6 Signs That Indicate It’s Time to Replace Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Setting up a restaurant can be a huge investment. In most cases, the food service equipment will quickly gobble up a considerable chunk of the budget. That is why every commercial kitchen needs a strict maintenance protocol to ensure that they extend the lifespan of this equipment.
However, repeated daily use of the kitchen equipment will eventually result in wear and tear. How will an owner know when to contact the food service equipment company for replacement? Here are six signs that show its time to replace your equipment.
1. Safety Risks
Safety should be a top priority for any restaurant. Aging appliances may come with massive risk on the safety of the staff and other physical assets. Commercial kitchen managers need to identify equipment that is no longer safe to operate. For example, faulty electric appliances have a higher chance of short-circuiting, which may result in a fire. Be wary of bare wires, missing switches, malfunctioning buttons, and flue gas build-up. Call in the food service equipment company to find a replacement for the aged appliance.
2. Rising Maintenance Costs
Commercial kitchens and restaurants run for long periods at a time. Frequent breakdowns of specific worn-out equipment can be costly for the business. It may reach a point where maintenance costs outweigh the price of acquiring new appliances. A good rule of thumb is to start considering a replacement when the repairs exceed 50% of the new cafeteria equipment value.
3. Unavailability of Spare Parts
Restaurants may start to find it increasingly difficult to source parts for some of the older model equipment. Outdated appliances may lack replacement parts, which may prolong the downtime. Replacing the old models with new modern equipment may eliminate the problem. Remember that in most cases, new technologies are also more energy-efficient.
4. Skyrocketing Utility Bills
As commercial kitchen appliances depreciate over time, they may consume more power than before. The restaurant equipment typically consumes up to twice as much energy as the average commercial space. Old and failing appliances may cause your utility bills to shoot. A food service equipment company can source kitchen appliances that are energy-efficient for your restaurant. Replacing the faulty cafeteria ice machine and other old equipment can cut energy costs by up to 25%.
5. Decreased Performance
Commercial kitchen equipment may record reduced performance as the unit ages. The old unit may not handle the rigors and demands of the expanding restaurant business. You may need to bring in new appliances that can accommodate your current capacity and future needs.
6. Major Menu Changes
Most restaurants and commercial kitchen setups undergo periodic updates to their menu offerings. Significant shifts may have a huge impact on the type of equipment currently in use. You may need to replace with models that can accommodate the new kitchen demands. Cafeteria managers can get multi-function appliances from the food service equipment company. The equipment can save on space and operational costs.
Running a successful restaurant or cafeteria means keeping up with the lifespan of the various kitchen appliances. Thompson & Little is a food service equipment company that can help you replace the old and worn-out equipment in your commercial kitchen.
