Equipment Maintenance
TOOLS
Knives
Falafel Tools (Ball maker, Spatula)
Grinder
Stand Mixer
Food processor
Garbage Disposal
Kitchen Scales
Immersion Blender
Vegetable Slicer
EQUIPMENT
Deep Fryers
Toaster
Food Warmer
Topping Bar-Refrigeration
Topping Bar-Lighting
Soda Dispenser and Ice Maker
Juice Machine
Reach-in Refrigerators and Freezers
SYSTEMS
Walk-in refrigerator, freezer
Hood
Fire Suppression (Ansul) system
Fire Extinguishers
HVAC
Heating system
Steam Radiator system
Boiler
Furnace
Hot Water Heater
Water
Electrical
Plumbing
Documentation
Equipment Maintenance
For you to create and sell falafel, your store will have a variety of tools, equipment and systems that will require maintenance, repair and replacement. This manual will serve as a template to gather, and a resource for, all the information you may need to keep your store’s mechanical components up and running efficiently.
TOOLS
Tools are used on demand to make the things that we sell.
Knives
Knives are used to slice, chop and peel the various raw foodstuffs to make the ingredients of many of the salads and toppings we offer.
Maintenance: Keep knives clean and sanitary. Clean your knife after each use with hot water. The proper way to clean a knife is with the blade pointing away from you, not towards your hand or body.
Knives should be kept sharp. Use the sharpening tool frequently and, if needed, have the knives professionally sharpened. You may want to consider using a knife service that provides sharp knives on a regular, often weekly, schedule.
Storage: Store knives on a magnetic knife bar. Always keep the blades pointing the same direction, either up or down. Never leave a knife in the sink. Someone could reach into the water and accidentally slice themselves.
Repair and Replacement: Replace any knife with broken blade or handle.
Vendor: Restaurant Depot or your choice of vendor.
Falafel Tools (Ball maker, Spatula)
Falafel Tools are used to make falafel balls, which are dropped into the fryer.
Maintenance: As with all kitchen tools, keep falafel tools clean and sanitary. Rinse them continuously when making balls to prevent any kind of sticky build-up. Wash and sanitize thoroughly after use.
Storage: Store together, both ball-maker and spatula along with all extras is one container in a conspicuous place to make them easy to find. Store separate from any other tools or equipment to protect them from accidental damage.
Repair and replacement: You will begin with two sets – keep them in a safe place. The company will provide them to you when they are needed, but there is not a surplus, so you must be sure to keep them safe. We purchase them and adjust them, so consult with us on this topic if you have questions.
Manufacturer: Jerusalem Shoppe,
Model Number: N/A
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: N/A
Service Provider: N/A
Grinder
The grinder is used to make falafel and to grind garlic.
Maintenance: As with all kitchen tools, keep the feeder bowl, pusher, blade and attachments clean and sanitary. Wash and sanitize them all after every use. Wipe down the body of the grinder frequently and after using.
Always a use food-safe lubricant prior to each use. Lubricate the entire Teflon washer as well as the drive shaft. Take care that any extra grease or lubricant that might be showing around the drive shaft is cleaned away before using the grinder. Always keep extra Teflon washers on hand. These are custom washers sold by the manufacturer.
Periodic Maintenance: Consult the Owner’s Manual
Storage: Store the grinder in a safe, out of the way location to protect it from accidental damage. Always store the components and attachments in a closable container in the same space so they can be easily found and kept secure.
Repair and replacement: The grinder is very durable and long-lasting if used and maintained correctly. Avoid grinding continuously for more than 30 minutes at a time to maximize the life of the grinder. Replacing the grinder is usually more economical than trying to get it repaired. Replacement parts and attachments come from the manufacturer.
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: ______
Service Provider: Replacement parts are available through the manufacturer: Globe Food Equipment Co. , 937.297.7247. Teflon washers: Part no. CC1213
Vendor: Replacement: Vollrath Co. LLC Model No. 40743 through Concept Services
Stand Mixer
Used to make mayonnaise, tahini, peanut sauce and brownie batter.
Maintenance: As with all kitchen tools, keep the mixer bowl and attachments clean and sanitary. Wash and sanitize the bowl and attachments after every use. Wipe down the body of the processer frequently and after using.
Storage: The mixer stands in one place in the kitchen, the bowl and attachments are kept underneath.
Repair and replacement: Stand mixers are very durable and long-lasting if used and maintained correctly. Any motor problems may be handled by an appliance repair company, replacement parts and attachments come from the manufacturer.
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: ______
Service Provider: ______
Vendor: Replacement: Berkel, Inc. Model No. FMS10NH though Concept Services
Food processor
Used to make hummus, among other tasks
Maintenance: As with all kitchen tools, keep the processor and blades clean and sanitary. Wash and sanitize the bowl and blades after every use. Wipe down the body of the processor frequently and before putting away.
Storage: Store on a shelf in a safe, out of the way location to protect the processor from accidental damage. Always store the cutting blades and attachments in the bowl of the processor so they can be easily found and to keep sharp edges secure.
Repair and Replacement: The bowl will crack, blades will dull, motor will fail. Usually replacement is the best option, unless under warranty.
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: ______
Service Provider: ______
Vendor: ______
Garbage Disposal
The disposal grinds and flushes waste food.
Storage: The disposer is built into the dish cleaning area next to the sinks.
Maintenance: Keeping the disposer clean is obviously very important. The best way to keep it clean is run it at least one full minute every half-hour to clear and flush any food residue. Also, be aware of the plumbing the disposer drains into. We use a product called “Bioflow” once a week at closing to help maintain the lines, to suppress the growth of unwanted molds, etc. and to manage odors.
Repair and replacement: Sometimes the rotor may freeze. You can try to free it using the reverse switch or by gently nudging it with a broom handle. Sometimes when the rotor gets stuck, the disposer will automatically shut off. Try the reset button. Sometimes the drain pipe will clog. You can try to remove the trap and free the clog from there or you may need to call the plumber.
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: ______
Service Provider: ______
Vendor: ______
Kitchen Scales
We use three different scales for measuring and portioning ingredients in the kitchen: 1) A luggage scale to weigh chickpeas, 2) A 10lb digital scale and 3) A mechanical 22lb scale.
Storage: Scales should be kept out of the way on a shelf to protect them from accidental damage.
Maintenance: As with all kitchen tools, keep scales clean and sanitary. Wipe down after each use and before putting the scales away. Scales can be delicate, so store them in an out-of-the-way location where they are unlikely to be accidentally damaged.
Repair and replacement: Scales may break, wear out, become inaccurate. Usually, replacement is the only sensible option.
Luggage Scale: A flat bathroom scale
Digital Portion Scale
Manufacturer: FMP
Model Number: 280-1745
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: N/A
Service Provider: Kitchen Tech, or replace
Vendor: H & M Wagner and Sons, 410.766.1150
Mechanical Portion Scale
Manufacturer: Taylor
Model Number: 3880
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: N/A
Service Provider: Replace
Vendor: Old Will Knott Scales, 1.877.761.0322
Immersion Blender
We use the immersion blender to mix tahina before use and to thoroughly blend Baba Ganoush.
Maintenance: As with all kitchen tools, keep the immersion blender clean and sanitary. Wash and sanitize the wand and blades after every use. Wipe down the handle and body of the blender frequently and before putting away.
Storage: Store the blender in a safe, out of the way location to protect it from accidental damage. Always store the wand in the same space so it can be easily found
Repair and replacement: The electric motor can be serviced by an approved appliance repair shop; replacement parts should be available from the manufacturer.
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: ______
Service Provider: ______
Vendor: ______
Vegetable Slicer
We use the countertop slicer to dice ingredients for toppings
Storage: Store the slicer in a safe, out of the way location to protect it from accidental damage. Keep the pusher in place and down on the blades to protect them and to help keep staff from accidentally slicing themselves.
Maintenance: As with all kitchen tools, keep the slicer clean and sanitary. Wash thoroughly after each use and dry before putting away. WASH THE BLADES WITH A BRUSH, they are very sharp. Keep spare blades in a secure place.
Repair and replacement: Spare blades and parts are available from the manufacturer.
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: ______
Service Provider: ______
Vendor : ______
EQUIPMENT
Equipment includes those types of free-standing things that run more or less continuously and on their own.
Deep Fryers
Used to fry falafel, fries and –separately-vegetables. Every fryer has instructions about use and safety inside the door of the fryer. Every one also has a gas shut off valve. Familiarize yourself with both.
Maintenance: Fryers are essential to the store: take care of them!
Daily: After turning the fryer off and allowing it to cool, clean tops, sides, backs and undersides thoroughly using soap and water and oven cleaner if needed. Drain the oil and clean inside the fryer. Filter or replace the oil.
To drain and clean: Turn off the fryer. Allow to cool. Attach the drain spout, if necessary. Line the bottom of the filter box filter paper and put in one packet of “Filter Magic” filter powder and position the filter box beneath outlet of the spout. (If you’re changing the oil, don’t use filter paper or powder) Open the drain valve and allow the oil to drain completely, using a poker to free any clogs. Scoop out as much of the food debris as you can then pull the filter box aside and put an empty container in it‘s place. Flush the fryer with hot water. Scrub the interior with soap and water and flush with hot water again. (It’s a good idea to make sure the container you’re using to catch the rinse water is big enough) Repeat and then towel dry. CLOSE THE DRAIN VALVE.
Filtering the oil and refilling the fryer: As a general rule, change the oil in the fryers every 2-3 days, more frequently if needed. If you are changing the oil, AFTER CHECKING THAT THE DRAIN VALVE IS CLOSED, fill the fryer with new oil. Otherwise, the oil from the fryer will be filtered as it is pumped back up and into the fryer. To do so, AFTER CHECKING THAT THE DRAIN VALVE IS CLOSED, Push the filter box with the oil back into place making sure that the oil outlet on the back of the box is securely plugged into the socket in the fryer. Insert the oil diffuser into place inside the fryer and turn on the electric pump to refill the fryer with the filtered oil. Run the pump until all the oil been returned to the fryer. Top off with new oil if needed. Discard the dirty filter paper and, if changing the oil, dispose of the old oil.
Weekly: “Boil out” the fryers. This is a more thorough cleaning. Drain the fryers and clean as above. CLOSE THE DRAIN VALVE and fill the fryer with hot water to the normal oil level. Add 24 oz. of “Carbon Buster” (or the appropriate amount of an alternative) and turn the fryer on. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for about 15 minutes, then turn the fryer back off. Drain into an empty container. Wash the inside with soap and water as above and flush. Repeat. CLOSE THE DRAIN VALVE and refill with new oil. Dispose of the old oil.
Repair and replacement: Because the fryers run on gas, repairs should be attempted only by a professional technician. Again, KNOW WERE THE GAS SHUT OFF IS, both on the fryer and for the store. The pilot light may go out. Follow the instructions on the fryer to relight it.
Type: ______litre oil capacity, ______BTU gas fryer
Manufacturer: Frymaster
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms:
Service Provider: Frymaster Service Hotline 1.800.551.8633
Vendor: Replacement: Frymaster MJ35-SC through Concept Services
Toaster
Used to toast pita to order
Maintenance: Turn on only during the hours of operation to maximize the life of the heating elements. During the shift, keep clean and free of all debris which may clog the mechanisms or burn. Clean thoroughly after every shift to prevent any grease build-up
Repair and replacement: You can expect your toaster to only last a year. They seem to expire around the time the warranty does. Replacement parts and service can obtained through approved local service providers.
Type: Conveyor toaster
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: ______
Service Provider: ______
Vendor: Bellico JT2 horizontal conveyor toaster or Toastmaster models TC-17D-240 or TC-21D-240/208V,-2900W, all through Concept Services
Food Warmer
Keeps cooked falafel balls warm until given to the customer
Maintenance: Turn on only during hours of operation to maximize the life of the bulbs
Clean thoroughly after every shift to prevent any grease build-up
Repair and replacement: All replacements must use the manufacturer-approved parts. Use of non factory approved parts can result in injury or fire.
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms:
Service Provider: ______
Vendor: Replacement: Hatco Model No. UGFFL through Concept Services.
Topping Bar-Refrigeration
The refrigerated Topping Bar holds salads, sauces and pickles for the guest add to their falafel. It is custom-built into the service line.
Maintenance: As with any cooling unit, make sure all vents are unblocked and periodically clean the coils and fins of the condenser and change or clean any air filters.
Clean the interior with soap and hot water.
Repair and replacement: ______
Manufacturer: ______
Model Number: ______
Warranty/Service Contract Terms:
Service Provider:
Topping Bar-Lighting
Above the topping bar is a sneeze guard with built-in broad-spectrum lighting.
Maintenance: Keep clean, top and bottom, and replace bulbs as soon as they burn out. Keep extra bulbs in house.
Repair and replacement: Electrical problems are handled by “Electric Dave” 202.257.5673
Bulbs: Broad spectrum (natural light) incandescent bulbs
Manufacturer: Any
Wattage: 40 watts
Warranty/Service Contract Terms: None
Service Provider: “Electric Dave” 202.257.5673
Soda Dispenser and Ice Maker
Self-serve soft drink dispenser with top-mounted ice maker.
Maintenance: Regular, repeated and thorough cleaning is essential because the sugar in the syrup can be the source of numerous problems if allowed to stand or accumulate. This includes not just the dispenser but all lines, drains, surfaces (seen and unseen), connections and fixtures; especially in the areas around where the bulk soda boxes are hooked up to the system. Use hot water and bleach to clean. Soak all the nozzles over night in hot water and bleach. Pick out any food particles in the catch tray and flush the drain line with hot water and bleach every night.
As with any cooling unit, make sure all vents are unblocked. Periodically clean the coils and fins of the condenser and heat exchanger using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, being careful not to damage the delicate fins. Change or clean any air filters for both the soda and ice machines. Vacuum the evaporators (heat exchanger/core) regularly. Be careful not to damage the fins of the evaporator as you vacuum them. Use a brush attachment so as to not damage evaporator while vacuuming.