Dupree Appliance

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.

Commercial ice machines should be professionally cleaned and sanitized every 6 months at minimum, or more frequently in hard water areas. The FDA Food Code requires ice machines to be clean and sanitized to prevent mold, slime, and bacterial growth. Between professional cleanings, staff should clean the exterior, ice bin, and scoop holder regularly. Many operators who skip cleaning face costly repairs from scale buildup and potential health code violations.

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.