California Plumbing & Radiant Heating Inc.

Commercial kitchen equipment lifespans vary: commercial ovens 15-20 years, fryers 10-15 years, refrigeration equipment 10-15 years, ice machines 7-10 years, dishwashers 10-15 years, steam tables 10-15 years. Regular preventive maintenance significantly extends equipment life. Equipment that is properly maintained often outlasts these averages by 5+ years.

Kitchen equipment emergencies include: walk-in cooler/freezer temperature rising (food inventory at risk), gas leak or smell, fire suppression system discharge, electrical sparks or burning smells, complete loss of cooking equipment during service hours, dishwasher failure during a busy shift, or any situation creating an immediate food safety risk. These situations require immediate professional attention and may require temporary closure.

A comprehensive PM program should include: scheduled inspections at manufacturer-recommended intervals, cleaning of condenser coils and filters, calibration of temperature controls, inspection and testing of safety systems, lubrication of moving parts, replacement of wear items (gaskets, filters, belts), refrigerant level checks, combustion analysis for gas equipment, and detailed documentation for each visit. Avoid programs that are just a visual inspection without hands-on service.