Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment

With kitchen technology evolving constantly, it's important to assess the performance and efficiency of your commercial kitchen equipment at least once a year. Upgrading your equipment offers several key benefits, including:

• Lower energy bills and reduced CO2 emissions

• Faster prep and service times through automation

• Increased food production

• Enhanced food quality

These improvements can boost customer satisfaction, foot traffic, revenue, and sustainability. Key items to monitor include fridges/freezers, ovens, warewashing machines, and ventilation systems.

When to Consider Updating Your Equipment

• Wear and Tear: Signs like rust, corrosion, or dents indicate overuse and potential health code issues. Replacing worn-out equipment can be cost-effective, as newer models are often more energy-efficient. Always check the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when purchasing.

• Specific Equipment Issues:

• Fridges/Freezers: Excess heat, inconsistent temperatures, food spoilage, leaks, or ice buildup.

• Ovens: Faulty ignition, uneven temperatures, or failure to stay lit (for gas ovens).

• Warewashing Machines: Noise, leaks, broken latches, or poor cleaning performance.

• Ventilation Systems: Damaged filters, rust, dents, or poor air circulation.

Outdated equipment can hurt performance and even lead to health code violations.

• Frequent Breakdowns: If your equipment regularly breaks down, upgrading may be more cost-effective than frequent repairs, especially if it's out of warranty. Breakdowns disrupt operations and lead to unplanned repair costs.

• Energy Inefficiency: Older equipment consumes more energy. Upgrading to energy-efficient models can reduce utility bills—be sure to check EPC ratings when choosing new equipment.

• Brand Relaunch: If you're refreshing your brand, updating kitchen equipment can showcase a modern, efficient operation. Whether you overhaul everything at once or replace items gradually, aim to improve performance.

Contact NTS

NTS offers expert reviews of commercial kitchen equipment and can help you source the best energy-efficient solutions for your business. We partner with top brands and focus on eco-friendly options to reduce your energy costs.

For more information or questions, email us at benny@ntsmart.com.