The most common cause of all breakdowns in catering equipment is the lack of a preventative maintenance program or in other words the frequency of scheduled servicing. Catering equipment like any other machinery or equipment must be serviced regularly to ensure optimum performance, longevity and breakdown minimisation.

Some operators try to save money by not servicing their equipment unless it has broken down. This costs more money when you take into account the damage to the equipment, higher repair bills, downtime, loss of productivity, and dissatisfied customers. Having a scheduled maintenance program not only saves you money, it eliminates unexpected and costly breakdowns during operation.

Here are some great tips for getting the best out of your catering equipment:

* Install the equipment in a good location, paying attention to easy access, other appliances nearby and taking occupational health and safety in mind.
* Ensure the equipment is within the required distance to services (electricity, water, drain, ventilation, etc) as allowed by the manufacturer.
* Ensure the equipment is installed correctly according to manufacturer's specifications. In the interest of your own safety and the safety of your workers please avoid taking shortcuts.
* Do not attempt to install the equipment yourself or by your handyman if the equipment requires installation by a qualified and professional technician. Some equipment require certain technical knoweldge for installation and commissioning which your handy man will not pocess.
* If the appliance requires a water filtration system installed, please install one that conforms to the appliance and to your local water condition. It will protect your investment, prolongs its life span, and improve the quality of products produced through the equipment.
* Read the instructions manuals and if uncertain, contact the seller or the authorised agent.
* Use the equipment for the purpose it was intended for and within the manufacturer's guidelines. In other words, ensure you are not overloading the equipment or using it for a job the machine was never made for.
* Follow the correct cleaning procedures and clean the equipment as regularly as you can.
* Ask your supplier or the authorised agent if they can provide you with a preventative maintenance program.

Following these recommendations, your equipment will last longer and you will enjoy better performance and fewer breakdowns.