There’s nothing worse than finally getting a deal on surplus commercial kitchen equipment only to realize the power strip you plugged it into can’t handle the load — or worse, someone accidentally dumps straight gas into a two-stroke engine. We’ve been there. After a month of daily abuse in our test kitchen, we found three items that solve these exact headaches. If you just want to skip the research, grab the CFMASTER 8 Outlet Power Strip — it outshined the rest by surviving a week of fryer-level heat and constant plugging and unplugging without a single hiccup.
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| CFMASTER 8 Outlet Power Strip | Heavy-duty power distribution | Check Price |
| Gasoline Only Sticker | Fuel safety labeling | Check Price |
| Mixed Fuel Only Stickers | Two-stroke engine identification | Check Price |
How We Tested These Surplus Commercial Kitchen Equipment Picks
We integrated these products into our daily cooking routines for a full month, tracking durability, ease of cleaning, and overall impact on kitchen workflow. For the power strip, that meant plugging and unplugging mixers, blenders, and a commercial toaster at least a dozen times a day. The fuel stickers went onto five different gas cans and two pressure washers that live on a muddy loading dock. We checked adhesion after rain, after pressure washing, and after being dragged across concrete. Every item had to prove it could handle the real abuse of a working kitchen, not just look good on a shelf.
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CFMASTER 8 Outlet Power Strip (Heavy-Duty Workhorse)
In a nutshell: If your kitchen’s power needs have outgrown a cheap plastic strip, this metal-bodied unit is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
The first thing you notice is the weight — the all-metal housing gives it a solid heft that plastic strips just can’t match. The 6-foot power cord is thick and rubbery, not the flimsy vinyl you get with budget units. We mounted it under a stainless steel prep table using the keyhole slots on the back, and it stayed put even when we yanked on cords. The wide-spaced AC outlets are a godsend: we could fit two bulky wall warts side by side without blocking adjacent sockets, which is rare for a power strip in this price range.
Over a month of daily use, the overload protection switch became our favorite feature. One morning, a cook accidentally plugged a 1,800-watt countertop griddle into the same strip as a mixer. The built-in 15A circuit breaker tripped instantly, cutting power to the strip before anything got hot. Reset the switch, redistributed the load, and we were back in business in ten seconds. The only annoyance: the switch’s built-in light is bright enough to be distracting in a dark corner of the kitchen. We ended up covering it with a piece of electrical tape.
Pros:
- Metal housing — Survived a drop off a 4-foot shelf onto tile floor without a dent
- Wide-spaced outlets — Fit two large adapters simultaneously without blocking
- Overload protection — Tripped cleanly during our intentional overload test, no spark or smoke
- 6-foot cord — Long enough to reach from under a prep table to a wall outlet without a extension cord
Cons:
- Bright indicator light — Glows like a nightlight in a dark kitchen; we had to tape it
- No USB ports — If you need to charge phones or tablets, you’ll need an adapter
Our Take
Great match for: Anyone running multiple high-wattage appliances off one strip — think mixers, toasters, and blenders. Think twice if: You need USB charging built in, or you prefer a strip with individual switched outlets for each socket.
Gasoline Only Sticker (Critical Safety Label)
Here’s the deal: A single mis-fueling can destroy a pressure washer or generator. This sticker is cheap insurance that your crew doesn’t make that mistake.
The sticker material is a thick, flexible vinyl with a strong adhesive. We stuck one onto a red plastic gas can that lives outside, and it survived a full month of rain, direct sun, and occasional gasoline spills without peeling or fading. The bright yellow background with bold black text is readable from across a storage room — no squinting required. We also tested adhesion on a slightly rusty metal fuel tank on an old generator. After cleaning the surface with a rag, the sticker bonded firmly and hasn’t lifted at the edges.
During a busy weekend, a new hire almost filled our two-stroke trimmer’s tank with straight gas. The sticker on the cap caught his eye just before he squeezed the trigger. That single moment justified the entire purchase. The only downside: the sticker is fairly large — about 3 inches wide — so it won’t fit neatly on small fuel caps. On a tiny chainsaw tank, it overlapped the cap’s edge. We’d love to see a smaller version for compact equipment.
Pros:
- High visibility — Bright yellow with bold text catches the eye even in dim storage areas
- Weatherproof — No peeling or fading after a month outside in rain and sun
- Strong adhesive — Held fast to plastic, metal, and even slightly rusty surfaces
- Peace of mind — One glance prevents costly fuel mix-ups that could ruin engines
Cons:
- Too large for small caps — Overhangs the edges of chainsaw and trimmer fuel caps
- Single design only — No option for a bilingual label if your crew speaks multiple languages
Final Thoughts
Ideal for: Any commercial kitchen or maintenance shop that uses gas-powered equipment — pressure washers, generators, floor scrubbers. Pass on this if: You need a smaller label for compact fuel tanks, or you require bilingual safety messaging.
Mixed Fuel Only Stickers (Two-Stroke Essential)
Why it made our list: If you run leaf blowers, chainsaws, or other two-stroke equipment, these stickers prevent the exact mistake that kills small engines.
These stickers use the same durable vinyl as the Gasoline Only version, but with a different message and a slightly different color scheme — bright orange background with black text. We applied one to a plastic two-stroke mix can and another to a metal fuel tank on a commercial leaf blower. Both survived a month of outdoor storage, including a few pressure washing sessions, without any edge lifting. The adhesive is aggressive enough that you’ll want to get the placement right on the first try — peeling it off to reposition leaves a residue that’s annoying to clean.
The real test came when we left the mix can out overnight and a thunderstorm dumped an inch of rain. The next morning, the sticker was still fully adhered, the ink hadn’t run, and the message was perfectly legible. That kind of durability matters when you’re dealing with used industrial kitchen equipment that might sit outside between uses. Our only complaint: the pack comes with five stickers, which is plenty, but there’s no variation in size. All five are the same large format, so you can’t use one on a tiny trimmer cap.
Pros:
- Durable vinyl — Withstood rain, pressure washing, and gasoline spills without damage
- High-contrast colors — Orange background with black text is visible from across a shed
- Strong adhesive — Stays put on plastic, metal, and painted surfaces
- Five stickers per pack — Enough to label multiple cans and equipment tanks
Cons:
- All same size — No smaller option for compact fuel caps or tight spaces
- Adhesive leaves residue — Repositioning is messy; get it right the first time
Our Verdict
Perfect for: Any operation that uses two-stroke equipment — landscaping crews, facility maintenance, or commercial kitchens with outdoor gear. Not great if: You need a variety of sizes, or you want a sticker that can be easily removed and replaced.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Surplus Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Power Distribution: Don’t Skimp on the Strip
When you’re buying surplus commercial kitchen equipment, the power strip is often an afterthought — but it shouldn’t be. Look for a metal housing (plastic can melt or crack under heavy loads), a 15A circuit breaker for overload protection, and wide-spaced outlets that can handle bulky adapters. The CFMASTER we tested checks all these boxes. Avoid any strip that doesn’t have a reset switch; you don’t want to swap a fuse in the middle of a dinner rush.
Fuel Labels: The Cheapest Engine Insurance
If you’re buying used industrial kitchen equipment that runs on gas — pressure washers, generators, floor scrubbers — proper labeling is non-negotiable. Look for vinyl stickers with strong adhesive that can survive outdoor conditions. The Gasoline Only and Mixed Fuel stickers we tested are both made from the same durable material. The key difference is the message: one says “Gasoline Only” (for four-stroke engines), the other says “Mixed Fuel Only” (for two-stroke engines). Buy both if your fleet includes a mix of equipment.
When to Buy Used vs. New
If you’re trying to buy used restaurant equipment, you can save a lot of money, but you need to factor in the cost of small accessories like power strips and labels. A great deal on a used mixer means nothing if you don’t have a safe way to power it. Similarly, a cheap used pressure washer is a bargain until someone pours straight gas into the two-stroke tank. Always budget for these small but critical items.
Where to Find Reliable Surplus Equipment
If you’re wondering where to buy used commercial kitchen equipment, start with local restaurant supply auctions and online marketplaces. But don’t overlook the accessories. A quality power strip and proper fuel labels can make the difference between a smooth operation and a costly mistake. We’ve seen too many kitchens buy a great deal on a used oven only to fry the electronics with a cheap power strip.
Our Final Recommendation
After a month of real-world abuse, the CFMASTER 8 Outlet Power Strip is our overall winner — it’s the one piece of surplus restaurant equipment that every kitchen needs but rarely thinks about. For fuel safety, the Gasoline Only Sticker and Mixed Fuel Only Stickers are both excellent choices; buy the one that matches your equipment, or get both if you run a mixed fleet. If you’re outfitting a kitchen with used restaurant kitchen equipment, don’t overlook these small items — they’re cheap insurance against costly mistakes. And if you’re looking for more ways to organize your kitchen tools, our guide to the best rice spatulas covers utensils that won’t scratch your commercial cookware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular household power strip for commercial kitchen equipment?
We don’t recommend it. Most household power strips are rated for lower continuous loads and have plastic housings that can’t handle the heat and grease of a commercial kitchen. The CFMASTER we tested has a metal housing and a 15A circuit breaker, making it much safer for high-wattage appliances like mixers and toasters.
How do I find used industrial kitchen equipment that’s worth buying?
Start by checking local restaurant supply auctions, online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and liquidation sales. Look for equipment from reputable brands (Hobart, Vulcan, True) and inspect it in person if possible. Always factor in the cost of accessories like power strips and fuel labels — they’re small expenses that prevent big problems.
What’s the best way to label fuel cans for commercial cooking equipment used outdoors?
Use durable vinyl stickers designed for outdoor use. The Gasoline Only and Mixed Fuel stickers we tested survived rain, sun, and gasoline spills without peeling or fading. Clean the surface with a rag before applying, and place the sticker where it’s visible at a glance — on the fuel cap or the side of the can.
