93. Simplified Equipment Operation
Lesson Two
Simplified Equipment Operation
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

94. Introduction Getting the most out of equipment is important.
It is easy for employees to become comfortable with one way of using equipment.
Everyone can learn new ways to use equipment and make a better product or save on time and labor.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

95. Lesson Objectives Locate and use the equipment files
Operate major pieces of food service equipment effectively and efficiently
Describe uses and functions of different types of equipment
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

96. Owner’s Manual Owner’s manuals will contain the following information:
Product and set-up information
Maintenance schedules
Trouble-shooting suggestions
Features and benefits
Safety features
Calibration procedures
Basic service information
Replacement part numbers
Contact information for the manufacturer
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

97. What is the benefit of this piece of equipment?
Do you think you could learn something by finding out what other techniques people use with this equipment?
Have we ever thought, “There has to be a better way to do this!”?
Do you think there are any better ways to clean equipment after certain tasks?
What is the most efficient thing you ever saw when it came to using a piece of equipment?
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

98. Refrigerators, Freezers, and Blast Chillers
Equipment has different uses and functions. Equipment can be broken up into several groups.
Food Machines
Cooking Equipment
Refrigerators, Freezers, and Blast Chillers
Dish Machines
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

99. Vertical Cutter/Mixer
Food Machines I
Slicer
Mixer
Food Chopper
Food Machines II
Food Processor
Vertical Cutter/Mixer
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

100. Combination Oven Steamer
Cooking Equipment I
Steamer
Steam Jacketed Kettle
Cooking Equipment II
Tilting Skillet
Deep Fat Fryer
Cooking Equipment III
Range
Oven
Combination Oven Steamer
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

101. Refrigerators, Freezers, and Blast Chillers Refrigerator Freezer
Dish Machines
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

102. General Safety Observations
Equipment should not be operated by anyone who has not read the owner’s manual and had an experienced operator demonstrate use.
Always wear the appropriate protective equipment.
Never leave operating equipment unattended.
Sanitize equipment with food contact surfaces after each use.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

103. Slicer Focus on the task; avoid conversation.
Keep the slicer clean and sharp.
Bring the slice gauge to zero after finishing work and before cleaning.
Special care must be taken when cleaning. Always unplug the slicer before changing parts or cleaning.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

104. Slicer (continued) Use a safety mesh glove if available.
Never use a slicer without guards.
Never clean a slicer while it is running.
Clean and sanitize the slicer before and after each use.
Keep the slicer covered between uses.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

105. Mixer Do not wear loose clothing around any rotating equipment.
Keep hands and utensils out of the bowl as the attachments move.
Focus on the task.
Keep the mixer clean and the attachments close by.
Keep the mixer covered when not in use.
Sanitize before and after each use.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

106. Mixer (continued)
Check to see that control setting is on low when beginning and return control setting to low when finished.
Use a splash guard collar if the bowl is more than ½ full and a collar is provided.
Fasten attachments firmly.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

107. Food Chopper Focus on the task. Sanitize before and after each use.
Before use, make sure the machine is properly and completely assembled.
Start machine and gradually feed food into bowl.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

108. Food Chopper (continued)
Feed food into cutters with a proper food scraper or plunger.
Move bowl scraper in the opposite direction of the bowl rotation.
Use the safety catch or unplug the food chopper to remove food or change blades.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

109. Food Chopper (continued)
Do not chop meat with gristle or bones.
Keep food chopper covered when not in use.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

110. Food Processor Focus on the task. Sanitize before and after each use.
Before disassembling, pre-wash the cutter. Close the lid and jog (pulse) for a few seconds.
Wash all attachments.
After washing and sanitizing, air dry and reassemble the machine.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

111. Vertical Cutter/Mixer
Sanitize before and after each use.
Tilt the handle to hold and lock bowl into vertical position.
Use the stop switch to unlock the bowl.
A vertical cutter/mixer has three settings:
Run: run continuously
Jog (Pulse): jogs momentarily
Timer: set time/push start
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

112. Vertical Cutter/Mixer (continued)
After the product has been removed, return bowl to vertical position.
Before disassembling, pre-wash the cutter. Close, latch, and jog.
Wash all attachments.
After washing and sanitizing, air dry and reassemble the machine.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

113. Steamer Steaming Blanching Thawing Poaching Simmering Stewing
Rethermalizing (reheating)
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

114. Pressure Steamer
Open doors to the pressure steamer only after the pressure is lowered.
Allow the steam in the cavity to escape before opening the door completely.
Report steam leaks immediately.
Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

115. Pressure Steamer (continued)
Use 2 ½-inch pans for faster cook times. Use two shallow pans instead of one deep one.
Make sure frozen product is close to a uniform size for best results.
Leave the door open to air dry the cavity.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

116. Pressureless Convection Steamer
Thawing is better in a pressureless steamer because food is less likely to overcook.
Pre-heat this steamer for best results.
Heat water to 212º F from tap temperature.
Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
Use perforated, uncovered pans wherever possible to speed up production.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

117. Pressureless Convection Steamer (continued)
Do not cover pans with foil, film, or lids. It will increase cook times as much as 400%.
When thawing a frozen block of product, place the block on the smallest side to expose the most surface area to steam.
Leave the door open to let door gaskets dry completely.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

118. Pressure/Pressureless Steamer
Leave the door open to let door gaskets dry completely.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

119. Atmospheric Steamer Pre-heat steamer and leave on until finished.
Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
When cooking frozen food, use 3 of the 4 spaces.
For 4 full pans, check top pan at about 70% of cook time.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

120. Atmospheric Steamer (continued)
Remove top pan when cooked. Replace with bottom pan.
When using only one pan, place on the middle shelf.
When rethermalizing (reheating) prepared foods, stir occasionally to speed heating.
Leave door open to let door gaskets dry completely.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

121. Variable Low Pressure Steamer
Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
Door will not open until the vacuum is released.
Leave the door open to let door gaskets dry completely.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

122. Steam Jacketed Kettle Sanitize before and after each use.
Install the slotted drain cover before cooking product.
Wipe up spills immediately.
Make sure the water gauge is at the recommended level.
Fill no more than 2/3 full.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

123. Steam Jacketed Kettle (continued)
Keep the lid down to speed cooking.
Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
Stand to the side.
Use long-handled utensils to stir food.
To avoid splashes and burns, stir and pour slowly.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

124. Steam Jacketed Kettle (continued)
When food is finished, turn the control valve to off to prevent overcooking.
Clean by adding water and detergent to just above the cook line.
Clean the drain and sanitize the kettle.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

125. Tilting Skillet (Braising Pan)
Sanitize before and after each use.
Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
Use long-handled utensils.
Tend food at all times.
Clean and sanitize after each use.
Heat water and detergent on medium to loosen baked-on food.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

126. Deep Fat Fryer Ideal oil temperature is 350° F to 370° F.
Do not let oil temperature drop below 310° F.
Do not overfill fryer baskets.
Never salt items over the fryer.
Do not cover hot oil until it has cooled.
Always wait until oil is cool before filtering or changing it.
Filter and change oil as directed.
Clean up all oil spills promptly to prevent slips and falls.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

127. Range Top Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
Avoid wearing loose clothing.
Cover pots to speed boiling process.
Turn range tops off when not in use.
Clean up spills.
Clean the interior and exterior of the range after each use.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

128. Oven Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
Preheat before use.
Cook at lower temperatures to prevent splattering.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

129. Combination Oven Steamer
Always wear protective oven mitts to avoid burns.
Start in steam mode (except baking).
Clean up spills as they occur.
Dirty oven racks and pans can be steamed to loosen baked-on product.
When steaming, run 1 to 2 minutes in oven mode.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

130. Combination Oven Steamer
The combination oven steamer is a useful tool. It can be used
As an oven
As a steamer
For cooking and holding
For proofing and baking
For rethermalizing (reheating)
For grilling
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

131. Types of Refrigerators
Reach-in
Walk-in
Pass-through
Roll-in
Milk cooler
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

132. Types of Freezers Reach-in Walk-in
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

133. Types of Blast Chillers
Reach-in
Walk-in
Roll-in
Under counter
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

134. In order to work well, there must be room for air to move around products in refrigerators, freezers, and blast chillers.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

135. Refrigerators, Freezers, and Blast Chillers
Always store ready-to-eat food or cooked food above raw products.
Cover, label, and date all food.
Never overload refrigerators or freezers.
Check for air circulation around fans.
Thaw food in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf.
Chill food in a blast chiller or use another approved method for cooling food before placing it in the refrigerator.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

136. Refrigerators, Freezers, and Blast Chillers (continued)
Use First In, First Out (FIFO) rotation.
Plan door opening and keep doors closed as much as possible.
Turn off lights in walk-in units when not in use.
Wipe up spills immediately.
Check gaskets for a snug fit.
Keep multiple types of food separate.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

137. Types of Dish Machines High-temperature Low-temperature
Uses 180° F water to wash dishes and kill germs
Needs a temperature booster
Low-temperature
Washes at 140° F
Uses an added chemical to sanitize
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

138. Dish Machines General dish machine practices:
Pre-scrape dishes or trays thoroughly.
Check water temperatures regularly. Final rinse should be between 180° F and 195° F.
In a low-temperature dish machine, a sanitary solution must contact the surface of the dishes.
Check holes in the spray arms.
If there is tank bottom build-up, notify a supervisor.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently

139. Safety and efficiency depend on knowing the equipment.
NATIONAL FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE
Using Equipment Safely and Efficiently