Running a commercial kitchen whether it’s a fine dining restaurant or a bustling neighbourhood café, is a complex operation with dozens of moving pieces. A successful operation requires the harmonious interplay of commercial equipment, systems, and staff. However, regardless of how much you prepare or plan, sometimes the unexpected happens.
Equipment breakdowns in a commercial kitchen are every restaurant manager’s worst fear. Without a working range, meals cannot be prepared, a broken refrigerator can cost thousands in food spoilage, and a malfunctioning dishwasher can have a snowballing effect on service. When faced with challenges such as these, it's crucial to have a plan in place to troubleshoot the problem and get it resolved as quickly as possible so you aren't faced with the financial and reputational repercussions of a prolonged kitchen closure.
Know Who to Call for Your Commercial Kitchen Repair
Mid-service on a busy weekend is not the time to begin researching local commercial kitchen repair businesses; this is a critical contact that should organized in advance and known to all key staff. Having a reliable commercial kitchen repair service on speed dial could mean the difference between a delayed service and a cancelled one; it will save you valuable time and money, two things you can't take for granted in the restaurant business.
Having an established, pre-existing relationship with a commercial kitchen repair service enables this company to become intricately familiar with your kitchen. Not only are they more likely to have necessary repair parts on hand, but they'll also understand the particulars of your kitchen equipment, which can expedite repairs and reduce downtime.
Three Key Pieces of Commercial Kitchen Equipment and Why They Breakdown
1. Refrigeration Issues
Refrigeration systems can develop leaks over time, which will compromise performance and lead to potentially dangerous messes. Common culprits include damaged seals, worn-out gaskets, or corroded tubing. Your repair technician will be able to determine the cause of the problem and once they’ve identified the source, repair or replace the affected components as needed.
Inadequate cooling is another common refrigerator issue. Several issues can affect your refrigerator's temperature control but the most common offenders are clogged condenser coils, filters, and issues with the fan. Luckily, these are all easy fixes. Sometimes, however, refrigerator failure can be caused by a broken or damaged compressor. Signs that you may be experiencing trouble with your compressor include loud or unusual noises, warm air blowing from the vents, or the unit not turning on at all. If you suspect a compressor issue, it's best to contact your commercial kitchen repair technician to diagnose the issue right away.
2. Oven Problems
Uneven heating in an oven is a major kitchen nuisance that will impact the quality of the food you’re putting out. It can result from damaged or malfunctioning heating elements or faulty temperature sensors and thermostat calibration, leading to inaccurate readings and uneven cooking. Thermostats can be recalibrated by a professional technician which can often save the cost of replacement.
Burner issues are also common in commercial kitchens resulting in uneven cooking or sometimes a complete failure to heat. Regularly cleaning and inspecting burners for signs of damage such as rust or corrosion is highly recommended, but if your burners still aren't functioning correctly, they may need to be replaced.
3. Dishwasher Dilemmas
Dirty dishes are not something guests in a restaurant want to see. Leaks are one of the most common commercial dishwasher problems and often, damaged hoses, loose fittings, or seals are to blame. Limescale buildup can also cause rust thereby leading to leaks. Issues related to dishwasher draining and dishes that are coming out of a clean cycle still dirty can often be the result of obstructions in the drain and pipes. You should regularly inspect and clean filters and water jets to ensure they are free of debris. Your dishwasher not starting is a more serious problem. The issue here often has to do with electrical components such as selector switches, the drive motor, or the control board- all of which will require professional commercial kitchen repair.
Commercial kitchen repair problems can be extremely disruptive to your business, but having a plan in place and knowing who to call can make all the difference. The ability to secure prompt repairs is crucial to keep your kitchen running smoothly and your bottom line intact.