Making everyday life in a professional kitchen run smoothly

Everyday life in professional kitchens is a complex set of processes in a constantly changing environment. "It involves material flows, products that spoil, and short storage times, but it is also a people-oriented process. In the big picture, it is also affected by environmental challenges - such as the availability of raw materials, changing customer volumes or labor shortages," says Antti Myllys, Sales and Service Manager at Metos Finland.

– In a professional kitchen, you need to be able to combine these things in a fixed equipment environment to create a successful end result that will work for up to 20 years, he continues.

To make everyday life in a professional kitchen as smooth and functional as possible, the kitchen must be planned well, the right equipment must be selected, the kitchen equipment must be installed professionally, staff must be trained to use the equipment, and the kitchen equipment must be maintained correctly.

Kitchen design has a long-lasting impact on the future

Competent professional kitchen design is important because it will affect the functionality of the kitchen long into the future. In addition to the concept, it takes into account factors such as individual needs, the daily capacity of the kitchen and the number of staff. 

– Often, customers want the kitchen's square footage to be used efficiently. When designing the kitchen, we also look ahead to the future, such as electricity and water prices and food trends, says Myllys.

– In addition, there is a growing desire for kitchens to be ergonomic and comfortable for employees to work in. This also contributes to the shortage of workers.

Read also: Good Kitchen Design Brings many Benefits to the Everyday Life of a Professional Kitchen

Read also: Metos Professional Kitchen Design Service Combines Experience with Vision

Equipment choices have a big impact on everyday life in the kitchen

Professional kitchen equipment must not only meet the technical requirements of the kitchen, but also adapt to its daily needs and the available space. The right choice of equipment has a significant impact on the daily life of the kitchen. 

– In addition to price, customers are often interested in energy efficiency and new technologies, as the technology of appliances is changing rapidly. New products are often attractive even if they don't end up in the kitchen, says Myllys.

From the point of view of the kitchen's life cycle, appliances should be chosen to be suitable for professional use, i.e. to withstand heavy use, but it is also worth paying attention to the safety of the appliances.

– We design and manufacture our own products to be durable and safe right from the start. Equipment that is taken from elsewhere is selected with durability and product safety in mind. The product must go through and pass strict technical tests before it can be accepted as a part of our product selection. 

Read more about our high-quality product range

A professional kitchen expert is an important asset in a new kitchen

Despite careful planning, when a new kitchen is introduced, issues can arise that only become apparent in practice. Such situations need to be resolved quickly. 

– Kitchen installation is always a puzzle of its own. A professional installation expert can resolve situations quickly so that the kitchen's functions are not affected, says Myllys.

– Probably the most challenging are old buildings where a new kitchen is being built. In these cases, unexpected constraints can arise. 

To keep the kitchen running smoothly also the equipment needs to run smoothly. Training helps customers to learn how to use the equipment efficiently and safely, gives them practical tips and ensures that all staff knows how to use the equipment correctly.

Myllys points out that the life cycle of equipment is maximized through correct use.

– As a training topic, maintenance may be a bit boring, but it ensures that the equipment lasts as long as possible and that it works energy-efficiently. In this way, hygiene levels are maintained, and the end result is a high quality product. 

Read more about our Training Services

Periodic maintenance prevents risks

Periodic maintenance can reduce the risk of sudden equipment breakdowns and ensure uninterrupted operation of your kitchen. 

– Periodic maintenance is an investment, not an expense. Any equipment that contains mechanics or electronics will wear out over time. An expert can identify components that are malfunctioning before they break down, for example by measuring or even just listening, Myllys says.

Failures are always responded to as quickly as possible, but because they come unexpectedly, they become an interruption to the kitchen's operation. In addition to reducing costly repairs and extending the life of equipment, scheduled maintenance prevents kitchen downtime.

– The most expensive piece of equipment in a kitchen is the one that doesn't work when the restaurant is full of customers. 

Read also: Periodic Maintenance has an Important Goal: To Ensure the Continuity of a Professional Kitchen's Operations

Continuity is important

With a professional kitchen, the goal is always to keep it running as long and consistently as possible. Everyday life is full of challenges, so it pays to choose an equipment partner with continuity in mind.

– The kitchen project itself is a short time in the life cycle of the kitchen. It pays to choose a partner with whom you can rely on continuity and stability - throughout the whole life of the kitchen, Myllys reminds.