Sanitation and Safety

Thanks to oil-filtration systems, the days of kneeling in front of a fryer with a filter cone and a stock pot, anticipating the flow of boiling-hot oil, are over.

Also called agitating sinks, power sinks tackle food soil with hot, soapy water and agitation to clean pots and pans, eliminating about 90 percent of the hand scrubbing typically needed. It’s important to note that these units do not serve as garbage disposals, so staff need to pre-scrape items prior to placing the wares in the wash tank.

Oil is the most expensive food product in the kitchen. The customers buy products cooked in oil, and at the end of the oil life, operators recycle or throw away the used shortening. Filtering plays an important role in getting the most from an operation’s fryer oil.

Structural leaks: Leaks from the stainless structure and not from drain fittings signify a sink will need replacing. If the leak comes from a drain fitting, it is most likely a seal leak that can be repaired by a plumber. If leaking is from the stainless structure, including the corners, bottom of the bowl or where the sink bowls meets drain boards, replace the sink.

Service agent John Schwindt, general manager and vice president of operations at Hawkins Commercial Appliance Service Co., Englewood, Colo., shares a few tips on maintenance considerations for oil-filtration systems.

When used properly, sinks wash dirt and other contaminants from food before preparation.