Cook's Heating & Cooling

Oil quality directly affects fryer performance and longevity. Degraded oil causes: higher operating temperatures needed, longer cook times, off-flavors, and increased carbon buildup on heating elements and thermostat probes. Proper oil management includes: filtering daily, testing oil quality with strips or meters, full oil changes based on usage (typically every 1-3 weeks), and cleaning the fryer tank when changing oil. Poor oil management is a leading cause of premature fryer failure.

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.

Chemical dispensing problems are typically caused by: clogged or faulty chemical pumps, incorrect dilution ratios, empty chemical containers, broken injection lines, or control board issues. In low-temperature machines, proper chemical concentration is essential for sanitization — test strips should verify concentration after every repair. Many chemical distributors offer free testing; alternatively, a technician can verify and repair the dispensing system.