Power ratings and energy consumption should always be considered when purchasing prime cooking equipment.
Small energy savings made on one item of catering equipment can yield impressive cost savings when considered over a whole year’s operation.
For restaurant chains or operations with more than one outlet, savings multiplied across several kitchens can be very large. Appliance manufacturers should be able to supply energy efficiency information to allow informed buying decisions to be made. In not, consider buying from a manufacturer that can supply this information.
Consider products that are fitted with energy saving devices, and ask the manufacturers to quantify the potential savings when related to the kitchen operation and menu items.
When selecting appliances, the following should be bourne in mind: -
- Consider installing two smaller items of cooking equipment rather than one large on if demand is likely to be variable. This will have a higher initial cost, but can deliver considerable energy savings if one of the appliances can be turned off during periods of low demand. An additional benefit is that it will provide additional cover in the event of a breakdown.
- Consider equipment with warning lights to indicate whether ovens are switched on or hob surfaces are hot to remind busy operators to switch off when not in use.
- Consider appliances with standby or idle modes and a high degree of heat insulation. Ask the manufacturer for the running costs when the appliance is in standby mode.
- Consider kitchen appliances with smart controls that can detect when equipment has been left on, but is no longer in use, and automatically switch to standby mode.
- Consider ovens with robust closure mechanisms to contain the heat, and train staff to keep oven doors firmly closed when in use.
- Consider gas appliances that use pre-mix gas/air combustion technology for greater efficiency.
- Consider the appliance start-up time: Ask the manufacturer what it costs to get the equipment to operating temperature.
- Consider the appliance running cost per hour; ask the manufacturer what it costs to run the appliance per hour.
Different appliances have different energy consumption advantages for different applications. It is important to gather as much information as possible.
Advice from the Catering for a Sustainable Future Group
