In the fast paced world of pizzerias, efficiency and quality are essential factors for success. One crucial component that significantly impacts the performance of a pizzeria is the conveyor oven. When selecting a conveyor oven for your establishment, it is vital to consider a range of factors to find reliable, and optimal performance for customer satisfaction.

In this article, we will discuss the key considerations that pizzeria owners need to bear in mind when choosing the right conveyor ovens.

 

1. Production Capacity

The production capacity of a conveyor oven is first and foremost an essential factor to consider. Assess the volume of pizza sales in your pizzeria and determine the number of pizzas you need to produce per hour. This will help you select a conveyor oven with the appropriate belt size and speed to meet your production demands without compromising on quality.

2. Oven Size and Space Availability

Evaluate the available space in your pizzeria before purchasing a conveyor oven. Measure the dimensions of the designated area and compare them to the oven’s specifications. It’s absolutely imperative that the oven you choose fits comfortably within the allocated space without creating hazards and obstacles while performing your other kitchen duties.

3. Energy Efficiency
Conveyor ovens can consume significant amounts of energy, so it is crucial to consider their efficiency. Look for ovens that are designed with energy-saving features such as improved insulation, digital temperature control, and energy-efficient heating elements. Opting for an energy-efficient conveyor
oven can help reduce operational costs and minimise your environmental impact.

4. Heat Source
Conveyor ovens can utilise different heat sources, including gas, electric, or infrared. Each heat source has its advantages and considerations. Gas ovens tend to offer faster heat-up times and cost-effectiveness, while electric ovens provide precise temperature control. Infrared ovens, on the other hand, offer rapid cooking times and can help achieve more consistent baking results. Evaluate your specific requirements and consider the benefits and limitations of each heat source before making your decision.

5. Temperature Control and Uniformity
Consistency is key in producing high-quality pizzas. Look for conveyor ovens that offer precise temperature control and even heat distribution across the entire baking surface. This makes sure that every pizza receives a uniform heat, resulting in a consistent bake across the entire pizza. Additionally, consider ovens that offer adjustable conveyor speeds so you can accommodate a range of pizzas with different cooking requirements, to meet a variety of customer preferences.

6. Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential to keep your conveyor oven running efficiently. It’s well worth evaluating the ease of maintenance and cleaning of different models before making a purchase. Looking for ovens with removable parts and easy access to the cooking chamber will make thorough
cleaning a much easier process. You could even consider ovens with self-cleaning features or those that include cleaning cycles to simplify the maintenance process.

7. Durability and Build Quality
Investing in a durable and reliable conveyor oven is crucial for long-term performance. Look for well built ovens made from high-quality materials that can withstand the demands of a busy pizzeria. Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and read reviews from other pizzeria owners to assess the durability and build quality of the oven models you are considering.

8. Safety Features
Safety should always be a top priority in any kitchen. Be diligent in your research so you can be confident that the conveyor oven you choose incorporates all of the essential safety features, such as temperature sensors, automatic shut-off mechanisms, and adequate insulation to prevent burns and accidents. Compliance with safety regulations is paramount to protecting both your staff and customers.

 

Why Choose Middleby

Middleby Marshall is a well-known and reputable manufacturer of commercial kitchen equipment, including conveyor ovens. Here are a few reasons why our conveyor ovens are considered a suitable choice for your conveyor oven needs:

1. Wide Range of Options – Middleby offers a variety of conveyor oven models that meet different needs and preferences. You can choose from high-volume production, energy efficiency, or specific features.
2. Technological Advancements – By using innovative technologies, Middleby is finding new ways to improve life for pizzeria chefs and owners. This includes improving cooking efficiency, temperature control, and performance. These ovens may include features like advanced temperature management systems, intuitive control interfaces, and energy-saving technologies.
3. Reputation for Quality – Middleby is known for making tough, durable equipment. These products are designed to work in fast paced commercial kitchens with the goal of also having a long useable life.
4. Industry Experience – Middleby has years of experience in the food industry, which helps with understanding the needs of pizzerias and the challenges they face. These conveyor ovens are designed specifically for pizza baking, so pizzerias can provide consistent results to satisfy customers.
5. Service and Support – Middleby’s customer support includes technical assistance, maintenance services, and replacement parts. This can help with conveyor oven operation and either prevent or minimise downtime in case of issues.

Selecting the right conveyor oven for your pizzeria is a critical decision that can significantly impact your productivity and pizza quality. By considering factors such as production capacity, oven size, energy efficiency, heat source, temperature control, maintenance, durability, and safety features, you can make an informed choice, and the right decision for your kitchen. Visit our website to find the right conveyor oven for you.

One of the most essential machines in the food service industry is the commercial fryer. However, the sheer variety of commercial fryer types can make it perplexing to pick the right one for your commercial kitchen. Here, we discuss the different attributes of some top-notch commercial fryers from Middleby, a premier provider of commercial cooking equipment.

 

V-PAN 395MM WIDE HIGH-PERFORMANCE FRYER – VFG1L | GAS

The V-PAN 395MM WIDE HIGH-PERFORMANCE FRYER is a great option for busy restaurants. Equipped with a wide frying area and precision controls that regulate temperature, this gas-powered fryer ensures that you get perfectly cooked food in large batches. If you’re on the hunt for a machine that can reliably give you consistent and delicious results, the VFG1L is definitely a great option.

Product Link: VFG1L | V-PAN 395MM WIDE HIGH PERFORMANCE FRYER | GAS

 

FLAT BOTTOM 610MM WIDE FISH FRYER – FRG24L | GAS

If fish is on the menu at your restaurant, the gas-powered Flat Bottom 610MM Wide Fish Fryer would be a great addition to your establishment. It’s designed to fry fish and other delicate items, and the flat bottom guarantees even heat dispersion. This helps to stop delicate seafood from bonding or disintegrating while frying. It also has a large capacity, so you can serve plenty of customers without affecting the flavour and excellence of other dishes.

Product Link: FRG24L | FLAT BOTTOM 610MM WIDE FISH FRYER | GAS

 

Millivolt Fryer – SG14S | GAS

The SG14S Millivolt Fryer is a great option for commercial kitchen settings due to its gas-powered millivolt technology. This does away with the need for electrical connections. This fryer can keep up with the demand of any restaurant, big or small, as it has a compact design that does not reduce its capacity or frying power. Plus, it will keep on working even during power outages, making it a reliable choice.

Product Link: SG14S | Millivolt fryer | GAS

 

Economy Fryer – VF35+S | GAS

It would be easy to underestimate the V34+S based on its size and cost, but that would be a mistake. If you want to save money on your next fryer without compromising quality, this is the fryer for you. This gas-powered fryer boasts an outstanding performance and an affordable price, while its compact size makes it ideal for kitchens with limited space. Even on a tighter budget, you can ensure that your customers get to savour crispy, golden fried food every time.

Product Link: VF35+S | Economy Fryer | GAS

 

Solstice Supreme Fryers – SSH55-FR | GAS

The SSH55-FR Solstice Supreme Fryers are the ultimate in gas-powered fryer technology. These sleek and modern fryers come equipped with modern touches, like digital controls and temperature sensors for dependable results. The energy-efficient heating system helps reduce costs while keeping up with frying demands. This top-of-the-line fryer is ideal for culinary professionals and establishments that demand the best in fryer technology.

Product Link: SSH55-FR | Solstice Supreme Fryers | GAS

 

Takeaways
Choosing the most appropriate commercial fryer for your kitchen is an absolute must if you want your fried meals to be at the level of excellence you desire. Middleby has an incredible selection of fryers to choose from that cater to all sorts of needs, from high-performance fryers for the busiest restaurants to cost-effective fryers for smaller restaurants. No matter what your needs may be, Middleby has a fryer that will fit the bill and take your frying to the next level.

If you’re looking to enhance your commercial kitchen’s output, act now. Head over to Middleby’s website and check out their impressive lineup of commercial fryers. Improve your kitchen’s frying power and tantalize your customers with delectably crispy dishes.

There is an easy way to optimise the flow of your commercial kitchen, and that involves Undercounter Warewashers. These modern-day appliances revolutionise your kitchen, saving time and energy better dedicated to creating great food and drinks. Read on to learn about the amazing features of these machines and other wonderful products by Middleby Australia.

What Are Undercounter Warewashers?

Compact and automated, Undercounter Warewashers are ideal for small to medium-sized foodservice establishments, bars, cafes and restaurants where space is often limited. These machines are ideal for efficiently cleaning and sanitising a large number of dishes, glasses, and cutlery, making them an essential part of any commercial kitchen as they can fit conveniently under the counter.

Benefits of Undercounter Warewashers:

1. Time-saving Efficiency: Undercounter Warewashers are designed to be able to clean a large number of dishes speedily and effectively. With useful wash cycles and specialised washing systems, they can significantly cut down the time taken to tidy up after a hectic meal service.
2. Consistent Cleaning Performance: Say goodbye to worrying about leftover food particles or spots, as these machines are designed to ensure every dish is cleaned and sanitised with consistent performance.
3. Water and Energy Efficient: Undercounter Warewashers are engineered to use a small amount of water and energy, making them beneficial for both the environment and your finances. With these devices, you can sanitise your dishes without worrying too much about high utility bills.
4. Space-Saving Design: These Warewashers are specially designed to be installed underneath countertops, allowing for more efficient use of space in kitchens, which is especially beneficial for businesses that have limited space.
5. Ease of Use: The controls on these Warewashers are easy to use, so any staff member will have no trouble operating them. The customisable settings enable you to adjust the wash cycle for different types of dishes.

 

Now, let’s take a closer look at some exceptional Undercounter Warewashers available at Middleby Australia.

1. UC25NDP Undercounter Warewasher

The UC25NDP Undercounter Warewasher is a top-notch recirculating warewasher designed with unbeatable cleaning results in mind. Its sophisticated recirculating washing system conserves water while delivering extraordinary washing performance, and the user-friendly control panel allows you to tailor wash cycles to your exact specifications. Learn more here.

 

2. SW400 Undercounter Smartwash Warewasher

The SW400 Undercounter Smartwash Warewasher is revolutionising dishwashing with its cutting-edge technology. Equipped with Smartwash, it automatically modifies the wash cycle duration to match the amount of dirt present, making sure your dishes come out sparkling while saving energy. Furthermore, this appliance is incredibly space-efficient and features a front-loading door, making it the ideal choice for any kitchen. For more information, click here.

 

3. SW500 Undercounter Smartwash Warewasher

This warewasher is the perfect choice for busy commercial kitchens, with its combination of power, efficiency, and customisable program options. Its Smartrinse technology guarantees a thorough cleaning every time while using minimal water. Learn more about the SW500 Undercounter Smartwash Warewasher.

 

4. SW500M | Undercounter Smartwash Warewasher

The SW500M is part of the Smartwash Warewasher line, which is characterised by a front-loading design for effortless loading and unloading of dishes. This model offers the same clever and efficient features of the Smartwash series with the bonus of a front-facing door. Take a closer look at the SW500M here.

 

5. SW900V Smartwash Warewasher

The SW900V Smartwash Warewasher is the perfect model for commercial kitchens with an ongoing requirement for dishwashing. This unit employs innovative V-Air technology to deliver outstanding cleaning performance that meets the highest hygiene standards. Check out the details on the SW900V.

 

6. SW900X Smartwash Warewasher

The SW900X is a smart pass-through model with added extras. The X-Boost feature enhances wash performance for heavily soiled items, and the X-Clean function keeps the machine clean and ready for action. See the SW900X here. The SW900X is a premium machine with added extras not found in other models. The X-Boost feature enhances wash performance for heavily soiled items, and the X-Clean function keeps the machine clean and ready for action.

Say goodbye to handwashing and hello to Undercounter Warewashers! On the cutting edge, these machines will help you streamline your dishwashing process, increase productivity, and achieve spotless results each time. Enjoy the convenience of these intelligent machines and the time you will save.

 

Conclusion

If you are striving to optimise your kitchen’s dishwashing performance, Middleby Australia provides quality undercounter warewashers which offer numerous advantages such as time-saving efficiency and eco-friendly operations.

Start the journey to a more organised and efficient kitchen now by looking into the Undercounter Warewashers mentioned above. Head to Middleby Australia’s website to find out more about these products and find out how they can transform your kitchen cleaning habits.

Ready to experience the convenience of Undercounter Warewashers? Click here to explore Middleby Australia‘s range of products and take your kitchen to the next level! Explore Now.

It goes without saying that your kitchen equipment plays a significant role in the thorough operation of your catering business since it impacts the quality of service and food you serve your clients. With so many brands and options to choose from, deciding which kitchen equipment is right for your business may not be as simple as you think.

Things to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Equipment

Make the most of your equipment purchase by considering these factors before investing in stoves, ovens, and other kitchen equipment.
Space
Your kitchen should have enough space for your equipment to work together seamlessly. If there’s too much or not enough space between your appliances, there could be safety hazards like tripping or fire. You may also measure each piece of equipment beforehand to ensure they can fit through a doorway and into your kitchen.

Quality

Before purchasing any kitchen appliance for your catering business, you must always check the quality first-hand to ensure all parts are functional and can support large-scale meal preparation. Checking out the specs and features is also ideal to make sure your kitchen equipment is equipped with everything your catering services need.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial kitchen equipment is an intense energy user. Since you’ll need to cook long hours, consider purchasing items with energy-efficient technology to minimise your utility bills. Although some of these models may have higher up-front costs, the energy savings you’ll get in the long run is far more economically justifiable.

Pricing

Another significant factor to consider when purchasing new equipment is the price. We suggest making a restaurant kitchen equipment list and prioritising the items you’d use most. Check what you need and can spend on and what you can avoid by investing in multipurpose equipment. This way, you can control your expenses without going over budget.

Ease of Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the inevitable things you’d need to spend on to prolong your kitchen equipment’s life. You can choose items you are comfortable using, cleaning, and maintaining to lessen the need to call in for services, thus significantly reducing the cost of preserving your equipment.

Supplier

One of the best ways to simplify your decision-making is by considering kitchen equipment purchases from a dependable brand and supplier. The biggest advantage of purchasing from established suppliers, such as Middleby, is you have a guarantee of the equipment quality and warranty terms.

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Catering Businesses

Not all catering services are the same. Yours might be different in format and requirements to operate, so it’s important to know your specific needs to invest only in kitchen appliances you require. However, some basic equipment essential for catering services are as follows:

1. Stoves/Grills – Give food a smoky and charred flavour that works well for many recipes
2. Ovens – Used for baking, roasting, and braising and usually comes in electric or gas ranges
3. Fryers – Ideal for frying chicken tenders, French fries, and more
4. Dishwashers – Keep kitchen and catering utensils clean and reduce foodborne illnesses

Takeaways

The success of a catering business relies heavily on your kitchen equipment’s capability to uphold mass preparation and cooking of large-scale meals. Make sure to carefully choose the items you invest in.

For a wide range of high-quality kitchen equipment capable of supporting catering businesses of all kinds, check out Middleby products.

Having commercial kitchen equipment is indeed a significant investment. That is why when it starts failing and breaking down, stretching out its life through repair is rather tempting compared to purchasing a new one. While repair is a perfectly acceptable fix, knowing when to replace your equipment is important to ensure you don’t end up with bigger and recurring expenses in the long run.

Check out the five telltale signs that it’s time to upgrade your existing commercial kitchen equipment.

Your Equipment’s Performance Is Deteriorating

Continued use of damaged kitchen equipment is highly not recommended. It can cause you to experience inconsistent cooking temperatures, risking serving undercooked or overcooked meals. Bottomline is older machines may not sustain the daily demands of your business.

Aside from its decreasing performance, it can change the quality of food you serve—even causing it to go off way before their expiration dates. When this happens, not only do you need to deal with constant service interference and food waste, but you are also at risk of losing customers.

You Experience Accidents and Safety Risks

Old faulty ovens, leaky commercial stoves, and other outdated kitchen equipment increase the likelihood of electrical challenges, fires, and gas leaks. Plus, your employees may face threats ranging from minor burns, cuts, and electrical shocks to food poisoning and other serious injuries.

Preserving old equipment instead of replacing it can bring immeasurable hazards to your restaurant, impacting your reputation, insurance, and profit.

You Pay Higher Maintenance and Repair Costs

The need to constantly repair your equipment is the most obvious indicator that it’s in dire need of replacement. While occasional maintenance and repair calls are unavoidable, when they become alarmingly frequent, your equipment could be too worn out for repair. At first, repair might feel like a cheaper option than replacement, but when you add up these costs, your total spending on a worn-out machine might surprise you.

In comparison, replacing faulty equipment may be far more practical and cost-efficient. More importantly, investing in new commercial kitchen equipment comes with a warranty, limiting the need for additional spend on repairs.

You Have Unreasonably High Utility Bills

Did you know that continued use of old machines can cause your utility bills to increase? As your kitchen equipment depreciates, it consumes almost twice the energy it used to because of the excessive heat they tend to use up to function.

It is a restaurant or foodservice owner’s goal to bring in more money with less spending, so keeping old equipment is more counterproductive than inexpensive.

You Can’t Find Spare Parts

It’s quite common for old kitchen equipment models to lack replacement parts. Since sourcing old and outdated spare parts requires more time and effort, it only prolongs your machine’s downtime, directly affecting your restaurant’s performance.

By having upgraded kitchen equipment, you won’t have these problems because their spare parts are easier to find when needed.

Conclusion

Does your old kitchen equipment check all the signs listed above and is failing beyond repair? Then it is time to consider replacing and upgrading them to newer and superior kitchen appliances.

Middleby has a wide range of commercial kitchen equipment to support your growing restaurants’ needs. Check out your options here.

South-West W.A’s lovingly titled ‘Froth Craft Bunbrewery’ is Bunbury’s inaugural microbrewery and has now opened its doors as of July 2022. Froth Craft Bunbrewery’s point of difference boils down to creating memorable experiences that cater to all. It is a multifaceted ‘part’ place. Part brewery, part restaurant, part cultural hub, part family venue, part theater, part beer garden, part function venue, part local meeting spot, and part employer. A progressive venue that takes an active part in the community and one you’ll want to be ‘a part of’. Froth first opened its doors in February of 2017 with a goal to bring hand-crafted beer, creative food pairings, culture and arts to the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef region.

Business Solution

The keys to their success has been good vibes, good food and the overall look and feel of their restaurant; it all has to play together. Simultaneously, continually growing and learning as a business has been of the utmost importance to the three owners of Froth.

The Challenge

Froth was looking for a way to ensure that a pizza oven can keep up with the demand of a busy tourist spot in town, operating outside an extraction canopy with such a small footprint. Their chef was originally concerned that the small amount of available space would never allow them to make enough pizzas of a high enough quality to meet demand, and their own high standards.

The Solution

Froth approached Middleby Australia and other potential suppliers and ultimatley decided on the TurboChef Double Batch Rapd Cook Oven Middleby for its innovative solutions backed by customer support. After further review of the TurboChef Ventless High-Speed Impingement Ovens, we were pleased to find that the TurboChef Double Batch oven can bake a large number of meals every day without compromising quality. The Double Batch oven has two independent cavities that circulate impinged air at speeds of up to 50 mph to create high heat transfer rates and reduced cook times. The oven utilises variable speed blowers, oscillating racks, and a catalytic converter, resulting in minimal energy requirements, high food quality, and ventless operation. TurboChef’s patented High-h air impingement technology decreases cook times by 40–50% compared to traditional batch cooking.

Business Results

By purchasing the TurboChef oven, Froth Craft Brewery was able to serve over 6,000 high-quality pizzas from its extensive menu between July 2022 and December 2022.

A commercial deep fryer is the lifeblood of many commercial kitchens. From bars to high-end restaurants, the deep fryer is often running red hot, day in and out, producing delicious, mouth-watering fried foods that keep your customers coming back for more. 

Or at least, it should be. 

The reality is commercial deep fryers can be a little temperamental, most likely due to the fact that they are used each day for months on end, and they can go on a work strike at the most inconvenient of times (usually in the middle of the dinner rush!) 

So what could cause your fryer to break down? There are plenty of reasons why your fryer has stopped working, from user error (yes, the new chef messed up, and now the fryer won’t turn on) to the pilot light not starting to an inconsistent thermostat that causes your food to go from perfectly cooked goodness to an overcooked nightmare. 

Just like all powered kitchen equipment, even the best deep fryer will eventually break down. Here are some of the most common reasons why.

 

1. The pilot light isn’t starting, or it won’t stay lit.

The pilot light can often go out in a busy kitchen. Its repeated use and the possibility of food splatters and grease build-up can quickly wear it out.  A quick way to fix this is to remove the burner (after the gas valve has been switched off, naturally) and give it a thorough wipe-down with a damp cloth. Then, locate the pilot light, light it with a match and adjust the small knob next to the hole (there should be one there, as most fryers have one) to release the gas. 

If the match flares, then your pilot light is working perfectly. If it doesn’t, you’ll need a repairman. 

 

2. The burner is out!

Flameouts are a relatively simple fix as they indicate you’ve run out of gas. Replace the gas bottle, or call your utility company to get the gas flowing again, and you should quickly have a steady flame. 

Things get a little more complicated if the ports are clogged. You’ll need a stiff brush to clean it out, and even then, it’s not a guaranteed fix. If you’ve tried everything, you should call a maintenance expert to take a look, as there might be a deeper issue at work here. 

 

3. Badly regulated heat!

This one is important. If you can’t keep your heat under control, your food isn’t going to cook right. 

Deep fryers are equipped with thermometers that regulate the temperature, applying power when the oil cools down and cutting the power when it gets too hot. 

A faulty thermometer means that there is nothing regulating the temperature, causing an inconsistent cook, and resulting in the kitchen staff burning or undercooking the food.

This can be caused by loose wiring or damaged temperature controls. There’s not much you can do here by yourself, so grab your mobile and call a technician as soon as possible. 

Now that you know what issues to look out for, you can get to the bottom of why your fryer is malfunctioning. When your fryer is working at its best, they are capable of churning out massive volumes of high-quality, delicious food at rapid speeds. 

 

Middleby has an amazing range of deep fryers that will keep your kitchen at the top. You can find them here:  

The HACCP, or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, is an internationally recognised way to identify and manage food safety risks, designed primarily to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. 

Basically, it prevents you from accidentally poisoning your guests or infecting them with a new disease that eventually shuts down the global economy (looking at you, Wuhan wet market.) 

 

A (very) brief history of the HACCP ()

NASA. Yup, the space agency that put people on the moon on less than 5KB of data back in 1969 thought up the HACCP as a way to produce safe, crumb-free food for astronauts to eat while in 0G.

Based on the US Army metric for determining the shelf life and suitability of rations, the HACCP was, in its original form, far too strict to be commercially viable, which slowed its growth until the ’90s, when an Ecoli epidemic rocked the US, and Europe was hit with a wave of Mad Cow Disease thanks to improperly prepared food. 

After that, the HACCP, heavily adapted, was adopted by the 164 member states of the World Trade Organisation and has become the minimum standard for the entire food process, from raw material production, procurement and handling to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product. () 

 

The Purpose of the HACCP

The HACCP has come a long way from its 1960s origins. It governs the entire food production cycle, from the farm to the dinner table to clean up and disposal, and has drastically increased the food quality in the countries that have adopted it.     

Australia in particular has been a significant supporter of the HACCP and, back in the ‘80s, was one of the first to formally adopt the HACCP as the minimum standard of food production, preparation and disposal. () 

FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) endorsed the Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines for HACCP and adapted its standards to incorporate the guidelines back in the ‘90s.

 

What does this have to do with Dishwashers?

The HACCP covers the entire food system, from production to clean up, and it is strictly enforced. 

Yes, farmers do need to make sure that their fresh produce is protected from disease, that they use safe pesticides, and that their food is packaged in such a way that the risk of rot and disease is largely eliminated.

And restaurants need to cook to the required standards to kill off any bacteria that could cause food poisoning or another global pandemic.

But once the plate has been used, it needs to be cleaned, and unfortunately, not all dishwashers are up to standard.

In order for a dishwasher to be HACCP approved, it needs to meet the following criteria:  

• Microbiological requirements – In addition to ensuring that dishware is visibly clean and dry upon the completion of the cleaning cycle, commercial dishwashers must also achieve a level of disinfection performance.
• Contact Time –  A minimum contact time of 90 seconds for single-tank dishwashers and two minutes for multi-tank dishwashers in order to obtain a hygienically safe result.
• Dishwasher Cleaning – Dishwashers need to be cleaned out after every operation period, with the cutlery basket cleaned out at least once a day.

Eswood is the professional choice for integrated glass and dishwashing systems.

With a long history of reliable and innovative products and the only HACCP-approved dishware washing machines in Australia, Eswood is committed to providing customers with reliable, efficient and high-quality washing equipment.

Visit our website to learn more: https://middleby.com.au/eswood/ 

We’ve all been there – the new chef just burned their third dish, the new waiter is flirting with the customers, dropped the entire dessert course, or simply didn’t show up for their shift. 

Even the most well-run restaurants are high-stress places, with gruelling work hours and physically taxing tasks.

The truth of the matter is your employees will make or break your restaurant. Energetic, friendly, consistent, and most importantly, competent employees will keep your customers coming back and encourage diners to tell their friends and family about you.

The right staff will make running your restaurant a dream, but hiring the wrong person at the wrong time will quickly turn that dream into a nightmare.

Waiting on tables, cooking, and even cleaning requires more skill than most first-time employers might realise. It isn’t a numbers game. The wrong hire will chase away customers, churn out low-quality food, and disappear when you need them most.

We’ve compiled a list of four things you need to know to ensure that your next hire is right for the job!

 

Hire to needs

Every position is different. Do your research. How intense is the workload for this position? How many hours are expected? What level of experience is preferred? How much can you afford to pay? 

 

Identify Candidates

Create a profile of the ideal employee for your open position, and then scour job boards, as well as that stack of CVs you have in your inbox to find the employee that best matches the profile.

It’s very likely that you won’t find the perfect match, which is why the goal here is to build up a pool of options.

 

Verify Details

Here’s where many restaurants fall short in the hiring process. They trust the CV. 

The world out there is tough. Many have lost their jobs, meaning that people are desperate. While there are a lot of honest job seekers out there, there are more than a few that are not above padding their CVs with skills and experience they simply don’t have.

Even the interview isn’t enough anymore. Trust your gut, and make sure that you verify every piece of information you receive. A bit of extra work now will save you hours, even days of wasted time later. 

Contact references, talk to previous coworkers, check for criminal records, and if they exist, talk to any parole officers. 

Then, when you are certain that your potential employee is exactly who they say they are, move on to the next step. 

 

Do a trial run

There is no substitute for a trial run. Test your potential employees by having them work a shift or two to see how they perform in a real setting. This also has the added benefit of letting the employee get an idea of what is expected of them. Once the trial run is over, talk to your other employees to see what they think, and if they give you some positive feedback, make the hire. 

Following these steps may be time-consuming, but it will ensure that you have the best chance of making the right hire for your organization.

The right fryer can make or break your restaurant menu. With so many options on the market, knowing which fryer is the perfect fit for your kitchen and your budget can be challenging.

At the minimum, it needs to be versatile enough to handle a wide variety of different dishes and allow your chefs to have complete control over the temperature to ensure the perfect fry. 

In addition to that, cleanup needs to be quick and easy to allow your staff to get back to other important tasks. It’s also essential that it is reliable enough not to break down in the middle of the dinner rush!

This can seem like a daunting task, which is why we are introducing the Pitco VF65+S to not only cater to all your expectations but surpass them. 

The Pitco VF65+S

 

We could talk about the fully welded tank with a stunning peened finish for easy cleaning. We could mention the incredibly durable, high-temperature alloy stainless steel baffles mounted in the heat exchanger tubes to provide maximum heating and combustion.

We could even mention the thermostat that maintains the selected temperature automatically between 93°C (200°F) and 190°C (400°F) to ensure a consistent temperature for that perfect cook, or the massive 39 Litre oil capacity and two frying baskets that allow you to serve more delicious meals in half the time.

But in the end, features are nowhere near as important as benefits.

So let’s take a closer look at what the benefits of the Pitco VF65+S Fryer are.

The Pitco VF65+S boasts a quick recovery time, allowing you to cook your most popular dishes in record time, with minimal downtime between fries. This helps to keep your customers satisfied and your chefs busy, all the while making sure that your waiters are earning their keep. 

It’s compact and efficient, making it perfect for restaurants with limited floor space, but it can still accommodate large fries thanks to its large oil capacity and two fry baskets. 

Its fry baskets are large enough to accommodate almost anything on your menu and come with a rack to catch any crumbs and debris that break away during the cooking process, making cleanup a breeze.   

Speaking of cleanup, the cleaner your fryer, the better tasting your food. That’s why the Pitco VF65+S is one of our easiest-to-clean models, featuring a fully stainless steel surface to prevent any food from sticking to the welds and keeping your food delicious, your staff happy, and your kitchen hygienic. 

And we haven’t even mentioned the fact that it’s incredibly safe and super easy to use!

The VF65+S comes with an integrated control valve that keeps gas from flowing to the burner until the pilot flame is lit, and it shuts the gas off automatically if the pilot flame goes out. 

It also comes with a rapid temperature limit switch which turns off the gas if the unit’s heat exceeds the safety limit.

In short, the Pitco VF65+S is the superior fryer because it can do more for less. It offers a more even fry, is easier to clean and uses less energy to get to the required temperatures. It also boasts incredible safety features that help prevent malfunctions and kitchen accidents. 

Visit our website to get yours! https://middleby.com.au/