How Greener Upgrades Lead to The Green Kitchen Trap

Sustainability is no longer just a trend but an obligation for the food industry. Kitchens all over the country are switching to energy-saving ovens and dishwashers that save water. However, in their attempt to save on utility costs and reduce their carbon footprint, some kitchens are overlooking another crucial aspect of sustainability: appliance maintenance. Eco-friendly appliances do not mean the equipment does not require repairs. In fact, what may seem like an environmentally responsible decision ends up having you in the middle of costly commercial kitchen appliance repair. Here’s how to avoid falling into the green kitchen trap.

Efficiency

One of the most common issues is incompatibility between newly ecologically enhanced appliances and the old kitchen infrastructure. The new high-efficiency cooktop might require a different power draw from the model it replaces. The new refrigerator might perform best in an engineered-for-airflow design that older kitchens weren't designed for. When placed in an incompatible environment, these new appliances operate at a suboptimal level, which can lead to premature wear, unstable running, or breakage. Going green is a smart investment for your business, but following through is equally important. Otherwise, commercial kitchen appliance repair can quickly turn from infrequent issues to an ongoing expense in your budget.

Smart Technology

Green kitchen appliances today are smarter than ever. They are equipped with sensors, digital displays, and automated systems, all aimed at halting waste in its tracks. Smarter, however, does not necessarily translate to easier. These appliances require a lot of attention, increased calibration, exact cleaning, and greater insight into how to use them in narrowly prescribed parameters.

The problem is that commercial kitchens install new green technology without updating practices. Staff may use high-efficiency dishwashers in the same manner as the older model, not knowing that poor loading or the wrong detergent may result in system failure. A ventless fryer can easily be overloaded during busy rush hours if it's not regulated correctly. These errors create stress on the appliances, which they may not be equipped to handle without commercial kitchen appliance repair.

Having The Right Service Team

Not all repair technicians are trained to work on eco-friendly kitchen equipment. Some green appliances are relatively new on the market, with parts that are less readily available, or service needs that few vendors are equipped for. If your kitchen goes green before your service team can handle it, you might wait longer for service or pay extra for an expert.

Even warranty claims can become complex with user error and poor installation. Many green appliances lack the tolerance that their traditional counterparts possess. While this equipment means saving in the long run, they might need commercial kitchen appliance repair in the short term, which not all kitchens can handle.

Sustainability and Maintenance

Upgrading to green appliances is the direction in which most commercial kitchens are heading, but quality and reliability cannot be compromised. Green measures are necessary, but maintenance matters too. To avoid the necessity for frequent commercial kitchen appliance repair, every green upgrade needs to go hand in hand with proper installation, training, and a maintenance schedule. Kitchen equipment that reduces your business’s carbon footprint should be considered an upgrade to the entire kitchen. Besides replacing equipment, knowing how it ticks and affects the kitchen’s workflow is also important.

At Atlantic Equipment Services, we help customers find that balance. If your kitchen is planning an environmentally friendly makeover or is already dealing with the aftermath, give us a call. We help your equipment work well and your business continue moving forward!