🔧 Most Common Commercial Kitchen Equipment Failures (and How to Prevent Them)

📍 Serving Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Westside Provisions, Atlantic Station & More!

Running a commercial kitchen in Atlanta’s bustling neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, or Westside means your appliances work non-stop. When they fail, it’s not just inconvenient — it can lead to health code violations, lost revenue, or worse, a full kitchen shutdown. 😩💸

Here’s a look at the most common commercial kitchen equipment breakdowns — and how you can prevent them from slowing down your business. 👨‍🍳🔍

🔥 1. Deep Fryers – Heating & Thermostat Kitchen Equipment Failures

Problem: When your fryer doesn’t hold temperature or overheats, it affects food quality and safety. Often, the cause is a worn-out thermostat or a clogged gas orifice.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Clean fryer vats and baskets daily

🔧 Check gas flow and calibrate thermostats quarterly

📅 Replace filters and inspect connections regularly

🔍 Local Example:A Buckhead burger bar had uneven fries coming out during lunch rush. Our tech found a faulty high-limit thermostat — swapped and recalibrated same day. 🍟✔️

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2. Commercial Dishwashers – Drainage & Heating Issues- Kitchen Equipment Failures

Problem: Slow draining or failure to sanitize dishes? You’re likely dealing with clogged filters, scale buildup, or a failing heating element.

✅ Prevention Tips Clean filters, jets, and arms weekly

💧 Use a descaler regularly (especially in Midtown, where water hardness is an issue) Ensure the rinse cycle reaches 180°F+ for proper sanitation

💡 Pro Tip: Install a water softener in high-mineral areas like Brookhaven or Virginia-Highland to extend dishwasher lifespan and performance.

🔥 3. Ranges & Ovens – Burner & Ignition Failures

Problem: If burners won’t light or oven temps are inconsistent, expect issues with igniters, thermocouples, or control boards.

✅ Prevention Tips:

Clean burners and ports monthly

🔌 Inspect connections and safety valves every 6 months

Check for proper preheat times and thermostat accuracy

👨‍🍳 Local Case: A fine-dining kitchen near Piedmont Park had multiple burners down before a weekend rush. Diagnosis: one bad igniter and a loose thermocouple — fixed before dinner service started. ⏱️

❄️ 4. Reach-In Coolers – Poor Cooling & Spoilage Risk

Problem:If food temps aren’t staying cold, check for dirty coils, worn gaskets, or refrigerant leaks. It’s a silent profit killer.

✅ Prevention Tips: Clean condenser coils every 2-3 months🧲 Inspect door gaskets for cracks or loose seals📈 Log cooler temps daily (especially in busy areas like West Midtown or Atlantic Station)

⚠️ Real Scenario: A bakery in Old Fourth Ward lost a week of product due to a slow refrigerant leak. After signing up for monthly maintenance, they haven’t had a single cooler issue in over a year.

🛠️ Why Preventive Maintenance Is a Must to Avoid Kitchen Equipment Failures

Don’t wait until equipment failure brings your kitchen to a halt. Investing in routine commercial appliance maintenance means:

✅ Fewer breakdowns

✅ Longer appliance lifespan

✅ Safer, more compliant kitchen

✅ Less stress for your staff and management team

📍 We Proudly Serve:

• Buckhead

• Midtown Atlanta

• Downtown ATL

• Atlantic Station

• West Midtown

• Old Fourth Ward

• Brookhaven

• Virginia-Highland

• Decatur

• Druid Hills

• Chamblee

• And surrounding areas

  
  

📞 Ready to Keep Your Kitchen Running Smoothly?

Trust Commercial Appliance Repair for fast, reliable service on brands like Vulcan, Southbend, True, Imperial, Hobart, and more.

📅 Schedule your preventive maintenance now:🌐 www.commercialappliancerepairatl.com

📞Call: (404)445-5940📍 Locally owned & proudly serving Atlanta's best kitchens.