Preventative maintenance
Preventative maintenance is vital for commercial kitchen equipment since it ensures the equipment is in good working order and minimizes the need for expensive repairs. It also allows you to spot problems early before they become major problems. By implementing preventative maintenance, you can ensure that your equipment will last longer, deliver a consistently high quality of food and service, and increase your return on investment.
Although many preventative maintenance tasks can be performed by kitchen and back-of-house personnel, it's still wise to call a qualified service technician to check the equipment yearly. This way, the technician can answer questions and ensure everything functions properly. In addition, this preventative maintenance will ensure your equipment lasts longer, reducing the need for emergency repairs.
Cost-effectiveness
When buying new commercial kitchen equipment, it's important to consider how much it will cost to use and maintain. This is especially important since commercial kitchen equipment is very expensive and is subject to wear and tear. However, with proper care, you can increase the lifetime of your equipment and cut down on repair bills.
Choosing energy-efficient appliances is smart as they save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. These appliances also help you appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. They are also safer and help protect the health of your staff. Moreover, changing health and safety regulations mean that older commercial kitchens must be replaced. As a result, many commercial kitchen owners choose to upgrade to address the challenges posed by the changing needs of the food service industry.
Durability
When purchasing commercial kitchen equipment, it is crucial to consider the durability of each piece. Durable equipment will reduce replacement costs and provide greater reliability and food consistency. In addition, durable equipment will help you achieve higher output levels. To ensure that your equipment is reliable, you should conduct a thorough inspection before purchasing it. In addition, you should check the warranty to ensure that any necessary repairs will be covered.
The durability of commercial kitchen equipment depends on the materials used in manufacturing the equipment. Aluminium, for instance, is much lighter than stainless steel, but it is also prone to rust. This causes the metal to turn white and pit, which leads to rapid corrosion. By contrast, stainless steel is a non-porous metal with inherent protection against corrosion. In addition, stainless steel retains its form, allowing it to withstand constant wear and tear, and is, therefore, the ideal choice for commercial kitchen equipment.
Safety
Proper installation and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment are essential to the safety of both cooks and customers. Improperly installed equipment can be very dangerous and pose a fire hazard. Most kitchen fires are caused by grease dripping into places that can cause a fire, but some also happen because of mechanical errors or electrical problems. Proper maintenance will increase the equipment's longevity and reduce the risk of injury.
Commercial kitchen equipment should be cleaned regularly, as grime and other contaminants can build up over time. Cleaning and maintenance are crucial for a safe working environment and should be done by qualified professionals to prevent problems later. For example, filters must be changed regularly, especially on gas-fired appliances. Clogged filters can cause a fire if not cleaned properly. In addition, proper cleaning will help prevent cross-contamination and keep the food safe to eat.
Efficiency
In the food service industry, the efficiency of using & maintaining commercial kitchen equipment is of utmost importance. Proper maintenance will ensure that equipment lasts many years and retains its physical value. Most importantly, proper care will ensure that employees are safe. This includes ensuring proper food storage and preparation practices. Additionally, all equipment in the kitchen should comply with health department standards. Finally, cleaning and maintaining kitchen equipment is crucial to avoid dangerous flare-ups of hot flames.
Energy use in commercial kitchens accounts for a significant part of operating costs. Using energy-efficient kitchen equipment can reduce energy costs by as much as 10% to 30%. Energy-efficient appliances can also increase the life of commercial kitchen equipment and the kitchen's safety. Furthermore, energy-conscious employee training can help reduce kitchen energy consumption.
