The State of the Kitchen

Ice machines are a key component in most food service operations. We need ice for all of our soft drinks, mixed beverages, and often times just to sell in bags.

While almost all establishments have ice makers, it's important to note that this equipment has very specific maintenance requirements in order to ensure high product quality, customer safety, reliable service and to maintain the factory warranty.

These machines are cool, wet, and typically dark on the inside making them an exceptionally hospitable environment for mold and bacteria. The manufacturers do what they can to prevent this by building the equipment with anti-microbial plastic compounds that are much less inviting to the organisms seeking to grow their little colonies there.

Depending on the environment, somewhere between one and four times annually we would perform a cleaning and sanitization procedure on each ice machine. This is critical to removing the yucky stuff before it ends up in your customers drink.

Our team loves working on ice makers, and we're looking forward to hear from you about yours!

Call or text today at (605) 880-2809 to schedule your ice machine for a service.

Fryers come in a variety of styles. Some restaurants drain the oil out into a container for disposal. Others have a mobile filter cart that filters the oil and preserves the flavor of the food. Some of the more expensive units have their own on board fryer pump and filtration system.

These more advanced fryers typically have a program that automatically filters the oil after a set number of fry cycles. This keeps the food consistent, and extends the life of the oil.

This newer Henny Penny fryer had a seal fail between the pump and motor. The oil got into the motor and ruined it. A quick text to the excellent service/warranty department at Henny Penny and we were able to get the parts and labor covered under the manufacturers warranty.

It's jobs like this one, that help us distinguish ourselves from the HVAC companies out there. It's 'Kitchens First' for us.

Until next time, remember, 'We Keep You Cookin!'

I get asked occasionally "Why does it matter?". And the truth is, for many years I didn't realize that it could make any difference at all. I started in HVAC/R in 2006. And the idea at the time was, 'Sure, we'll work on your fryer from time to time, IF you have us do all your HVAC/R work.'

After 3-4 years I really began to see that there weren't any other HVAC/R companies that wanted to work on the cooking equipment. Kitchen work is most certainly considered 'Out of Trade' in most states. However in the Dakotas, there aren't many kitchen specific companies around to service the demand.

So, my reasoning is that simple. I enjoy specializing in the convection ovens, and the ice machines and even the fryers. And if you let me work on your high end specialty equipment, I'll even take care of your most basic equipment like your heating and cooling systems as well.

Until next time, remember, 'We Keep You Cookin!'