As dealers and service companies know only too well, businesses that invest in planned preventative maintenance packages are much less likely to uncover problems with their kitchen machinery.
However, some common maintenance issues can pop up frequently and will require immediate technical assistance, even when a preventative maintenance plan has been put in place.
Grimsby-based Sylvester Keal has highlighted the five most common maintenance issues that it continues to see in commercial kitchens.
Here is its rundown:
1. Cooker issues
It’s the equipment most frequently used in the commercial kitchen, which is often why cooking appliances are most likely to draw a fault.
The main issue that tends to occur with cooking equipment is overheating due to a lack of filter cleaning. However, this can be prevented through regular cleaning of the filters and vents.
2. Fryer temperature problems
One of the biggest issues a fryer can have is a problem with its temperature control. If a fryer is heating up too high or cannot maintain its heat then this will have a corresponding effect on a restaurant’s dishes, as food will not cook correctly.
3. Warewasher not cleaning properly
The most common issue that Sylvester Keal’s engineers see when it comes to warewashers is the appliance’s ability to clean properly. If, at the end of a warewashing cycle, the dishes are still stained with food, then there could be a number of reasons for this, it could be down to a faulty spray arm, a blocked filter or incorrect detergent used.
Regular filter cleaning and checking the correct detergent is being used are recommended for operators.
4. Clogged sinks
Restaurant sinks tend to be on the receiving end of clogging more often than a residential kitchen sink and this tends to be because of the amount of food processed within a commercial operation.
Sylvester Keal says the most effective way of keeping drain blockages at bay is through operating a hygienic sink routine: using a drain sieve, keeping a plunger at hand and using an effective and powerful drain cleaning solution are all ways to keep a drain healthy and clear. If after committing to all these solutions, the problem still occurs, then this would be the time to ask for professional support.
5. Refrigeration issues
Routine maintenance is essential on any commercial refrigerator, freezer or cooler. To maintain an active fridge, it’s crucial as a caterer to check gaskets and air filters as too much dirt and grease can spoil a healthy gasket, or even block the filter and stop air from properly ventilating.
Sylvester Keal advises its customers to clean the refrigeration condenser and evaporator coils regularly (once every couple of months) with a brush or vacuum to help prevent the most common refrigeration issue.
