03

Dec

How to Get the Most out of Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Whether you own a small coffee shop or a big restaurant, commercial kitchen equipment maintenance is an absolute must. Skipping maintenance means risking the thousands of dollars that you have spent on the equipment. On the other hand, opting commercial appliance services for regular upkeep will not only increase the lifespan of the commercial appliances, but it will also make your appliances run efficiently.

Maintenance of commercial kitchen appliances

Fortunately, commercial kitchen equipment maintenance is easier than you think. Hiring commercial appliance technician for regular cleaning and inspection is one aspect, and taking care of your equipment by yourself is another. Along with scheduling professional appliance maintenance, you will also have to pay attention over your commercial kitchen appliances.

How to Clean Coffee Machine

If you serve delicious caffeinated beverages, it is essential to keep your commercial coffee machine clean. While coffee machine styles vary from brand to brand, a good rule of thumb is to perform a routine cleaning of the entire machine every day after closing. The entire cleaning process usually requires 15 minutes. So it is a simple chore to increase the efficiency and lifespan of your coffee machine.

How to Maintain Dishwasher

Commercial dishwashers maybe one of the most expensive purchases that you have made for your kitchen. Proper maintenance is crucial to get the profitable return of your investment. To effectually maintain your dishwasher, routine cleanings should not be overlooked. Dishwashers contain many parts that are directly exposed to food particles, so it is mandatory that dishwasher is cleaned on a regular basis to avoid buildup.

How to Clean Commercial Oven

Commercial oven maintenance is a simple way of reducing the risk of fire and ensuring delicious-tasting food. To efficiently maintain commercial oven, try to clean the interior of oven each and every day by removing excess food and crumbs. The oven racks should also be removed and washed properly. Once a month, perform a thorough cleaning and hire commercial oven repairs Fairfax services for this purpose.

How to Monitor Commercial Refrigerator

Commercial refrigerator maintenance can’t be stressed enough because if you do not keep your refrigeration appliances in the good condition, it can result in food waste and energy loss. There are plenty of things that you can do to make sure your commercial refrigeration appliances remain efficient, such as: inspecting condenser coils, checking air flow and cleaning gaskets.

08

Oct

Commercial Refrigerator Maintenance

 

Maintenance of commercial refrigeration appliances is important, especially when it comes to big and expensive appliances like walk-in refrigerators, ice machines, freezers and beverage air repair. These refrigeration appliances are used on the regular basis. When does not work properly, your entire business have to suffer. Also, repair cost of commercial appliances is quite higher than repair of residential appliances. It means you cannot ignore the maintenance of commercial refrigeration appliances the way you ignore your residential appliances.

Things to know about commercial refrigerator maintenance

All refrigerating units expel heat. The majority of refrigerators do this via air condenser coil. This causes dust and debris to accumulate on the condenser coil. If  are not cleaned regularly, electrical consumption of refrigerator will increase. This can also result major system component failure. These are some, but not all of the consequences of avoiding commercial appliance maintenance. Undoubtedly poor maintenance will reduce the lifespan of equipment and cause expensive appliance repair.

Commercial refrigerator maintenance tips

Check out the below mentioned maintenance tips to extend the lifespan of your commercial refrigerator:

  • Visually inspect the condenser coil of your commercial refrigerator. Generally, condenser coil is located behind a cover at the bottom or top of refrigerator (depends on brand). Check if condenser coil is clean.
  • Check gaskets of your refrigerator. Your unit has to work hard to cool the conditioned space. If warm air of kitchen seep in through torn door seals, your refrigeration unit has to work harder. Slowly inspect all sides of gaskets for splits and tears. Ensure that the gasket is properly sealed from all the sides. Clean gaskets using mild soap water to remove food and debris.
  • Check drains lines. Often condensate drains are situated at the bottom of coolers. Clear end of drain. In case you notice any clog, call the professional for help. It is important that the drain system of the refrigerator work properly.

Hire Commercial Refrigerator Services

Commercial refrigerators require maintenance time to time. If these cooling units are not maintained properly, they will not function properly. Also, these units are very complicated. It is not possible to maintain these appliances using DIY hacks. In order to repair or inspect the commercial refrigeration appliances, you need to have the complete knowledge about them. Thus, hiring a commercial refrigerator repair technician Vienna is a smart idea. These professionals have understanding about every single detail of commercial refrigerators. They can help you in keeping your commercial refrigerators in healthy working condition.

07

Sep

Get to Know More about the Different Types of Refrigerators

Homes and food establishments will not be complete without the common appliances such as refrigerators. Speaking of refrigerators, these appliances are perhaps one of the most important inventions of mankind. These pieces of machinery are important in maintaining the freshness of foods and beverages and avoiding spoilage and potential food poisoning and other food-related hazards.

However, it is also important to ensure that your refrigerators are working at its best at all times. Call a commercial refrigerator services provider if there are signs of damage and defect on your refrigerator unit. For your appliance repair needs, it is best to call commercial appliances repair services to ensure your commercial appliances’ optimum performance.

Choosing the right refrigerator

A refrigerator is one of the most important machinery for personal, commercial, and even for industrial use. With so many types of refrigerators to choose from, it can be challenging to choose the best one that will suit your refrigeration needs. A lot of refrigerator units have their own pros and cons, so it is important to know their features to ensure that you get the best choice out there.

At the same time, it takes a lot of responsibility to own such kinds of machinery. No matter where you live, whether in a tropical or a snowy country, every household and commercial establishments need a refrigerator to keep foods fresh for long. Commercial refrigerators repairs companies are also available in case you need to have your refrigerator unit repaired immediately.

Most refrigerators can last for more than a decade. However, poor maintenance and improper usage can shorten the unit’s lifespan. Also, you may also want to consider replacing your unit if it has outdated features or is already more than 15 years old or so. Bringing it in a commercial kitchen appliance repair center may cost you more money instead of having it replaced instead.

Before that, you should know the different types of refrigerators in the market. Likewise, you should know the common refrigerator shopping mistakes you have to avoid so you won’t waste your money.

Popular types of refrigerator

Apparently, there are more than 20 types of refrigerators available in the market nowadays. These refrigerators vary in features, styles, and finish. Here are some of the most popular ones.

Top freezer

This is one of the most popular and basic refrigerators used in residential and commercial purposes. As the name suggests, the freezer is at the top part of the unit where you can put frozen goods including ice, meat, and ice cream.

Bottom freezer

This is the opposite of the top freezer: the freezer is located instead at the bottom of the unit. This type of refrigerator units are usually more expensive than top freezers, yet are more energy-efficient ones in the market.

French door

This is perhaps one of the more state-of-the-art and more expensive refrigerator units around, thanks to its features. It is a combination of the two-door and bottom freezer refs. Unlike traditional refrigerator units, French door units have wider shelves, deeper drawer freezers, and top shelves that are easy to adjust.

Mini-refrigerators

This one is popular in dorms and offices. Obviously it has a smaller storage capacity, but it can work for those with limited room spaces. This is also a perfect choice for those who are looking for a cheaper unit for personal use.

Freezer-less refrigerators

This one has no freezer storage and only intended to cool drinks and keep foods fresh (except frozen goods). Freezerless refrigerators can also help lower your electric bills and save on kitchen space.

Mistakes to avoid in buying a refrigerator unit

For your appliance repair needs, make sure to contact a commercial freezer repairs personnel. Other than that, here are some tips to avoid wasting your money from buying a wrong refrigerator unit.

  • Choose one that will meet your needs. If you have limited space in your kitchen, do not buy bulky units like French doors and the like.
  • Make sure to check the area space first before buying a unit so you won’t regret buying a unit that does not actually fit in the room.
  • Choose a unit that will suit well with the overall theme of your kitchen. There are many ref unit designs you can choose from.
  • Inspect the unit first before buying it. Does it easily open? Are there sharp edges that can cause scratches or injuries?
  • Contact commercial freezer repairs when necessary.

Contact professionals for your appliance repair needs

Call reliable commercial kitchen appliance repair in Fairfax for your appliance repair needs.

27

Aug

Food on Wheels: Things to Consider Before Starting a Food Truck Business

Gone are the days where food preparations are done in indoor kitchens. Nowadays, you can enjoy freshly-prepared meals on wheels. Food trucks are getting the attention it deserves. It is a good business idea where you can cook and serve different people in different locations.

Before venturing into a food truck business, you must consider various factors first. For example, you need to choose the right kitchen appliance for the food business. You should also know a professional commercial appliances repair personnel in case of sudden breakdowns.

Getting started

Starting a food truck may be as easy as it seems. On one hand, you won’t have to spend on renting a commercial space for your food business. You don’t also have to be a professional chef to own a food truck. You just have to know what type of dishes you want to serve to your future customers.

While space rental is not needed in this kind of business, you may have to spend on a truck – repairs, renovations, and all – which will serve as your restaurant on wheels. Speaking of repairs, you also have to anticipate emergencies and ensure that you know a commercial deep fryer repair or commercial ice maker repair personnel. Location is key, but make sure to know the local law especially if you plan on a state-to-state trip for your food truck business.

Essentials for a food truck business

First of all, you need to have enough money to invest in this kind of business. For one thing, starting a food truck business is no joke. In fact, it can be a serious source of income. You may even have to hire someone to help you out in cooking and serving food to the customers.

Aside from getting a truck for your food-on-wheels business, you also need to take care of your POS system, truck interior and exterior design, and manpower. Also, you have to have the following food truck business essentials so you can get started.

Business plan

What are your business objectives? What kind of food will you serve? Who will be your target market? How are you going to promote your food truck business? How many employees do you plan to hire? These are some of the major things you need to have before going full-blast on your food truck business. Doing some research is also a must before engaging in this kind of business.

Permits and licensing

You should also get the necessary licenses and permits to operate the business. For one thing, it is important to ensure that you comply with your local area’s food quality and safety standards.

Location

This is also an important factor to consider before starting a food business. Preferably, you may be around local tourist spots, industrial complex areas, or schools where there is usually high foot traffic. Also, make sure not to be around any potential competitors and not cause road blockage.

Food safety

As mentioned, it is important to comply with local food quality and safety standards. Likewise, you should ensure that your equipment is well-maintained and working. If the refrigerator is not working well, make sure to call commercial refrigerator services immediately.

Equipment you will need in your food truck

Obviously, you will need cooking appliances to prepare and serve food. It depends on your food choice, but among common cooking appliances used in many food trucks include:

  • Deep fryers (for fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, etc.)
  • Cheese melter (for casseroles, mac and cheese, etc.)
  • Toaster (for bread and sandwiches)
  • Griller/griddle (for burgers, eggs, pancakes, etc.)
  • Gas range (for general cooking)
  • Microwave (for steaming vegetables or reheating food)

For food preparation, you will need a work table, knives, pans, cutters, and food containers depending on the food you are offering. As for the appliances, it is important that they are maintained and work properly. Otherwise, you would have to call a commercial gas oven repair man or a deep fryer repair personnel to fix the appliance.

Start your dream food truck business now!

Owning a food truck is a long-term commitment. Likewise, you should also make sure to do your own research about this kind of business before taking the plunge. You should also invest in equipment as well. For your kitchen equipment repair needs, contact the best commercial kitchen appliance repair in Fairfax.

16

Aug

The Cool History of Refrigerators

A kitchen is not complete without a refrigerator. To better put it, life is not complete without a refrigerator. Without one, foods will easily spoil. You cannot also be able to gulp down cool and refreshing drinks during a hot day. You cannot produce ice and store your frozen meat for the next day’s meal.

Imagine how your food experience will be if the modern refrigerator has not been invented. Hundreds of years ago, our ancestors relied on ancient methods of food preservation which is may not be as convenient and easily accessible as the modern refrigerators we have in our home. That is why we should take your refrigerators for granted. Likewise, you should call professional commercial refrigerator services if there are repairs needed.

The science of food preservation

You might not imagine how your life will be without a refrigerator. However, food preservation has been around for thousands of years ago. Before freezers and refrigerators were invented, people used to store food in cellars which were usually dug holes lined with straw or wood and filled with ice and snow.

Ancient Indians and Egyptians used earthen pots to make ice by leaving them out during cold evenings. Meanwhile, the ancient Chinese gathered ice from frozen lakes and rivers and stored them in ice cellars.

Fast forward 18th century, a lot of Europeans collected, salted, and wrapped snow ice and then stored in an underground container for a couple of months. A 2004 report from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers mentioned that ice was able to be shipped elsewhere around the world.

Nowadays, the use of a modern refrigerator accounts to almost 20 percent of total energy consumption globally as per 2015 report from the International Journal of Refrigeration. The use of a food preservation appliance such as a refrigerator is a staple among home and commercial use. Commercial refrigerators repairs services are also available in case you need immediate appliance repairs.

The modern concept of a refrigerator was conceived in the 1700s by a Scottish doctor named William Cullen. According to history, Cullen learned about the cooling effects of evaporation which inspired his breakthrough mechanical invention. However, his important invention was not practical for daily use although it showed great potential.

Several years later, a more practical refrigerating machine was developed by Jacob Perkins in 1834. It used vapor compression in creating cool temperatures which circulated within the machine. Over the years, the design concept of the refrigerating machine evolved and became patented and inspired the modern refrigerators we know of today.

Modern refrigerators

Modern refrigerators are now made by various brands and offer a wide variety of designs, features, and size. There are one-door, two-door, and even four-door refrigerators as well as mini-refrigerators. Some even have state-of-the-art features such as a touchscreen, speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Refrigerators are also being used nowadays for home and commercial use. It has basically become a part of people’s lives. Commercial refrigerator services also became available in case of repairs needed for refrigerator units. As mentioned, there are different types of refrigerators that are available to suit the consumer’s needs.

Types of refrigerators

Among common types of refrigerators include the following. Regardless of the type, it is important to keep it well-maintained at all times. In case of any defects, it is best to call commercial appliances repair personnel immediately.

  • Compressor refrigerator (known for its noisy operation)
  • Absorption refrigerator (uses any source of heat to operate)
  • Peltier refrigerators (also uses electricity)
  • Solar/thermal mass refrigerators (uses less electricity and insulation to operate)
  • Top-freezer refrigerators
  • Bottom-freezer refrigerators
  • American/side-by-side refrigerators (freezer on one side, refrigerator on the other)
  • French refrigerators
  • Compact refrigerators

Taking care of your refrigerator

No matter what type of refrigeration unit you have, it is important to have a regular maintenance schedule. Likewise, contact commercial freezer repairs companies in case your freezer or refrigerator unit shows signs of damage. Here are other tips on taking care of your refrigeration unit.

  • Clean the condenser coils at least twice per year.
  • Make sure to clean and replace the rubber door seal (gasket) if necessary.
  • Have a defrosting schedule for your freezer. If applicable, defrost if there is at least 1 inch-thick ice accumulated in the freezer.
  • Wipe the refrigerator’s interiors using a damp cloth to remove spills, food marks, and crumbs.
  • Use a deodorizer to remove unpleasant odor in your refrigerator.
  • Call commercial kitchen appliance repair companies when necessary. You can find companies offering commercial appliances repair in Springfield. Contact one today!
26

Jun

Can You Use Commercial Kitchen Equipment at Home?

Whether you’re a carnivore or a vegan, we all need food to nourish our bodies and minds. Food is meant to be enjoyed, that is why there are a lot of food establishments offering different cuisines that will please the palates of every customer. In other words, the food business would never go out of style.

If you are planning to have one, you should invest in commercial kitchen equipment. At the same time, you need to be prepared for any commercial kitchen appliance repair in case of malfunction. The food industry has boomed over the years, with a lot of cooking shows and gastronomic festivals showcasing various cuisines along with the social media age. That said, cooking can be both ways to earn profit and practice your passion for food.

Can you use a commercial kitchen appliance at home?

The answer depends on how often and where you are going to use kitchen equipment. For one thing, commercial kitchen appliance is usually made of stainless steel and more durable to use than home appliances. Commercial kitchen appliances are also good to use for bulk cooking and entertaining guests.

Unlike home appliances, commercial appliances are made for heavy-duty usage. Some commercial appliances also have other features such as safety buttons that may not be present in home appliances. Because time is gold in the food business, cleaning should be a breeze for commercial appliances. This is one reason why these appliances have materials that are easy to wipe with one swipe.

Going back to the question, the answer is yes. However, this depends on your kitchen setting. Commercial kitchen appliances can be more suitable if you have an outdoor kitchen where you can have outdoor BBQ parties or any weekend gatherings.

Commercial kitchen must-haves

If you want to build a food business, you would need to invest in commercial kitchen equipment. For one, you will need a large storage area to put all of your frozen goods and other food ingredients. You will also need cooking utensils and equipment for food preparation. Among commercial kitchen equipment you would have for your food business include:

Commercial refrigerator

This is important kitchen equipment both for residential and commercial use. Like residential refrigerators, a commercial refrigerator is important to avoid perishable foods from getting spoiled too soon. This includes food ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, and dairy among a few. For repair and maintenance, you should contact commercial refrigerator services.

Commercial freezer

If you have frozen goods for sale, or you need storage for frozen meat or seafood, then having a commercial freezer is also a good idea. It will help preserve food quality and avoid any spoilage. Like any other appliances, you should also call a commercial freezer repairs company for any signs of damage and malfunctioning.

Commercial stove

This will be basically the heart of your food establishment where food preparation will mostly take place. There are different types of stoves you can choose from, whether gas or electrical stovetops. Between the two, the former is more commonly used for commercial food establishments while the latter is preferred by homeowners. Regardless, it is important to address any equipment malfunction and contact deep fryer repair services immediately.

Commercial oven

Ovens are mostly used for baking or roasting pastries and meat, respectively. Meanwhile, there are also ovens that have a built-in gas stove on top. It can be used for commercial purposes, although this is more common for residential use. Nonetheless, it is important to ensure its top-notch function by hiring commercial oven repair services.

Things to consider when using a commercial appliance at home

Just because it is labeled as the “commercial” appliance does it mean you cannot use it at home. As mentioned, it will depend on how often and where you are going to use it (preferably in an outdoor kitchen). In addition, there are other things to consider when you plan on buying a commercial appliance for home use.

Know your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Some local ordinances may require homeowners to follow a policy involving the installation of any commercial appliance. Make sure to confirm with your local area about this.

Prepare for additional utility expenses.

Depending on how often you use the kitchen equipment, you can expect higher bills in the following months.

Contact professionals for your repair needs

It is also important to invest in commercial kitchen appliance repair if there is a need. For repair needs, contact only professional personnel specializing in commercial appliances repair in Northern VA.

11

Apr

3 Major Signs It’s Time to Fix Your Commercial Refrigerator

The refrigerator is perhaps one of the most important inventions ever by mankind. It keeps food fresh until the next meal. It also keeps our drinks cool in time for the hot season. Food storage has been easier thanks to refrigerators and is considered important equipment for many businesses. However, hiring commercial refrigerator services may be needed for regular maintenance and repairs.

Refrigerators are important both for commercial and residential use. Since this equipment is most likely used every day, it can incur some kind of damage over the years. When this happens, it can greatly affect business and even your daily living. In such cases, you should call a commercial appliances repair company immediately.

However, you may ask yourself: “How will I know if it’s time to have my refrigerator fixed?” Obviously, you would do so if there’s any sign of defect or malfunction. But to be more specific, here are some tell-tale signs it’s time to schedule a repair visit:

Presence of leaks

Leaky refrigerators are a common issue that is generally easy to fix. It can be a hassle to mop off the excess This problem may be due to a defective drain pan, defrost drain, or worn door gaskets. These issues may result in the accumulation of water in the food compartment below the refrigerator.  In such a case, you should call commercial refrigerators repairs services the soonest.

Funny sounds coming from the fridge

Your refrigerator does make a sound when it’s operating normally. Usually, it sounds like a weak buzzing sound that should not be a cause of worry. The sound of ice clattering inside the refrigerator shouldn’t also be something to worry about. However, if you hear loud humming or buzzing sounds which you do not hear on the regular, then you should have your refrigerator checked.

For the meantime, you can also do these “first aid” procedures for your noisy refrigerator:

  • Check your fridge’s legs if it needs leveling. It may be necessary as your flooring ages over time. Make sure the fridge’s door closes on its own when it’s opened halfway.
  • Put foam mats under your refrigerator. This will help reduce the vibrating sound causing the unpleasant noise.
  • The noise may be due to wore evaporator fan grommets. In such a case, replace the evaporator fan, which is located inside the freezer compartment. This component distributes air and maintains the ideal temperature.
  • It may also be due to a defective compressor motor. Contact a local commercial kitchen appliance repair company so they can replace defective refrigerator parts.

The refrigerator/freezer is not cold enough or too cold

You may also notice that your refrigerator is not cold enough to cool your drinks, or the ice in the freezer starts to melt. In such cases, you can check the following:

  • Check the temperature settings. Lower the temperature using the thermostat so that the refrigerator will cool faster. The thermostat is located inside – you can simply adjust it according to your preferred temperature.
  • Check the door gaskets. It should seal properly to ensure that the cold temperature is secured inside the refrigerator. Clean the seal using warm water and then apply a small amount of petroleum jelly. If there’s no improvement, you should replace the gasket.
  • Make sure that the condenser coil is clean. Otherwise, it can affect the refrigerator’s cooling features. Ideally, the coils should be cleaned twice or thrice a month.
  • If there is too much ice or frost coming from the freezer, it may be due to a defective evaporator fan. In such a case, it should be replaced with a new one.

Find a professional repair center for your appliance needs

Whether you need to have a walk in cooler repair or any commercial appliances repair, it is important to find a reliable company to fix your equipment. Having a defective refrigerator or cooler is the last thing you want to happen especially during the summer season.

However, having a full-functioning refrigerator is crucial regardless of the season. As mentioned earlier, a cooler or refrigerator helps preserve your food for several days. Likewise, refrigerators for commercial purposes are just as important. Without it, there’s no frozen goods section in the local supermarket.

Nonetheless, make sure to keep your commercial appliances in tip-top condition every time. Trust only the best commercial refrigerators repairs company in Northern VA. Ask for estimation today.

22

Mar

How to Fix Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers

Refrigerator is one of the most used appliances in the commercial kitchens. No manager would like to come across refrigerator or freezer troubles. It is an irritating delay that can even make stored food useless. Hiring restaurant refrigerator repair technician at the eleventh hour is not an option. In order to prevent any such havoc at your restaurant, you need to pay attention over maintenance of your commercial appliances.

Importance of commercial refrigerator maintenance

Maintenance issues generally lead problems in refrigeration equipment. Restaurant owners can keep their refrigeration units running with a regular maintenance schedule. They can also reduce the energy consumption by scheduling regular maintenance and following appliance maintenance guidelines provided by manufacturing company.

Commercial refrigerator maintenance tips

#1: Clean the condenser coils: Not cleaning condenser coils results increase in electricity consumption. Without regular cleaning, this can cause problems and expensive repairs.

#2: Clean or replace the gasket: The gasket is the rubber sealing that is wrapped around your refrigerator doors. It is one of the most overlooked parts that play an important role of keeping out warm air. Clean this rubber part with wet cloth on the regular basis. Also, it is common that gasket weakens, break or worn out over time. In such situation, get your gasket replaced as soon as possible.

#3: Defrost: Modern refrigerating unit comes with automatic defrost mechanism. Many a times, auto-defrost feature does not work. In such case, before calling the commercial appliance repair technician, you can perform manual defrost. When you see that frost build-up on the inner walls of the refrigerating device is more than one and a half inch in thickness, turn off the thermostat and let all of the frost to melt.

#4: Clean the interior: It is important to keep the interior of the commercial refrigerator clean and hygienic. You can easily clean your commercial refrigerator using wet cloth and water. So, clean your refrigerator in every 15 days. This will not only help you in keeping your unit in tip-top condition, but also promote healthy practices in your restaurant.