Commercial Kitchen Energy Saving Solutions: 5 Ways to Reduce Operating Costs

Ready to Stop Wasting Money? Start Here.

Think of your kitchen as a high-performance machine. To make it run at peak efficiency and save on costs, you need to follow a precise set of instructions. This isn't just theory; these are the exact steps experts use to turn a power-hungry kitchen into a profitable one.

Step 1: Audit & Upgrade Your Appliances

Action: Go through your kitchen and identify which pieces of equipment are old or constantly running.

• Switch to Induction: Replace old gas or electric stovetops with induction cooking equipment. The switch from a traditional stove to an electromagnetic one can slash energy consumption by over 70%.

• Consider a Combi-Oven: If your menu allows, consider an efficient combi-oven. It combines multiple functions (baking, steaming, roasting) into one unit, reducing the need for multiple energy-consuming appliances.

Step 2: Map Your Kitchen Workflow

Action: Don't just work in your kitchen—work on it. Grab a pen and paper, and physically map out your "golden logic chain."

• Trace Your Steps: Follow a dish from preparation (e.g., a refrigerated ingredient) to cooking to plating. Where do your chefs walk most? Are they crisscrossing the kitchen unnecessarily?

• Group by Function: Rearrange your workspace. Place the prep station next to the walk-in cooler. Position the fry station near the fryer. This simple act reduces wasted motion and the constant opening and closing of doors, which saves energy.

Step 3: Master Your Maintenance Schedule

Action: Dirt and grime are the silent killers of efficiency. Create a mandatory, routine cleaning schedule for all your equipment.

• Daily: Filter your fryer oil at the end of each day. This can extend oil life by 30-50% and improves the efficiency of your fryer.

• Weekly: Deep clean your deep fryer with a "Boil-out" to remove carbon buildup. This keeps it running smoothly.

• Monthly: Inspect and clean your refrigerator coils and fan guards. A layer of dust forces the motor to work harder and consume more electricity.

• Quarterly: Schedule a professional service to calibrate oven temperatures. An oven that is even a few degrees off uses more energy and negatively impacts food quality.

Step 4: Optimize Your Ventilation System

Action: Your exhaust system is likely a top-five energy consumer. Take these steps to ensure it’s working for you, not against you.

• Check the Ducts: If your duct system has a cross-section that is "too small," it forces the fan to run on high power constantly. Have an expert inspect your system for proper sizing.

• Install a Variable-Speed Fan: Upgrade to a system that automatically adjusts its speed based on the amount of smoke and heat detected. This prevents the fan from running at maximum power when it's not needed.

Step 5: Switch to Smart Lighting

Action: Take a simple, high-impact step to reduce energy consumption and heat.

• Replace Everything with LEDs: Swap out every old fluorescent and incandescent bulb with LED lighting. They use a fraction of the energy and last far longer.

• Add Task Lighting: Instead of lighting your entire kitchen like a stadium, install small, focused lights over key workstations. This allows you to turn off overhead lights in unused areas, saving even more energy.

Contact Us for Expert Consultation

For more details on designing commercial kitchen energy saving or any commercial kitchen equipment inquiries, contact us at benny@ntsmart.com.