Kitchen refrigeration equipment ready for the summer

Maintenance and cleaning operations that improve reliability are profitable investments. A little effort can go a long way.

The function of refrigeration equipment is to keep the product stored in it at the right temperature. The target storage temperature is lower than the ambient room temperature, so a mechanism is needed to transfer the heat. The principle of operation is that the refrigerant circulated by the compressor in the pipework changes its state at different stages: inside the unit, the refrigerant absorbs heat as it evaporates into a gas in the evaporator, and outside, it releases heat as it condenses back into a liquid in the condenser. The refrigerator, despite its name, does not therefore bring cold air into the appliance, but transports warm air out of it.

The functioning of refrigeration equipment is ensured by keeping it in good working order through regular care and maintenance. Their performance is affected by everything from design and installation to in-service care and maintenance. Users can carry out some of these operations themselves, but there are certain operations for which it is advisable to seek professional help.

Circumstances matter

Correct use of refrigeration equipment in accordance with the instructions ensures that products are preserved as intended. Care should be taken when placing products in, for example, a refrigerator or freezer cabinet, to ensure that the fill level does not exceed the recommended level and that air circulation within the cabinet is not impeded.

The packaging of the products must be leak-proof to prevent excess moisture from entering the cabinet. It is equally important to remember the difference between storage and cooling equipment. Refrigeration storing equipment is not intended for cooling products, for that it is need to have Blast Chiller or Blast Freezer instead.

The lifetime of a refrigeration compressor is very much dependent on the operating conditions. If the refrigerator doors are open frequently or for long periods of time, the cold "escapes" causing warm and moist air gets inside cabinet. Then the compressor load increases, and its operating hours accumulate more quickly. At the same time, energy consumption also increases due to the additional load.

Usually in summertime ambient air is warm and humid. Refrigeration equipment can sweat from surfaces such as round the door gasket etc. and evaporator collects frost, which is caused by differences in ambient temperature and humidity. In some cases this can be overcome by adjusting the room temperature (AC). In most of the units there are automatic defrost programs to keep Evaporators out of frost blocking the air circulation and heat exchange in cabinet. After defrost drip water is then lead to evaporated, collected or drained, it depends the type and installation of the unit.

Help from the user manual

Maintenance and cleaning operations that improve reliability are profitable investments. A little effort can go a long way, as equipment downtime reduces a restaurant's ability to provide service and results in financial losses. If not detected in time, equipment failures can even lead to food poisoning.

The user manual that comes with the device will tell you what you can do yourself. If this important document has been lost, you should ask the seller of the device for a new copy.

The most important user maintenance is cleaning the condenser and filter. A dirty or dusty condenser will not operate efficiently and may even pose a fire hazard. A clogged condenser will cause the refrigerator not to get enough air, which will result in the set temperature values not being reached. At the same time, the fan and compressor overheat and are in danger of breaking down.

It is also essential to ensure that evaporator coil defrost and the drainage and evaporation of the defrost water function properly. When inspecting the refrigeration compressor, it is worth listening to the noise level yourself and having a professional check functions and refrigerant levels regularly. Checking that the fans and thermostat are working properly is essential to maintaining the correct temperature level. It is also worth checking that doors and drawers are tight and working properly, and that the thermometer is working properly.

Be careful with electricity 

Safety is an important consideration here too. Before maintaining any electric equipment, it is advisable to de-energize it. So unplug the plug from the wall! Clogged condensers and filters in refrigeration appliances cause countless service calls in professional kitchens and shorten the life of the appliances. "The one who takes care is the one who has the time" is a very poor-quality rule. To ensure that cleaning is carried out regularly, it should be the responsibility of a designated person. The operation itself is very simple and requires no special skills or tools.

The best tool for cleaning is an ordinary dishwashing brush, which can easily remove the dust from between the condenser fins. The idea is that the user does not break his hands on the sharp edges, while the right tool prevents damage to the fins. After brushing, the visible parts of the machine can be vacuumed. If necessary, the removable filter can be washed and rinsed under a tap.

While the refrigeration unit is switched off, a slightly more thorough spring cleaning should be carried out. A thorough cleaning of refrigerators, glass displays and cold drawers is a snap when the shelves and drawers are empty.

– When the seals on the doors and drawer frames are cleaned, they can be tested to see if they are intact. Also check that the doors and drawers close properly. It is a good idea to spray food-compatible lubricant on the drawer slides at the same time. Broken seals should be replaced, as they not only cause cold leaks but also pose a hygiene risk by allowing dirt to get into awkward places. In some appliances, you can replace the seal yourself, advice Metos technical support team.

Organizing products is important

On hot summer days, the hardest hit are refrigeration appliances installed in confined spaces or in rooms where the temperature in the apartment can rise. For example, a lowered kitchen ceiling makes it difficult for refrigerators to ventilate. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in the kitchen.
Although it is not possible to move roofs or tune up the air conditioning, there are many small details that can affect the performance and lifespan of the appliance. Note that even the right filling of the unit makes an incredible difference.

– When filling the refrigerator, the circulation of the indoor air must not be obstructed. A fully loaded freezer will certainly not survive the summer months. Food should be stored in closed or lidded containers. Keep in mind that, products that are easily evaporated, such as vinegar, cause corrosion in the evaporator and shorten the life of the machinery, advice Metos technical support team.

If during the spring cleaning you suspect that the refrigeration equipment needs more attention, you should call in a service technician. The maintenance program includes checking the operation of the refrigeration unit, door switches, temperature controls and defrosting and making any necessary repairs. Preventive maintenance ensures that the equipment operates when it is needed most, i.e. during the heat of the summer. Warm weather and the holiday season combine to keep maintenance order books fuller than usual. Preventive maintenance should be done before the leaves are on the trees.

Read more about our maintenance service:

Periodic maintenance has an important goal: to ensure the continuity of a professional kitchen's operations

Maintain kitchen equipment regularly – save money and the environment

Metos Maintenance keeps your professional kitchen in working order

Watch the video to clean the condenser and filter of Metos Start refrigerators and freezers