Increasing Commercial Kitchen Equipment Efficiency

Food preparation is one of the largest culprits impacting a commercial kitchen’s energy bill. Kitchen equipment, including refrigeration, water heaters, and HVAC systems, contributes to over half of the energy bill in a foodservice operation.

Commercial kitchens in full-service and quick-service restaurants, hospitals and hotels, use approximately three times more energy than other commercial buildings. Kitchen efficiency is important in running a successful foodservice business. No matter the role you hold in the foodservice industry, there are affordable ways you can improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Cost-Saving Tips To Increasing Efficiency

• Buy Energy Efficient Equipment

  The availability of Energy Star-labeled foodservice equipment is growing. Energy Star labeled equipment are deemed highly efficient by the Foodservice Technology Center (FSTC) and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE). Investing in energy efficient commercial kitchen appliances can help save water and reduce energy consumption. On average, 30 percent of the yearly budget is spent on energy. However, switching to energy-efficient kitchen equipment can save thousands per year on energy costs!

• Buy the correct sized unit for your food demand needs

  When hundreds of meals are prepared and served on a daily basis, using the correctly sized equipment will increase the speed a kitchen can prepare and reduce the amount of energy used to cook those meals.

• Cycle off unused equipment

  Unused equipment is the number one killer of efficient kitchens. The waste created by equipment, not in use, is significant and decreases the life of the equipment. Turn it off when not in use

• Set your water heater at the correct temperature.

  Your water heater should never be higher than 140° and no matter what temperature setting it is at you should periodically check your T & P valve for leaks.

• Keep warm food warm and cold food cold

  Efficiency is determined by energy and time spent so make sure those door seals/closers and gaskets in your cooking and refrigerant equipment doors are in good shape to ensure proper seals are made, this not only saves time in the cooking process, but it also saves on the energy it takes to reheat or keep those chops cold.

• Planned Maintenance Schedule

  Create a maintenance calendar to keep your equipment in proper working order. Nothing makes your kitchen equipment more efficient than a regular planned maintenance schedule. Not only does it keep your equipment at top performance, but it also reduces those costly repairs and replacements by prolonging the life of the equipment.  Teach you kitchen help on the proper way of calibrating equipment, changing filters, lubricating bearings, exhausts, and seals. Your kitchen will be a lot happier with less downtime and faster cooking times.

With all this in mind, we all know that no matter what you do, things come up or you just may not have the time. No matter the reason, you can rest assured that the technicians at WSI have the proper training when it comes to maintaining your equipment, call today to schedule a quote for your kitchen.