Restaurant Equipment Parts

The Importance of Water Filters for Your Restaurant Equipment

A filter system is an integral part of your restaurant equipment's water tank! Here at WebstaurantStore, we get a lot of customer orders asking why, or if, a filter is even necessary when they purchase a commercial ice machine, coffee brewing equipment, or steam equipment. Filters not only ensure that you have sanitary, great tasting water and ice, but they keep your equipment working longer. Shop All Water Filters and Systems These purification systems block mineral deposits, scale, sediment, cysts, and other contaminants from entering the water line and equipment. This helps prevent odor and chlorine taste in your ice and beverages. Blocking these substances not only helps with water sanitation, but keeps equipment running smoothly. Machines with mineral buildup will run less efficiently and break down sooner, which means you lose money. In fact, poor quality feed water will actually void the warranty on most ice machines. In short, spending a few hundred dollars on a filter system now will save you several thousand dollars in the future! Luckily, we make it easy to choose the right filter by automatically pairing a compatible C Pure Oceanloch filter system to your ice machine order. Need more proof as to why a filter is needed? Take a look at the gunk we found in the water tank of a standard office coffee urn. The images below show what a water tank will look like after approximately one year of use without a filter. The buildup was so thick, it had to be scooped out. Avoid this mess by installing a water filter prior to using your equipment! View our ice machine filters and our hot beverage equipment filters to find the best filtration system for your machine. Water Filter Types Although U.S. drinking water has been protected under the Safe Drinking Water Act since 1974, many experts warn that water from a tap source does not meet health guidelines. While you cannot always control the source of your water, you can certainly add an extra layer of protection from contaminants by purchasing an efficient filter. Here are the most common water filter types: A carbon filter replacement cartridge for an espresso machine water filter kit. Carbon Filter Systems: Carbon, a porous material, absorbs impurities as water passes through these point-of-entry systems. They generally remove lead, PCBs, chlorine byproducts, certain parasites, radon, pesticides and herbicides, certain gasoline and dry cleaning additives and solvents, some levels of bacteria, and traces of pharmaceuticals. A reverse osmosis water filtration system for coffee, espresso, and tea brewers. Reverse Osmosis Systems: Often used in conjunction with carbon filters, these systems push water through a semipermeable membrane to act as an extremely fine filter. One disadvantage is that these systems waste more water during the filter system (4 to 9 gallons for every 1 gallon filtered). They generally remove more finite chemicals that carbon filters might miss, including perchlorate, sulfates, fluoride, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, chlorine byproducts, chlorides (which give water a salty taste), and pharmaceuticals. A UV light system for bacteria reduction. Ultraviolet Light: These units disinfect water by killing microorganisms with ultraviolet radiation. They are often used as a pre-treatment option or a polishing step in the filtration process and are recommended for use in conjunction with carbon filters to help remove other solid contaminants. Filters For Your Ice Machine You wouldn't serve a refreshing cold beverage without ice, would you? In turn, you shouldn't purchase an ice machine without also using a filter. This will increase customer satisfaction by eliminating funky flavors caused by mineral buildup in the water used to produce the ice. Additionally, blocking mineral deposits and contaminants from entering the machine ensures that it stays running longer, avoiding breakdowns. Take a look at the main reasons to purchase a filter for your ice machine: Better tasting beverages (because ice has no contaminants) Higher ice production Lower energy usage, since the machine works more efficiently with a filter Longer ice machine life Poor quality feed water will void the warranty on most ice machines Shop All Ice Machine Filters Ice Machine Maintenance Tips Even with the proper filter kit, mineral deposits and scaling can gradually develop on the ice machine's interior. This harms performance and efficiency. Protect from this buildup with an ice machine cleaner, like Noble Chemical's Arctic ice machine cleaner. This solvent is safe for use in all ice machines and will remove buildup, while at the same time protecting tin and nickel plated evaporators. Plus, it's available in both concentrated cleaner and a ready to use formula. Filters For Your Coffee Pot Coffee brewed in dirty decanters, urns, and airpots can taste bitter and even rancid. Be sure to delime your brewer and sprayhead regularly. A water filtration system used in your coffee brewer blocks contaminants to ensure that your beverages are sanitary, safe, and great tasting! Filters prevent minerals and other sediment from clogging the internal components or your machines to increase its efficiency, lower your energy costs, and extend the life of your coffee equipment. Here are the advantages of purchasing a filter for your coffee machine: Produces consistent quality beverages without bitter flavor caused by contaminants Maintains water quality even in the event of high water hardness levels Compact design fits many standard machines Filters are designed for both cold beverage and coffee/espresso machines Built in bacteria inhibitors ensure that drinks are sanitary Shop All Coffee Machine Water Filters Coffee Machine Maintenance Tips To avoid mineral buildup and oil deposits in your coffee pot, clean your brewer and sprayhead regularly with a deliming/ descaling agent. Klearly Koffee not only cleans coffee pots, but airpots, teapots, glass bowls, plastic coffee bins, and stainless steel, porcelain and ceramic brewing and serving equipment. Use it for crystal clear glass pots to enhance the appeal of beverages. Filters For Your Steam Equipment Having pure water is the most crucial component in any steam cooker. The majority of maintenance issues and breakdowns for steam equipment are due to sediment buildup and calcification in the boiler component of the unit. A proper water filtration system for your food steamer can prevent unwanted buildup of sediment, cysts, lime, calcium, and chlorine taste and odor to keep your machine running in peak condition. With the right water filter, not only will your machine run more efficiently and last longer, but it will also produce better tasting, safer food for your customers. These are a few reasons why you should install a filtration system for your steamer: Produces purer steam, and fresher, more healthy products Filters out sediments and contaminants found in hard water Larger filtration systems that can handle much higher volume of water Filtration systems work with combi ovens, commercial steamers, steam kettles, braising pans and skillets, and all other direct-connection steam equipment Low quality feed water will void the warranty on most steam equipment Prevent calcification around the heating element for better heat conduction and efficiency Shop All Steam Equipment Water Filters Steam Equipment Maintenance Tips Although a filter system will catch the majority of contaminants and minerals, over time there is bound to be a buildup of sediment and minerals. Have a professional perform preventative maintenance on your steam equipment every three to six months, and change your filter cartridges often to keep water as pure as possible. Also, try using a delimer / descaler according to the instructions in your equipment manual to keep your steamer clean and high-functioning.

How to Clean Refrigerator Coils

The coils on refrigeration equipment naturally accumulate dust and debris. Over time this buildup will cause your refrigeration system to work harder to maintain temperature and it can potentially lead to failures in other key components. If your refrigerator isn’t getting cold enough, or if it is using too much electricity, it may be time to clean your refrigerator coils. Whether you own a reach-in, blast chiller, walk-in, or any other type of refrigeration equipment, you should be cleaning the refrigerator coils at least once every month. In this video, we’ll show you how to clean refrigerator coils by walking you through four quick and easy steps. When this simple maintenance task is followed correctly, you’ll be running at maximum efficiency and increase the longevity of your unit. Shop All Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Clean Refrigerator Coils Unplug your equipment before starting. Food inside your unit will be safe as long as the door is kept shut and it is already at the proper temperature. 1.Remove the grill. This is located on the bottom, top, or behind the unit, and will usually require a screwdriver. 2.Use a coil brush to clean the coils. 3.Use a vacuum cleaner crevice attachment to remove smaller particles. Try not to bend the fins on the coil. 4.Re-install the grill.

Maintaining a Commercial Beer Tap System

The beer tap system is one of the most important tools in a bar, nightclub, or restaurant, so it's important that you're properly maintaining your system. But, with multiple moving parts involved, understanding and maintaining your beer tap system can easily become overwhelming. Here, we’ll break down how to maintain and clean your beer tap system and show you the solutions to several common problems you may run into. Additionally, if you're looking to troubleshoot a problem with your beer tap systems, you can use the links below to find your solution directly. Foamy Beer Flat Beer Cloudy Beer Unusual Taste Beer Isn't Flowing Shop All Beer Tap Brushes, Plugs, and Cleaning Accessories Maintaining Your Beer Tap System Are you unsure of how best to take care of your beer tap systems? Here is everything you need to know to make sure that you can keep the delicious and cold beers coming. How to Clean Your Beer Taps One of the best options for cleaning your beer tap lines is to use a cleaning kit. A beer tap cleaning kit comes with all the equipment and chemicals you need to clean your system, and they come with easy-to-follow instructions. Instead of cleaning the taps themselves, many bar owners choose to use a cleaning service. Services are quick and convenient, and they ensure that your system is cleaned efficiently and regularly. How Often Should Beer Lines Be Cleaned? How regularly you should clean your beer tap system will depend on the volume of your business. High-volume nightclubs, sports bars, and banquet halls should clean their beer tap lines every week or two. Lower volume establishments only need to clean their draft lines every 2 or 3 weeks. How to Tap a Keg Tapping kegs is an essential skill for bartenders. Here is how you can tap a keg in three easy steps: Attach the coupler to your gas cylinder. Make sure that you have the correct coupler for the beer you're serving, as using the wrong coupler can affect the gas pressure and how your beer pours. Open the gas valve and adjust the gas pressure. Most light beers, ales, and lagers should be dispensed at 10 - 12 PSI. Darker beers like porters and stouts should be dispensed at higher pressure levels, closer to 25 - 30 PSI. Take the dust cover off your keg. Attach your beer tap to the keg, ensuring that it is securely locked in place. Common Problems and Solutions for Beer Tap Systems Is there an issue with your beer tap system? Most issues with beer tap systems are a result of improper temperature, improper pressure, or cleaning issues. So before you call a technician next time you have an issue with your beer lines, check out this list of common problems and solutions. Foamy Beer Beer that is too foamy is one of the most common problems bartenders and bar owners will encounter. The good news is that this is a very easily fixed problem. Here are some of the main causes of foamy beer and how to fix them: The draft cooler is too warm. The cooler should be kept between 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Your glasses are frozen. When beer comes into contact with a glass that is too cold, it can cause the beer to foam up. You should also never freeze your glasses because it can freeze water in the beer and numb customers' taste buds to the delightful flavors of your brews. Beer lines are too warm or too cold. Make sure that your beer line systems are refrigerated or insulated according to the type of beer you're offering. Lines should be kept at the proper serving temperature for each beer. The beer is being improperly dispensed. The correct way to pour a beer is to start by holding the glass at a 45 degree angle, quickly open the faucet, and slowly transition into a 90 degree hold on the glass, dispensing until you have about 1" of head at the top. Additionally, you should never let the faucet touch the beer. There is too much pressure in your system. Generally, U.S. ales and lagers are dispensed at 10 - 12 PSI, while stouts and other styles are dispensed at 25 - 30 PSI (adding 1 PSI for each 2000 ft. increment above sea level). The taps are dirty or malfunctioning. Foamy beer may be a result of dirty beer lines, so be sure to clean your beer tap system thoroughly. If cleaning doesn't resolve the situation, you may need to have your system serviced by a professional, or some parts may need to be replaced. Flat Beer Nothing is worse than getting a beer that is flat and tasteless. Ensure that you're serving your guests delicious and carbonated beverages with these simple fixes: Your beer is too cold. Barrels should be stored between 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lines should be refrigerated or insulated to properly maintain the serving temperature of the beer you're serving. Additionally, different types of beer are stored at different temperatures. The glasses haven't been properly cleaned. Glasses should be cleaned with specific bar glass chemicals, since standard detergents are more likely to leave a film behind. Grease deposits and lint from towels can cause your beer to lose its head and to have a flat appearance. So be sure to use the correct cleaner and let your glasses air dry. There is not enough pressure in your system. Make sure that your gas cylinder is set to the correct PSI and ensure that the coupler is securely attached. You're using an air compressor for pressure. Some establishments will try to use air compressors to dispense their beer to cut costs. Air will not carbonate your beer, resulting in a flat product. When dispensing beer, you must use either carbon dioxide or a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Cloudy Beer The ideal beer for most styles has a 1 inch head, is nicely carbonated, and is perfectly clear. But if your beer comes out cloudy, here are some ways you can fix it. It's important to note, though, that some beers, like wheat beers, are supposed to be cloudy. The beer is over-chilled in the keg or beer lines. If the beer is too cold, ice can start forming, which causes the beer to become cloudy. Make sure that your beer is stored at the correct temperature. Beer lines or taps have not been adequately cleaned. Over time, yeast and sediment can build up in your draft lines or taps. This sediment can get into your beer and cause it to turn cloudy. You can prevent this by cleaning your beer tap system regularly and thoroughly. Your pressure source is contaminated. Carbon dioxide cylinders should be regularly inspected and maintained if they're being refilled instead of replaced. Otherwise, rust and other contaminants may build up inside and get into your beer. Some cylinders can be fitted with in-line purifiers that use carbon beads to remove contaminants. Unusual Taste Being served a beer that tastes "off" is one of the worst things that can happen at a bar. Here's how to prevent it from happening at yours: Beer lines or taps are dirty. Build-up in the beer lines or tap can affect the taste of your beer, so you should clean them regularly. Your gas cylinders are contaminated. Check your gas tank for rust or contamination. You may need to swap it out for a different tank and have the contaminated tank cleaned. Beer glasses haven't been cleaned properly. If you use the wrong chemicals to clean your beer glasses, they can leave a small film that can cause your beer to taste off. Make sure that you're using specifically beer glass chemicals and sanitizer. You're serving old beer. Many breweries print a freshness date on kegs to help prevent you from holding onto a product for too long. As a general rule of thumb, a keg of non-pasteurized beer being dispensed with carbon dioxide will stay fresh for approximately 45-60 days, while pasteurized beer will hold for between 90-120 days. Beer Isn't Flowing Beer not flowing is a huge problem for bars. Here are some easy troubleshooting tips to ensure you get your beer flowing again quickly: Your keg is empty. Replace the empty one with a fresh keg. You can also use a keg check to see the current levels in your keg. Your gas cylinder is empty. Replace or refill your tank. A double gauge regulator can be a handy investment for your tank because it has a regulated pressure gauge and it also shows how much is left in your tank. The gas is turned off. Your CO2 should be left on, unless there are leaks or you need to change out the cylinder. Your keg is tapped incorrectly. Make sure your keg has been tapped correctly. The beer lines are frozen. Thaw out the frozen lines. Make sure that the beer is being stored at an appropriate temperature--generally between 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit--to avoid freezing, which can cause ice to backup into your beer line. If ambient temperature is the problem, consider insulating the beer lines. The beer tap system is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a bar, so it’s important that you know how to clean, maintain, and troubleshoot your system. And with this information you’ll be able to handle any problem that might come your way.