Published: 15th May 2023
Ventilation systems ensure that the air quality in your commercial kitchen is safe. Ensuring that your system is regularly maintained and working efficiently is key. An inadequately functioning system can not only lead to poor indoor air quality but result in increased energy costs if the system has to work harder or for longer to remove airborne contaminants, greases or odours.
Induction cooking is considered to be more energy-efficient and safer than gas cooking. Induction appliances use electromagnetic technology to heat the cookware directly rather than heating the air around it. This results in less energy waste and faster cooking times. As you only pay for the electricity when the pan is on the hob, this reduces your cost massively!
They are also incredibly easy to use; unlike gas ovens requiring manual ignition, induction ovens turn on and off instantly while offering precise temperature control.
Make sure that your commercial kitchen environment complies with The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. For example, this includes regular inspections and maintenance on ventilation or cooking systems and ensuring that all equipment is correctly installed and functioning as intended. Gas Safe trained and registered engineers must be used on gas appliances.
As we all know, failure to comply with regulations has the potential to not only lead to fines and other penalties but could impact your care home’s reputation.
As part of your strategic planning, implement an audit system to keep track of your equipment’s maintenance and anticipated lifecycle. Having a Planned Preventative Maintenance contract with suppliers is one way of doing this. Grading equipment in-house and keeping a maintenance schedule will allow you to plan better and budget for your ongoing equipment needs.
Encourage chefs not to keep burners on from the start of the working day until the end to help reduce energy costs. Also, consider small ideas, such as using lids on pots and pans to help retain heat and reduce cooking times. Even batch cooking can help minimise the energy needed to cook multiple items.
Image: Pelican Procurement Services | https://pelicanprocurement.co.uk/resources/commercial-catering-equipment-money-saving-tips-for-care-home-caterers/
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