The kitchen is the heart of every restaurant, and it is important to have high quality and well-functioning kitchen equipment to support its success. Regular maintenance is a simple but effective way to make the equipment last longer and perform better. Without this practice, it can reduce equipment utility, lead to waste, and eventually result in high costs and losses in the long run.

To keep your kitchen equipment in tip-top shape, here is a guide on proper kitchen equipment repair and maintenance.

Refrigerated Equipment Maintenance

- All commercial kitchens have a mix of chillers and freezers for the storage of raw ingredients, prepped food, or finished goods.

- In order to minimize downtime, it is critical for restaurants to perform condenser cleaning and service maintenance regularly.

- The recommended frequency is 3 to 6 months. - Without necessary maintenance, refrigerated equipment will definitely experience irregular temperature spikes and eventually breakdowns.

Oven Maintenance

- A common issue with combi ovens is the lack of proper daily cleaning. As grease accumulates within the oven chamber especially after heavy roasting of food containing oil, oven chambers can catch fire and pose a safety hazard to kitchen operators.

- Apart from daily cleaning with manufacturer’s approved chemicals, it is important to factor in extra downtime for ovens to be fully checked and chemically cleaned by professionals as grease can reach areas behind the chamber through the fan vents.

- Grease or leaks in solenoid valves can cause damage to the ovens’ electronic boards which are expensive to replace. Preventing them in advance can reduce overall repair costs in the long run.

Deep Fryer Inspection

The deep fryer is an essential part of any restaurant and is also the biggest fire hazard in any commercial kitchen. An entire mall had to be evacuated after a deep fryer caught fire last year, and the safety of the stall involved was called into question.

To avoid such incidents from happening, it is important for the fryer to be maintained and cleaned daily according to the manufacturer’s manual. Filter and change the oil regularly and wipe off any food particles from the exterior to prevent oil from drizzling onto the floor.

Take note that your deep fryer should be inspected by a professional commercial kitchen equipment supplier or contractor every year. You should also check daily that all fittings are tight, with no leaks in the fry pot.

Staff Training

It is important for the staff to be properly trained in equipment etiquette. Besides knowing how to operate the repair kitchen equipment, your staff also needs to know how to clean them at the end of each working day.

Create a piece of kitchen equipment cleaning procedure and schedule for your staff to follow. Before each deep cleaning session, you should plan a schedule in advance based on the maintenance needs of the kitchen equipment.

Conclusion

Though kitchen equipment maintenance may seem to be a daunting task, the effort spent in its regular maintenance is worth it in the long-term. With constant cleaning and regular preventive maintenance services, not only can you maintain a healthy and hygienic environment, but you also can improve kitchen operation speed and efficiency. Overall, this will be more cost-effective for your business in the long-term.

Begin maintaining your kitchen equipment today and you will be pleased with the positive effects it brings to you and your staff!

Good restaurant kitchen equipment is an investment to ensure the quality of food and services you offer to your customers. This is why it is important to do your research so you can be confident that you are purchasing what you exactly need. Here are some useful points to consider before investing in the right restaurant kitchen equipment.

1. Quality

Before buying commercial kitchen equipment, it is always advisable to view it in person. Being on-site can help you determine the quality of the kitchen equipment and if it can function properly as the manufacturer intended. 

If you are intending to purchase the restaurant kitchen equipment without viewing, inspect them upon delivery to ensure that all pieces are in place and in working order. There are cases when it is the transport provider and not the manufacturer, that is responsible for damaging the equipment you ordered. In such situations, be sure to contact the transport provider for information on how to replace or repair the kitchen equipment.

2. Space Consideration

You should always keep the space limitations of your kitchen in mind when purchasing restaurant kitchen equipment. Without considering how much space the new equipment will take up, your kitchen can easily become too cluttered. Many equipments, especially refrigeration equipment, require proper ventilation to maintain appropriate temperatures. An overcrowded space would not only hinder workflow, but it will also cause refrigeration equipment to break down easily.

3. Ease of usage and cleaning

Another good consideration to make when choosing which restaurant kitchen equipment to buy is if they can be easily used and maintained. Kitchen operations can get very hectic, especially during peak hours. Commercial kitchen equipment that is easy to use, clean and well-maintained would not only increase the efficiency of staff but also boost their morale. For instance, consider combi ovens with automated washing systems or refrigeration with automatic defrost systems.

4. Pricing

Pricing is arguably one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing new restaurant kitchen equipment. Keep in mind the purpose of the equipment. Invest in a quality one if the equipment is core equipment for which you have no backup. The cost of repairs, downtime, and operations disruptions during an equipment breakdown may add up. Always consider an equipment’s value (price vs quality) to avoid hefty kitchen equipment repair.

5. Warranties

Before investing in commercial kitchen equipment, you should compare the warranty terms from different suppliers. Learn about the inclusions and exclusions of the warranty terms that each company offers. Pay attention to the regular maintenance needed and what can potentially void the warranty.

Through comparing such variables, you will be able to get a better gauge on which equipment is worth their price and the warranty they offer.

Reliable Commercial Kitchen Equipment Supplier

Bakers and Chefs is a leading commercial kitchen equipment supplier and distributor in Singapore. We are committed to helping businesses grow and offer the best solutions to our customers. With our Try-It-Buy-IT Program, hospitality business owners can get the opportunity to use our quality commercial kitchen equipment with zero upfront costs. 

For more information, call us at 6749 0010 or email us atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..