Keeping your catering equipment in top condition is vital for a busy commercial kitchen. When a key appliance fails during service, it doesn’t just slow things down. It can cost you revenue, damage your reputation, and create a stressful working environment.
At Empire Services, we’re regularly called out to deal with catering equipment issues across Devon and Cornwall. Many of these breakdowns could be prevented with simple checks, planned servicing, and better day-to-day care.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common equipment failures, why they happen, and how to stop them from disrupting your kitchen.
Oven and Range Failures
Commercial ovens and ranges are heavily used and often exposed to grease, high temperatures, and continual wear. Burners not lighting, uneven heating, or full system shutdowns are all regular callouts.
Prevention tip:
Have the appliance cleaned thoroughly every week and schedule a professional service every six months. Build-up inside burners or fan systems is one of the most common causes of failure.
Dishwasher and Glasswasher Issues
Water not draining, poor wash results, and heating faults are typical with undercounter and pass-through washers. Lime scale is a major contributor, especially in hard water areas like South Devon.
Prevention tip:
Use the correct cleaning chemicals and run a cleaning cycle daily. Fit a water softener if your area is prone to scale. Regular descaling and servicing will extend the life of the machine.
Refrigeration Units Cutting Out
Fridges and freezers working overtime in the summer months can begin to show signs of wear. This is usually caused by blocked condensers, failing door seals, or overstocking.
Prevention tip:
Clean condenser coils monthly, check seals for air leaks, and avoid overloading shelves. Make sure airflow isn’t restricted and have a technician inspect pressure levels and thermostat function seasonally.
Need help with a faulty fridge or freezer? Our team handles full repairs and servicing for all major makes. See our catering equipment services for more.
Fryer Problems and Error Codes
Electric or gas fryers can become dangerous or unreliable when filters are blocked or thermostats fail. Oil not heating properly is a common cause of delays during peak hours.
Prevention tip:
Change the oil regularly and filter it daily. Book a professional inspection at least twice a year to check for temperature control faults or wiring issues.
Extraction and Ventilation Failures
Poor air flow or extractor fans not working can lead to heat build-up and compliance issues in kitchens. This often stems from grease-clogged ductwork or failed motors.
Prevention tip:
Grease filters should be cleaned daily and ductwork cleaned professionally on a schedule that matches your usage. Many issues are avoidable with routine checks and a planned maintenance contract.
Why Regular Maintenance is Better Than Emergency Callouts
Across Devon and Cornwall, we support restaurants, cafés, takeaways, and hospitality venues with preventative maintenance contracts that reduce breakdowns and extend the lifespan of equipment.
Emergency repairs are sometimes unavoidable. However, more often than not, we see preventable problems caused by skipped services, blocked filters, or general wear and tear.
Our Service Areas
From Torquay and Exeter to Plymouth and across rural Devon, our team responds quickly to urgent repair needs and planned maintenance. We work with all major brands of catering equipment and support both independent kitchens and large commercial operations.
📞 Need a reliable repair or servicing plan for your kitchen? Call Empire Services on 01803 500 908.
View our full Catering Equipment page.
