Culinary Equipment Maintenance: Do’s and Don’ts for Long Life

Maintaining your culinary equipment is essential not only for hygiene and food safety but also for performance, longevity, and cost-efficiency. Whether you're operating a commercial kitchen equipment Dubai, managing a catering service in Abu Dhabi, or running a hotel kitchen in Sharjah or Al Ain, proper maintenance ensures your investment delivers optimal results for years to come. At Mariot Kitchen Equipment, we supply high-quality commercial tools and help our clients extend the life of their equipment with expert care guidelines. Here's a comprehensive guide to the do's and don'ts of culinary equipment maintenance.

Do: Clean Equipment After Every Use

Regular cleaning is the first and most basic step toward long-lasting equipment. Grease, food residue, and moisture can damage surfaces, cause corrosion, and attract bacteria. After each use, wipe down equipment surfaces with a mild detergent and a non-abrasive cloth. Pay special attention to areas where food particles can get trapped—such as hinges, seals, and handles.

Don't: Use Harsh Chemicals or Steel Wool

Avoid using corrosive cleaning agents or rough scrubbing materials like steel wool. These can scratch or damage stainless steel surfaces, glass displays, and Teflon coatings. Always use food-safe, non-abrasive cleaners approved for commercial kitchen use. For example, degreasers should be safe for stainless steel and compliant with health standards.

Do: Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Just like a vehicle, your culinary equipment benefits from regular tune-ups. Schedule preventive maintenance with qualified technicians to inspect internal components, calibrate temperatures, replace worn parts, and check gas or electrical connections. Mariot Kitchen Equipment offers maintenance support and parts replacement across our UAE branches.

Don't: Ignore Warning Signs

Unusual noises, overheating, slow performance, or inconsistent results are signs your equipment needs attention. Ignoring these signs can turn minor issues into major breakdowns. If your oven temperature fluctuates or your blender motor slows, get it checked immediately to avoid service interruptions.

Do: Train Staff on Proper Usage

Most equipment damage comes from improper handling. Ensure your kitchen team is properly trained on how to operate each machine. This includes how to turn it on/off, what not to do, and how to clean it safely. Use signage near equipment with basic instructions and reminders to keep everyone accountable.

Don't: Overload Machines

Overloading mixers, blenders, fryers, or ovens can cause overheating, damage internal parts, and compromise output. Always follow manufacturer load recommendations. Using a fryer beyond oil capacity or stuffing too much dough into a mixer can drastically reduce the equipment's lifespan.

Do: Calibrate Cooking Equipment

For equipment like ovens, fryers, and combi steamers, temperature calibration is vital for consistent cooking. Use a digital thermometer to compare internal readings with equipment settings and calibrate if necessary. This ensures food safety, saves energy, and prevents overcooking or undercooking.

Don't: Leave Equipment Plugged in When Not in Use

Unplugging idle equipment helps prevent electrical surges and conserves energy. Especially for countertop appliances like slicers, warmers, and blenders, it's good practice to disconnect them when not in use for extended periods.

Do: Replace Filters and Gaskets Regularly

Ventilation hoods, refrigerators, ovens, and ice machines have filters and gaskets that need periodic replacement. Dirty filters can reduce airflow and cause overheating. Worn gaskets on fridge doors cause cool air leaks, increasing power usage and food spoilage risk.

Don't: Let Water Sit on Surfaces

Water is one of the most common culprits behind rust, corrosion, and mold growth. After cleaning, always dry equipment thoroughly—especially near joints, electrical panels, and under-mounted appliances. Never leave wet cloths on stainless steel surfaces.

Do: Use the Right Power Supply

Using the wrong voltage or overloading circuits can severely damage your equipment. Ensure all appliances are connected to appropriate power sources as specified in the manufacturer's manual. For heavy-duty equipment, Mariot offers expert installation services across our UAE branches.

Don't: Skip Lubrication of Moving Parts

For machines with moving parts (like slicers or dough sheeters), regular lubrication ensures smooth operation and prevents premature wear. Use food-grade lubricants and follow the lubrication schedule provided by the equipment manufacturer.

Do: Maintain a Cleaning and Maintenance Log

Keep a simple checklist or digital log of when equipment was last cleaned, serviced, or inspected. This helps in staying compliant with health and safety regulations, especially in HACCP-audited kitchens, and ensures no task is forgotten during busy shifts.

Don't: Store Heavy Items on Top of Equipment

Placing heavy trays, pots, or containers on ovens, blenders, or microwaves can damage the housing and vents. These appliances are not built to support additional weight and can overheat if ventilation is blocked.

Why Maintenance Matters for Business Success

Regular maintenance minimizes downtime, increases safety, extends lifespan, and reduces the need for expensive repairs or replacements. In busy commercial kitchens, even a single piece of equipment failing can lead to delays, customer dissatisfaction, or revenue loss.

Trust Mariot Kitchen Equipment for Service and Support

At Mariot Kitchen Equipment, we not only supply world-class culinary tools but also provide technical guidance, spare parts, installation, and preventive maintenance services across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. Our experienced team ensures your kitchen runs smoothly day after day.

Contact Mariot Kitchen Equipment

Landline: +97142882777

Mobile: +971509955446

Email: admin@mariotkitchen.com

Visit Our Branches in the UAE

Mariot Kitchen Equipment - Dubai Branch

Mariot Kitchen Equipment - Sharjah Al Majaz Branch

Mariot Kitchen Equipment - Sharjah Factory

Mariot Kitchen Equipment - Abu Dhabi

Mariot Kitchen Equipment - Al Ain