Thrifty Appliances

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.

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.