Hey there, restaurant owners. How’s it going? How are your walk-ins doing? If you’re unsure, you should be checking out the status of those walk-in units. And I don’t mean hacking their imaginary Facebooks.
One Fat Frog loves walk-ins. We love walk-in freezers, coolers and refrigerators. These units save space and keep food safe for customers to enjoy. That’s why it’s important to be attentive to the condition refrigeration is in. When it’s time to part with the unit, you’ve just gotta let go. Accept it, and move on. You’ll find another one!
Depending upon the walk-in unit, they can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. This is determined by how well you take care of them. We got a little help from our friends, Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, for some tips on how to maintain walk-ins for your restaurant. There are four main factors you should keep in mind to keep your food tasting good and your restaurant staff happy.
1. Door maintenance
One of the most common issues with restaurant walk-in units is the doors not closing properly. Keep in mind that in order for your food to remain fresh, the doors need to be able to close! Slamming, unhinging, and other problems can lead to the doors not closing. Check the doors every day to see if they need to be repaired or replaced.
2. Walls and Floors
Things get tired and they get worn out over time. You can only use the same equipment in your restaurant for so long. Wear and tear leads to deterioration. If panel joints get damaged, cold air escapes, which wastes energy. If the unit is losing energy over a long period of time, then it may be time to replace your walk-in unit.
3. Reliability
Your restaurant food needs to be able to keep food at a safe temperature. If the refrigeration unit fails, it will lead to inconsistent temperatures, which will harm the food. If this happens, then the unit should be replaced so you can serve up better food.
4. Food safety
It gets cold in Florida. It also gets cold in restaurants and the walk-in units. If the temperature is inconsistent, there’s the possibility for frost to build up on the inside panel surface. If frost builds up, then the unit is unable to maintain the appropriate temperatures for storing food. If there is any reason the unit jeopardizes food safety, then it’s time to get a new unit.
When you’ve got something good, maintain it! Clean your walk-ins regularly with water and bleach. Inspect your walk-in units to ensure that the temperature is accurate and that there are no leaks. On top of these inspections, make sure the units are serviced regularly by technicians. Food safety is one of the most important concerns for restaurants.
Keep these safety tips in mind. Walk-ins are great for saving space and keeping food cool. But make sure you maintain them. One Fat Frog wants to see you succeed in your restaurant, and for you to be happy with your equipment.