Food Service Industry Equipment Service, Parts, Repair, Training and Installation in Canada

Your Canadian Foodservice Equipment 2024 Ongoing Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Create ongoing preventive foodservice equipment maintenance to ensure smooth operation. When gone unchecked, commercial kitchen cleaning and foodservice maintenance procedures can result in unintended consequences and costs. A good preventive maintenance routine can reduce the chance of equipment failure with preemptive measures.

From walk-in coolers to ice cream machines, combi ovens to griddles, coffee machines to ice machines there are motors, pumps, vents and computers running every minute of the day in the equipment of a foodservice operation.

A good maintenance routine goes beyond the daily disinfecting and cleaning. It includes checking mechanical and electrical components, flushing out valves and changing filters.

Your 2024 Canadian Foodservice Maintenance Checklist*

GRIDDLES
Daily
Check the grill is level and adjust as needed

Monthly
✔ Check and calibrate the thermostat

Quarterly
✔Visually inspect the top and bottom of the griddle

✔Check for stress cracks in the cooking surface

✔Check gas pressure on gas grills and amp reading on electric grills

✔Check knobs for wear and replace as needed

COMBI OVENS
Weekly
✔ Check for grease buildup

✔ Check heat exchanger for deformities

✔ Check for loose or disconnected pipes

✔ Clean filter

Monthly
✔ Test draining from oven cavity and check lines for leaks or clogs

Annually
✔ Replace steam bypass hose

✔ Check drain lines and solenoid hoses

✔ Check knobs, handles and gaskets and repair as needed

✔ Tighten bolts

✔ Inspect electrical connections


CARBONATED BEVERAGE DISPENSERS
Weekly
✔ Clean ice bin

Monthly
✔ Flush and clean syrup lines

✔ Test syrup/water ratio

✔ Clean connectors at the bag-in-boxes

✔ Make sure to match the bag-in-boxes to the right dispenser when refilling


DISH MACHINES
Weekly
✔ Check that the water temperature and rinse pressure are within the manufacturer’s guidelines

✔ Make sure drain lines are clear of debris

✔ Check flue opening for obstructions

✔ Check that the float valve isn’t stuck in the “open” mode

Monthly
✔ Check chemical dispenser is working properly

Annually
✔ If unit has curtains, change them if worn

✔ Check pump motors and make sure they’re operating efficiently


MICROWAVE OVENS
Monthly
✔ Check door latches

✔ Check turntable motor

✔ Check charcoal filter for grease buildup and replace if needed

WALK-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS
Monthly
✔ Vacuum condensers

✔ Check and clean evaporator fin blades

✔ Check that fan motor is running properly

Quarterly
✔ Check space at the top of the door for proper alignment

✔ Check door hinges, floors and walls for signs of wear and replace or repair if necessary

REACH-IN REFRIGERATORS
Monthly
✔ Clean condenser coil

✔ Check for torn gaskets and inspect seals

✔ Clean evaporator fans

✔ Check condensation

Quarterly
✔ Check temperature controls

✔ Check head pressure on the compressor to ensure the correct amount of refrigerant

CONVECTION OVENS
Monthly
✔ Clean air intake vent (usually located on the rear of the oven)

✔ Clean and remove obstructions from flue

✔ Check door seal for any damage

Annually
✔ Check venting system for possible deterioration

✔ Check thermostat and temperature probes for correct calibration

✔ On some models, lubricate the oven-door chain with high-temperature grease

FRYERS
Monthly
✔ Power off fryer, pull it out and clean the back wall

✔ Clean controls to keep free of grease buildup

✔ Replace broken knobs

✔ Check power cord and connections

✔ Check that pilot light maintains proper flame

✔ Check O-ring integrity and drain pan connection

✔ Clean blower, vents and combustion components

Semiannually
✔ Hire a certified technician to conduct a fire suppression inspection

ICE MACHINES
Monthly
✔ Clean and sanitize bin liner

Semiannually
✔ Descale water system and change filters

✔ Clean remote- or air-cooled condenser coil

✔ Clean or change air filters

Annually
✔ Change hoses and O-rings as needed

✔ Inspect auger and top bearing on flake-ice machines

(*As recommended by Foodservice Equipment Report / Heritage Service Canada)