How often should you perform preventive maintenance on your food service equipment?

1 Know your equipment

Different types of food service equipment have different maintenance needs and frequencies. For example, refrigeration units may require monthly cleaning of the coils and fans, while ovens may need quarterly calibration and lubrication. You should consult the manufacturer's manual for each equipment to find out the recommended maintenance procedures and intervals. You should also keep track of the age, warranty, and performance of your equipment to identify any signs of wear and tear or potential issues.

2 Follow a checklist

A preventive maintenance checklist is a useful tool for ensuring that all necessary tasks and steps are completed for each piece of equipment. This checklist can help you prioritize maintenance activities, depending on their frequency and who is responsible for them. You can either create your own checklist based on the equipment's specifications and needs, or use a template from a reliable source. The checklist should include the name and location of the equipment, the date and time of the maintenance, who performed it, the tasks and steps involved, the tools and materials used, any results or observations, as well as any actions or recommendations for future maintenance.

3 Train your staff

Your staff are the ones who use and operate your food service equipment on a daily basis, so they should be trained and involved in the preventive maintenance process. You should educate your staff on the importance and benefits of preventive maintenance, as well as the best practices and safety precautions for each equipment. You should also assign roles and responsibilities for your staff to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, sanitizing, and inspecting the equipment. You should also encourage your staff to report any problems or concerns with the equipment as soon as possible.

4 Hire a professional

Some preventive maintenance tasks may require the expertise and skills of a professional technician, especially for complex or specialized equipment. You should hire a qualified and certified professional to perform periodic maintenance on your equipment, such as electrical, plumbing, or mechanical repairs. You should also establish a good relationship with your service provider and schedule regular service visits to ensure that your equipment is in top shape. You should also have a contingency plan in case of emergencies or breakdowns that require immediate attention.

5 Review and improve

Preventive maintenance is not a one-time or static activity, but a continuous and dynamic process that requires regular review and improvement. You should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your preventive maintenance program, using metrics such as equipment performance, reliability, and lifespan. You should also collect and analyze feedback from your staff, customers, and service providers to identify any gaps or opportunities for improvement. You should also update and adjust your preventive maintenance schedule and checklist as needed, based on your equipment condition and needs.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?