Common Equipment Breakdowns

Avoid Common Restaurant Equipment Problems with These Simple Tips

In the restaurant business, having good equipment is really important. But sometimes restaurant owners don't take care of their equipment like they should. This can cause problems like equipment breaking down, losing money, and even breaking health codes. In this article, we will talk about common problems with restaurant equipment and how to avoid them. If restaurant owners follow these tips, they can make sure their equipment works well, their customers are happy, and their business stays profitable.

First, it's important to understand why it's so important to take care of restaurant equipment. If a key piece of equipment breaks during a busy time, it can cause delays in service, lose money, and even make them have to give away free meals. Also, if equipment isn't cleaned and taken care of, it can break health codes. That can lead to fines or even the restaurant being closed down.

Lack of Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of restaurant equipment. Neglecting to carry out these tasks can result in a range of equipment problems, which can ultimately lead to costly repairs and replacements.

For instance, failing to regularly clean and maintain an oven can cause it to malfunction, preventing it from properly cooking food. Similarly, a grill that is not properly cleaned can accumulate excess grease, which can lead to flare-ups and uneven cooking. Fryers that are not cleaned regularly can develop a buildup of grease and debris, which can cause them to overheat and potentially lead to fires. Finally, refrigerators that are not regularly cleaned and maintained can become inefficient and fail to properly cool and preserve food.

To avoid these problems, it is important to regularly clean and maintain restaurant equipment. When cleaning ovens, be sure to remove any excess food debris and grease, and use a suitable cleaning solution to remove any stubborn stains. Grills should be cleaned after every use, using a grill brush to remove any residual food and grease. Fryers should be cleaned at least once a day, with the oil being replaced every few days. Finally, refrigerators should be cleaned at least once a week, with shelves and drawers being removed and washed in warm soapy water.

Improper Use and Handling

Using restaurant equipment improperly can cause various problems. Therefore, it is important to stress the significance of handling and using equipment correctly. Proper usage decreases the likelihood of damage and extends equipment lifespan. Here are some examples of equipment problems that can happen due to improper use and handling:

  • Overloading equipment beyond its capacity
  • Using equipment for unintended purposes
  • Failing to clean equipment thoroughly

Proper training and supervision can prevent equipment damage and extend equipment lifespan. It is important to provide employees with proper training and supervision to ensure they use equipment correctly and safely. Here are some tips on how to train employees to use equipment correctly and safely:

  • Give detailed instructions on how to use each piece of equipment, including proper cleaning and maintenance
  • Hold regular training sessions to refresh employees' knowledge and skills
  • Provide hands-on training to ensure employees know how to use equipment correctly
  • Emphasize the importance of safety when using equipment and provide guidelines on how to handle equipment safely

By following these tips, employees can use equipment properly and safely, which can prevent equipment damage and extend equipment lifespan.

Wear and Tear

When you run a kitchen for a business, it's important to keep all your equipment in good shape. One way to do this is to inspect it often and replace parts that are worn out. This helps your equipment last longer and prevents surprise breakdowns that can cost you time and money.

There are many different parts of equipment that can wear out, like belts, hoses, and filters. These parts can become too worn over time and eventually stop working properly. For example, a broken belt in an oven that moves food can cause the oven to stop working, and this might slow down your service and even lose you money. And if the filter in a fryer gets clogged, the oil will go bad faster, and you'll have to spend more money on oil.

To stop these kinds of problems, you need to inspect your equipment often and replace worn-out parts. You can do this by looking for cracks, tears, or other damage on belts and hoses, and by checking if filters are working right. If you keep up with these inspections and replacements, you'll save more money in the long haul, because you won't have to pay for sudden equipment problems or repairs.

If you don't know how to replace worn or damaged parts, there are a few things you can do. First, look at the owner's manual for your equipment. It might tell you how often to inspect your equipment and when to replace parts. You can also talk to a technician (Boh can put you in touch with the best ones near you) who can help you check your equipment and keep it in good shape. If you do these things and stay aware of wear and tear in your kitchen, your equipment will work well for a long time.

Power Surges and Electrical Problems

In the restaurant industry, it's important to protect your equipment from electrical issues, like power surges. These can cause damage, from minor problems to complete failure. For instance, power surges can cause short circuits, overheating, and fires. Voltage spikes or drops can also damage your equipment and lead to expensive repairs or replacements.

Thankfully, you can prevent equipment damage from power surges and electrical issues. One way to do this is by using surge protectors. Surge protectors help regulate the electrical current and guard your equipment against sudden surges. Proper electrical wiring is also essential in preventing equipment damage. Make sure your equipment is grounded and that your electrical system is up-to-date, which can protect your investment.

To properly protect your equipment, follow some basic tips. Avoid overloading circuits by plugging too many appliances into one outlet. Unplug equipment during storms or other times of electrical instability. You can also install an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, which provides backup power in case of a power outage or other electrical problem.

By taking these steps to protect your equipment from power surges and electrical issues, you can ensure that your restaurant runs smoothly and efficiently. This way, you can avoid costly downtime and repairs that can result from equipment damage.

Conclusion

To sum up, maintaining and handling restaurant equipment well is key to avoiding problems. The tips in this article can help you reduce the risk of equipment failures and save money in the long run. Keep in mind that equipment problems can lead to costly repairs and losing customers - something you definitely don't want in the competitive restaurant industry.

So, we urge you to take action and follow the tips discussed here. This includes regular maintenance checks, proper cleaning, and staff training. By doing so, your restaurant will run smoothly and efficiently, giving your customers the best possible experience.

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