So you’ve installed some new kitchen equipment, and you’re excited to get started. It’s a great feeling. But there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you get started. Check out these guidelines for using kitchen equipment from Automatic Ice Maker Co, New Jersey’s kitchen equipment specialists.
1. Safety First
I know it goes without saying, but a lot of people are so eager to get started that they skip the manual, or just gloss over it. A large percentage of injuries from kitchen equipment occurs when the operator does not know how to operate the equipment properly. Most equipment that can hurt you can safety features, but you’ll need to know what they are and how to engage them before you get started.
2. Double Check the Warranty
In most cases, the warranty on kitchen equipment will come with specific stipulations. If you use the equipment improperly or alter it, the warranty may not apply. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the warranty before getting started.
3. Test
You wouldn’t serve food to your customers without tasting it first, so don’t use new kitchen equipment without trying it out a few times. In other words, the first time you use the equipment should not be in service. Try it out. Test a few recipes. Make sure that you know what the equipment is capable of before rolling it out into production.
4. Train Your Staff
Anybody who may end up using equipment should be trained in its usage. If someone calls in sick or you get slammed, you might end up assigning someone to use a piece of equipment they are not familiar with. That’s a recipe for an OSHA citation. Make sure that for any new piece of equipment your team is properly trained on safety and usage, even when it is just replacing a similar piece of equipment you had to let go.
Following these basic guidelines for using kitchen equipment will help you get the most out of your equipment, avoiding injuries or putting yourself in a bad position of relying on a piece of equipment you haven’t tested yet.
