7 Commercial Kitchen Equipment Maintenance Tips That Save Thousands

Commercial kitchen equipment represents a massive investment. Proper maintenance can extend equipment life by years and prevent expensive emergency repairs. Here are the essential maintenance practices every Los Angeles restaurant should implement.

1. Clean Range and Oven Burners Weekly

**Why It Matters**: Clogged burners reduce efficiency and create uneven heating, affecting food quality and increasing gas costs.

**How to Do It**:

**Cost Impact**: A poorly maintained range uses 15-20% more gas and may need burner replacement ($200-500) instead of cleaning.

2. Replace Walk-In Cooler Door Gaskets

**Why It Matters**: Worn gaskets allow cold air to escape, forcing your compressor to work harder and use more electricity.

**Signs of Wear**:

**Maintenance Schedule**:

**Cost Impact**: A leaking door gasket can increase energy costs by $50-150 monthly.

3. Descale Coffee and Espresso Equipment

**Why It Matters**: Los Angeles has moderately hard water. Mineral buildup reduces brewing temperature and clogs lines.

**Descaling Schedule**:

**Process**:

**Cost Impact**: Descaling costs $5-10 per service. Ignoring it leads to repairs ($300-1000) or replacement.

4. Clean Fryer Oil and Filter Daily

**Why It Matters**: Fresh oil quality affects food taste, kitchen safety, and equipment longevity.

**Daily Tasks**:

**Weekly Tasks**:

**Oil Change Frequency**:

**Cost Impact**: Daily filtering extends oil life by 30-50%, saving hundreds monthly.

5. Inspect and Clean Refrigeration Coils

**Why It Matters**: Dirty condenser coils are the #1 cause of refrigeration failure.

**Cleaning Schedule**:

**Process**:

**Cost Impact**: Cleaning costs 15 minutes of labor. Compressor replacement costs $800-2000.

6. Calibrate Thermometers Monthly

**Why It Matters**: Food safety depends on accurate temperature readings. Health inspectors check this.

**Calibration Methods**:

**Ice Water Method**:

**Boiling Water Method**:

**What to Check**:

7. Schedule Professional Preventive Maintenance

**Why It Matters**: Some maintenance requires trained technicians and specialized tools.

**Annual Professional Services**:

**Quarterly Services**:

**Cost Impact**: A $200 quarterly service call prevents $2000+ emergency repairs.

Create a Maintenance Log

**Track Everything**:

**Benefits**:

Essential Maintenance Supplies from SHW

Stock these items for routine maintenance:

When to Call for Service

Don't wait for complete failure. Call a technician when you notice:

**Need maintenance supplies or equipment service?** SHW can connect you with qualified technicians and supply all your maintenance needs. Call (310) 971-9571.

Preventive maintenance isn't an expense—it's an investment in your equipment's longevity and your restaurant's success.