Commercial kitchen equipment can be costly to invest in, so you understandably will spend a significant amount of time researching restaurant equipment options to find the best deal before you make your purchase. However, appliances and equipment can also cost a small fortune to operate on a regular basis, and this means that the energy consumption of appliances should also be considered when buying new equipment. Many types of restaurant equipment may be used for 12 hours a day or longer, inflating your energy bills on a daily basis. Restaurant owners and managers are constantly looking for ways to reduce overhead, and focusing on buying energy efficient equipment and appliances can go a long way toward reducing your ongoing energy costs. As you search for the most energy efficient options on the market, consider these points.
Look For the Energy Star Rating
Regardless of whether you are shopping for new or used commercial kitchen equipment, look for the Energy Star rating. This is a certification that shows the equipment meets energy efficiency standards. However, you may want to go a step further and research the actual energy consumption of each model you are interested in buying. Even among items with the Energy Star rating, energy consumption can vary dramatically. Your research in this area is critical to achieving your goal of energy reduction in your restaurant.
Shop With Green Restaurant Supplies Stores
Many will shop with a restaurant supply store to purchase equipment. While many of these stores sell a wide range of energy efficient appliances, some stores have a green focus. They carry only eco-friendly restaurant supplies, and they may provide you with a wider range of equipment options to choose from. In addition, they may offer a better deal on these appliances and equipment in some cases.
Research Gas and Electricity Rates in Your Area
A key factor to consider when you are focused on saving money on energy relates to the type of energy being used. Many restaurants use a gas range for an enhanced cooking experience, but this is not the only option available. Gas and electricity rates vary by location. More than that, some commercial consumers have the ability to choose which provider supplies their energy, and there may be financial savings associated with changing providers.
Energy consumption in a busy restaurant can be tremendous. This is unfortunately a requirement for running your business, but you can control how much energy you use and what type of energy you use. If you are preparing to replace one or more appliances in your kitchen in the near future, apply these tips to your shopping efforts to make the best decision possible. If you want to learn more, you may be interested in checking out the resources at Nella Cutlery.
