Christmas, tis' the season to be jolly…and for good food and drink. With the number of social engagements soaring, seemingly everyone is out to enjoy the festive spirit. Pubs and bars are crammed with merrymakers and restaurants bursting at the seams; the hospitality sector enjoying a welcome surge in custom.
While it’s undoubtedly hectic for both guests and staff, imagine the extra pressure that your commercial refrigeration is under. Units might not have to contend with the soaring temperatures of summer but it will still be under considerable strain to keep up with demand. It’s vital to make sure all equipment is up to scratch and ready to tackle the task ahead.
In the Kitchen
An increased demand for food sees kitchens experience even greater exertions than during a typical service. Kitchens will undoubtedly have ordered extra stock to deal with the influx of custom, all of which will require adequate storage. Any failure in refrigeration could see the entire festive menu floundering. The level of access required to fridges and freezers will generally increase, with doors opened and closed more frequently for retrieval of ingredients, putting added strain on refrigeration. When combined with the heat naturally produced by catering equipment, this could spell disaster if you’re appliances have not been properly serviced and maintained. It’s essential to ensure all kit is on top form and up to the job.
Behind the Bar
Everyone wants to celebrate with a perfectly chilled beverage so guarantee that your bar is prepared to spread festive cheer. Drinks fridges are essential in keeping the Christmas crowds lubricated and the drink flowing so it’s imperative to be certain that yours is functioning efficiently and can deal with demand.
By employing a few simple maintenance procedures before the season gets underway, you can guarantee that refrigeration is running at full capacity and totally prepared for Christmas service.
Essential Refrigeration Maintenance, Rules and Top Tips
Top Tip: Regular monitoring of equipment and comprehensive documentation of operational settings and readings etc. is vital. Any abnormalities in results could be the first warning sign that something isn’t right; an indication of an underlying issue that could potentially be a problem in the future.
Action |
Reason |
Make sure there’s ample air flow around the exterior of equipment. |
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Remove any dust, debris or obstructions from vents. |
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Don’t overstock the fridge. |
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Clean and check all door seals/gaskets. |
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Check that thermostats are performing as expected and accurately reading temperatures. |
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Inspect hinges to check they’re in good working order. |
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Clean and inspect condenser coils. |
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Check water drainage lines for blockages, kinks or wear and tear. |
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Gently clean fan blades and motor (if accessible). |
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Check defrost settings. |
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Check lighting. |
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Inspect for any aesthetic damage. |
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Get an engineer to check refrigerant levels. |
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Did You Know? If a breakdown occurs and the attending engineer finds that basic maintenance has been neglected, the call-out charge will not be covered by warranty.
Don’t just address cleaning and maintenance on the run up to one of the years busiest periods. Make it a regular concern throughout the year and optimise efficiency, improve longevity and guarantee you really get your money’s worth.
Make sure your refrigeration is up to the job and performing at optimum levels this festive season with a few basic maintenance steps and guarantee your business and guests have a truly Merry Christmas.
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