The sustainability of your restaurant largely depends on the quality of the food. That’s why the condition of restaurant refrigeration equipment is so important. If freezers fail to keep food cold, you could end up with thousands of dollars wasted in spoiled perishables. You could also get fined, and potentially have to close your business until problems are fixed. To avoid these issues, learn about types of refrigeration equipment you need and how to maintain them.  

Types of Restaurant Refrigeration Equipment

To keep up with the demands of daily lunch and dinner service, keep dairy products, meat, fish, produce, and prepared foods in a reach-in refrigerator. The appliances come with one to three compartments for quick access. If you store beer kegs and perishables in bulk, use a walk-in cooler. The large appliances are the size of small storage units, complete with shelving. To keep energy costs low, they shouldn’t be accessed multiple times a day. If you make salads, pizza, and sandwiches, you’ll need refrigerated prep tables to gather cold cuts and perishable toppings quickly. If you package the fare for grab-and-go dining, open-air coolers and glass door merchandisers are two display case options. 

Care Requirements to Follow 

Regardless of the restaurant refrigeration solutions you choose, never overfill storage compartments. This restricts airflow, making equipment work harder and drain more energy. The strain could also cause premature wear to components. In order for air to circulate, don’t stack boxes and other belongings against the appliances either. Each day, check the settings and make the necessary adjustments to keep food at the optimal temperatures. Use fluorescent lights in walk-in coolers, as the bulbs generate less heat to cut down on energy consumption and keep food from spoiling. 

Each month, have a service technician inspect equipment for air leaks, cracks, and worn seals and gaskets. They will repair or replace damaged components and make sure the mechanical parts are lubricated. During a service call, a technician will also clean the condenser and evaporator coils and the fan blades. Twice a year, schedule a comprehensive inspection to have refrigerant levels checked, drain lines cleared, and the thermostat calibrated.

If you are in the market for new restaurant refrigeration equipment for your Alaskan business, contact Refrigeration & Food Equipment in Anchorage. The locally-owned company has been seeing to the commercial refrigeration needs of area businesses since 1964. The licensed, bonded, and insured technicians will provide restaurant equipment repair to keep operations on track. To learn more about the inventory or schedule a service appointment, call (907) 248-2525. Find out about the team’s commitment to excellence online.