Commercial Kitchen Equipment Repair: Troubleshoot or Call for Help?

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July 26, 2023

If you’re a restaurant owner or a commercial kitchen manager, you know that functional equipment is essential for running a smooth and efficient operation. When equipment breaks down, it can cause a major disruption to service, leading to lost revenue. That's why it's important for restaurant owners and managers to have a plan when equipment breaks down. One of the key elements of that plan is determining if you should troubleshoot equipment issues on your own or call a local service repair company. Follow these four steps if you’re not sure how to proceed.

1. Confirm the basics.

Before you call a repair technician, it's always a good idea to check the basics. Make sure the equipment is plugged in and turned on. Check the fuses and circuit breakers. If the equipment is still not working, move on to the next step.

2. Reference the manual.

Every piece of equipment comes with a manual that contains instructions on how to use it and troubleshoot common problems. A quick manual consultation may help you identify and address the issue.

3. Search online or contact the manufacturer.

If you can't find the answer to your problem in the manual, try searching online. There are many websites and forums that offer troubleshooting advice for restaurant equipment.

If you can’t find the answers online, you can try to contact the manufacturer of the equipment. They may be able to provide you with additional troubleshooting tips or send a repair technician to your location.

When It’s Time to Call in the Experts

If you’ve determined it’s time to call in a repair technician, you can take a few steps to prepare for their arrival. Additional data and information may help a service tech identify the issue more quickly and get you back up and running. You may also need to have a Plan B for prepping and serving food while the machine is undergoing repairs. Remember these five tips when you make a call to your service technician:

1. Help us help you.

By providing the make, model and serial number of a piece of equipment, as well as the stated problem, the service technician can come prepared to address the issue. While having all parts to fix every piece of equipment is not practical, companies like ATECH do carry a stock of critical parts for many of the more common brands of equipment. This helps speed up repair times.

2. Keep a log of equipment problems.

This will help you track down recurring problems and identify potential causes. It can also be helpful to provide detailed information about your equipment. For example, your technician might want to know if/when the equipment was worked on. Was it by the same company? This helps us ensure we bring the right parts to fix the job and identify solutions that have failed in the past.

3. Take pictures of the equipment when it's not working.

Documentation is critical for a few reasons. First, it will help the repair technician diagnose the problem. It can also be helpful for providing evidence for any warranty requests you might make. You may also be able to photograph or use video to capture an unusual code, noise, light, or temperature that can give more clues to the service tech.

4. Have a backup plan while repairs are happening.

If your equipment breaks down, you need to have a backup plan in place so that you can continue serving your customers. This could mean having a second piece of equipment on hand, using a different supplier, or temporarily closing your restaurant.

By following these tips, you can minimize the impact of commercial kitchen equipment repairs on your restaurant's operations.

Consider planned maintenance now before you experience an issue.

Planned maintenance reduces downtime and helps identify any potential issues before they become big problems. Many times, our technicians will catch a small issue that could balloon into a major problem over time. The best way to avoid problems in the first place is to invest in regular planned maintenance that includes cleaning the equipment and replacing worn parts.

You Can Trust the Professionals at ATECH

At ATECH, we’re committed to providing high-quality work for every customer. In addition to our 96% first-call repair accuracy, we also offer a 90-day written warranty on all of our work. If you’re curious about our services or guarantees, check out what other restaurant managers are saying, explore our planned maintenance program, or request a service call for any issue you experience.

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Spring into Cleanliness: Essential Tips for Restaurant Spring Cleaning

By markl • March 20, 2024

As the season changes and springtime blooms, it's the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your restaurant space. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's about ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for your patrons and staff. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips and best practices for restaurant cleanliness in the springtime. Embrace Deep Cleaning : Spring cleaning is the ideal time to tackle those deep cleaning tasks that may have been neglected during the busier seasons. From scrubbing floors and walls to deep cleaning kitchen equipment, thorough sanitation ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation and service. Focus on High-Traffic Areas : Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as dining areas, restrooms, and entryways. These areas are prone to accumulating dirt, dust, and germs, making regular cleaning essential for maintaining a pristine appearance and preventing the spread of illness. Refresh Outdoor Spaces : If your restaurant has outdoor seating areas, spring is the perfect time to freshen them up. Clean outdoor furniture, sweep away debris, and power wash outdoor surfaces to create an inviting atmosphere for al fresco dining. Check and Replace Equipment Filters : Don't forget to inspect and replace filters in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and ventilation hoods. Clean filters help maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of contaminants, ensuring a healthy indoor environment for both customers and staff. Engage Staff in Cleaning Initiatives : Encourage staff members to take pride in the cleanliness of the restaurant by involving them in spring cleaning initiatives. Assign specific tasks and provide training on proper cleaning procedures to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedule : Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep up with cleaning tasks throughout the year. By incorporating daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines, you can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Invest in Quality Cleaning Products : Choose cleaning products that are effective yet environmentally friendly. Look for products that are certified as safe for use in foodservice establishments and follow manufacturer recommendations for proper application and usage. Monitor and Adjust Cleaning Protocols : Continuously monitor cleaning protocols and adjust as needed based on feedback, customer traffic, and changing regulations. Regular evaluation ensures that your cleaning practices remain effective and in compliance with industry standards. Spring cleaning is an essential aspect of restaurant maintenance that goes beyond just aesthetics. By implementing thorough cleaning routines, engaging staff members, and investing in quality cleaning products, you can create a safe, hygienic environment that enhances the dining experience for your customers and promotes a healthy work environment for your staff. As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that ATECH is here to support you with a wide range of cleaning and maintenance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your restaurant. Happy spring cleaning!

Mastering Winter with ATECH: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

By markl • January 26, 2024

Winter is here, and at ATECH, we understand the unique challenges businesses face in keeping their commercial equipment running smoothly during the colder months. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the strategies, tips, and success stories that can help your business navigate winter effortlessly. From equipment maintenance to emergency services, consider this your go-to resource for mastering winter with ATECH. Winter Equipment Maintenance Tips Checklist for Winter-Ready Equipment: Inspect Seals and Gaskets : Ensure a tight seal to prevent cold air leakage. Check Insulation : Evaluate the insulation of walk-in coolers and freezers. Clean and Sanitize : Thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment surfaces. Temperature Adjustment : Set optimal winter temperatures for each piece of equipment. ATech Maintenance Tips for Different Equipment: Fryers and Grills : Clean and inspect burners for efficient operation. Ice Machines : Check water lines for insulation and replace filters regularly. Heating Systems : Schedule preventive maintenance to optimize efficiency. Electronic Equipment : Keep spaces well-heated and clean to prevent malfunctions. Businesses often grapple with specific equipment failures that can disrupt operations. ATECH understands the challenges posed by heating system malfunctions, electronic equipment performance, and other issues during the colder months. To tackle these common winter-related failures, businesses should prioritize preventive measures. Regular heating system maintenance checks and air filter replacements can prevent malfunctions. For electronic equipment, maintaining ambient room temperature and conducting routine cleaning are key strategies to ensure optimal performance throughout winter. ATECH's Winter Services: A Lifeline for Your Business Winter demands a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, and ATECH stands as the lifeline for businesses navigating the challenges of the season. Our comprehensive winter services go beyond mere repair and include prompt equipment repairs, planned maintenance, and emergency services. With a commitment to same-day service for urgent winter emergencies, ATECH ensures that businesses can rely on swift resolution during critical times. What sets us apart is our team of factory-trained and CFESA-certified technicians, offering not just reliability but a dedicated partnership to keep your business running smoothly through the coldest months. Trust in ATECH, your lifeline in the winter business landscape. Winter doesn't have to be a season of uncertainty for your business. With ATECH by your side, you have a reliable partner dedicated to providing top-notch equipment repairs and maintenance services. Master winter with confidence, knowing that our comprehensive guide and expert services are here to support your business every step of the way. For personalized winter readiness assessments and expert guidance, contact ATECH today. Let's navigate winter together, and keep your business thriving.