AAA Affordable Plumbing

Critical food safety temperatures: Cold holding — 40°F (4°C) or below for refrigeration; freezer 0°F (-18°C) or below. Hot holding — 140°F (60°C) or above for steam tables and food warmers. Cooking temperatures vary by food type (145°F-165°F). Dishwasher final rinse — 180°F (82°C) for high-temp machines. Any equipment consistently failing to maintain these temperatures is both a safety risk and a health code violation.

Installation costs vary widely: single appliance installation $300-$2,000 depending on complexity (simple drop-in vs. gas/electrical connections required); complete kitchen buildout $15,000-$75,000+. Costs include equipment setting, utility connections (gas, electric, water, drain), ventilation hookup, and commissioning. Always get installation quotes separate from equipment costs — some dealers include installation, others charge separately.

The hi-limit switch is a safety device that cuts power when fryer temperature exceeds safe limits. Common causes: faulty thermostat allowing oil to overheat, failing hi-limit switch itself, improper temperature settings, low oil level exposing heating elements, or carbon buildup insulating heating elements. Never bypass the hi-limit switch — it prevents fires. Call a technician to diagnose the root cause.