and your kitchen – can support them at the start of back-to-school season.

Kitchen, revisited: St Joseph’s Havant

We’re delving into the archives to look at one of our first Steelplan Kitchens case studies, St Joseph’s Havant. From a 1950’s kitchen to a sleek semi-commercial space, the transformation is astounding.

Care in the community: Charitable causes in the kitchen

From food banks to fundraisers, there’s a whole host of ways that a new kitchen can support your church’s charitable work.

Getting it right: Kitchen colour

Steelplan Kitchens are built to last, so choosing a colour that will also stand the test of time is important. Here are our tips to choosing the right finish.

Case Study: St George in the East, London

This beautiful Hawksmoor church in London had a somewhat less beautiful 1960s domestic kitchen. Here’s how Steelplan stepped in to help them bring it up to date.

Care in the kitchen

An increasing number of care homes are encouraging residents to help out in the kitchen. Is your kitchen ready?

Kitchens: Make or break for decision makers

Increasing competition in the care industry has made kitchens, and the food they offer, a key part of the decision making process. We look at some of the key points for managers to consider.

Rules and regulations: Keeping your kitchen safe

Making sure that your kitchen is a safe place is at the top of any church’s priorities. Here are a few simple steps to take to make sure that your kitchen stays safe to use.

Three churches serving their community with Steelplan Kitchens

A new kitchen can bring a new lease of life to a church. We look at three churches that have boosted their presence in the community with the help of a Steelplan Kitchen.

Think you can’t install a new church kitchen? Think again

If installing a new kitchen at your church feels like an impossible dream, take a moment to read these three common misconceptions - and how Steelplan Kitchens could provide the answer you need.

Case Study - St Paul's Hounslow

St Paul’s Hounslow West had sat neglected and empty for two years before a local bishop’s mission moved in. A small congregation was formed to start work on rebuilding the church and its congregation. While the kitchen was at the top of the renovations list from the start, it would be another two years until they were ready to call Steelplan Kitchens.

Four questions to ask before opening a church cafÉ

Has someone in your committee raised the idea of opening a church café? Excellent! But don't start stocking up on coffee beans yet: Here are four important questions to ask before opening a church café.

Rules & Regulations: Selling food and drink

If you plan to sell refreshments from your kitchen, you might need to conform to stricter regulations. Find out if you might need to comply and what you'll need to do...

4 reasons a Steelplan Kitchen is right for your care home

Steelplan Kitchens have been providing catering and day room kitchens for care homes for over 30 years. Here are four key reasons a semi-commercial kitchen is perfect for a care home environment.

Three of the best...small space Church kitchens

A small space needn't hold back your kitchen renovation plans. If anything, a new kitchen could make better use of your space, to give your church functions a new lease of life.

Four brilliant ways your church kitchen can help you connect with your community this summer

Whether you’ve got a good church kitchen you’d like to put to better use, or are looking for inspiration to persuade your committee to agree to a kitchen renovation, here are four great events to try out at your church this summer.

Rules and regulations: Kitchen Maintenance

When it comes to keeping your kitchen in good condition, it’s important to adhere to both mandatory maintenance and good practice. Here, we outline a few key points to consider to keep your church kitchen fit for practice – and to recognise when it’s no longer cutting the mustard.

Case Study: A pod kitchen at Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon

A Grade I listed church built in 1150 posed a challenge for architects. But a unique pod kitchen had the solution...

Renovating a listed Church

Listed churches: beautiful architecture, steeped in history...but not the easiest to adapt when it comes to your congregation’s changing needs. That’s not to say renovation is impossible...

How to competitively tender, but still get the kitchen you need: Step by Step Guide

Part 1: Sourcing funding from your diocese can be competitive. Over the next few weeks, we take you through process, helping you to get the budget for the kitchen you need.

Three of the best: Churches with Hall Hire

Take a look at how Steelplan Kitchens have helped these three churches hire their church hall space – from kid’s birthdays to weddings and corporate events.

Video: Why choose a semi-commercial kitchen?

Not all kitchens are created equal. We look at how a semi-commercial kitchen can offer the durability you need in a space your volunteers will feel at home in.

WATCH OUR ANIMATED VIDEO NOW

Case study: Canterbury Baptist Church

With only a small kitchen, Canterbury Baptist Church could only offer very limited catering for its congregation. But after a refurbishment - as part of a wider modernisation of the building - they're now able to hire out the hall and cater for a much wider range of occasions.

Five top tips for hosting events at your church

Churches can be used for all kinds of events and celebrations. From christenings and birthday parties, to flower arranging evenings and committee meetings, your Church is the perfect place to bring people together. But with event hosting comes rules and regulations that every venue needs to know. Here are a few things to bear in mind.

Community matters: How your church kitchen brings people together

No matter what's going on in the outside world - and who knows what 2017 has in store - there will always be a good reason to come together as a community. Whether it's a much-anticipated wedding, a big birthday celebration, or a special feast for Easter, you have the ideal venue. And at the heart of every event you hold will be your church kitchen.

Case Study: St Mary's Church, Byfleet

The team at St Mary's has been talking about having a new kitchen for the last ten years. With their original kitchen only suitable for serving teas and coffees and plans for larger scale hospitality on the cards, they needed a refit suitable for professional catering.

Five things to consider when updating a small kitchen

Think your kitchen is too small to be upgraded? Think again. A new kitchen could make better use of your space. Follow these tips to give your kitchen the refresh it needs.

Keep your kitchen electrics safe this Christmas: Four top tips

From fairy lights to mulled wine kettles, your kitchen will no doubt be filled with plugged in appliances this Christmas. So it’s more important than ever to know your electrical safety basics to avoid accidents and fires.

Case Study: Orpington Baptist Church

Orpington Baptist Church undertook an extensive project, to rebuild and refurbish their kitchen to help it better support the long list of groups and activities hosted at the Church.

Counting down to Christmas

Two thousand and sixteen has been a funny old year - a year many will people will be glad to see the back of. After twelve months of seemingly relentless doom and gloom, it’s more important than ever to bring your congregation together, with Christmas serving to remind us all of the positive forces of faith and community.

Perfect finish - workstations and cabinets

Our kitchen designers know that every church kitchen is different, which is why it’s so important to make sure that every aspect of the space suits the church’s needs. When it comes to choosing appliances - cookers, dishwashers and the like - making the right choice is a numbers game. How many people are using it? How many days a week does it need to be in use?

Tea for two (hundred)

Tea. It's arguably the fuel that keeps Britain - and its church congregations - running. It’s the life blood of the after-service natter, it's what keeps your volunteers going at charity events, it's the beverage that warms up customers during those soggy car-boot Saturdays.

Three reasons to choose a semi-commercial kitchen from Steelplan

We’ve supplied kitchens at hundreds of churches across the UK, from rural ministries to huge city cathedrals. Whether your church needs a kitchen revamp or is looking to open a fully-functioning community café, Steelplan can tailor a space that works perfectly for you and your community – bringing a cosy, stylish aesthetic together with durable steel construction.

Rules and regulations: Fire safety

When it comes to fitting or refurbishing your church kitchen, it’s important to make sure that fire safety is top of your list of priorities.

Case Study: Stockland Green Methodist Church

Stockland Green decided to take a leap into the unknown and open a community kitchen. Steelplan Kitchens provided a kitchen that could cope with demand...

Is a dishwasher right for your church kitchen?

A dishwasher could be invaluable to your new church kitchen, but choosing the right option for your needs can be tough. Our experts share their tips to help you make the right choice...

Rules and regulations: DDA

Making your church an inclusive space for your community is always a priority, but when it comes to the kitchen, disability access can easily be overlooked. Make sure that your kitchen renovation conforms to code...

Case Study: St Nicholas Church, Thames Ditton

It was decision time for the committee at St Nicholas: keep making tweaks to a tired old kitchen or invest in a full renovation. They decided to take the plunge with Steelplan – click through to see the results...

Rules and Regulations: Health & Safety

As more churches open up their hall as a community café or venue, fitting a kitchen that conforms to Health & Safety standards is more important than ever. We list our essential Health & Safety considerations...

Three tips to choosing the right cooking appliance

Getting the right cooker for your kitchen – and your budget – can be complicated. Steelplan’s design consultants let us in on the three questions that lead them to the perfect solution for their clients every time...

Case study: A much needed kitchen update at St Joseph's

After nearly 50 years without a refit, the kitchen at St Joseph’s at Havant was starting to feel the strain. They turned to Steelplan Kitchens for a much needed renovation...

Five things to consider when renovating your kitchen

Just as every church is unique, so are the needs of its kitchen. At Steelplan, we know what questions to ask at the beginning of the project to make sure you get the kitchen you need...

Adding a Church Kitchen can boost your revenue - and your congregation

You might be surprised at how much a new kitchen can have a positive impact on your church. Take a look at a few ways renovating can open new opportunities in the local community...

Guide: Using your Church Kitchen to Raise Funds

Back together, still together: your Church as the centre of the community

Ideas wanted: gathering input for your kitchen project [kitchen resource]

Four ways to cook up a treat for your congregation this Easter

How to make your kitchen easy to use

Your church kitchen project: Why, What, and Where

Three ways to raise funds for your church kitchen

Planning your new church kitchen? Here’s everything you need to know

Hygiene in your church kitchen: What you need to know

Gas, electric or induction hobs: What’s the difference?

The 12 kitchen tips of Christmas

Tackling loneliness: Incorporating elderly people at church events

How a new kitchen can help your church raise money

Hot drinks: Warming up your congregation this winter

4 common kitchen challenges and how to solve them

Our guide to preparing your church kitchen for winter

Case Study: Chiddingfold Village Hall

3 different church kitchens, 3 different uses

How to prevent a pest infestation in your church kitchen

Do you need more storage in your church kitchen?

Case Study: Brand new church kitchen gets the green light

Health and safety: is your church kitchen prepared?

Why a semi-commercial kitchen is the best option for your church

Case study: Another successful church kitchen transformation

Avoid these mistakes when renovating your church kitchen

Community events: can your church kitchen keep up?

How can I get the right appliance for my church kitchen?

The hidden cost of flat-pack kitchens

Steel vs Wood: How long will your kitchen last?

Community cafés: Is it the right time to open one?

Semi-commercial kitchens: a splash of colour

Six materials to avoid in your church kitchen

Keeping pests at bay in your church kitchen

Why you should avoid MDF and chipboard for your semi-commercial kitchen cabinets

Kitchen hygiene: your pandemic update

The process of installation: what can you expect?

New kitchen: new features

Putting your church kitchen at the heart of Easter

Case study: St Pauls Aberystwyth

What type of church café will you open?

All-electric semi-commercial kitchens – what you need to know

Are you disposing of waste correctly in your church kitchen?

Semi-commercial kitchens: your added extras

Steelplan Kitchens: catering for every possibility

Large kitchen? Add an island…

Installing the correct extraction & ventilation

Your church kitchen: Christmas plans

Steelplan case studies to inspire your kitchen

Washing-up: what you need to know

Adding colour to your kitchen

Your church kitchen, your way

Cooking up a storm: which appliance?

Keeping your kitchen clean

Diving into blue hues…

Your new kitchen: what’s on the menu?

Keeping children safe in your church kitchen

Church kitchen inspiration

Serving food outside: what you need to know

A full renovation: what to consider

How accessible is your church kitchen?

Need kitchen inspiration? These case studies will help

Your new community café: what’s needed

Who’s cooking in your kitchen?

Listed building? No problem

Semi-commercial kitchens: a domestic feel

Small kitchen? No problem

How to take your first steps...

New church kitchen? Plan it remotely

It's your round: how to make tea for more than 60

Semi-commercial kitchens: what's what?

Your new kitchen: step by step

One kitchen: one smart installation

Different kitchens: different people

Three questions to ask before updating your church kitchen

Kitchen safety: what you need to know

Your kitchen, your way

Three church kitchens coated in colour

Food safety: what you need to know

What worktop will you choose?