Catering Equipment Repair: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong

April 6th, 2023

Last updated: June 9th, 2023

So many different types of business rely on some sort of catering equipment. Whether you run a full commercial kitchen, a food van, or have a kitchen within your premises, for instance within a school or office block.

If something goes wrong with your catering equipment it can be very costly and leave you searching or commercial catering equipment repair companies. In this guide, we explore some of the common issues that may occur with your catering equipment, and what you can do to get up and running again in no time.

Risks of Catering Equipment Breakdowns

There are numerous risks attached to breakdowns within your commercial kitchen. As a business, you may instantly think about the loss of revenue. If you run a commercial kitchen and you can’t open, that means you won’t be making a profit out of it. Also, if something like a commercial freezer breaks you may also lose stock, which can further dent your profit margins.

The most important risk to consider is whether the equipment poses a safety hazard. Whether it could potentially be a fire risk, or risk contaminating food, you need to make sure you don’t take any risks at all with catering equipment malfunctioning. Do not continue to use faulty equipment, and make sure that anything that is no longer fit for purpose gets condemned.

Common Catering Equipment Repairs Required

To give you an idea of some of the issues that can crop up time and time again when running a commercial kitchen, we’ve listed some of the most common types of catering equipment repairs:

Electrical repairs. Catering equipment requires electricity to operate, and electrical repairs are one of the most common repairs. Electrical issues can range from faulty wiring to problems with fuses or circuit breakers. Electrical repairs should only be handled by qualified professionals to avoid accidents.

Gas repairs. Gas is commonly used in the foodservice industry for cooking and heating. Gas leaks, pilot light issues, and malfunctioning valves are some of the common gas-related repairs.

Refrigeration repairs. Refrigeration units are vital in the catering industry, and when they malfunction, it can result in food spoilage and significant losses. Common commercial refrigeration repairs include issues with compressors, thermostats, and refrigerant leaks.

Heating element repairs. Heating elements are commonly found in ovens, toasters, and grills. When they malfunction, it can result in uneven cooking or no heating at all. Heating element repairs involve replacing the faulty element.

Mechanical repairs. Mechanical repairs involve the components that move or require motion, such as fans or motors. These components can wear out over time, resulting in malfunctions that require repairs.

In conclusion, catering equipment repairs can range from simple fixes to more complicated repairs that require professional assistance. Your kitchen may have a wide variety of equipment, from fryers to freezers, sinks to ventilation systems. Unfortunately, there is always the chance for something to go wrong.

What to Do If Your Equipment Goes Wrong?

If you notice an issue with your catering equipment, you should take the following steps:

• Ensure that it is not a safety risk. A problem such as a gas leak or fire would be a safety risk and require instant attention and the possible help of emergency services.
• If there is no threat to life, disconnect the equipment. This could be as simple as turning off the electrical supply to an electric cooker, for instance.
• Speak to a repair company. If you are in the Yorkshire area, feel free to call Robinsons Facilities Services, and our team may be able to advise you on the next steps if your catering equipment has broken.
• Put signs up on the equipment or nearby making sure employees know that it is faulty and not to use it. This could make matters worse or cause a safety hazard.
• Get it repaired. An emergency repair may be costly but it may also be essential if a business-critical piece of equipment goes wrong.

Commercial Catering Equipment Maintenance – Avoid Frequent Breakdowns

Getting commercial catering equipment properly maintained and serviced is essential to avoid breakdowns and ensure that the equipment operates efficiently.

Regular maintenance and servicing can help identify potential problems before they become more significant issues. By detecting and addressing minor problems early on, you can prevent them from escalating into major problems that can result in equipment breakdowns.

When equipment is not functioning correctly, it can also impact the efficiency of the kitchen and the quality of the food being prepared. Proper maintenance and servicing ensure that the equipment is operating at its optimal performance level, ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly and safely. For example, that your oven is cooking to the temperature it claims to be!

Compliance with regulations is another big plus point of servicing your commercial catering equipment. It is subject to various regulations and standards including EICR tests, that require regular maintenance and servicing. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal issues.

At Robinsons Facilities Services, we offer both a repair and maintenance service to ensure your business is compliant whilst also ensuring it runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Our Gas Safe Registered engineers are trained to the latest health and safety standards.

Working across Yorkshire, we cover North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire and offer a fast, efficient response time. Contact us today for all planned, reactive maintenance or emergency call out. Call 01423 226578 or get in touch to see how Robinsons Facilities Services can help.