Budget Appliance Outlet

Emergency repair typically costs 1.5-2.5x normal rates. After-hours service calls usually run $150-$300 for the diagnostic fee, plus parts and labor. Weekend and holiday rates can be higher. However, the cost of downtime — lost revenue, food waste, and staff idle time — almost always exceeds the emergency service premium. Most providers charge $100-$200 diagnostic fees that apply to the total repair.

1) Do NOT operate any electrical switches, phones inside, or create any sparks. 2) Evacuate all staff and customers immediately. 3) Call 911 from outside the building. 4) Call your gas company's emergency line. 5) Do NOT re-enter until emergency responders clear the building. 6) Contact a certified kitchen equipment technician to inspect and repair gas connections before reopening. Gas leaks can cause explosions — always take them seriously.

Preventive maintenance frequency depends on the equipment and usage volume. As a general guideline: fryers and ovens should be inspected every 3-6 months; refrigeration equipment annually or semi-annually; ice machines every 6 months (including cleaning and sanitizing); exhaust hoods quarterly to semi-annually per NFPA 96; and dishwashers quarterly. High-volume operations benefit from more frequent service intervals.