A commercial tandoor can occupy as little as approximately 26 inches of kitchen width, but the actual space needed is larger than the dimensions of the oven itself.
Restaurants also need to account for:
- Exhaust hood coverage
- Required clearances
- Gas connection access
- Staff working space
- Long tandoor skewers
- Naan preparation
- Cleaning access
Nishi Enterprise currently sells Shaan commercial tandoors ranging from a compact 26-inch Catering model to a 34-inch Jumbo model.
The current approximate dimensions listed on the individual product pages are:
- 26-inch Catering: 26"W x 31"D x 33"H
- 28-inch Medium: 28"W x 30"D x 35"H
- 30-inch Large: 30"W x 34"D x 35"H
- 32-inch Extra Large: 32"W x 37"D x 35"H
- 34-inch Jumbo: 34"W x 39"D x 35"H
Those measurements tell you how large the equipment is, but they do not tell you the complete amount of kitchen space the installation requires.
This guide explains how much space a commercial tandoor needs, how the different Shaan tandoor sizes compare, and what restaurants should consider before adding a tandoor to a kitchen layout.
How Big Is a Commercial Tandoor?
The size depends on the model.
The Shaan tandoors available from Nishi Enterprise range from approximately:
26 to 34 inches wide
and approximately:
30 to 39 inches deep.
Most models are approximately 33 to 35 inches high before considering the open cooking area above the tandoor.
You can compare all current models in the Shaan Commercial Tandoor Collection.
Commercial Tandoor Size Comparison
| Model | Approx. Dimensions | Approx. Equipment Footprint | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26" Catering | 26"W x 31"D x 33"H | 5.6 sq. ft. | Catering and compact kitchens |
| 28" Medium | 28"W x 30"D x 35"H | 5.8 sq. ft. | Small to mid-size restaurants |
| 30" Large | 30"W x 34"D x 35"H | 7.1 sq. ft. | Full-service restaurants |
| 32" Extra Large | 32"W x 37"D x 35"H | 8.2 sq. ft. | Busy restaurants and banquet kitchens |
| 34" Jumbo | 34"W x 39"D x 35"H | 9.2 sq. ft. | High-volume operations |
Important: The footprint figures above represent only the approximate floor area physically occupied by the tandoor. They do not include required clearances, hood space, aisle space, or working room.
How Much Space Does the 26-Inch Shaan Catering Tandoor Need?
The 26-Inch Shaan Catering Tandoor is the most compact model currently offered by Nishi Enterprise.
Its current listed dimensions are approximately:
26"W x 31"D x 33"H
The physical equipment footprint is approximately:
5.6 square feet.
This makes it especially useful when kitchen space is limited.
Who Is the 26-Inch Tandoor Best For?
- Catering companies
- Smaller restaurant kitchens
- Lower-volume tandoor stations
- Operations where mobility matters
It weighs approximately 200 pounds, making it substantially lighter than the larger Shaan restaurant models.
Does a 26-Inch Tandoor Only Need 26 Inches of Space?
No.
The 26-inch measurement refers to the width of the equipment itself.
You still need room for:
- The hood system
- Required side and rear clearances
- Gas connection
- The cook standing in front of the oven
- Long skewers entering and leaving the oven
Never design a tandoor station by placing a 26-inch-wide box into a 26-inch-wide opening on a floor plan.
How Much Space Does the 28-Inch Shaan Tandoor Need?
The 28-Inch Shaan Medium Tandoor measures approximately:
28"W x 30"D x 35"H
Its physical equipment footprint is approximately:
5.8 square feet.
This model can be a good fit for restaurants that want commercial tandoor capacity without dedicating as much floor area to the oven as the larger models require.
Why Can the 28-Inch Model Fit Some Kitchens Better?
Width is not the only dimension that matters.
The 28-inch model is approximately 30 inches deep, making it one of the shallower units in the current Shaan lineup.
In a narrow cook line, depth can matter just as much as width.
How Much Space Does the 30-Inch Shaan Tandoor Need?
The 30-Inch Shaan Commercial Tandoor measures approximately:
30"W x 34"D x 35"H
Its physical footprint is approximately:
7.1 square feet.
This model weighs approximately 400 pounds.
The 30-inch tandoor is a popular size for full-service restaurants because it provides more interior cooking capacity without becoming as large as the 32-inch or 34-inch models.
How Much Space Does the 32-Inch Shaan Tandoor Need?
The 32-Inch Shaan Extra Large Tandoor currently lists dimensions of approximately:
32"W x 37"D x 35"H
Its equipment footprint is approximately:
8.2 square feet.
This size is designed for kitchens that need more room for naan and skewered foods during high-volume service.
Why Does the 32-Inch Model Need More Planning?
The extra width is relatively easy to understand.
The depth matters too.
At approximately 37 inches deep, the unit projects farther into the cook line than the smaller models.
In a tight kitchen, a few extra inches can affect:
- Aisle space
- Employee movement
- Traffic behind the cook
- Placement of nearby prep equipment
How Much Space Does the 34-Inch Jumbo Tandoor Need?
The 34-Inch Shaan Jumbo Tandoor is the largest model currently sold by Nishi Enterprise.
Its approximate dimensions are:
34"W x 39"D x 35"H
Its equipment footprint is approximately:
9.2 square feet.
The Jumbo weighs approximately 500 pounds.
Who Needs a 34-Inch Tandoor?
This model is better suited to operations such as:
- Large Indian restaurants
- Banquet halls
- High-volume catering kitchens
- Commissary kitchens
- Restaurants where tandoor production is a major part of service
Because it is both wider and deeper, kitchen layout should be carefully evaluated before choosing the Jumbo simply for additional cooking capacity.
Do Commercial Tandoors Need an Exhaust Hood?
Yes. Shaan commercial tandoors should be installed under an appropriate commercial exhaust hood according to the installation requirements and applicable codes.
The 30-inch Shaan commercial tandoor listing specifies installation under a Type I commercial exhaust hood.
Restaurants must also follow:
- Applicable mechanical codes
- Fire codes
- Building codes
- Local authority requirements
Why Does Hood Space Matter?
The tandoor cannot simply be placed anywhere there is empty floor space.
Its location must coordinate with the ventilation system.
That means restaurant operators should consider the hood before finalizing:
- Tandoor size
- Cook line layout
- Wall placement
- Nearby equipment
Can a Tandoor Be Added Under an Existing Hood?
Possibly, but it depends on the existing system.
You need to determine whether the hood and ventilation design can properly accommodate the tandoor and whether the installation meets applicable requirements.
Do not assume that an open spot underneath an existing hood automatically means a tandoor can be added there.
How Much Clearance Does a Tandoor Need?
There is no single clearance number that should be applied to every installation.
The required clearance depends on:
- The specific model
- Installation instructions
- Adjacent surfaces
- Local fire and building codes
Shaan installation guidance requires proper clearances from combustible materials according to the installation instructions and local codes.
Restaurant operators should verify these requirements before building walls, counters, or other equipment around the tandoor.
Why Should You Avoid Guessing Tandoor Clearance?
A tandoor operates at extremely high temperatures.
Guessing that a few inches of space is sufficient can create:
- Safety problems
- Inspection issues
- Installation delays
- Expensive kitchen modifications
Clearance requirements should be confirmed before installation.
How Much Working Space Does a Tandoor Cook Need?
This is one of the most overlooked parts of tandoor planning.
The employee needs enough space to:
- Stand comfortably at the oven
- Load naan
- Insert long skewers
- Remove skewers
- Transfer cooked food
- Move safely around the station
The working area in front of the tandoor may therefore be more important than the few square feet occupied by the oven itself.
Why Do Tandoor Skewers Affect Kitchen Space?
Commercial tandoor skewers are much longer than ordinary kitchen utensils.
A cook needs room to:
- Load food onto the skewer
- Carry the skewer
- Position it above the tandoor
- Lower it into the oven
- Remove it safely
A tandoor squeezed into a corner may physically fit but still be very difficult to operate.
Do You Need Space Above a Tandoor?
Yes.
The tandoor opening is on top of the equipment.
The cook works from above when:
- Placing naan on the clay wall
- Inserting skewers
- Removing food
Do not treat a tandoor like an undercounter appliance.
The space above the cooking opening must remain usable.
Should You Put a Shelf Directly Above a Tandoor?
Generally, the working area above the opening needs to remain clear enough for safe operation and proper hood performance.
Any shelving or equipment above the tandoor should be evaluated as part of the approved kitchen and ventilation design.
Where Should a Tandoor Go in a Commercial Kitchen?
A good location usually connects the tandoor station with the rest of the cooking workflow.
The cook may need quick access to:
- Naan dough
- Marinated chicken
- Kebabs
- Paneer
- Fish
- Plating area
The tandoor should not be placed so far from prep that cooks constantly cross the kitchen carrying skewers.
What Equipment Should Be Near a Tandoor?
A well-designed tandoor station may include:
- Commercial work table
- Refrigerated prep table
- Skewer storage
- Naan dough staging area
- Plating space
- Ingredient refrigeration
Nishi Enterprise carries Commercial Work Tables for restaurant prep stations.
Should a Prep Table Be Next to the Tandoor?
It can be very useful.
A nearby prep surface gives cooks room to organize:
- Skewers
- Naan
- Cooked food
- Tools
- Plates
However, the table should not interfere with required clearances or safe employee movement.
Refrigerated Prep Space Near a Tandoor
A refrigerated prep table can be useful for ingredients such as:
- Chicken tikka
- Fish
- Paneer
- Vegetables
- Marinades
Nishi Enterprise carries Commercial Food Prep Tables for restaurant production lines.
How Much Room Does Naan Production Need?
The tandoor itself is only one part of naan production.
The kitchen also needs somewhere to:
- Store dough
- Portion dough
- Roll or stretch dough
- Load dough onto the naan gaddi
- Hold finished naan
If naan volume is high, this can require a dedicated prep surface next to the tandoor station.
Why Is Tandoor Station Design Important During a Dinner Rush?
Imagine a busy service where the tandoor cook is simultaneously producing:
- Plain naan
- Garlic naan
- Chicken tikka
- Seekh kebabs
- Paneer tikka
The cook needs space for both bread and skewers.
If the station is too cramped, employees may:
- Cross paths
- Wait for workspace
- Block an aisle
- Slow down service
Should the Tandoor Be Next to the Range?
It can be, but the best layout depends on the restaurant.
An Indian kitchen often contains several high-use cooking stations, including:
- Tandoor
- Commercial range
- Stock pot range
- Fryer
The line should be designed around workflow rather than simply placing every piece of equipment wherever it fits.
Can a Tandoor Be Placed in a Corner?
Sometimes, but corners can create operational problems.
A corner placement may restrict:
- Skewer movement
- Cleaning access
- Service access
- Employee positioning
Before choosing a corner location, make sure the cook can actually operate the oven comfortably.
How Much Space Do You Need to Clean a Tandoor?
Cleaning and maintenance also require access.
Shaan tandoors are fitted with caster wheels, allowing them to be repositioned when appropriate.
Even with casters, the surrounding kitchen should be designed so staff can access areas that require cleaning or maintenance.
Why Do Tandoor Casters Matter?
The Shaan tandoors sold by Nishi Enterprise use heavy-duty caster wheels.
This can help with:
- Repositioning
- Cleaning
- Service access
However, a tandoor is still a heavy piece of commercial cooking equipment.
Models in the current lineup weigh approximately 200 to 500 pounds.
How Heavy Are Commercial Tandoors?
| Model | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|
| 26" Catering | 200 lbs. |
| 28" Medium | 450 lbs. |
| 30" Large | 400 lbs. |
| 32" Extra Large | 400 lbs. |
| 34" Jumbo | 500 lbs. |
Does Floor Strength Matter?
Commercial kitchen floors are generally built for heavy equipment, but the weight of the tandoor should still be included in the kitchen plan.
This becomes especially important in unusual installations or spaces that were not originally designed as commercial kitchens.
How Much Space Does the Gas Connection Need?
Shaan gas tandoors use a gas connection that must remain accessible and properly installed.
The 30-inch commercial Shaan model lists a 1/2-inch female threaded gas inlet.
The gas connection should be installed professionally and should not be crushed or made inaccessible by pushing the tandoor tightly against surrounding construction.
Can You Push a Tandoor Tight Against a Wall?
Do not assume so.
Proper clearance from combustible materials must be maintained according to:
- The installation instructions
- Applicable codes
- Local requirements
The gas connection and maintenance access also need to be considered.
Natural Gas vs. Propane and Kitchen Space
Shaan gas tandoors are available for natural gas and can be configured for LPG or propane applications where appropriate.
The fuel choice does not eliminate the need to plan:
- Ventilation
- Fuel connections
- Clearances
- Service access
Does Tandoor Size Affect Hood Size?
Potentially.
The larger the appliance and cook line, the more carefully the ventilation layout needs to be designed.
Do not purchase a 34-inch tandoor simply because there is 34 inches of open floor width under a hood.
The hood system must be evaluated as part of the complete installation.
Should You Measure the Hood Before Buying a Tandoor?
Yes.
Before choosing a tandoor, confirm:
- Available hood area
- Cook line depth
- Nearby equipment
- Gas access
- Required clearances
This is especially important when replacing a smaller appliance with a larger tandoor.
What If the Tandoor Sticks Out Farther Than the Other Equipment?
This can happen because the larger Shaan tandoors are approximately 34 to 39 inches deep.
If neighboring equipment is shallower, the tandoor may project farther into the aisle.
That can affect:
- Kitchen traffic
- Aisle width
- Cleaning
- Employee safety
Always look at both width and depth when reviewing a kitchen floor plan.
Width vs. Depth: Which Matters More?
Both matter.
Width determines how much room the tandoor occupies along the cook line.
Depth determines how far the oven extends into the kitchen.
For example:
- A 28-inch model is approximately 30 inches deep.
- A 34-inch Jumbo is approximately 39 inches deep.
That difference can be very noticeable in a narrow kitchen aisle.
Should You Buy a Smaller Tandoor Because of Kitchen Space?
Possibly.
If two models can handle your production requirements, the smaller model may leave more room for:
- Prep tables
- Refrigeration
- Staff movement
- Additional cooking equipment
However, downsizing too far can create a production bottleneck.
Should You Buy the Largest Tandoor That Fits?
Not necessarily.
The correct model should balance:
- Capacity
- Kitchen space
- Menu
- Peak volume
A 34-inch Jumbo may physically fit in a kitchen, but if the restaurant only produces moderate tandoor volume, those extra inches might be more valuable for another piece of equipment.
Space Needed for a Small Indian Restaurant
A smaller restaurant may consider the:
- 26-inch Catering
- 28-inch Medium
These models occupy less physical floor area and can make it easier to preserve room for the rest of the cook line.
Space Needed for a Full-Service Indian Restaurant
The 30-inch Shaan model is a practical middle ground for many full-service restaurants.
At approximately:
30"W x 34"D x 35"H
it provides more cooking capacity while still remaining significantly smaller than the Jumbo.
Space Needed for a High-Volume Restaurant
Higher-volume kitchens may consider:
- 32-inch Extra Large
- 34-inch Jumbo
These require more floor area but provide more tandoor cooking capacity.
How Much Space Do Two Tandoors Need?
Some very busy restaurants use separate tandoors for:
Tandoor 1
- Naan
- Garlic naan
- Roti
Tandoor 2
- Chicken
- Kebabs
- Fish
- Paneer
Two tandoors require significantly more than twice the equipment footprint once:
- Working space
- Clearances
- Hood coverage
- Prep space
are considered.
One Large Tandoor vs. Two Smaller Tandoors
One larger tandoor uses less cook-line width than two separate units.
Two smaller units may provide better production separation.
The best choice depends on:
- Menu volume
- Available hood space
- Kitchen layout
- Staffing
How Do You Measure Your Kitchen for a Tandoor?
Before ordering, measure:
- Available width under the hood.
- Available cook-line depth.
- Height and usable space above the tandoor.
- Distance to nearby equipment.
- Available employee working space.
- Gas connection location.
Then compare those measurements with the actual product dimensions.
Do Not Measure Only the Empty Floor Space
A common planning mistake is seeing an empty section of floor and assuming the tandoor will fit.
You also need to ask:
- Is it under the correct hood?
- Can the gas connection reach safely?
- Can the cook insert long skewers?
- Can staff walk behind the cook?
- Can the unit be accessed for cleaning?
Commercial Tandoor Space Planning Checklist
Before purchasing a tandoor, confirm:
- Exact tandoor dimensions
- Available hood space
- Required clearances
- Gas connection
- Employee working space
- Skewer handling space
- Naan prep area
- Nearby refrigeration
- Cleaning access
- Local code requirements
Can Nishi Help With Restaurant Kitchen Planning?
Yes.
Nishi Enterprise works with restaurants on complete commercial kitchen projects in addition to selling individual pieces of equipment.
If you are designing a new restaurant or remodeling an existing kitchen, you can learn more about Restaurant Design Consultation.
Where Can You Buy a Commercial Tandoor?
Nishi Enterprise carries five sizes of Shaan Commercial Tandoor Ovens.
The current lineup includes:
- 26-Inch Catering Tandoor
- 28-Inch Medium Tandoor
- 30-Inch Large Tandoor
- 32-Inch Extra Large Tandoor
- 34-Inch Jumbo Tandoor
Frequently Asked Questions About Tandoor Space
How much space does a commercial tandoor need?
The appliance itself may occupy approximately 5.6 to 9.2 square feet depending on model, but the complete installation requires additional room for required clearances, ventilation, employee movement, skewers, gas connections, and prep.
What is the smallest commercial tandoor Nishi sells?
The smallest Shaan model is the 26-inch Catering Tandoor, which measures approximately 26 inches wide by 31 inches deep by 33 inches high.
What is the largest Shaan tandoor?
The 34-inch Jumbo is the largest current Shaan model and measures approximately 34 inches wide by 39 inches deep by 35 inches high.
How much floor space does a 30-inch tandoor occupy?
The 30-inch Shaan measures approximately 30 by 34 inches, giving the equipment itself a footprint of about 7.1 square feet before clearances and working space are added.
Does a commercial tandoor need a hood?
Yes. Shaan commercial tandoors should be installed under an appropriate commercial exhaust hood according to the installation instructions and applicable local codes.
Does a tandoor need a Type I hood?
The current 30-inch Shaan commercial tandoor listing specifies installation under a Type I commercial exhaust hood. Always verify the requirements for your exact model and jurisdiction.
How much clearance does a tandoor need?
Clearance requirements depend on the model, surrounding construction, installation instructions, and local codes. Do not assume one universal clearance measurement.
Can I place a tandoor against a wall?
Only if the installation meets the required clearance and other installation requirements. This should be verified before installation.
Can I put a tandoor under an existing hood?
Possibly, but the existing hood must be appropriate for the appliance and installation. Available physical space alone is not enough.
Does a tandoor need space above it?
Yes. The cook works through the opening at the top, so enough usable space is required for naan tools and long skewers.
How wide is a commercial tandoor?
The Shaan models currently offered by Nishi Enterprise range from approximately 26 to 34 inches wide.
How deep is a commercial tandoor?
The current Shaan lineup ranges from approximately 30 inches to 39 inches deep, depending on model.
How tall is a commercial tandoor?
The current Shaan models are approximately 33 to 35 inches high.
How heavy is a commercial tandoor?
The Shaan lineup ranges from approximately 200 pounds for the Catering model to approximately 500 pounds for the Jumbo.
Do commercial tandoors have wheels?
Shaan tandoors include heavy-duty caster wheels that can help with repositioning and cleaning access.
How much space should be in front of a tandoor?
Enough room is needed for the cook to safely load naan, handle long skewers, remove food, and work without blocking kitchen traffic. Exact aisle requirements should be determined as part of the kitchen design and applicable code requirements.
Should a prep table be next to the tandoor?
A nearby prep table can make naan and skewer production more efficient as long as it does not interfere with required clearance or working space.
Which tandoor is best for a small kitchen?
The 26-inch Catering and 28-inch Medium models occupy the least floor area in the current Shaan lineup.
Which tandoor is best for a full-service restaurant?
The 30-inch model provides a balance between cooking capacity and physical footprint for many full-service operations.
Where can I compare commercial tandoor sizes?
You can compare all five models in the Shaan Tandoor Collection at Nishi Enterprise.
Final Thoughts: How Much Space Does a Commercial Tandoor Need?
A commercial tandoor needs more space than the equipment dimensions alone suggest.
The five Shaan models currently sold by Nishi Enterprise range from approximately:
26"W x 31"D
for the compact Catering model to:
34"W x 39"D
for the Jumbo.
The physical equipment footprints range from approximately:
5.6 to 9.2 square feet.
But that is only the beginning of the planning process.
A complete tandoor station also needs room for:
- Commercial exhaust ventilation
- Required clearances
- Gas connection
- Long skewers
- Naan preparation
- Staff movement
- Cleaning and service access
For smaller kitchens, the 26-Inch Catering Tandoor and 28-Inch Medium Tandoor provide more compact options.
Many full-service restaurants may find the 30-Inch Shaan Commercial Tandoor offers a useful balance between capacity and footprint.
Higher-volume restaurants can consider the 32-Inch Extra Large or 34-Inch Jumbo if the kitchen has enough room.
The most important rule is this: do not ask only whether the tandoor physically fits. Make sure the cook, skewers, hood, gas connection, required clearances, and surrounding kitchen workflow fit too.
