3 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Commercial Food Service Equipment
Anyone who works in the food service industry knows purchasing new equipment is a significant investment. These essential kitchen or backroom tools are the backbone of your business, enabling you to deliver delicious cuisine and exceptional service to your customers.
However, simply owning the equipment will not alone drive profit. You need to ensure you have the proper equipment for your menu offerings, but it’s also important to know how to effectively use and maintain your equipment.
Check out our three smart solutions for maximizing your commercial-grade equipment.
#1. Select the right equipment from the start
Choosing equipment that’s right for your high volume kitchen sets your business up for success because it is already optimized for your unique needs.
When deciding what food service equipment to invest in, consider your menu offerings as well as your expected production volume. For example, if you prepare many fried dishes, a Henny Penny pressure fryer or Henny Penny open fryer can increase your output while reducing oil and labor costs with automated oil management. A Carpigiani 161 T G SP self-pasteurizing soft gelato machine can make up to 200 delicious soft serve servings in 1 hour and cuts down on maintenance time with its 30-day cleaning cycle. If you’re in grocery retail, you might want to consider the Mettler Toledo 880 Automatic Wrapper, which efficiently weighs, wraps, and labels up to 35 packs per minute.
Not sure where to start? Hess’ consultation services can help you make the right equipment decision whether you’re in food retail, food service, or food processing. You can also schedule an equipment demo with one of our kitchen equipment consultants.
#2. Do more with a smaller equipment footprint
Having a multitude of gadgets in a high volume kitchen isn’t necessary. Investing in versatile, multi-functional equipment saves valuable space while achieving the same cooking results.
Commercial combi ovens are a great all-in-one solution that combines convection cooking, steaming, and grilling in a single unit. Henny Penny combi ovens effortlessly switch between cooking techniques to expand your menu offerings and reduce the need for multiple pieces of equipment to execute the same cooking methods individually.
Another piece of equipment that does more with less footprint is the Carpigiani DREAM by V-Air. This cocktail maker is countertop-ready with an impressive 6.6-gallon capacity that produces up to 52 16-oz. portions in under 20 minutes! Plus, this Carpigiani machine is versatile and can also make slushies, sherbert, sorbet, drinks, milkshakes, Frappuccinos, and cream.
By opting for equipment that offers multiple functions or has a large capacity, you can maximize output without overcrowding your commercial kitchen.
#3. Improve equipment performance with regular maintenance
Regular, preventative maintenance can extend your equipment’s lifespan and optimize for efficiency, saving you time and money in the long run.
Invest in the supplies you need to maintain your equipment, like Henny Penny combi oven cleaner and Henny Penny filter pads, which are specially designed to help you get the most out of your equipment. These investments will not only save you on production costs but also help prevent emergency service calls and long downtimes.
Remember, a well-maintained piece of equipment is a reliable workhorse that will deliver excellent results for many years.
Are You Ready to Optimize Your Investment?
Getting the most out of your food service equipment is not just about making the initial investment; it's about making smart choices and maintaining your equipment to ensure optimal performance.
You can improve your commercial kitchen’s efficiency and output by selecting the right equipment for your menu, maximizing space with versatile pieces, and committing to a regular maintenance routine. With these three strategies, your food service business can thrive for years to come.
Reach out to Hess’ kitchen equipment consultants for personalized guidance at every step of your purchasing journey — from consideration to a preventative maintenance plan and beyond.
