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Commercial Kitchen Equipment: When to Replace or Repair?

With the tremendous amount of challenges that can surface while running a foodservice enterprise, your commercial kitchen equipment is the last thing you want to fail.

A failing piece of commercial kitchen equipment can usually be repaired or replaced. But deciding which is necessary can be a difficult decision because of the cost associated with each option. Before deciding, consider if the repair is permanent, or if it is a part that will continue to wear and cause the problem to resurface. Think about the long-term solution and what you have room in your budget to do right away.

Another important factor in the decision is the average life-span of certain pieces of equipment. You can typically expect commercial refrigerators to last 15 years on average. If your equipment is nearing these ages, it may be a better value to consider replacement. Compare energy usage of newer, high-efficiency units as well as any new features that have been developed for newer models. Each of these could tip the scales in one way or the other.

Considering Options

As with any business, capital equipment purchases are a necessary part of operation. If you’re in the foodservice industry, your business simply cannot be successful if your commercial equipment isn’t sustaining its performance. Fortunately, commercial kitchen equipment has been around for a long time. And while this means that there are many options available for choosing the correct equipment for your business, it ultimate depends on your budget, time and service level.

When you have a problem, whether related to a malfunction, or are nearing the end of the equipment life-cycle, make sure that you consider all of the options available. Evaluate your entire enterprise when deciding on capital equipment. Look for new features in modern equipment, reliability, and even the service you get from where you buy it. Every part of the purchasing process should bring value to your business and help contribute to your success.

Here are a few of the most common problems experienced in foodservice with regard to the commercial kitchen equipment.

The cooling system is constantly working to remove heat from the inside of the refrigerator. This process requires the compression and expansion of gasses inside the cooling system. Whenever this process occurs there is always a possibility of condensation forming inside the refrigerator or on the cooling system itself. Many refrigerators are designed with this in mind and there will be a drain hose attached to allow the water to escape. Sometimes this drain hose can become plugged and cause water to back up and flow into unexpected places. Fortunately the fix for this is relatively easy. Cleaning out the drain line and checking the gasket around the door for proper sealing will help fix the problem.
Fresh foods often contain a lot of moisture. When these are stored in an environment where there are regular temperature fluctuations, the moisture expands and contracts and causes the moisture to escape from the food. If you experience this, chances are that the temperature inside the refrigerator isnâ??t being maintained at a suitable level. There could be several causes for how the temperature is made to fluctuate. Someone could leave the door open too long and the cooling system wasnâ??t strong enough to compensate for the outside heat getting inside, or there is likely a seal that is faulty that is allowing warm air to get in when the door is shut. Carefully inspecting the seals and workplace habits can bring this issue to a quick resolution.
Excessive frost on your refrigerator is very common. This, like the previous issues, is also related to excess moisture inside your appliance. However, the cause for frost-over can come from simple or complex issues. These issues can include several mechanical issues, such as a failing compressor, motor, insufficient amount of coolant (or coolant leak), poor airflow, dirty coils or vents, or problems with components for the defrost systems like the thermostat, heater, or timer. Obviously, with such a wide variety of potential causes, further investigation to isolate the problem will be needed. Since frost can form on the cooling system and on the inside of the refrigerator, it is important to the troubleshooting process to take note of where the frost is forming.
What exactly qualifies for a "strange noise"? Well, with a refrigerator, typically the mechanical part of the cooling system, in most cases is the compressor or the fan, will become loud and noticeable. You have undoubtedly heard your refrigerator at home kick on. That is a normal function of the thermostat telling the cooling system that it's time to go to work. But if there is a clang, bang, or whining noise when the motor turns on, it is likely that the system should be inspected as soon as possible. Cooling system repairs can be substantial and they get worse when left to run incorrectly. When the system begins making noises, don't hesitate to have it inspected. Waiting to do this can end up making the decision to replace the refrigerator for you.
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