Smith Brothers Appliance & H V Air Conditioning

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.

Most commercial kitchen equipment installations require permits: gas appliance permits for any gas connection work, electrical permits for new circuits or panel changes, plumbing permits for water and drain connections, and health department approval for new food service operations or major renovations. Requirements vary by jurisdiction — your installer should know local requirements. Operating without required permits can result in fines and forced closure during inspections.

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.