Glenn Staci L

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 oven repair costs range from $200 to $2,000+ depending on the issue. Common repairs: igniter replacement $200-$400, thermostat or temperature probe $250-$500, gas valve replacement $350-$700, control board $600-$1,500, heating element (electric) $200-$600. Diagnostic fees of $100-$200 are typically applied to the repair total.

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.