Before you invest in foodservice equipment, you want to know you’re getting the most bang for your buck. It’s important to choose reliable equipment in the first place, but don’t underestimate how much proper upkeep and quality control can extend the life of your equipment.
To keep the kitchen running smoothly and save on equipment costs, here are the three must-do’s for every budget-conscious foodservice professional.
Make maintenance a priority
Without question, performing routine maintenance is the most important measure you can take to ensure your equipment stays in tip-top shape. To start off on the right foot, review the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations when you first buy your equipment. From there, establish a regular in-house maintenance schedule for your equipment, which should include cleaning. By sticking to a maintenance plan, you can keep your equipment running at optimal levels.
On top of in-house maintenance, make regular appointments with a service agent. All too often, foodservice operators don’t schedule regular service appointments, and as a result, they experience equipment breakdowns during peak money-making times. Don’t learn the hard (and costly) way; stay on top of regular service appointments to keep breakdowns at bay. This will help you spot small issues before they turn into big ones.
Take time for training
Even before you set up a maintenance schedule, train your team on how to use equipment properly. Misusing your equipment is a sure way to shorten its lifespan and even worse, void your warranty. If you don’t take proper care of equipment, there’s a good chance manufacturers won’t cover maintenance costs as part of a warranty claim. The good news is, many equipment manufacturers provide printable manuals, which you can use to train your operations staff. Once your training is complete, place these manuals in easy-to-access areas near your equipment in case questions come up.
Optimize your operations
Instead of worrying about unnecessary repairs and buying new equipment down the road, take steps early on to optimize your operations. See if there are areas in your kitchen that you can upgrade to make them longer-lasting and more cost-effective. For example, make sure you’re using energy-efficient holding equipment. Or, if you’re using heat lamps, look for options with LED bulbs, as they’ll last longer than traditional bulbs. Survey your kitchen to see where you can make equipment upgrades for the long term. While this will require an upfront investment, it will save you money overall.
Quality care plus quality equipment equals cost savings.
A little diligence goes a long way. By taking care of your equipment, you can maximize its value, which will save you money (and headaches). And while the steps above are fundamental in helping you make the most of your equipment, start off with solid equipment from square one. Do your research, and find a product manufacturer you can trust. Hatco’s reputation for reliability and industry accolades speak for themselves. With our products, you can have confidence that you’re investing in long-lasting, quality equipment from the get-go.
Is it time to replace your equipment?
While taking care of your commercial restaurant equipment can extend its life, it might not be the most cost-effective option. Repairing broken equipment to get a little more life out of them may actually cost you more money in the end. Check out the blog post Broken Restaurant Equipment: Is It Time To Say Goodbye? for seven questions you can ask yourself to determine if it is time to repair or replace your commercial foodservice equipment.
