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Tips and essentials for the restaurant, foodservice and HVAC spaces in one place.

Shutting Down Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Guide
Southbend-Crown-Desmon-Market-Forge-Firex-Equipment-Shutdown-Procedures

There are times when you have to close down a commercial kitchen for a long stretch of time. Equipment manufacturers like Southbend and Crown require specific instructions to ensure their units stay clean and free of damage. Below are shutdown instructions for refrigerated bases, ranges, convection ovens and steam equipment for the following manufacturers:

These instructions are from our friends at the Middleby Corporation.

Shutting Down Refrigerated & Freezer Bases

  • Step 1. Clean the unit by following instructions in the operator’s manual. Any food stains can cause food-based acids to damage surfaces when the range is idle.
  • Step 2. Unplug the unit or trip the breaker. Unplugging the unit or tripping the breaker is very important. You do not want it to run without a load and with the door and drawer open. This will cause the compressor to short cycle. The consistent starting and stopping will shorten the life of the compressor.
  • Step 3. Let the base defrost.
  • Step 4. Once it has defrosted, wipe down the interior of the unit to remove moisture.
  • Step 5. Open all the doors and drawers to the unit. This helps keep the gasket from resting in the closed position.

Shutting Down Ranges

  • Step 1. Clean the range by following instructions in the operator’s manual. Any food stains can cause food-based acids to damage surfaces when the range is idle.
  • Step 2. Turn off the machine’s gas source.
  • Step 3. Open the range door. This helps keep the gasket from resting in the closed position.

Shutting Down Convection Ovens

  • Step 1. Clean the convection oven by following instructions in the operator’s manual. Any food stains can cause food-based acids to damage surfaces when the range is idle.
  • Step 2. Turn off the machine’s gas source.
  • Step 3. Open the oven’s door slightly. This helps keep the gasket from resting in the closed position.
  • Step 4. Unplug the unit or trip the breaker. Most of these oven models also have an interlock that prevent the fan from starting when gas isn’t flowing.

Shutting Down Steam Equipment

  • Step 1. Clean the steam equipment by following instructions in the operator’s manual. Any food stains can cause food-based acids to damage surfaces when the range is idle.
  • Step 2. Drain the boiler base like you would when deliming the unit.
  • Step 3. Shut off the unit and trip the break.
  • Step 4. Drain the filters. (Note: When restarting the unit, follow the operator’s manual to bleed filters)
  • Step 5. Unplug the unit or trip the breaker. Most of these oven models also have an interlock that prevent the fan from starting when gas isn’t flowing.

Other Important Shutdown Notes

  • Gas line – No matter the equipment, make sure the entire gas line is shut down. With units like griddles, the pilot light is not visible and commonly forgotten. Hit the main shut off for the line so nothing is left on. When turned back on, expect the gas line to need to bleed out air for a period of time.
  • Programmed settings – If you have programming or recipes in the equipment, back them up on a USB drive. During extended periods downtime, the battery backup may not maintain the settings.

Authorized service agents also are available to help with any thorough cleanings and shutdown procedures. Contact your local service provider for assistance.

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