A commercial bar fridge is a critical component of any bar or restaurant, as it helps keep drinks at the right temperature and within easy reach of the bartenders. However, a commercial bar fridge can become a liability without proper maintenance, leading to lost profits and unhappy customers. Here are some tips for maintaining a commercial bar fridge and ensuring it operates efficiently and effectively.

Regular Cleaning 

One of the essential activities you can do to maintain your industrial bar fridge is to clean it regularly. You should clean the refrigerator at least once a week, if not more often. Make sure to remove all items from the fridge before you start cleaning. Use a wet cloth and mild detergent to clean the interior and exterior of the fridge, paying particular attention to the gaskets, door seals, and evaporator coils. It would help to clean the condenser coils at least once every three months. Dirty coils can cause the equipment to work harder and use more energy, leading to higher energy bills and a potentially shorter lifespan.

You can also see Simco's multiple Commercial Fridges & freezer options if storing items is an issue in the pantry. For more information, visit our official Simco website.

Check the Temperature 

Another critical aspect of maintaining an industrial bar fridge is monitoring the temperature. Ideally, you want to keep the fridge between 33- and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. To check the temperature:

  1. Put a thermometer in a glass of water in the refrigerator.
  2. Wait for a few minutes and then check the temperature.
  3. Adjust the thermostat as needed if the temperature is outside the desired range. You should also check the temperature periodically throughout the day to ensure consistency.

Eliminate Ice Build-up

Defrosting is essential for bar device maintenance. You should regularly defrost your unit, whether it is a manual or self-defrosting variant. It is not recommended to use sharp objects to eliminate ice accumulation. You can try a wooden spoon for this purpose. It is tough to remove the build-up in most scenarios. Do the hot water trick. Use hot water to fill a container, keep it inside the device and let it heat. This process will fasten ice melting, making it easier to eliminate the build-up. For further information, visit Simco – the leading commercial bar fridges supplier in Melbourne & Sydney.

If your refrigerator is building more than necessary ice, you might need a professional to check it properly. If there are thin layers of ice, it is not a sign of faulty equipment. However, it would help to keep ice blocks from forming on the walls or chests. 

Maintain Airflow 

Another essential part of maintaining industrial bar equipment is ensuring proper airflow. The refrigerator needs to have adequate space around it to ensure proper ventilation. Ensure at least 2-3 inches of space around the device, including above and behind it. Keep the vents and fan blades clean and clear of debris. This practice will ensure the free circulation of air and help prevent the compressor from overheating.

Check the Door Seals 

The door seals on your commercial bar fridge are critical to maintaining the desired temperature. Cold air can escape if the seals are damaged or worn, causing the appliance to work harder and use more energy. Close the door on paper or a dollar bill to check the seals. If the paper can be easily pulled out, the seals need to be replaced. Damaged door seals should be replaced immediately to ensure the refrigerator operates efficiently.

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Always Keep the Device Filled with Beverages

The performance of an appliance is indeed affected by the number of items you store in it. If you think it is unlikely, it's not. A refrigerator maintains its optimal temperature through thermal mass. 

When you open the device, the beverages and beers you kept soak the hot air from the outer environment. This process results in the equipment losing less power to freeze the items properly. A piece of loaded equipment will help lessen temperature changes due to insufficient thermal mass. 

If there is insufficient stock to fill your bar refrigerator, you can fill it with only water bottles to balance its mass. However, remember not to overload the device while ensuring it is sufficiently filled. A good area must let air move throughout the equipment to cool all products inside effectively. 

Don't Neglect the Condenser Coil

The state of the condenser coil will decide how well your appliance can preserve chilled temperatures. Therefore, you should prevent choked condenser problems by cleaning it often. Cleaning the condenser every quarter to eliminate debris or dirt is the best practice. Avoiding this factor will result in overheating your appliance and its eventual malfunction. You will find the coil near the condenser in most refrigerator options. You can gain further insights by contacting Simco – Brisbane's foremost commercial bar fridges supplier.

It would help if you detached the electricity before it's cleaned. Eliminate dirt and dust that may have formed on the coil using a gentle brush. Use a vacuum to take out any leftovers that may be challenging to remove with a brush. If you don't care for your condenser coil, your device will use more power as the compressor will work more intensely to pull ambient air from the environment. You'll end up paying high electricity bills, and the equipment will only have a short lifespan.

Schedule Professional Maintenance 

While regular cleaning and monitoring are critical to maintaining a commercial bar fridge, you should also schedule professional maintenance at least once a year. An experienced technician can inspect the refrigerator for potential issues and perform necessary repairs. They can also clean and lubricate the motor, check the refrigerant levels, and test the electrical components to ensure everything works correctly. Scheduling regular maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your commercial bar refrigerator and ensure it operates efficiently.

Simco has various other Commercial Kitchen Equipment besides refrigeration items that are helpful in an industrial kitchen. Visit the official website to know more.

Avoid Overloading 

Finally, it's essential to keep your commercial bar device manageable. While it can be tempting to pack the appliance full of drinks, overloading can impede proper airflow and cause the refrigerator to work harder. This issue can lead to higher energy bills and potentially shorter lifespans. Make sure to leave adequate space between items to allow for proper ventilation.

In conclusion, maintaining commercial bar equipment requires regular cleaning, temperature monitoring, airflow, checking door seals, scheduling professional maintenance, and avoiding overloading. By following these methods, you can confirm that your commercial bar refrigerator operates efficiently and effectively, which can help improve profits and customer satisfaction. For additional details, visit a reputed commercial bar fridge supplier in Perth.