Three of the Most Common Commercial Equipment Service Calls in London

Commercial kitchen equipment is generally very reliable. However, like most things, there are a few appliances that are more prone to breakdowns down than others. Here is a list of some of the most common commercial equipment-related service calls we get in London plus a few tips on what can be done to help avoid them.

Commercial Ice Machines

It is easy to overlook how important something as simple as ice is until a restaurant’s icebox stops working. On average, a restaurant needs 1.5 pounds of ice available per guest, and as much as 3 pounds for each customer at a bar. It might seem like a small detail, but it’s a critical service that customers expect when they are ordering beverages and cocktails.

Hard water and lack of proper maintenance are the most common culprits behind commercial ice machine breakdowns. Without regular servicing and cleaning, hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up inside the machine, which in turn causes clogs and poor ice production. Dirty air filters are another common issue that can restrict airflow, causing the machine to overheat or freeze improperly.

Avoiding these types of issues is as simple as making sure to regularly clean the ice machine, replace air filters as needed, and install (or have a professional like RGH install) a quality water filtration system to reduce mineral deposits.

Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers

A malfunctioning commercial refrigeration system can be one of the costliest equipment failures for London restaurants and not necessarily due to the service charge. Health Canada has strict guidelines on how long food can be kept at temperatures above 4°C / 40°F before it needs to be discarded.

Commercial refrigeration systems have a lot of moving parts, but some of the most common causes of breakdowns relate to very simple components. For example, a poor seal between the refrigerator or freezer and the door can overwork the compressor and cause excessive wear. Similarly, a condenser that has become clogged with dust and debris can lead to overheating.

Sticking to a proper maintenance schedule can help avoid most of these issues. Wipe down and double-check door seals regularly, clean dirt and debris from around the condenser coils, and verify the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer using an external thermometer.

In addition to an in-house cleaning schedule, it’s also a good idea to invest in a planned maintenance program for high-value appliances like your commercial refrigerator and freezer. Part of this program is ensuring the appliances are properly cleaned and inspected, but they are also intended to help prolong the life of your equipment by catching minor issues before they become major problems.

Commercial Dishwashers

During a dinner rush, few places in a restaurant are as busy as the dish pit. Dishwashers are critical in any commercial kitchen for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the line runs smoothly. However, with all that use come a few very common problems.

Leftover food debris and grease often lead to clogs in the dishwasher’s drain and filter. Over time, this prevents water from draining properly which in turn causes dishes to complete a cycle coming out still dirty. Hard water buildup on the spray arms is another common issue that affects the cleanliness of dishes coming out of the dishwasher. Both of these equipment issues are easily avoided by regularly inspecting, cleaning and descaling the machine.

A larger commercial dishwasher issue pertains to the heating element which controls water temperature and ensures dishes are properly sanitized. This is a serious equipment failure that requires immediate, professional service. Health Canada maintains guidelines on the minimum temperature required of commercial dishwashers and failing to meet those standards could result in a health code violation.

Being aware of these common restaurant equipment problems and solutions can help London restaurant owners keep their kitchens running efficiently and avoid costly downtime. RGH is one of the area’s most trusted commercial appliance repair companies, and for good reason! Our factory-trained repair technicians are experienced, reliable, and committed to getting your equipment back up and running quickly, so you can focus on serving your customers without missing a beat.