Rochester Local Handyman & Contractor

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.

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.

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.