29

Sep

Solved: Ice Cream Freezer Is Melting Ice Cream

No one wants to buy ice cream or gelato that appears to melt even in the ice cream display freezer. So, if your ice cream freezer is not keeping the ice cream frozen or there are crystals on the ice cream, it can directly impact your business. Therefore, you should get help from commercial appliances repair services. In case you want to try a few fixes yourself, here is what you can do.

Check The Power

Like other appliances, ice cream freezers also show a clear light indicator that it’s receiving power. So, no power is out of the equation. But if the power cord, the outlet, or any other wiring is malfunctioning, the unit might not receive power constantly.

The freezer will run fine for some time and due to the mentioned issues, the power might cut off for a few seconds only to resume again. This cycle might keep repeating. It can affect the performance of your ice cream display counter and the ice cream might start melting.

What to check? Inspect the power cord and the power outlet for damage. Make sure the power cord is firmly plugged into the power outlet, there is no visible damage on the cord, and the outlet is fine.

Temperature Settings

Many times, incorrect temperature settings are the culprit of ice maker issues. Check the temperature settings and make sure they are optimal. Keep in mind the outside temperature as well when setting the temperature.

However, the temperature control panel or the thermostat may be faulty if you’re setting the correct temperature and the ice cream is still melting inside the freezer. Hire an appliance repair expert for the inspection of the temperature control panel and other components of your ice cream display freezer.

Obstructed Vents

Gelato display freezers have vents inside the unit and on the exterior as well. Both these vents should be unobstructed.

The vents inside the ice cream freezer can get blocked by spillage or ignoring regular cleaning of the inside of the freezer. Due to this, the airflow is affected. You will notice that the ice cream display counter is not maintaining temperature as it was before. You might also see that the ice cream is melting even inside the freezer. So, make sure to keep the vents clean.

There are also vents on the exterior that are to remove heat from the coils of the ice cream freezer. These can get clogged by ignoring regular cleaning of the exterior of the appliance. Moreover, another reason is obstructed vents. If the ice cream display freezer is too close to a wall or an object is blocking the vents,  heat won’t be properly removed from the coils which will hinder the performance of the unit. The freezer won’t be cold enough and the ice cream will melt.

So, if your ice cream is showing problems, clean it daily, and make sure nothing is obstructing the vents of the freezer.

Don’t Store Ice Cream In The Ice Cream Display Freezer

If you have less space or feeling tired, you might want to leave the leftover ice cream in the ice cream display freezer till the next morning. But remember that ice cream display freezers are for displaying ice cream during business hours. They are not for storing ice cream or any other item.

If you don’t follow this advice and keep the ice cream freezer running even in the off-time, ice will build up and it will make it difficult for the freezer to maintain temperature. With temperature issues, the ice cream will melt even when inside the freezer.

To avoid this, remove everything from the ice cream freezer and store it in a freezer that you use for storing frozen items. Turn off the ice cream freezer so it defrosts. This should be done at the end of each day. If you can’t do this daily, do it at least once a week.

Some ice cream display freezers have storage freezers as well apart from the display freezer. If you have one of those, make sure to defrost the ice cream freezer once a month.

Clean The Freezer

We mentioned the importance of cleaning in an earlier point and how ignoring it can block the vents and negatively impact their performance. Let’s know how to clean your ice cream display freezer.

  1. Turn off the ice cream freezer, unplug it, and let it be for some time so its temperature reaches room temperature. Cleaning a freezer right away after turning it off can lead to cracks in various components.
  2. Remove any ice cream and keep it in a storage freezer.
  3. Take out all the removable shelves and other parts to clean them separately. Use a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer to avoid problems.
  4. Wipe the internal parts of the freezer.
  5. Clean the doors, especially the door seal.
  6. Dry the unit with a cloth or leave it to air dry overnight.
  7. Put the shelves back into the freezer.

This thorough cleaning is required usually once a month. However, don’t forget daily cleaning because it’s as important. Keep in mind that if your region is too humid, there’s a lot of food spillage, or there was a power outage that lasted for hours, you should clean the ice cream freezer more often.

Check The Doors

The doors of ice cream freezers are frequently used. Many times, the door may not be closed properly. It can allow warm air to reach the freezer and cold air to escape. Now, when the door is wide open for selling the ice cream, it’s for a short time, but if the door is left improperly closed, it may be for many minutes or hours. So, instruct your staff to close the door properly every time

In some cases, the door seals are worn and even when the staff member closes the door properly, it doesn’t seal and allows some air to escape. This can also be the reason your ice cream freezer is not maintaining the temperature well and melting the ice cream or crystals form on the ice ruining the softness of the ice cream. Have the door seal repaired or replaced by a professional.

Is The Fan Running?

If your ice cream freezer has a fan that blows hot air from the exterior vents of the ice cream freezer, check to make sure that it’s running. If not, clean the internal parts of the freezer. In case the fan doesn’t work, the fan motor may be blown.

Get The Whole Unit Inspected

If you checked the above-mentioned things and the ice cream freezer is still melting the ice cream, get the whole unit inspected. There could be low refrigerant levels, the unit may be overheating, or the compressor may be malfunctioning.

Many kinds of problems can occur and if your ice cream freezer is too old and requires repairs often, you may be better off replacing the unit instead of spending more money on replacing expensive components like the compressor.

Conclusion

As you can see an ice cream display freezer struggles to maintain the temperature or melts the ice cream due to many reasons. To save time, hire a ice cream freezer repair Springfield technician who can properly inspect your unit and fix the issue.

17

Sep

Commercial Gas Oven Won’t Start: 11 Fixes

Commercial appliances need care just like other appliances. If your commercial oven won’t start, usually the best bet is to hire a commercial appliances repair expert to fix it. However, we are here to give some solutions to your commercial gas oven issues.

Power Switch Is Off

This is the simplest cause of a commercial gas oven not starting. Check the power switch, if it’s off, turn it on so the oven powers up.

The Power Cord Is Not Plugged In

Speaking of simple causes of an appliance problem, an unplugged power cord could be the reason your commercial gas oven is not turning on. Plug in the power cord if not plugged in. If it’s plugged in, remove it, and plug it again firmly.

Power Switch Is Broken

The power switch could also be broken. If your oven is not starting up even when the power switch is on, it may be that the power switch is bad. However, there could be other reasons for this problem as well which we will cover after this. With usage, power switches wear out. They should be replaced by an oven repair expert.

Damaged Power Cord

A damaged power cord will fail to allow current to the oven. With a damaged power cord, the oven might not receive any power or it might receive power, but the oven shuts down suddenly.

Inspect the entire power cord after plugging it out. Look for bends, cracks, or worn insulation. Checking electric-powered items can be dangerous, so if you don’t find any visible problem, find an expert who can inspect the power cord and other parts of the oven.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Any home or facility has a breaker box that has circuit breakers that distribute the electrical load and supply it to different parts of the facility. You should check the circuit breaker that powers the area or outlet where the commercial gas oven is located. If it’s turned off without anyone turning it off for a reason, it means the breaker is tripped.

A tripped circuit breaker could be a one-time instance or it may be a hint towards another problem. It’s better to get an electrician involved to check the breaker box and other related parts of the facility. However, if you think it’s a one-time incident, turn on the circuit breaker, and use the gas oven.

There is a way to spot that a tripped breaker is pointing toward another problem. It is when the circuit breaker trips frequently. This can be a result of an issue with the circuit breaker the gas oven, or any other appliance. So, a technician is required to determine the problem and fix it.

The Door Is Not Shut

Many commercial ovens are designed so they don’t turn on if the door is not shut. This feature is useful because in case the door is left open or not completely closed, the food won’t be cooked or baked as good because some heat will escape through the door. Moreover, it will also use up more gas to cook food resulting in low efficiency. Plus, an oven working when its door is open is a hazard, so it’s a safety feature as well.

Therefore, make sure that the door is closed completely. Better yet, open the door and shut it again carefully. If the gas oven doesn’t start, it could be a damaged gasket or microswitch. The gasket helps the door create a seal so no heat can escape the oven. On the other hand, an oven microswitch monitors the door and doesn’t let the oven power up when the door is open. Ovens usually have multiple microswitches. These components should be repaired or replaced by an expert only.

Some people consider an oven not starting if it turns on, but doesn’t heat at all. Let’s know some reasons for this issue.

Clogged Ignitor Or Burner

The ignitor is the part that uses electric power. When the oven needs to heat up or cook food, the ignitor heats up so the gas burner turns on. If the gas burner or the ignitor is clogged, you might see problems in the oven heating up. Hire a professional to clean the internal components of your commercial gas oven.

Faulty Ignitor

Speaking of the ignitor, another reason your oven is not heating at all could be a faulty ignitor. As it heats up to turn on the gas burner, when it won’t heat up due to a malfunction, the oven won’t heat. However, you should first check the power to the oven before concluding that the ignitor is bad.

A faulty gas oven ignitor can render an oven useless even though it’s quite affordable component and can be easily replaced by an expert. However, you should not delay the replacement if the ignitor is bad because a bad ignitor can lead to gas leaks. This is something you must avoid at all costs in a commercial kitchen where you have many gas and electric appliances.

No Or Insufficient Gas Supply

If your oven turns on, but the burner doesn’t work and the oven doesn’t heat up, you should also look for signs of a gas-related issue. It’s quite simple. No gas, no burner ignition. The ignitor will heat up, but the burner won’t turn on because of no or insufficient gas.

There is less chance of no gas because you may be running other gas appliances and if there were no gas, you would already know about it. However, you should still check the gas supply. More importantly, check out the gas connection that leads to the gas oven. There could be a leak or the connection could be damaged.

Any gas-related issue, especially if it’s a leak, should be fixed as soon as possible because it’s a fire hazard. if you to know other signs of a gas leak, there may be a hissing sound near the leaking area and a natural gas smell.

Thermocouple’s Position Might Not Be Right

The thermocouple is the component that closes the gas valve when it gets the signal that the pilot light is extinguished. It’s an important component for ensuring the safety of your oven and the health of people around it. If it’s not working correctly, the gas flow won’t cut off. It can cause serious problems.

This issue can be detected by an expert only who will tell you that the thermocouple needs to be adjusted.

Thermocouple Is Bad

As we explained a thermocouple plays a crucial role in opening and closing the gas valve, if it becomes faulty, your gas oven will not receive gas and won’t heat up. In the case of a faulty thermocouple, the only and easy way is to replace it. An appliance repair professional can easily detect a bad thermocouple and will tell you if you need to replace it.

Conclusion

You can try a few things if your commercial gas oven won’t start such as checking the power switch, the power cord, the circuit breaker, the gas supply, and a few other things. However, if you can’t detect the problem, trust a commercial gas oven repair Springfield technician to inspect the oven and the power supply, suggest fixes, and perform repairs or replacements.

26

Aug

Can You Fix Your Commercial Food Steamer Yourself?

Restaurants and other food-related businesses can get super busy at the peak hours. You can’t afford to delay the orders or the customers will leave dissatisfied. A commercial food steamer not working when required can directly affect customer satisfaction. So, you should not only rely on a commercial appliances repair expert but also train yourself or your staff to fix it if they can. Let’s know the common issues encountered with commercial steamers and which ones your staff can fix.

Commercial Steamer Won’t Turn On

Detecting why your commercial steamer is not turning on can be tricky, you can check these things before getting an expert involved.

Tripped Circuit

Circuit breakers are the safety features in houses and commercial buildings to protect the electric wiring and prevent fires or explosions. If current levels go high, power to the circuit is cut off for safety. So, due to a power surge or any problem with the steamer, the circuit breaker might trip.

This fix is easy and any of your staff members can perform it. All one needs to do is access the breaker box of the facility, spot the circuit breaker that supplies power to the steamer or the region of the building where the steamer is installed, and turn it on (if it’s off).

Power Cord And Outlets

Another thing you can check is the power cord and the outlets. Make sure there is no visible damage to the power cord and the cord is not kinked or tangled. Try any other power outlet as well to make sure the outlet is fine.

When To Consult Experts?

If the above two solutions don’t fix the commercial steamer not turning on issue, it can be a blown fuse, a faulty high-limit control, a bad water level control, or any other defective component. So, only let an expert check out your steamer so they can identify the cause of the steamer not working and fix it.

Moreover, if the circuit breaker was tripped and you turned it on, but it kept tripping continuously, then a bad circuit breaker could be to blame or there could be any other issue. You should leave this to an electrician.

Commercial Steamer Won’t Steam

Even if power to the steamer is fine, it might not steam which can make it useless until the issue is fixed.

Press The Turn On Switch

Get started by checking the turn on button/switch and make sure it’s pressed or turned on.

The Door Is Open

Some problems have easy fixes and if your commercial steamer is not steaming, you should also check the door. The unit only begins its work and produces steam if the door is properly shut.

Instruct your staff to check the door in case the steamer doesn’t steam. However, if the door gasket is damaged or the hinges are faulty, then you will need an expert for this.

Dirty Steam Generator

Lack of cleaning is one of the main reasons commercial steamers stop producing steam. With usage, lime and scale buildup occurs inside the steamer. It hinders the ability of the steamer to heat up and produce steam. Therefore, it’s essential to clean the steamer periodically.

Keeping the steamer clean is not only good for the performance of the steamer but also for the food quality as well. The remnants and whatnot in the steamer can impact the taste of the food. So, never ignore cleaning.

Daily cleaning includes wiping the steamer with a cloth after every cycle of steaming, and cleaning the entire appliance at the end of the day after emptying the water. Moreover, you should regularly inspect the steamer for loose covers and cracked seals to avoid quicker lime and scale buildup. After the daily cleaning, leave the door open for it to air dry.

Once a week, you should delime the steamer with vinegar or a specialized deliming solution. You should have an expert delime it first and let your staff members see how it’s done so they can carry this out themselves.

Water Supply Problems

What if the steamer is not producing steam because there is not enough water or no water in the reservoir? Instruct your staff to check the water supply of the facility and if there is an issue there. Then, move to the part where you will have to check if the steamer and the water supply hose are properly connected.

After checkmarking that, inspect the supply hose. It shouldn’t have any sharp bend or leaks. If there are tangles, remove them, and check the steamer again. However, in the case of leaks or a damaged hose, get an expert to repair or replace it.

Low Water Pressure

Even if the steamer is receiving water from the water supply, it might not be steaming due to the low water pressure. To determine the reason for low water pressure, first check the hose that’s connecting your steamer to the water supply. If there are kinks, remove them, but in the case of leaks, either use something to put on the leaking area or get the hose replaced.

Moreover, check the water pressure your facility is receiving. If it’s lower than 30 PSI, then there’s a problem. If you’re checking the water flow, then anything lower than 1.5 GPM is bad.

Commercial Steamer Overfills With Water

Another issue with steamers is the opposite of no steam or not filling with water, it’s the steamer overfilling with water.

The Steamer Is Not Level

In case your steamer starts overfilling with water, instruct your staff to check if the unit is level. It could also be that the surface where the steamer is placed is not level.

High Water Pressure

The next thing you can check yourself or by your staff is the water pressure. If the water pressure in your facility is higher than 60 PSI, the steamer will overfill with water. In that case, discuss it with your water supply company.

Control Display Problems

If your commercial steamer has a control display, it can also show different types of problems.

Blanked Control Display With No Indicator Light

When the control display is completely blank and you can’t even see the indicator light turned on, the unit is probably not receiving power. So, check the power cord if it’s plugged in and also inspect it for damages. Plus, make sure the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. Then, check the power on the switch of the steamer.

The Control Display Is Blank But The Indicator Light Is Turned On

If the indicator light is on and you can’t see anything on the control display, this is something that should only be fixed by an expert because it could be faulty internal components like the transformer or the control board itself.

The Control Display Shows “ERR”

This usually denotes that the programming for SHO or H2O is changed and it’s not correct. Try to reset the control board by referring to the user manual or hiring an expert.

Conclusion

If your commercial steamer breaks down at busy hours, you can use the above-mentioned tips to fix some of the issues. However, make sure to hire a commercial steamer repair Fairfax technician if you can’t detect the problem or want to get the unit fixed by an expert.

11

Aug

Commercial Garbage Disposal Troubleshooting

A garbage disposal ensures your facility’s plumbing doesn’t clog every other day. It also helps you stay compliant with your local and federal food waste management laws. Therefore, if it breaks down, waste management can become a problem. You can summon a commercial appliances repair service to fix the garbage disposal. However, you can also train your staff to handle some of the problems themselves. Use this guide.

Fix A Commercial Garbage Disposal That Won’t Start

Power Cord And Outlet Issues

A common cause of disposers not working is no electrical supply. The unit is not receiving power to turn on. You should check the power cord and the outlet where the cord is plugged in. Make sure the power cord is plugged in firmly. If the unit doesn’t start, remove the power cord from the outlet and plug it into another one to see if there’s something wrong with the outlet.

In case the outlet is fine, inspect the power cord as well because it could be damaged. However, the cause of no power is commonly a loosely attached power cord or a faulty outlet.

Circuit Breaker

Once you have made sure the power cord and outlet are not causing the issue, it could be the circuit breaker. An electrical problem in an appliance usually means an emergency situation for its circuit breaker and it trips to prevent any electrical problems. So, check the circuit breaker. If it’s tripped (turned off), turn it on and try to start your commercial garbage disposal.

However, if your garbage disposer keeps tripping the circuit breaker, it may be due to another problem like a jammed shredding plate, worn out motor bearing, old unit, circuit breaker overload, or poor wiring.

The last two issues are electrical problems of the facility while others are related to the garbage disposal. Therefore, hire experts who can inspect both the electrical issues of your place and also check the appliance.

Tripped Internal Circuit Breaker Of The Unit

Commercial and household garbage disposals have their own circuit breaker as well that turns off the appliance when it’s jammed, there’s a power surge, or for any other reason to keep the appliance and its components safe.

Once this internal circuit breaker is tripped, the garbage disposer won’t start even when it’s receiving power. To turn on the unit again, you will need to press the reset button. The reset button is commonly placed at the bottom of garbage disposals.

However, if you suspect a problem that tripped the internal circuit breaker, then you should not push the reset button and consult an expert instead.

Jammed Disposer

A disposer is jammed when it won’t grind the food, but you will hear the humming sound of the machine. When this happens, the unit is usually turned off by the safety settings of the garbage disposal and the internal circuit breaker turns off the machine.

If the appliance is not turned off when it’s jammed, the motor of the garbage disposal will burn out. Keep in mind that the motor is one of the essential parts of a garbage disposal and the replacement of the motor will cost a small fortune.

Sometimes, the facility’s circuit breaker will be tripped due to a disposer jam so check out the breaker panel of the place as well if your garbage disposal won’t turn on.

The essential part of this practice is that you should not turn on the machine before fixing the jam. Else, the disposer will keep on tripping the reset button or circuit breaker. And if it doesn’t, the disposal’s motor will burn out.

Fix A Jammed Commercial Garbage Disposal

A jammed garbage disposal is caused by a food item or any other foreign object stuck between the shredder and the impeller. So, remove the object causing the jam and start using the garbage disposal again.

  1. Remove power to the disposer by turning off the circuit breaker.
  2. You will need to use an offset wrench for this. Insert it into the flywheel hole to reach the bottom of the disposer.
  3. When you reach the bottom, rotate the flywheel clockwise with the wrench. This will remove the stuck object from the flywheel.
  4. If the object is somewhere higher inside the unit, you can use pliers to remove the object.
  5. Once the object is removed, restore power to the unit and also push the reset button because the jam may have tripped the internal circuit breaker.
  6. Pour some water into the unit and turn the power button on and off to wash the unit. Repeat this quick on and off process one more time to ensure that the remnants of the obstruction are removed.

Fix A Leaking Commercial Garbage Disposal

A leak is also a common issue with commercial garbage disposers. You should perform the fix by checking the location of the leak.

Sink Flange Leak

Garbage disposal leaking from the sink flange is due to usage. This is not a major problem because it can be easily fixed by applying plumber’s putty between the sink flange and the sink. This will renew the seal and prevent leaks.

Dishwasher Connection Leak

If your garbage disposal and dishwasher are connected, there can be another type of leak at the dishwasher connection. This is the hose that flows wastewater from the dishwasher to the disposer.

To fix this leak, all you need to do is tighten the hose clamp of the dishwasher that is connected to the disposer. However, if the connection still leaks water after tightening, it means the hose has a leak. Replace the hose entirely to bid goodbye to leaks.

Drain Pipe Leak

The drain pipe is the pipe that carries wastewater from the disposer to the drain trap. When the gasket seal becomes old, it tends to leak water and create a mess.

Firstly, you should ensure that the bolts fastened to the drain pipe are tight. If not, tighten them. However, if tightening them doesn’t stop the leak, you should replace the gasket seal that is between the pipe and the disposer. While you’re at it, consider replacing the drain pipe as well if required.

Leaking Bottom Of The Disposal

A leak coming from the bottom of a commercial garbage disposal is an alarming sign. It hints that an internal seal of the unit is damaged. This usually means that you will need to replace the entire garbage disposal which can cost you a lot of money.

So, before making that decision, hire an expert to inspect your unit and make sure that nothing can’t be done to fix the issue without a replacement. However, if your disposer is old enough, a replacement is a better option because an older unit becomes high maintenance and you need to spend more money on it to keep it functional.

So, if your commercial garbage disposal is leaking and it’s 10 years old, you should bite the bullet and replace the entire unit.

Conclusion

A commercial garbage disposal can run into various problems. The most common ones are the unit not turning on and some parts of the appliance leaking. If you find yourself dealing with an issue that is difficult to fix, don’t try it yourself and get the services of authorized commercial garbage disposal repair Alexandria technicians.

27

Jul

Fixed: Commercial Refrigerator Is Not Reaching The Set Temperature

A commercial refrigerator that doesn’t maintain the temperature or doesn’t reach the temperature can spoil the food stored inside it. To avoid this situation, inspect your commercial fridge regularly and get the services of a commercial refrigerators repairs professional. You can also learn more about why your commercial refrigerator is not reaching the temperature by giving this guide a read.

Inspect The Power Source

Try a simple technique fix. Turn it off, wait for 30 seconds, and then turn on the refrigerator. Some issues are fixed with this method. Plus, check the power source of the refrigerator and the power cord. Make sure it’s plugged in correctly and the outlet is functional.

Moreover, if there is an extension cord used for powering the refrigerator, remove it and plug it into an outlet directly.

Check The Location Of The Refrigerator

Move on to check the placement of your commercial refrigerator. Any fridge should not be placed too close to the wall because it will restrict the ventilation and the refrigeration process of the appliance. Ensure there is at least 2 inches of clearance between the walls and the sides of the commercial refrigerator.

Furthermore, the temperature of the place where the refrigerator is located also impacts its cooling ability. Usually, if the placement of the refrigerator is in a hot place with poor ventilation, it won’t be a surprise if the commercial refrigerator struggles to reach the cooling temperature. In that case, change the location of your commercial refrigerator.

Clean The Condenser Coils

Condenser coils help in removing the warm temperature of the refrigerant that is inside the coils. They are placed at the exterior of a commercial refrigerator to effectively remove heat. In that, they receive dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the air that stick to the coils.

With the buildup of dust on condenser coils, the capability of them removing heat decreases. This results in the refrigerator not cooling properly or not maintaining the temperature inside.

Therefore, clean the condenser coils regularly to prevent this problem. The cleaning process of the condenser coils is easy and your staff can easily carry it out.

  1. Remove the power cord of the commercial refrigerator from the outlet.
  2. Move all the items stored in the unit to another refrigerator if this process sounds longer to you depending on what type of food is stored in your refrigerator.
  3. Locate the coils. They may be at the bottom front of the refrigerator or at the back.
  4. Remove the cover if any and use a stiff brush to gently clean the coils.
  5. Then, vacuum the coils.
  6. Put the cover back and turn on the refrigerator.

Check The Doors

Many problems related to the doors can lead to a commercial refrigerator not maintaining the temperature.

Firstly, check if the doors are closed properly. During the usage, if a staff member or a customer (if the refrigerator is accessible to customers) opens the door and doesn’t close it completely, it will affect its temperature because warm air will keep coming in.

Then, check the usage of the refrigerator. If the doors are opened and closed too many times in a short time, this will also impact the cooling process of the refrigerator. Hot air from the outside will sneak in every time the refrigerator is opened. Due to the sheer frequency of the opens, the refrigerator will take much more time in reaching the temperature or won’t reach the temperature at all.

After clearing the above suspicion, check the door gaskets. These are installed on the entire part of the door that connects to the fridge when it’s closed. The gaskets ensure no air leaks from or get into the refrigerator.

With usage, these gaskets become worn and stiff. Cool air may leak or warm air may get into the refrigerator leading to temperature issues. Hire an expert to replace the door gaskets as a long-term solution to this problem.

Look For Thermostat Issues

The thermostat in a commercial refrigerator takes care of temperature regulation. If it’s not working due to any reason, your refrigerator may become too cold or too warm. In short, it won’t reach your desired set temperature it won’t signal the control board at the correct time to cool the interior or stop cooling.

In some instances, the thermostat is not faulty but only blocked by food items. Sometimes, the vents are blocked by inventory. So, locate the thermostat to check if it’s blocked by anything.

Then, use can place a thermometer inside the refrigerator to check if the thermostat is faulty. If you see a difference between the readings of both devices, the thermostat is malfunctioning. Hire an expert who can check the thermostat. They may calibrate the thermostat or replace it.

Usage Habits

Commercial refrigerators are heavily used in restaurants and other food facilities. So, you should also look out for usage practices because some habits can impart adverse effects on the effectiveness of your commercial fridge.

For instance, it’s easier to just put hot food inside the refrigerator when the staff is dealing with a lot at peak hours. This will put more pressure on the refrigerator because it will have to cool a hot food item that is quickly changing the internal temperature of the fridge.

Moreover, hot food inside the refrigerator produces condensation that can damage the components of the unit.

Condenser Fan

Commercial freezers and refrigerators also feature a condenser fan. It’s located near the condenser coils and the compressor and cools these two important components which become hot during the cooling process. The fans circulate air and remove excess heat from the coils and the compressor to keep them functioning well.

So, check the fan. If it’s not rotating, clean it up and remove obstructions that may be stopping it from rotating. If the fan doesn’t work, then the fan motor may be failed. An expert will be required to check the fan motor and replace it if needed.

Check The Compressor

A compressor is a critical component for refrigerators. The cooling process starts when the thermostat signals the control board to turn on the compressor. The refrigerator then cools the interior and when the correct temperature is reached the thermostat again signals the control board to turn off the compressor.

But if the compressor is faulty, it will not properly run and the refrigerator won’t be cooled properly.

If you think that the compressor of your commercial refrigerator is malfunctioning, look for these signs:

  • Your refrigerator runs constantly and never turns off cooling.
  • The refrigerator doesn’t cool properly and doesn’t reach the temperature.
  • The fan runs but the refrigerator doesn’t get cold.
  • It trips the circuit breaker often.
  • The unit makes more noise than usual.
  • The power bill is crawling up.

Find any two signs relevant to your refrigerator. Have your commercial refrigerator inspected by an expert. Compressors of commercial refrigerators are expensive. Therefore, many experts first replace the compressor start relay because sometimes, it’s the culprit. If the new start relay doesn’t fix the issues, then they go ahead with compressor replacement.

Conclusion

Commercial refrigerators can run into problems with usage. If it’s not cooling, check the above-mentioned things. Allow a commercial freezer repairs Springfield expert to check the fridge and fix the cooling issue.

08

Jul

Why Is My Commercial Ice Maker Producing Soft Or Murky Ice?

Ice dispensers are essential appliances for commercial kitchens, restaurants, and cafes. If it stops making ice or the ice quality is poor or murky, it can affect your business. This is why you should be quick in case any problems occur with your ice maker and consult a commercial appliances repair expert. If you want to fix the ice dispenser yourself that is making poor quality or soft ice, here are the common causes of this problem.

Bad Water Quality

The quality of water directly impacts the quality of ice. If you’re not using any kind of water filter for treating the water, it may be the culprit of soft or murky ice coming out of your commercial ice maker.

Hard water, which is a common issue in the US, can slowly cause huge damage to your ice maker and its ice production capacity and quality.

How Hard Water Wreaks Havoc On Your Ice Maker?

Hard water contains excess amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals cause scale buildup everywhere the water flows through.

This scale is responsible for the malfunctioning of various ice maker components such as the water inlet valves and water drain valves. It can cause the valves to stay open or stay closed. For instance, if the water inlet valve becomes stuck open with excess scale buildup, the ice machine will overflow with water. This can lead to the machine overflowing with ice or water leakage from the ice maker.

Similarly, if the dump valve becomes stuck open, the ice maker will keep draining water. In turn, the ice maker won’t make enough ice and the ice that will be produced won’t be of the right size or may be of poor quality.

In another case, if the water inlet valve becomes stuck closed due to scale buildup, the ice maker will trip and show the error message that there is not enough water. It won’t produce ice.

On the other hand, if limescale buildup causes the dump valve to stuck closed, the machine will keep working but will become extremely dirty in a short amount of time. This can cause many kinds of problems with the components and the ice produced will be soft or murky.

Moreover, scale buildup from hard water limits the operations of other parts of your commercial ice maker as well. For example; some ice machines have an ice thickness probe that regulates the thickness of the ice cubes. When a layer of limescale is formed on this probe, it can’t perform correctly and the ice thickness becomes irregulated.

Therefore, if your commercial ice maker is producing poor quality or murky ice, you should make sure that you’re using a water filter that not only filters out minerals but also impurities and microorganisms from the water. Because ice is also considered a food item and must be hygienic, so using a water filter is for the best of your ice maker as well as your food business.

Dirty Or Broken Water Filter

Water filters can be built in the commercial ice maker or your facility may have its own water filter. Whichever method you use for water filtration, make sure that the water filter is clean and working at its optimal condition.

Because if the water filter is dirty or broken, hard water issues will occur as we have explained in the earlier point. To avoid this, inspect the water filter. If it only requires cleaning, have it cleaned. However, if it’s broken, consult an expert so they can determine whether you should repair or replace it.

Keep in mind that even after the cleaning, repair, or replacement of the water filter, you should not begin using the ice maker. The appliance must be thoroughly cleaned first because if you detected an issue with the water filter after noticing murky ice, then the ice maker is already dirty. So, clean all the internal parts of the machine before starting its usage.

The Ice Machine Is Dirty

Even if you have a water filter and it’s clean and functional, your ice maker will collect a mild amount of scale buildup. However, if the ice maker is not cleaned at the end of every day, this mild amount can transform into a thick layer of scale that will cause problems.

So, if your ice maker is dispensing ice that is soft or murky, it’s a sign that you need to clean the ice machine. You should also consider cleaning your commercial ice maker if it’s not releasing ice or harvesting slowly.

Ice Thickness Problems

If the ice is shallow, soft, or incomplete, these can be the causes of this problem.

Ice Thickness Probe Issues

Many commercial ice makers feature an ice thickness probe that controls the thickness and shape of the ice. If it goes out of adjustment, the ice maker won’t produce ice of the correct thickness. The ice produced may be too thick, too thin, or incomplete.

For the readjustment of the ice thickness probe, check out the operation manual of your commercial ice maker. However, if it’s hard to adjust, consult an expert.

Additionally, if the ice is too thick or too thin, you should also inspect the water filter from which the water is flowing to the ice maker. A dirty or faulty water filter won’t filter out minerals that will build up on the thickness probe. With this buildup, the probe will lose its capacity to regulate the thickness of the ice.

Similarly, if you’re not using a water filter, it may be the reason for the shallow ice. Plus, get the ice maker cleaned as well.

Water Level Is Not Right

When the water level inside an ice maker is too high or too low, it impacts the thickness of the ice. You should first clean the ice maker because if the water inlet valve is stuck open or closed, this issue can be caused.

After this, check the operation of the water inlet valve because it may be faulty. Have an expert check out the valves. Moreover, request the expert to adjust the water level probe as well.

The Ice Maker Is Not On A Level Surface

Ice problems like soft, shallow, or incomplete ice can be due to the surface where the ice maker is placed. If the machine is not level, the ice produced may be of poor quality. Another sign that the machine is not in a level position is that the ice machine leaks water.

Check the floor under the ice maker. If it’s not even, move the appliance to another location. It can also be that any lower part of the machine is damaged that is preventing it from standing flat and straight.

Low Water Pressure

The ice thickness, shape, and quality depend on the water quality and quantity. If the water pressure is low in your facility, the formed ice may be soft, shallow, or incomplete. You may also notice low production of ice or no production of ice.

So, check out the water pressure in your place. If it’s low, connect with the utility company to make arrangements.

Conclusion

A commercial ice maker producing soft, murky, too thick, or too thin ice is a common problem. Clean the ice maker and the water filter and then get in touch with commercial ice maker repair Northern VA services for an inspection.

21

Jun

Why Is My Walk-In Cooler Not Cooling?

Walk-in coolers are essential machines for restaurants, cafeterias, and food businesses. However, they are usually not noticeable until they develop problems. If your walk-in refrigerator is not cooling, it can spoil the inventory stored in it so you must act fast and consult commercial refrigerator services.

If you’re curious why your walk-in refrigerator is not cooling, here are the causes.

Incorrect Temperature Settings

This is a simple and easy-to-fix cause of a walk-in freezer not cooling. Check the temperature settings of your appliance and make sure they are correct. This is because a commercial facility is a busy place and many workers and staff members use a walk-in cooler.

Sometimes, the settings can be changed accidentally or someone changes the settings intentionally but fails to input the correct temperature.

Thermostat Problems

Most walk-in coolers and commercial refrigerators have an electromechanical thermostat. It includes a temperature sensor and an electric contractor. It works similarly to other thermostats. When the temperature rises to the set degree, the thermostat signals the compressor to start functioning. When the temperature is lowered to set the number, the compressor is turned off.

If your walk-in cooler is not cooling, the issue can be with the settings of the thermostat or the sensor or the thermostat itself is malfunctioning.

We discussed earlier incorrect temperature settings. But revisiting is essential keeping an electromechanical thermostat in mind. They have cut-in and cut-out settings.

Cut-in means the settings when the compressor should turn on and cut-on denotes the settings or temperature when the compressor is sent a signal to turn off. The temperature differential should be optimal. If it’s not, the compressor may turn off too early or keep working for too long. It can lead to temperature inconsistencies and damage to the components of the unit.

Have the settings checked by an expert who can ensure that they are correct. If the settings are fine, then the issue could be with the sensor or the thermostat. Only a technician should replace a temperature sensor or thermostat of a walk-in refrigerator.

The Door Gasket Is Worn

Another simple issue is the door not closing properly. Usually, the doors of the walk-in cooler shut perfectly but if the unit is older or if the upkeep is poor, the gasket will not seal the door. In turn, warm air from the outside with get into the unit, and the cool air will escape from the tiny spaces left by the worn gasket.

So, the unit will either not appear cool enough or the compressor will work longer to cool the unit. In the first case, you have a sign of a problem right away, but in the second case, the problem will not be easy to detect. However, the overworking of the compressor will lead to damage to the compressor and other components.

Let an appliance repair technician inspect the door gasket and suggest a fix. Sometimes, the door gasket is fixable, but a long-term solution is the replacement of the gasket.

Blocked Condenser

Walk-in coolers have a condenser on the roof or above the unit. A condenser turns the refrigerant from gas to liquid. In this process, the heat absorbed by the refrigerant is released outside. So, the condenser enables the refrigerant to throw heat outside. If the condenser is blocked, the heat won’t be released properly and the unit won’t work properly.

So, if your walk-in cooler is not cooling, check out the condenser and make sure it’s not obstructed by anything – not even a wall. Moreover, clean the condenser as well because dust and debris can cause invisible obstructions as well.

Condenser And Evaporator Fan

The condenser fan aids in dissipating heat from the condenser coils and keeping the compressor cool. If the condenser fan is not working, check the fan for obstructions that may be stopping it from rotating and clean the fan. If it’s still not working, the fan motor may be faulty.

An evaporator fan helps in blowing cold air into the cooler. If it’s not working, you should check it as well. First, for obstructions, and then inspect the motor. However, this inspection should be carried out by an expert who can not only check out the said components but also inspect other parts as well to fix the issue.

Damaged Insulation Panels

Walk-in coolers have insulation panels on the walls of the unit that aid in maintaining the temperature inside the unit. But these panels don’t last the entire life of the walk-in cooler so you need to check them if your commercial refrigerator is not cooling.

There are multiple types of insulation panels for walk-in coolers and the lifespan of each depends on the mean temperature of the unit, moisture, and ice.

You should take note of the condition of the insulation panels if they have been on for 10 years. A sign of damaged insulation panels is leaking. But if you want to be sure, hire an expert to check out the panels and if they are past their lifespan, replace them.

Water Leaks

We have already mentioned that insulation damage can lead to leaks, but there are other causes of leaks also that may be the reason your walk-in cool won’t cool. Worn gaskets lead to puddles of water near the unit as well. Moreover, improper installation can cause leaks too.

Plus, check the drain lines of the unit because a blocked drain line will leave no escape for the water so it will stay on the floor of the cooler or leak through the door if the door is opened frequently.

Bear in mind that water leaks not only indicate that something is wrong that you should fix, but they also give way to mold and mildew growth. You don’t want a health inspector to see this. So, find the cause of the leaks and fix it and then properly clean the unit as well.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Firstly, mild frost on the evaporator coils is considered normal for walk-in coolers but not for residential refrigerators. However, if the buildup layer of ice is thick, it shows that the defrost cycle is not functioning or any other problem is causing this.

The freezing of the coils will restrict the heat transfer process. The compressor is overworked to produce more pressure for a better heat transfer rate. Moreover, if the ice buildup is extreme, the compressor might run all the time.

In this process, the walk-in cooler will consume more power, and the risk of damage to any components increases.

Older Unit

A walk-in cooler that is too old will break down often. For instance; if you replaced the insulation panels and thought that the unit won’t need any other repair in some time, you will notice leaks in the unit. So, you will need to have it repaired again.

Therefore, if your walk-in cooler is struggling to cool and it’s older than 15 years, then you should consider the replacement of the entire unit instead of a repair.

Conclusion

The common causes of a walk-in cooler not cooling are incorrect settings, damaged gasket, thermostat issues, obstructed compressor, fan motor malfunctions, and old age of the unit. Hire a walk in cooler repair Fairfax technician to fix this problem.

05

Jun

How To Fix Your Commercial Dishwasher?

A commercial dishwasher is used continuously during busy hours for ensuring clean and sanitized dishes. If the appliance shows problems, it can affect the workflow of your commercial kitchen. Your best option is to call in a commercial dishwasher repairs expert to inspect the unit and perform repairs, however, you can try some fixes yourself. Let’s look into some commercial dishwasher problems and their fixes.

Fixing A Commercial Dishwasher

Leaking Commercial Dishwasher

Door Seals

The doors of dishwashers also have seals. This is common in many appliances to seal air and moisture. In commercial dishwashers, a seal is to prevent water from escaping the unit. With usage, these rubber gaskets or seals become hard. When they do, they can’t keep water inside the appliance. In turn, water leaks out of the dishwasher during wash cycles.

So, inspect the seals of the dishwasher. If they are not soft or are damaged, consider a replacement. They should be replaced by a professional.

Water Inlet Valve

This is the valve that supplies water to your commercial dishwasher. Any problems with it will obviously lead to water leakage. You will notice a pooling of water near the appliance. So, check that the valve is fit and not loose. Then, look for cracks or damages on the external housing. Then move to the connecting hoses. They should be secured well. If the issue is anything other than a loosely fitted valve, consider a replacement of the inlet valve.

O’Rings

These are seals applied to the joints to make them watertight and airtight. Rubber and silicone O-rings are common. Both of these types deteriorate with time. The elasticity diminishes and the seals no longer remain effective.

They are used in various parts of a commercial dishwasher like the tap fittings, float valves, drains pump, rinse pump, and others.

You will need to check these components of the dishwasher to determine which O’rings are broken so you can replace them. This should be done by a professional.

The Commercial Dishwasher Not Draining

Drain Pump

If your commercial dishwasher is not draining water, the first part to check is the drain pump because it drains water from the appliance. Look for blockages in the pump. Moreover, check the pump for collapsed bearings. A sign of collapsed bearings is a noisy dishwasher. Lastly, the drain pump itself may be faulty.

After checking the above things, you should know that other components also impact the functioning of the drain pump. A control board failure won’t signal the drain pump to drain water, so check the control board, select switch, timer switch, and inlet valve as well.

Drain Impeller

Impellers in a commercial dishwasher create a sucking force for spraying water or other solutions on the dishes or draining the water. A spray impeller sprays water while a drain impeller drains water. If your commercial dishwasher is not draining water, check the drain impeller.

A drain impeller wears with age and can be damaged if any object comes in contact with it. A professional can determine if the drain impeller is fine or needs to be replaced.

Rinse Pump

If you checked the drain pump and it was fine or it was clogged or faulty and you replaced it, but your commercial dishwasher is still not draining, check the rinse pump. It can also wear over time and fail.

So, look for signs that indicate you need to replace the rinse pump. The first is that your dishwasher won’t drain properly. The second sign to look for is noises coming out of the pump during the end of a wash cycle.

The Commercial Dishwasher Is Not Filling

Water Inlet Valve

A water inlet valve has a filter that removes various kinds of particles from water. Once it becomes clogged with particles, the dishwasher will take more time for filling or won’t fill. This filter is easy to access so check the filter and clean it.

Float Switch

Typically, it should move freely. However, if it sustains damage due to age or any foreign objects, it can stop the water from flowing. So, the dishwasher won’t fill.

Timer Control

It controls various components of your dishwasher. Whether your commercial dishwasher is not draining or stops filling, it won’t start or is showing other issues, don’t forget to check the time control and make sure it’s functioning properly. Hire an expert who can replace it.

The Commercial Dishwasher Won’t Start

Power Check

Check if your appliance is plugged in. You should also check the circuit breaker if it’s not tripped. These actions should ensure that your control panel receives power.

If your control panel has power and the dishwasher is still not starting, you should check the doors.

The Doors

The doors of a commercial dishwasher have relays that signal the machine to start. If the door is not closed, the dishwasher won’t start. This is why the dishwasher starts functioning when you close the door.

However, if you shut the door properly and the dishwasher is not starting, the relays connected to the door may be malfunctioning. They are not signaling the control board that the door is shut and begin the operation. So, replace the relays.

Motor Relay And The Motor

The motor relay is responsible for turning the drive motor on and off. So, any malfunction with this relay will result in the drive motor not turning on. Therefore, the dishwasher won’t start.

However, if all the relays are functional, then the drive motor itself can be faulty. This should be checked by a skilled dishwasher expert.

Wet Dishes

Overloading Or Poor Stacking Of The Dishwasher

Dishes are dried by the circulation of air. An overloaded dishwasher will have dishes stacked too near that won’t have enough space for air circulation. So, they will come out wet after the wash cycle. Moreover, improper stacking of the washer will also give similar results.

Thermostat

The thermostat in a commercial dishwasher regulates the temperature of the water that is used for rinsing the dishes. It tells the heating element how much to heat and when to turn it off. If the thermostat is faulty, the water will either not heat or overheat.

Heating Element

Heating elements heat the water to the temperature you set using the control panel. These instructions are sent to the thermostat and it signals the heating element to heat the water and reach the right temperature.

If your thermostat is fine, then the heating elements could be malfunctioning. The heating element should be checked by a professional to know if it’s faulty.

However, there is a sign that can show you when to give attention to the heating element as well along with the thermostat.

If your commercial dishwasher overheats water, it can be a thermostat issue because the heating elements are still heating the water. But if the water isn’t heated at all, it can be either the thermostat or the heating element. So, check the heating element only when the water is not heating at all.

Conclusion

A commercial dishwasher can run into many kinds of problems, so you and your team should know some tips to fix the unit. But if the cause of the issue can’t be determined or you want to fix the appliance quickly, call in a commercial appliances repair Alexandria technician.

24

May

Why Is My Commercial Deep Fryer Not Working?

Commercial deep fryers are one of the essential appliances for any restaurant and commercial kitchen. If a deep fryer breaks down, it can put your food preparations to a halt. So, you should have some commercial appliances repair tricks up your sleeves. Here are the common reasons for commercial deep fryer issues.

No Gas Supply

A common cause of any commercial appliance not working that operates on natural gas is a closed gas supply valve. The gas supply is turned off at the end of the workday to avoid leaks and conserve resources. So, if someone tries to turn on the commercial deep fryer the next day and forgets to open the gas valve, the appliance won’t turn on.

Therefore, if your commercial deep fryer is not turning on, check the gas supply and make sure it’s on. You should also turn off the gas supply and turn it on again. Moreover, check the gas line that leads from the valve to the appliance and if there are any visible parts, look for damages or leaks.

Additionally, if your commercial deep fryer is lighting but the pilot light or burners are not lighting properly, there may be a blockage or leakage in the gas supply line or the gas supply valve is not completely open.

You should check the gas hoses for leaks every month by spraying the hoses with a soapy solution. If you see bubbles, they indicate a leak.

Clogged Pilot Light Or Burners

Another reason for the pilot light and burners not lighting at all or not lighting properly is the buildup of dust and debris in their orifices. You can clean the pilot light and burners to prevent this issue. You can clean the pilot light and burners with a small pin or a stiff-bristled brush to clear anything that may be clogging them.

If you clean the pilot light and burner orifices and still notice irregular flames, the issue could be with the gas supply. You may have already checked out the gas supply valve and the hoses for leaks. If everything concerning the gas supply is fine from your end, consult your gas company to an agent from the company who can inspect and fix the issue of low or fluctuating gas supply to your establishment.

The Thermostat Is Set Too Low

The thermostat of your commercial deep fryer is set too low if the burners are not lighting or the flames are not lighting in high intensity. So, check the thermostat setting of your deep fryer. You should proceed with restarting the thermostat and setting it again to see if it fixes the problem.

This instruction is also suggested if the oil in your commercial deep fryer is not heating enough for frying food. If you find yourself taking too much than usual to fry food items, either the gas supply is low, the burners are clogged, or the thermostat settings are too low.

Broken Thermopile

The heating element of deep fryers is called a thermopile. A thermopile in a commercial deep fryer is responsible for converting the thermal heat into electric energy for heating the oil that you put in the fryer. It is a part of the pilot light. We know that a pilot light is a small flame that stays on so the burner can be turned on whenever required.

With frequent use of the deep fryer, the thermopile of the appliance wears off and breaks down. When it malfunctions, it can’t convert the heat into electrical energy so the burner won’t light even when you need it.

You should look out for signs that the thermopile of your commercial deep fryer is faulty. A common sign is that the pilot light won’t light and if it doesn’t, it won’t stay lit and turns off frequently.

Replacing the thermopile of a commercial deep fryer requires a professional. Never let your staff replace it and always hire an expert.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

A thermostat is a component that keeps track of the oil temperature in the deep fryer and triggers an action. So, when the oil in commercial deep fryers reaches a certain temperature that you have set, the thermostat will detect it and turn off the burner.

You need to cook and fry food at a certain temperature and if the temperature of the oil is too hot, it can lead to burned food or other problems. Similarly, low oil temperatures won’t cook the food properly. So, the right temperature is of utmost importance when using any appliance.

A faulty thermostat will no longer regular the temperature correctly which will result in food quality issues among other problems.

Thermostat problems are a fire hazard because if the deep fryer is not sensing the temperature correctly, it can overheat and the deep fryer will catch fire. So, if you sense that the thermostat is not keeping the temperatures in check properly, you should consult an expert ASAP.

However, keep in mind that your thermostat could be fine and not calibrated correctly. So, you should first calibrate the thermostat. If it doesn’t regular the temperature of the deep fryer is after calibration, consider its replacement.

Faulty High Limit Switch

Another component that takes part in the temperature regulation process of a commercial deep fryer is the high limit switch. It is the high limit switch that monitors the oil temperature of the deep fryer and keeps the thermostat alerted. When the desired temperature is reached, the high limit switch alerts the thermostat. As the thermostat is set to turn off the burner at that temperature, it will then trigger the heating element to turn off.

So, if the high limit switch is faulty, the temperature won’t be regulated and the oil in the fryer will be too cold or too hot. So, if this is the case, you should also check the high limit switch after inspecting the thermostat.

Clogged Oil Filter

Oil circulation is necessary for the deep fryer to receive enough oil for cooking food. When the oil circulation is fine, you will hear the sound of the oil flowing when you turn on the appliance. So, if you see that the oil levels are low, you should check the oil filter. It may require replacement. This is an easy fix because all you need is to take out the existing filter and place a new one in its place.

Damaged O-Rings

Another reason for low oil circulation in a commercial deep fryer is damaged O-rings. This is because if the O-rings are not secure, they will lead to unstable air pressure and impact the oil circulation.

If you have changed the oil filter and the oil in the fryer is not enough for cooking, check the O-rings. Keep in mind that O-rings should be replaced by a professional.

Blown Fuse

A fuse is a component in commercial deep fryers that protects other components from electric spikes. It blows and protects other parts. However, if other parts of your deep fryers are malfunctioning, the fuse is not working properly which means it’s blown.

Conclusion

Various problems can cause a commercial deep fryer to stop working. So, check the gas supply and the thermostat settings. If they are fine, find a deep fryer repair Springfield technician to inspect the appliance.

08

May

What Are The Causes Of Commercial Oven Temperature Issues?

Commercial ovens make baking and cooking easier in restaurants and cafes. Correct temperature settings are essential for cooking food in an oven and if the set temperature is not reaching or the temperature is too high, it will ruin the food. So, you should consider commercial oven repair if your oven is undercooking or overcooking food even when the temperature you set should not allow that.

If you want to check your oven, these are the common causes of temperature-related problems.

Commercial Oven Temperature Problems

Thermostat Problems

Most of the time, temperature problems in an oven are due to something wrong with the thermostat. The thermostat can be broken or out of calibration.

Testing A Commercial Oven Thermostat

You should first check if the oven’s thermostat needs calibration. This will also help you determine if the thermostat is broken.

To perform this test, you need another thermostat that you know is accurate and you can put it inside the oven. After keeping the thermostat in the oven, set the oven temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Open the kick plate of the oven so you can see the burner. If the thermostat is working correctly, the burner should go off at 250 degrees, but if it goes off before that, you should calibrate the thermostat.

Calibrating An Oven Thermostat

For calibrating the thermostat of your commercial oven, remove the knob to see the type of thermostat your oven has. There are two types of oven thermostats. One thermostat has a small hole in the front where it attaches to the knob. The other thermostat has a disc-like dial that you can rotate and has numbers on it.

Depending on the type of thermostat turn the screw or the disc one point at a time until the burner turns on. The burner turning on shows that the thermostat had a calibration problem. After you see that the burner is on, check the temperature of the oven. It should reach 5 to 10 degrees near the current temperature. If it does, the thermostat is calibrated. However, if it doesn’t you should try again.

If the thermostat’s calibration doesn’t work after multiple tries, the thermostat may be defective and you should replace it. This is because new thermostats come with proper calibration. They only require to be installed.

Going back to the first step, if you turn the screw or disc of the thermostat and the burner doesn’t turn on even though you turn the disc or screw more than a quarter turn in either direction, the thermostat is bad and must be replaced.

Keep in mind that if you successfully calibrate your thermostat, you should still perform the temperature check using another thermostat to determine that the thermostat is functioning fine. If the readings of the thermostat are off, you should calibrate it. An oven thermostat should be calibrated every three months or so.

In case you can’t calibrate your thermostat or the calibration fails to show that the thermostat is malfunctioning, consult a technician for the calibration or replacement of the oven thermostat.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

The temperature problems of your commercial oven can be a human error. If someone set incorrect temperature settings, the oven will either become too hot or not hot enough for cooking the food.

Check the thermostat settings and the food inside it. Make sure that the correct temperature is set for preparing the type of food you want to cook.

Capillary Tube Bulb Is Not Attached Correctly

Thermostats come with a capillary tube that has a bulb. It is the part that determines the temperature inside the oven. Many times, during thermostat replacement or inspection, the capillary tube is not correctly attached. Moreover, moving the oven or any other reason can displace the capillary tube from its location or disconnect it from the clips where it’s attached.

This leads to an oven cooking food unevenly, overcooking food, or undercooking food. In short, the oven runs wild because the component that allows it to follow the set temperature is not properly connected and can’t aid in determining the temperature inside the oven.

So, whether you replaced the thermostat, moved the oven, or the oven is showing temperature-related problems, check the capillary tube and its bulb. The bulb should be attached to clips inside the oven otherwise, it can’t determine the oven temperature. If it’s stuck in the oven cavity, attach it to the clips and check the oven again.

Crammed Oven

If you checked the thermostat and capillary tube bulb and they are fine, but your food is undercooked, overcooked, or unevenly cooked frequently, it could be due to too much food loaded inside the oven in one cycle.

Cramming an oven with food can be tempting given that food is required in large quantities in restaurants and other facilities. Therefore, instruct your staff to keep an optimum amount of food in the oven without overloading it food otherwise, the food won’t cook evenly. This can turn off your customers, so never ignore this tip.

Broken Oven Door

If your food is not cooking evenly or undercooking, the issue could be related to the door of your commercial oven. For perfect cooking, the door should be completely shut and stop air from peeking inside or hot air from escaping the oven.

Oven door problems like broken hinges and a cracked gasket will make it difficult to close the door completely. Even if you close the door fully, a cracked gasket will allow air from the outside into the oven. This will lead to undercooking or uneven cooking.

Therefore, check the door and its components. If the door is not shutting properly, call in an expert for fixing the oven door.

The Gas Valve Is Not Completely Open

A commercial oven may undercook food if the gas valve is not fully open. This issue is usually ignored because the only gas-related issue that’s checked is whether the oven is receiving gas or not. If the burner goes off, most people don’t pay attention that it can be of low intensity due to a semi-open gas valve.

For fixing this problem, all you need to do is check the gas valve and make sure it’s completely open. If you can’t determine that, turn off the valve and then turn it on completely.

Moreover, you should also clean your commercial oven regularly to avoid various problems. Food particles on the racks and the interior of the oven can cause smoke and impact the flavor of the food. Therefore, clean spills and boilovers immediately if they occur.

You can also divide quick cleaning and thorough cleaning into daily and monthly tasks. Clean the oven daily so the food smells fresh every day you cook in it and a thorough cleaning every month for removing grease and grime from the nooks and corners of the oven.

Conclusion

A commercial oven with temperature-related problems can ruin the food cooking in it. So, you should try to fix it quickly by checking the oven thermostat, door, and other components. Get in touch with commercial appliances repair Northern VA services for a full inspection of your commercial oven for fixes and replacements.