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Day: 5 April 2022

air conditioning

With summer coming up, it’s time to think about how to keep your business cool on long and hot days. To help you understand why air conditioning is important and the benefits of installing an air conditioning system, we’ve put together this handy guide. 

Why air conditioning is important

In summer, businesses can become hot and stuffy. This causes problems for staff members, visitors and customers alike. Thankfully, commercial air conditioning is a great solution. After all, commercial air conditioning can: 

  • Create a comfortable environment 
  • Reduce humidity 
  • Improve air quality 
  • Protect business critical equipment
  • Improve security 

The benefits of air conditioning for employees

A recent study by the Facilities Management Journal (FMJ) found that 29% of office workers are unable to work efficiently due to uncomfortable office temperatures. 6% said they lose more than 30 minutes a day of productive working time due to office temperatures not being conducive to working conditions.

However, hot temperatures don’t only affect office workers. In America, Cornell has found that there are clear associations between work performance and indoor environment conditions in all industries and sectors.

Due to this, it’s clear that in hot summer months commercial air conditioning can not only help make your staff members more comfortable, but it can also make them more productive. 

The benefits of air conditioning for customers

If you provide your customers with respite from the outside heat, they’re more likely to stay in your business for longer. Keeping your business cool in summer could cause your customers to order an extra drink at your bar or enjoy a more comfortable and relaxing stay at your hotel or spa. 

By keeping your business cool in summer, you can improve customer satisfaction levels, boost your revenue and encourage return business.  

At JLA, we provide a range of single room, split unit wall-mounted and ceiling-cassette air conditioning solutions. Keeping different areas of your business at the right temperature all year round can be tricky, but we can help. Talk to our experts today to discuss your air conditioning requirements. Whatever you need, we’ll take care of it.

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commercial fridge

If you’re running a restaurant or a busy kitchen, then locating the best place for your commercial fridge or freezer can be tricky. After all, there are a number of things to consider, including the size of the appliance you need, the space you have available and the access you require. 

With this in mind, let’s take a look at how to install a commercial fridge or freezer. As part of this, we’ll also cover where you should put a commercial fridge or freezer.

How to install a commercial fridge

How you install your commercial fridge will depend on the type of fridge you purchase. For example, due to their smaller size, commercial counter fridges are often easier to install than commercial upright fridges. 

However, how you install your commercial fridge will depend on its size and where it’s located on your premises. For example, if your kitchen can only be accessed via a narrow staircase, then the options you have available may be limited. 

But, both counter fridges and upright fridges are far simpler to install than walk-in fridges and cold rooms, which will require expert fitting. Thankfully, many counter fridges and upright fridges simply need to be plugged in and allowed to reach temperature before they’re ready for use. 

When installing a commercial fridge, it’s important that you follow the instructions in the manual. If in doubt, call an expert to help you. 

How to install a commercial freezer

The process of installing a commercial freezer is similar to the process of installing a commercial fridge. This is because the installation process will largely be determined by the type of commercial freezer you purchase. 

While a space saving under-counter model like the Active Freeze 140 Freezer will be simple to fit and install, a larger model like an Active Freeze 1300 Freezer will be more complex due to the space required. If you need to learn more about how to install a commercial freezer, then contact our experts.

Where to put commercial fridges and freezers

Deciding where to put your commercial fridge or freezer is very important and there are a number of factors to consider. For example, you need to think about: 

  • Who needs access to the fridge or freezer 
  • How often access is required 
  • How much space you have available 
  • Whether one large fridge/freezer or two smaller space-saving options will be better for your needs 
  • Where your power sockets are

The layout of your commercial kitchen and your access needs will determine where is best to put your commercial fridges and freezers. For example, if you place your only fridge in the corner and multiple people need access, then you may create bottlenecks during busy periods. In this instance, multiple under-counter fridges may be a better choice for your needs. Similarly, in compact kitchens, space-saving options like under-counter fridges may better suit the layout of your kitchen. 

Unsure which commercial fridge or freezer best suits your needs? Talk to our experts today. Whatever you need, we’ll take care of it.

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commercial fridge

To deliver fresh food to your customers, you need to have the right commercial fridge in your kitchen. After all, not only will your fridge help keep your food fresh, but it will also keep your business compliant with food safety legislation. 

We’ve designed our commercial refrigerators based on the feedback of top chefs. But, is a counter or upright commercial fridge right for you? Here, we’ll assess the differences between countertop fridges and upright fridges, so you can find the right solution for your needs. 

Commercial counter fridges

Commercial counter fridges are incredibly useful in compact kitchens where floor space is at a premium and low-level design is important. 

Countertop fridges can be incorporated into a kitchen design in one of two ways. They can either be integrated in an undercounter capacity, or they can be used as a 2-in-1 refrigerator-worktop solution. The latter is the preferred option in small and compact kitchens because the fridge also provides additional surface space for food preparation.

On top of this, countertop fridges are incredibly flexible. They offer versatile racking systems and combinations of drawers and shelves. In some instances, they offer just as much capacity as their upright counterparts. 

Commercial upright fridges

Upright fridges generally offer a vast internal capacity. Due to this, they’re a great solution in professional kitchens that either do not require or do not have the means for a full walk-in fridge. 

Upright fridges are also popular because of their versatility. Available in single door, double door or slimline options, they can be tailored to suit access needs. 

Which fridge is right for my business?

Whether a counter or commercial fridge is right for your business will depend on the size of the fridge you need and the space you have available. Our commercial fridges are available in either countertop or upright models, with capacities of between 140 and 1,300 litres. 

Generally speaking, countertop fridges are better suited to kitchens with a smaller footprint or slower service, such as care homes or small hotels. Meanwhile, upright fridges tend to be more popular in busy restaurants, hospitality venues or large-scale catering businesses. 

Need help finding the right commercial fridge for your needs? Get in touch with our catering experts today. We’re here to help. 

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commercial hob

Whether you’re running a big restaurant with 100 covers, a small café or the kitchen in a care home, keeping your cooking equipment clean is vital.

When you’re cooking regularly, hobs can quickly become clogged with debris and food waste. As well as being unsightly, this could cause a serious food safety issue. 

Thankfully, our commercial catering cleaning guide for hobs can help make the cleaning process simple. Here, we outline the best way to clean gas, electric and induction hobs. 

How to clean a gas hob

Cleaning a gas hob is simple, but it requires a little elbow grease. Thankfully, this hob cleaning tutorial will make the process easy: 

  1. Using a damp cloth, remove as much food and debris as possible. While doing this, pay close attention to the gas rings. 
  2. Apply your chosen cleaning product and leave it to soak for a couple of minutes before wiping it with a damp cloth. Ensure that you clean the cloth between wipes. 
  3. Once the hob is clean, place the metal racks and hob burner tops into the sink. Leave them to soak in hot soapy water for several minutes before cleaning them with a cloth or sponge. 
  4. Rinse the hob burners and racks in cold water and leave them to dry. 
  5. Buff all surfaces with a clean and soft cloth for an added shine.

How to clean an electric hob

Electric plate hobs need regular maintenance to stop food burning into the grooves. Using this hob cleaning tutorial, you can clean your electric hob in six simple steps: 

  1. Spray the hob with a cleaning product of your choice and leave it to soak for a couple of minutes.
  2. Soak a large cloth in hot water and place it on the hob, leaving it for a couple of minutes. This will help lift burnt-on stains and grease. 
  3. Wipe off any loose grime and food using the cloth, repeating the process if necessary. 
  4. Work the cleaning solution into the grooves of the heating element using a brush that will remove tough stains. 
  5. Wipe the heating elements with a damp cloth, making sure to remove all remnants of the cleaning product. 
  6. Leave to dry completely before switching back on.

How to clean an induction hob

Although induction hobs are generally the easiest to clean, they still require regular maintenance. To ensure yours is always spick and span, follow the six steps in this hob cleaning tutorial:  

  1. Wipe away any excess dirt or grime from your hob using a paper towel. 
  2. Place your chosen cleaning product onto the surface of the hob, leaving it to soak for a couple of minutes. 
  3. Clean the solution away using a damp, soapy cloth.
  4. Repeat the process if necessary to remove any burnt-on stains. 
  5. Dry the induction hob using paper towels. 
  6. Buff up your induction hob using a slightly damp microfiber cloth. 

Looking to upgrade your commercial hob? Take a look at the selection we have available today. Alternatively, speak to our sales team to discuss which of our options is best for your needs. 

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commercial griddle

Never purchased a commercial griddle before? Well, to help you make the best possible choice for your business, we’ve created this commercial griddle buying guide. 

Within, we cover how to buy a griddle, whether a gas or electric griddle is the best option, and the advantages and disadvantages of countertop and freestanding griddles. 

What is a griddle?

Commercial griddles (often known as planchas) are the perfect addition to any commercial kitchen. This is because they’re great for cooking a wide variety of foods, such as eggs, bacon, steaks, fish and vegetables.

Although some people use the terms interchangeably, griddles are different to grills. This is because griddles have smooth and flat surfaces. That said, some griddles like our Modular Half-Ribbed Griddle can still create attractive grill marks. 

Griddles are great because they’re easy to clean, offer great thermostatic control and will keep your kitchen running smoothly even in the busiest service periods.

Gas or electric?

Griddles are versatile appliances. As a result, you have the choice between electric griddles and gas griddles. 

Whether a gas griddle or an electric griddle is best for your needs will depend on a number of factors. However, in most instances, electric griddles are more convenient than gas griddles. This is especially true in food vans and small-scale food outlets where food is prepared to order. 

Freestanding or countertop?

Likewise, the availability of freestanding and commercial countertop griddles means that there’s an option to suit a broad spectrum of catering requirements. 

Generally, countertop griddles such as our Modular Electric Griddle are a great space-saving solution. However, they do take up countertop space. As a result, if you’re short on prep space already but do have floor space, then a freestanding griddle like the JLA Freestanding Griddle 800 is likely to be the better choice. 

No matter whether you choose an electric griddle, a gas griddle, a freestanding griddle or a countertop griddle, a range of sizes are available. Unsure which griddle is right for your needs? Contact our experts today to discuss your requirements. We’d love to help you.  

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Food Warmers

In this commercial food warmer buying guide, we’ll take a look at Bain Maries vs hot cupboards. In doing so, we’ll help you discover which is right for your kitchen. We’ll cover what each appliance does, the scenarios where it’s useful and the benefits it provides.

What is a Bain Marie?

A Bain Marie is a water bath appliance that’s used to keep food warm. Designed to gently keep pre-cooked food ready to eat for extended periods, it’s usually used as part of a self-service buffet or assisted service area. Electric and gas versions are available, as well as wet heat and dry heat options.

Wet heat Bain Maries are the traditional option. They use water or steam to heat the basin and form a bath or a sauna for the food you need to display or keep heated. By maintaining a consistent and reliable heat, you can keep dishes on display at the optimum temperature after cooking.

Alternatively, dry heat Bain Marie models use heating elements to keep gastronorm pans and batch-cooked dishes at service temperature.

What is a hot cupboard?

Hot cupboards (sometimes referred to as hot holding cupboards or warming cupboards) are perfect for storing plated precooked meals or crockery. The internal temperature of the hot cupboard is usually regulated by external controls.

Which is right for me?

Whether a Bain Marie or a hot cupboard is right for your business will depend on why you need the appliance. For example, if you’re looking to keep food warm in a buffet environment, then a Bain Marie is the right choice. However, if you’re storing a huge number of plated precooked meals for a service, then a hot cupboard is a much better choice. 

To help you decide whether a Bain Marie or a hot cupboard is right, let’s conclude our commercial food warmer guide by looking at the benefits of both. 

Benefits of a Bain Marie

  • Keeps food warm for instant serving when needed.
  • Holds pre-cooked ‘batch’ foods like curry or chilli.
  • Reduces food waste by keeping food heated for long periods.
  • Increases efficiency by cooking batches instead of to order dishes.
  • Ideal for front-of house display – in buffets or canteens.
  • Wet and dry heat options with various capacities.

Benefits of a hot cupboard

  • Keeps finished dishes fresh and ready to be served.
  • Can hold either plated precooked meals for future serving, or hundreds of plates for a large pool of customers.
  • Even heat diffusion for consistent temperatures
  • Bain Marie tops available

Still unsure whether you’re better off with a Bain Marie or a hot cupboard? Get in touch today. Our experts would love to help you find the perfect solution.

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Kane Downes

Air conditioning expert

Kane Downes is the Lead Air Conditioner Installer in JLA’s HVAC team.

During his career at JLA, he has managed multiple large installations, including projects exceeding values of £1 million in revenue. He is known as a perfectionist and works closely with customers to ensure the project has been completed with maximum attention to detail.

Part of his role includes developing younger engineers and apprentices to provide them with a platform to build confidence and a stronger skillset.

George is Gas qualified for both laundry and COMCAT 1, 2, 3, 5, and holds IOSH Managing Safety and 17th edition accreditation.

Read Kane's full profile
Peter Westwell

Peter Westwell

Catering expert

A fully qualified electrical and gas catering engineer, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge to JLA after previously owning his own successful catering equipment business.

Now as Catering Project Manager at JLA, Peter helps organisations of all sizes choose the most energy-efficient, cost-effective equipment and support for their needs.

Read Peter's full profile

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