Things to Consider Before Buying Catering Equipment

Every product has its potential downsides, and when you’re getting ready to make a sizable investment to switch to induction cooking and catering equipment you need to work through the pros and cons to make sure the purchase and process is right for your catering business.

Pacemakers and other Medical Equipment

A number of medical devices and equipment, like Pacemakers, can be interrupted by the electro-magnetic field put out by induction cooking.  If someone with a Pacemaker works in your kitchen, or you have one, then consult a physician about how an induction cooktop could affect your medical equipment to make sure it’s safe for you and your workers.

Pricing Considerations on Catering Equipment

Switching to induction cooking isn’t just a matter of buying a cooktop or induction surface.  You need catering equipment and cookware that is compatible with induction cooking.  Everything you own that is used for cooking will need to be replaced.  This can be done slowly if utilize both induction and traditional cooking methods.

Safe Electrical Connections in your Commercial Kitchen

Because induction cooking relies on electricity, you need to have your outlets tested in the kitchen to ensure they’re safe.  If your cooktop will feature multiple burners then you likely need a 220/40 amp circuit.  Factor in all the potential expenses, including running new wiring, to add induction cooking to your kitchen.

Maintaining an Induction Cooker and Catering Equipment

The induction surface and cooker are maintenance free for the most part.  Like any other equipment they will need regularly cleaning and sanitizing to keep them restaurant ready.  To increase the lifespan of your induction cooker, add a surge/energy spike protection device where the cooker will be run.  When the cooker is not being used, shut down the mains for that unit if it won’t be used for more than a few hours.  Also, check the controls before you close the kitchen.  Since it doesn’t give off heat, it’s easy to forget that its on which can waste a lot of electricity and wear down the unit.

Clean your cooker at least once a week in accordance with the procedures outlined in the user’s manual. Finally, it is a good idea to test your assortment of vessels with a magnet to verify compatibility before using them.