How to Maintain Stainless Steel Restaurant Equipment

Most restaurants are full of stainless steel equipment because it is very easy to clean and durable. Properly maintained and cleaned stainless steel equipment will not only last longer, save money, but it also keeps food safer. Below are some tips that will help you maintain your stainless steel restaurant equipment:

Use The Right Tools To Clean It
You have to use the right tools in order to maintain the appearance of stainless steel. Sponges, plastic scouring pads and soft cloths are the best types of tools to use. Steel wool, scrapers and wire brushes should not be used because it could possibly scratch the surface.

Use The Right Cleaning Products
You should avoid using any type of product that contains chlorine. Even though chloride can kill bacteria that are on the surface, it will do a lot more harm than good. Chlorine will cause the chromium layer of the stainless steel to deteriorate. Alkaline and non-chloride cleaning products are the best types to use. Excel and Spiffy Spine are examples of cleaning products that are great choices for cleaning steel.

Furthermore, you may want to consider using baking soda. Baking soda is a great for removing grease stains. You just need to add some water to the baking soda in order to form a paste. Apply it to the areas with the grease.

Clean Up Spills Immediately
Spills should be cleaned up immediately. Spills can damage the chromium layer of the stainless steel, which is its protective layer. It will also be easier for you to clean the stainless steel later if you use clean up the spills immediately.

Consider Using A Water Softener
Hard water can damage stainless steel. That is why you may want to consider using a water softener. It is also a good idea to avoid letting water stand on the stainless steel for long periods of time.

It is not that difficult to maintain stainless steel restaurant equipment, but make sure that you use the right products to clean the stainless steel and to make cleanliness a priority. 

Ice-O-Matic Ice Machines

For over 50 years Ice-O-Matic has been involved in the manufacture of ice machines and accessories. Ice-O-Matic is recognized the world over as a leader in the production and servicing of ice machines. They are recognized for the development of modern commercial technologies in the ice-making field, which allow for safer production and use of our ice-making products. Our service to the customer is unrivaled, and it is delivered by technicians who are internationally certified in their trade. 

Ice-O-Matic carries a full line of ice makers that produce crystal-clear cube and pearl-shaped ice cubes, as well as flaked ice available in modular and self-contained models. The self-contained units are smaller in size, and are designed to be placed under commercial counters, such as those found at bars and coffee shops. The modular units can produce up to 1,856 pounds of ice per day, while the self-contained units have a maximum production capacity of 356 pounds of ice per day. The type of ice you are looking for, as well as your own personal design and sizing preferences, will determine the ice-making unit you will need. A technician is available to help you with the choice. 

Ice storage bins of the kind that are seen in grocery stores, and water/ice dispensers, such as are used in hospitals are also available. Our dispensers are small enough in size to fit on a desk or counter top, and can dispense ice alone, or both water and ice, depending on the unit you choose. Our ice storage bins are available in slope front or upright models, and the largest of them can efficiently hold up to 1,807 pounds of ice.

Browse our selection of ice making machines including Ice-O-Matic machines available at Discount Restaurant Supply and if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. 

Planning Your Commercial Restaurant Kitchen for Success

One of the most expensive and important parts of opening a restaurant is preparing the kitchen.  The way you plan your commercial kitchen can enable success and profitability or haunt you with inconvenience and be very expensive to fix.  Make sure you spend plenty of time planning your kitchen to create the best environment for your restaurant.

Plan Your Restaurant Kitchen for Usage
The kitchen is the heart of the restaurant.  When your restaurant is busy there may be dozens of people trying to get what they need to serve your customers effectively.  Think about the flow of food and people when you are planning the kitchen.  Make it easy for servers to come in and out of the kitchen and get what they need quickly. Decide what commercial cooking equipment you need to prepare the food you are planning.  Designate places to keep hot food hot and cold food cold.  Do not forget to keep sanitation in mind.  Plan places for sinks, dishwashers, and other sanitation equipment.

Check with Your Local Health Department and Fire Marshal
One critical step in designing a restaurant kitchen is checking with the local health department.  Before you can open your restaurant, it will need to be inspected to receive your license.  Every health department has different regulation that need to be met in order to pass the inspection.  Also, check with the local fire marshal to see what requirements need to be met to pass the fire inspection.  The fire department may have specific ventilation requirements that can require major changes to your kitchen plan.

Consult with an Experienced Chef or Restaurant Consultant
Before finalizing any kitchen plans or making any purchases, bring in an expert to overlook your plans.  If you are not a professional chef, bring someone in that has years of experience running a commercial kitchen to get their input.  Experts will bring a new perspective and be able to give you extensive advice on layout and choosing the best restaurant supplies for your needs.  A restaurant expert will be able to spot simple mistakes that will save you money, time and a headache later on.

Choose Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment 
Once the plan is complete it is time to choose your equipment.  With your kitchen plan, most decisions should already be made, but you will still find many options when you go to purchase the equipment.  Do your research to select the best brands and to get the best price on all of your equipment. Discount Restaurant Supply carries a comprehensive selection of restaurant equipment.  We stock the best brands and keep them at low prices to make it easier for you to furnish your commercial kitchen.

Discount Restaurant Supply, Inc.

Discount Restaurant Supply, Inc.

Discount Restaurant Supply, Inc is a leading restaurant supply company, and has been serving the needs of businesses as well as individuals. From commercial restaurant equipment; including walk-in coolers, convection ovens, and commercial refrigerators, to smallwares and supplies, we have consistently provided great products and prompt delivery.

We are exclusive dealer of Turbo Air, Vulcan, and Accutemp equipment. We are also a Ice-O-Matic dealer. We welcome the opportunity to introduce you to our company and our vast line of products that will undoubtedly suit your needs now and in the years to come. We are confident that we can provide our continuing services for you in an efficient and cost effective manner.

Sincerely,

Discount Restaurant Supply