In Memphis, our high humidity and hot summers put extreme stress on refrigeration and cooling
systems. A lack of maintenance doesn't just mean dirty equipment; it means compressor failure,
health code violations, and lost revenue during the dinner rush. Use this checklist to keep your
kitchen running like a well-oiled machine.
Daily Maintenance (Front of House & Line)
Fryers: Filter oil and clean the vessel. Debris
carbonizes and ruins oil flavor.
Griddles: Scrape and clean grease troughs. Empty and
wash grease traps.
Ovens: Wipe down gaskets and door glass. Food debris
prevents a proper seal.
Dishwasher: Clear scrap screens and check
chemical levels.
Weekly Maintenance (Deep Clean)
Ice Machines: Inspect air filters. In Memphis, dust
builds up fast.
Walk-Ins: Check for ice buildup on evaporator
coils. Ensure drain lines are clear.
Sinks: Delime faucets and sprayers to prevent hard
water buildup.
Ovens: Removing racks and deep clean interior
walls.
Monthly/Quarterly (Professional Checks)
Some of these tasks are best handled by a certified technician to avoid voiding
warranties.
Refrigeration: Clean condenser coils. This is a leading
cause of failure in Memphis summers.
Ice Machines: Deep clean and sanitize the water
system (remove scale/slime).
Gas Equipment: Calibrate thermostats and check
pilot lights/igniters.
Door Gaskets: Inspect for tears. A $50 gasket can
save $500 in electricity.
Pro Tip: The Condenser Coil
If you do only ONE thing, clean your condenser coils. A dirty coil makes your fridge run
24/7, doubling your electric bill and killing your compressor. We offer a "Coil Cleaning
Special" specifically for this.
Seasonal Preparation for Memphis Commercial Kitchens
Schedule seasonal checks before demand and weather changes put extra load on kitchen equipment.
Coils: Clean condenser coils before peak heat arrives, clear grease and dust from approved air paths, and confirm condenser and evaporator fans operate properly. Clean heat-transfer surfaces help refrigeration equipment reject heat efficiently when kitchen and outdoor temperatures rise.
Cooling: Verify cooler and freezer temperatures, watch for unusually long run times, and address airflow or control problems before sustained hot weather increases refrigeration strain.
Doors: Inspect door gaskets, hinges, closers, sweeps, and strip curtains before humid weather. Repair gaps that admit warm, moist air and contribute to condensation, frost, and longer compressor run times.
Holidays: Schedule maintenance ahead of high-volume holiday periods, when repeated door openings and longer operating hours can strain refrigeration, cooking, and warewashing equipment.
Ice: Recheck expected ice production and bin capacity as seasonal traffic and beverage demand change. Clean and sanitize the machine, confirm water flow and airflow, and monitor production before busy service periods.
Too Much to Handle?
Running a kitchen is hard enough without worrying about condenser coils.
Our RPM Preventative Maintenance Plans cover all the quarterly/monthly tasks
for you.
