Ruben's Appliances Lv

1) Check if the condenser unit is running. 2) Inspect condenser coils for dirt and debris — blocked coils are a common cause. 3) Ensure walk-in door gaskets are sealing properly. 4) Check if evaporator fan is running. 5) Look for ice buildup on evaporator coils (defrost system failure). If temperature is rising significantly, move temperature-sensitive inventory and call a technician immediately — this is an emergency situation.

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.

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.