Maintenance Tips for Increasing Commercial Kitchen Equipment Performance.
Restaurant equipment is very expensive! Restaurant owners can easily spend tens of thousands of dollars on equipment. Usually, expensive equipment like this lasts for a long time, but it won't last long if it's not taken care of properly.
Here are some ways that you can increase the lifespan and performance of your commercial kitchen equipment!
1. Clean everything regularly
Different types of equipment require different types of cleaning routines. You should look in the owner's manual on all of your kitchen equipment to see how often you should clean everything. The dirtier something gets, the less likely it is to have a long lifespan. And of course, you will want all of your kitchen equipment to last as long as possible! It's a good idea to establish a set cleaning routine for your equipment, that way you won't forget.
2. Maintenance
Some of your equipment will need regular maintenance appointments. For example, air filters will need to be changed on your refrigeration equipment, combustion fans will need to be replaced on your fryers, and grease filters on griddles and grills will need to be replaced. Unless you're very experienced with restaurant equipment and know exactly what you're doing, you should not attempt to complete the maintenance by yourself. You should hire a maintenance person to come to your restaurant monthly, or more frequently if needed. This person will be able to take care of everything you need and will be able to tell you if something is wrong with any of your equipment. Completing the maintenance of your equipment regularly will increase its lifespan and increase overall performance.
3. If something breaks, you should get it fixed right away
Some restaurant owners don't get their broken equipment fixed right away, which can really hinder overall equipment performance. Leaving equipment broken for an extended period of time can make it that much harder to fix. For example, if one of your fryers break, and you leave it there sitting with the oil in it for a few days without touching it, the oil will build up and might cause a clog. Also, leaving fryer grease sitting without use for a while is not sanitary. It can attract bugs and rodents. This is just one example, but this suggestion stands for all kitchen equipment! If something breaks, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. You will save yourself time and money.
4. Make sure your staff is using your equipment properly
This might seem obvious, but it's very true. If you have some inexperienced staff members, you should put aside some time to make sure they are using all of your equipment properly. Certain equipment can break if used the wrong way. You will save yourself time and money if you spend some time teaching your employees the correct way to use everything. It won't take long, and it will increase the lifespan and performance of your equipment.
Take care of your restaurant equipment, and it will work like a charm!
The bottom line is that you should always take care of your restaurant equipment. This kind of equipment costs a ton of money, and you would be putting yourself at a disadvantage if you didn't take care of it properly. You should read every owner's manual that comes with your equipment, and make sure you know how to care for it and how to clean it. You should take notice if something breaks and if something needs to be replaced. Doing these few things can really have a positive impact on all of your equipment in the long run. As a restaurant owner, you have lots of responsibilities, but your equipment should be high on your priority list. Your restaurant equipment is the power behind all of the food you make, and can ultimately make or break your business. Make sure you are making the right choices!