Running a restaurant business may be hectic and tedious yet rewarding, just like what you imagined and see in every Gordon Ramsey’s Hell Kitchen episode. You have to be meticulous and effective in every move you make in the kitchen, starting from creating the unique cuisines to serving the waiting customers. You may want to have that smooth and coordinated operation during those times. And to do that, you need a tool that could give you and your employees constant communication to do the work correctly.
Having the best restaurant walkie talkies would help boost productivity by providing a clear and consistent communication system. Thus, also minimizing any operation disruptions. And if you are looking to choose the right one now, I got you covered! For this, I listed down the best five restaurant walkie talkies that give you the essentials you need.
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5 best Restaurant Walkie Talkies
#1 Restaurant Walkie Talkie: Motorola T200
I have recognized Motorola as one of the trusted brands when it comes to communication and durability. And if you want to have a durable walkie talkie in your restaurant operations, then this Motorola T200 is the perfect fit for your business. The Motorola T200’s NiMH battery can last up to 12 hours and over 29 hours with three double AA batteries. This means that this two-way radio set is best suited for whole day usage, especially on a busy day.
This Motorola T200 two-way radio uses FRS/GMRS channels. It has a range that can reach up to one mile in an urban or outdoor restaurant setting and five miles in open spaces. This could give you the freedom to be wirelessly connected within any FRS/GMRS range. Another good thing that is great to note is the backlit LCD you can operate the whole day or night and comes with a Y cable charging adaptor with dual micro-USB connectors and a user guide. It is designed with Keypad and call tones to know whether a transmission is made successfully.
It is great to note that this walkie-talkie has an EcoSmart is attached to the Motorola T200. This will allow you to consume less power turned on and not in use. T200 also has 121 privacy codes and 22 channels that can be used by the restaurant employees only. There are 20 tones that you can choose from in assigning employees accordingly.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 20 miles
- Power output: 0.5 watt (FRS) / 2 watts (FRS/GMRS)
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches
- Weight: 0.4 lb
- Waterproof: no
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T200
- The walkie talkie is easy to use, lightweight and durable.
- The signal is clear enough.
- It is affordable.
- You don’t need a license if you use it within FRS channels.
- It has 121 privacy codes and 22 channels that can be used within the restaurant employees only
Cons of the Motorola T200
- The handsets are not waterproof.
- The features may be too limited if you plan to use if for professional.
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#2 Restaurant Walkie Talkie: Motorola T400
This yellow and black Motorola T400 walkie talkie is a perfect fit for those who are particularly with the design and build. The T400 has a LED light, which comes in handy when it comes to emergency cases such as blackouts, which can be a case whenever there’s a fortuitous incident. Its audio performance is also recognizable for its loudness and clarity to help talk in any noisy area or venue, particularly in the kitchen. The best thing you would love about this Motorola model is it comes with four different models. These models are available in Emergency, Active, and Preparedness.
They pack Motorola T400 with outstanding features such as a waterproof design. Aside from this, it also has a quiet talk interruption filter, which is also dustproof. You can choose ten audible tones for this Motorola model. You can use the FRS/GMRS frequency on this one with a privacy code and channel. Aside from those, it is nice to note that the battery can last up to five hours of runtime for the rechargeable battery and up to 21 hours for 3 AAs.
Aside from the mentioned above, the T400 is a powerful handheld walkie-talkie that can provide up to 35 miles of range in ideals such as busy restaurants and kitchens. Its features such as Quiet Talk filter, hands-free iVox functionality, a built-in LED flashlight to help you find your way in the dark, and a channel scan can really help the restaurant employees to keep up with that fast-paced operations.
It operates with dual power options, which you can choose from NiMH rechargeable battery pack or 3 standard non-rechargeable AA alkalines for efficiency and flexibility. It also has a micro-USB charging port and a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 35 miles
- Power output: 2 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.54 x 2.26 x 1.37 inches
- Weight: 0.43 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IP54)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T400
- Its weatherproof design makes it easier to use since Motorola T400 comes with rubberized grips.
- The walkie talkie has a low and high volume push-to-talk button, which controls your voice volume.
- It can be used hands-free because of the VOX-Feature.
Cons of the Motorola T400
- Some people don’t like the voice quality of the radio.
- Range depends on both user’s positions.
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#3 Restaurant Walkie Talkie: Midland GXT1000VP4
Midland GXT1000VP4 is always the best option during busy days in the kitchen, almost every day. The GXT1000VP4 has outstanding features starting from 142 privacy codes, a 36-mile range, and 50 channels. Midland has built the GXT1000VP4 with a bright back-lit LCD screen, which offers ten customizable alerts for incoming messages and notably has a whisper mode communication for quiet situations like prepping Michelin customer or critique.
The Midland GXT1000VP4 comes with rechargeable battery packs that can be used for a long time. Its rugged and waterproof design gives that enduring impression for chefs and waiters. TheGXT1000VP4 is specifically designed for emergencies, which can be really useful if an emergency happens in the kitchen.
Midland also has boom microphones on these radios, which can be used for any hands-free communication. It has the GXT1000VP4, an eVOX mode with 9 sensitivity levels, which offers effortless voice activation for any hands-free broadcast, whether you’ll be in the kitchen or on the table area. These two-way radios even have the JIS4 waterproof rating, which means it has this firm protection against splashing waters in the kitchen or while serving the customers.
Once purchased, it comes with headphone jacks, mic, rechargeable 4 standard AA batteries, desktop charger, and AC adapter.
Specifications
- Brand: Midland
- Range: 36 miles
- Power output: 5 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.3 lb
- Waterproof: yes (JIS4)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- The GXT1000VP4 has features that enable group communication.
- The walkie talkie has an excellent range.
- It has crisp audio quality.
- The Midland GXT1000VP4 has an SOS siren feature that sends out a location.
- It has silent features like the whisper function and vibrates mode.
Cons of the Midland GXT100VP4
- It is not so user-friendly.
- The walkie talkie has average battery life.
- It is expensive compared to other similar or more simple radios.
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#4 Restaurant Walkie Talkie: Baofeng BF-F8HP
Having Baofeng BF-F8HP can be used with a valid license, which means that it has an impressive amount of features that other walkie-talkies don’t have. The first features that would notably give that hype are its long-lasting battery and its unbeatable range. This also without compromising your restaurant’s business expense for its affordability. The BF-F8HP is highly capable of giving you that consistent communication during daily operations. It has a transmitter output power of 1W/5W/8W, 128 channel capacity, 25 kHz (wideband), 12.5 kHz (narrowband), and a frequency of 136 – 174MHz, 400 – 520MHz (TX/RX) 68 – 108MHz (For FM only).
Aside from those, it is essential to take note that this walkie talkie also comes with a (VOX) mic/earpiece so you could operate with voice commands, leaving your hands free to deal with other tasks. The Baofeng BF-F8HP is notably supporting the capacity BL-5L 3800mAh battery, unlike any other walkie-talkies in the market.
This also means that it is a powerful tool in restaurant operations to run with a higher power mode for longer periods. Its software performance takes pride in using the latest OEM software, which is easy to use and hassle-free settings. This model also has a smooth and effective receiver sensitivity, suitable for fast paced restaurant tasks. The BF-F8HP supports the CTCSS/DCS.
Specifications
- Brand: Baofeng
- Range: 25 miles
- Power output: 8 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 65-108 MHz (FM radio reception), VHF: 136-174 MHz (Rx/TX), UHF: 400-520 MHz (Rx/TX)
- Battery: 2,000 mAh Li-ion Battery
- Size: 3.75 (+ 6.5 inches wiuthe the antenna) x 2 x 1.25 inches
- Weight: 0.49 lb
- Waterproof: no information
- License needed: yes (amateur / FCC license)
Pros of the Baofeng BF-F8HP
- Great value for your money; affordable price for a high-quality device.
- The radio has many features that make the device a powerful tool to use.
- The Baofeng BF-F8HP has excellent sound quality and a reliable battery.
- It has commendable transmitting power and wide coverage.
- It is built with a voice command for easy and convenient usage.
Cons of the Baofeng BF-F8HP
- It may not be waterproof
- Complicated use, especially for beginners.
- Software is needed to configure and program the device.
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#5 Restaurant Walkie Talkie: Baofeng BF-888S
The Pitch black Baofeng BF-888S may give you that rugged impression, but it will surely provide you that reliability when it comes to performance in kitchen operations. You will also notice the keypad’s absence, which means it is easier to use and faster to grip. It gives you the security of two orange buttons located on the left-hand side of the device. And above these securing buttons, there is the PTT switch, which is the monitor button. The lower orange button is the power button of the integrated LED flashlight and a function button.
This latest Baofeng BF-888S is a two-way radio packed with various yet distinct features. It has a handheld transceiver that is capable of up to 6km long range. Once purchased, it comes with antennas, a charger, and everything you need to run a Michelin restaurant. The BF-888S has many perks that could outstand any walkie-talkies in the market right now. Some of those perks are the VOX (Voice Operated Exchange), emergency alarm, and built-in high illumination flashlight.
The Baofeng BF-888S gives you 10 hours of battery life in regular use, which wouldn’t take more than 4 hours to charge. Its key features include the 16 Memory Channels, 50 CTCSS /105 CDCSS, channel scanning for better connectivity, Monitor Functions for faster control, English Voice Prompt for universal usage, PC Programmable for easier access and setting customization, High Illumination Flashlight during emergency blackouts and Transmitter Time-Out Timer (TOT). With all of these features and capabilities, it is undoubtedly. This Baofeng BF-888S walkie-talkie would be a great factor for a fast-paced restaurant’s daily operations.
Specifications
- Brand: Baofeng
- Range: 4 km
- Power output: 3-5 Watt
- Frequency ranges: 400-470 MHz
- Battery: 1,500 mAh Li-ion Battery
- Size: 8.4 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches
- Weight: 0.44 lb
- Waterproof: yes
- License needed: yes (amateur license)
Pros of the Baofeng BF-888S
- The walkie talkie has a meager price.
- It is easy to use.
- The device should be waterproof/weatherproof.
- It is available in big packages.
Cons of the Baofeng BF-888S
- It has not the biggest range.
- You need a license to use it.
- Software is needed to configure and program the device.
How to choose the best Walkie Talkie for a Restaurant
The checklist you would like to have in choosing the most effective walkie talkie for your restaurant is this article. In getting that right walkie talkie, you have to consider its weight and user interface. This means that it should be lightweight and easy to operate. These are essential for having a lot to program or click may interfere with the fast-paced communication in the kitchen and serving. You may also not need to have that multiple frequencies for restaurants have a specific range that would be enough for the operations.
Nevertheless, you may want to consider these specifications:
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Pack Size
Pack size is the number of restaurant staff you currently have. With this, the walkie talkie may vary. If you have a small diner, you may need two, and if you cater to a larger group, you may need 12, 20, or more.
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Size
You’ll need to be concise on your walkie talkie’s specific need and use in the restaurant. For walkie- talkies come in different sizes and shapes. You’ll need to test your use case and your restaurant environment before choosing the perfect size walkie-talkie for your business.
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Durability
When you’re looking for a set of walkie talkies, you need to have a durable one. This type of category is vital, especially when your restaurant is in an outdoor setting or where there’s a risk of weather havocs.
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Battery Life
No matter what size of the restaurant you are running, you have to be particular about the battery lifespan. It is a must that you will choose a battery that it will last throughout a busy day. Regarding this, I see to it that I have listed the right walkie talkies for you above.
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Hands-free Communication
In a restaurant, employees rarely have their hands free. For example, waiters have to carry plates and trays around and serve visitors. Meanwhile, they cannot operate a walkie-talkie. It is therefore recommended that the walkie-talkie supports hands-free communication (VOX feature). Then the restaurant employees can communicate with each other even when they are busy.
Why should I use a Walkie Talkie in a Restaurant?
Walkie Talkie is a two-way radio communication that provides restaurants that smooth flow and exceptional customer service. One of the restaurant’s successful ingredients is communication consistency between the people in the kitchen and tables. Having that consistency will give customer satisfaction, and once you achieve that, everything will fall into the right place. And the key to having that communication consistency is to have the right and best walkie talkie for your restaurant operations.
Thus, giving me the Motorola GXT100VP4, Baofeng BF-F8HP, Motorola T200, Motorola T400, and Baofeng BF-888S on the list. I have picked the listed walkie-talkies by its benefits. I have considered its durability, battery life, size, and range. These walkie talkies not only can give you the daily operations service, but they are powerful tools for security and emergencies wherever you are in the kitchen or at the table.
Conclusion – The 5 Best Restaurant Walkie Talkies
The five best restaurant walkie talkies listed above were meticulously picked for restaurant owners who would love to run their restaurant business smoothly and without distractions. These walkie talkies are the best solutions for any communication gaps in the kitchen and servers. This would also save you a lot of time coordinating all the staff in the restaurant.
To top it, one of the most cited features that would help you choose the right walkie-talkie for your restaurant is the VOX-feature. This feature enables and ensures users to send and receive a call without interference. You may use this article as a guideline whenever you want to buy the best walkie talkie for your restaurant operations. It is the most critical tool in making an order and directing the movements of all restaurant staff.
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