When it comes to running a restaurant, maintaining the highest level of food hygiene is vital. While first rate hygiene is crucial in keeping food free of germs, so too is correct cold food storage. Proper storage of cold foods not only guards against customers becoming ill, but also reduces costs and saves time. In addition, it helps ensure you serve only the best quality and tastiest foods possible for your customers. Therefore, here are the steps you should take to ensure proper cold food storage in your restaurant.

Accepting Products for Cold Food Storage

Firstly, you should always keep raw food orders separate from orders for ready to eat foods. This will help reduce the risk of cross contamination. Make sure that the supplier you purchase from is reliable and transports foods at appropriate temperatures to preserve hygienic conditions. Unload food in a hygienic area and check all items for any damages, mould, or expired use by dates. Make sure to keep all important information, such as use by dates, with the packaging if you remove it.

How to Store Chilled Foods

You can safely store ambient foods such as tinned and jar-based products at room temperature; however, chilled and pre-frozen foods need the right cold storage temperatures. In much of the UK you must store chilled food at 8°C or below, so you should set your cold food storage fridge to around 5°C. Do not keep chilled food outside of the fridge for more than a few hours otherwise you will need to dispose of it. Keep raw foods and ready to eat foods separate; otherwise, store ready to eat food above raw food, with raw meat kept below raw fruit and vegetables. Once you have opened any packages, make sure you wrap the food up and label it with the correct use by or best before date.

How To Store Pre Frozen Foods

You need to store pre frozen foods such as ice cream and frozen chips in your cold food storage freezer as soon as they arrive. You should set your freezer at -18°C or lower to ensure bacteria does not grow. Although you can keep items frozen indefinitely, you should still use them before the best before date to ensure the best quality. Keep in mind that it is illegal to sell foods past their use by date; foods past their best before date may still be used but their quality will be reduced. You can preserve certain foods, such as meats, for longer by freezing them, so long as they are consumed within a day of full defrosting.

Welch Refrigeration

Here at Welch Refrigeration we provide efficient and reliable cold food storage services for commercial industries. We provide expert repair and maintenance services with 24/7 emergency call out to ensure your fridge is back up and running quickly. To find out more about our commercial refrigeration services we invite you to get in touch with us today.

The development of refrigeration, along with the freezer and blast chiller, has changed the face of the food industry. There was a time when caterers and food suppliers were entirely bound by the seasons. At certain times of the year, many products were simply unavailable. That’s no longer the case, of course, but the use of rapid chilling has taken things to another level.

Here at Welch Refrigeration Services we’ve been working in the field of industrial refrigeration since 1998. We build strong relationships with our customers, backed up by our highly experienced team. In this article we’ll explore the many benefits which can be gained from the technique of rapid chilling.

What is rapid chilling?

The common practice of freezing food at home is a surprisingly slow process, often taking up to 24 hours. This slow freezing method transforms the water in the food into large ice crystals. Because of their size, the crystals can perforate the food’s cellular structure. This in turn can have an adverse effect on the quality of the product.

As the name suggests, rapid chilling is a freezing process that takes place much more quickly. Because the water in the food freezes more rapidly, the crystals it forms are a lot finer. This allows the food to retain much more of its original quality when defrosted. The best way to freeze food rapidly in this way is to use a blast chiller.

The benefits of using a blast chiller

Freshness

These specialist freezers are equipped with cold air blowers to freeze the contents quickly. Food that’s frozen in this kind of unit retains its natural properties for much longer. It tastes better, smells better and keeps far more of its nutritional value than slow-frozen food.

Food safety

Issues related to food safety can be extremely costly for businesses in the catering industry. It can be a blow to a company’s reputation as well as its profit. Rapid chilling gives bacteria much less time to grow, and significantly reduces the risk of contamination.

Lower costs

If food is frozen and stored properly, your business will be able to run more efficiently. Planning and preparation can be carried out in advance, allowing for a far smoother operation. The good news is, an efficient business is a lot more cost-effective to run.

Preserving taste

Using a blast chiller allows catering businesses to provide seasonal dishes all year round. Because of the way the food is frozen there is no loss of flavour or freshness. Restaurants can adapt their menu to suit their customers’ tastes, giving them a competitive advantage.

Flexibility

The speed of freezing offers businesses far more flexibility. Dishes can be prepared well in advance, and then safely frozen in a blast chiller. The dishes can then be used as and when needed.

Keep your produce fresh with a blast freezer. Why not speak to our expert team today to discuss the best options for your business?

Is it better to buy fridge spares and repair existing units than to invest in new equipment? In truth, the answer to that depends on a number of things. Where refrigeration is a key part of your operation, it’s hugely important to keep it operating efficiently. But there are cost-effective ways to do that, which are well worth considering.

Since 1998, Welch Refrigeration Services has been helping its range of commercial customers keep their refrigeration running smoothly. Our strong relationship with our clients matches the skills and experience of our qualified team. So, here are some tips on maintaining refrigeration equipment using fridge spares and replacement parts.

Repair or replace?

Using refrigeration parts to repair your equipment is obviously cheaper than replacing it. But repair can sometimes be a false economy, especially if breakdowns start to become more frequent. However, as new refrigeration equipment can involve a significant outlay, it’s important to make a proper assessment. The following are things you need to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace.

Consistent temperature

When a fridge isn’t working efficiently it can be hard to keep it at a consistent temperature. Within commercial premises this can be damaging and costly. But, a number of things can affect temperature; for example, blocked circulation vents and faulty seals. Make sure you check all the possible causes before deciding to invest in new equipment.

Power consumption

If a fridge is using more power than it should be, it could be a sign that it needs replacing. On the other hand, it could simply be a component that isn’t working properly. A qualified engineer should be able to identify the problem, and offer advice on the feasibility and cost of repair. That could save you the price of a new refrigeration unit.

Repair cost

If repairing something will be more than half the cost of a new one, a straight replacement is generally recommended. However, it’s worth taking into account that fridge spares are relatively inexpensive. That means for specialised commercial equipment that isn’t very old, repair could still be by far the cheapest option.

Regular maintenance

The best way to keep refrigeration equipment running efficiently is regular maintenance. It also helps to slow the deterioration of components, meaning your equipment will last longer. With a replacement part, the unit should continue to operate reliably. For fridges that have been well maintained, repair is a much more cost-effective solution than replacement.

Age of the equipment

A key factor in the question of repair or replace is the age of the equipment. For systems that are relatively new, fridge spares are undoubtedly the best option financially. However, equipment that’s over 10 years old could continue to deteriorate, and as a general rule should be replaced.

Here at Welch Refrigeration we can offer complete spares packages for every aspect of refrigeration. We can also offer advice on highly cost-effective ways to keep your equipment running efficiently. So, why not contact us today?

There are many businesses which need efficient cellar cooling systems in order to keep their products fresh. However, it can be a bit tricky to determine which one is the most suited for your needs. This is why it is a good idea to take a look at some of the concepts behind cellar cooling systems before you go ahead and purchase. The good news is that Welch Refrigeration is always here to help.

What is a Cellar Cooling System?

Most businesses which need efficient cellar cooling are involved in the wine, beer or hospitality industries. These systems will help to make sure that the environment is kept at the right temperature and humidity level at all times. Cigar manufacturers and furriers could also benefit from the presence of these cooling units.

What are the Different Types of Cooling Systems?

Cellar coolers can be broken down into a handful of categories:

• Self-contained systems
• Split systems
• Ducted systems

Self-contained systems

As the term suggests, self-contained systems are standalone units which can be easily mounted within wine cellars and large storage cabinets. These tend to be the cheapest versions, so they could be ideal if you are on a budget.

Split systems

Split systems consist of a separate evaporator and compressor. These are used by those who are looking to keep heat and noise out of nearby living or working spaces. Also, split systems offer more flexibility in terms of where they can be installed. Ceiling, wall or rack-mounted options are available.

Ducted systems

Ducted systems are a good idea if the cooler needs to be placed in a separate area from the cellar. For instance, maybe the unit is located on the outside of your property. Ductwork will then be used to provide a necessary supply of air to the environment.

Considerations when Choosing Your Cellar Cooler

With such a wide variety of cellar cooling systems available, it can be difficult to make an informed decision. So, to help, here are some of the most common things to consider:

• Will the unit cool a wine cabinet or an entire room?
• How large (in terms of cubic feet or metres) is the cellar?
• Is nearby insulation up-to-date or well-maintained?
• What ambient temperature needs to be maintained?
• Where will the exhaust from the unit be channelled to?

The team at Welch Refrigeration will help you to answer these questions, and any other concerns.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

To avoid any issues before installation, it is first essential that the room is properly insulated and ventilated. Also, keep in mind that each of the systems outlined above will need to be installed in a slightly different way. Above all, common maintenance suggestions include keeping all filters clear, monitoring for excessive levels of condensation and examining the unit for signs of leaks on a regular basis.

If you want to learn more about your options or to find out more about our line of bespoke cellar cooling systems, please contact the professionals at Welch Refrigeration today.

For businesses that store or prepare products for sale, a commercial fridge can be one of the most important investments. The job of commercial refrigeration equipment is to help the business function more efficiently and safely. But, even high-quality equipment can easily break down and fail if it isn’t well maintained.

Established in 1998, Welch Refrigeration Services is a family-run business. We specialise in the installation, maintenance and repair of commercial refrigeration systems throughout Suffolk and beyond. We’re committed to keeping our clients happy; offering them knowledge, expertise and comprehensive customer care. Read on to find out why it’s so important to maintain your commercial refrigeration system.

Poor maintenance can be costly

A commercial fridge is not simply a big ice box. In fact, commercial refrigeration comes in many forms, from walk in freezers to display cases. For many businesses, their refrigeration system is linked to sales and profit. That’s why break downs and failures can cost you dearly.

A commercial system failure would not only mean lost business, but also lost product. On top of that, you’ll need to pay for repairs and maybe replacement parts. For a restaurant or food processing company, the damage to the business could be major.

Not maintaining your equipment will also affect how well it runs. If it has to work harder to maintain the correct temperature, you could see a rise in energy costs. And if there happens to be a health inspection, a lower grade could damage your reputation. That could be costly, too.

Looking after your equipment

There are a few things you can do to keep your commercial fridge or freezer system running more smoothly. One important point is to inspect it regularly. If the motor is constantly running or there is a build up of frost, this could be a sign that there’s a problem.

Equipment that’s clean is often more efficient. You should clean both inside and outside, paying particular attention to the door seals. Use soap and hot water rather than chemicals, but turn off the power before cleaning any electrical parts.

A commercial fridge should not be placed in direct sunlight, as it may have to work harder to keep cool. Make sure there’s enough airflow around your refrigeration system by removing items that could interrupt it.

The benefits of regular professional maintenance

There’s no doubt that the best way to keep your equipment running smoothly is to leave it to the experts. In other words, if you have it maintained and serviced regularly, there is a lot less risk of costly break downs. It will also work more efficiently and cost less to run long-term.

For any business, the safety of customers is a crucial consideration. So, knowing that your refrigeration system is working as it should can offer peace of mind. Thorough cleaning is also carried out where needed as part of professional maintenance services.

A commercial refrigeration system isn’t cheap, and for many businesses it is costly. Regular professional maintenance will keep appliances running efficiently for longer, protecting your investment.

Choose the experienced team at Welch Refrigeration to keep your equipment running smoothly. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

If you have been faced with the aftermath of eqipment failure in the past, then you will know how vital it is to keep your HVAC systems running. If your heating or cooling unit fails it can prove catastrophic for your business. In addition, this can end up costing you a lot of money. That is why it is vital that you have regular servicing and maintenance to help prevent equipment failure. So, what kind of things can go wrong in an HVAC system, and how will regular servicing and maintenance help?

Common HVAC Problems

These are the most common problems that can lead to equipment failure:

1. Dirty Filters

If you do not thoroughly clean or replace filters regularly, they can gather dirt that will restrict air flow. This can put too much strain on the unit.

2. Faulty Thermostat

Your thermostat may stop working correctly or display incorrect readings. A common symptom of a faulty thermostat is when the fan continues to run, even after switching off your HVAC unit.

3. Wear and Tear

Many mechanical parts will break down after heavy use. This can lead to either too much or too little heat being produced, as well as airflow issues.

4. Strange Noises

If you start to hear noises while running the unit that do not sound normal, then it may indicate a mechanical problem. It is best to treat these sounds as if they are a warning.

5. Tripped Circuit Breakers

If your unit is working too hard, then it can trip the circuit breaker and blow a fuse.

6. Dirty Coils

If dirt clogs the evaporator coils it reduces the unit’s efficiency and causes it to wear down faster.

7. Fluid Leaks

If drain lines become clogged or broken they may start leaking water and other fluids.

8. Faulty Fan Motors

The fan motor is one of the hardest working parts in an HVAC system. It is important that motor bearings are regularly oiled, electrical connections are checked, and any debris is removed from your system. Without regular maintenance, your fan motor could fail.

9. Faulty Water Pumps

One of the most common signs of water pump failure is a leak. Wear and tear on the water pump seals and bearings can result in coolant leaks, which can lead to pump failure if not seen to quickly.

10. Refrigerant Leaks

If the air coming from your HVAC system is not as cold as it should be, this can be a sign of a refrigerant leak. The usual cause of refrigerant leaks are holes or cracks in the coils that circulate the refrigerant around your system.

The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

In order to reduce the probability of issues occurring in the first place, it is vital that you schedule regular servicing and maintenance for your HVAC unit. Having your unit serviced at least twice a year will help you save not only on costs spent repairing it in the long term, but losses occurring through downtime. When choosing a company to service your unit, make sure they are experienced enough to conduct a thorough inspection of your equipment. Check online to see how previous clients have reviewed them and see if the rates they charge are fair. Ultimately, the company you choose should be able to guarantee the quality of their work in straightforward language that you can understand.

How Welch Refrigeration Can Help

At Welch Refrigeration, we provide a wide range of installation and maintenance services for clients in Suffolk and beyond. To keep your HVAC unit running at its best, we offer bespoke maintenance services, priced individually based on your requirements. We are available 24/7 for emergency call-outs, and can carry out maintenance visits between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. To find out more about our selection of air conditioning services and more, visit us online or speak with our friendly team via phone. To keep your unit running smoothly, contact Welch Refrigeration for quality planned preventative maintenance services.

A wine collection can be just as valuable for its geographical variety as for its taste. But discovering and collecting fine wines is just as dependent on a well-cooled cellar as on exploration. Reaping the full rewards of a wine collection, in the short and long term, requires attention to the safe storage of the wine. For this reason, it’s important to understand the variety of wine storage solutions on the market, as well as what wine cellar cooling units will be the best for you.

The Benefits of Cellar Cooling

The need to regulate temperature, light, and movement has long made the basement a popular place to set up a wine cellar. A basement setting will go some way to restricting wine’s exposure to UV light and high temperatures. As well as this, keeping wine raised above ground and away from heat sources will prevent spoiling. Vibrations caused by the activities of boilers and heaters can also adversely affect wine quality over the long term.

At the heart wine storage is minimising the fluctuations in temperature. Whilst an underground cellar will help keep temperatures lower, the ideal ambient temperature for wine is around 12°C or 14°C. When designing a cellar, you can take many design steps to reduce temperatures and keep lighting down. Low wattage bulbs will help keep light levels low, which will also mean less heat is generated by lighting. As well as this, swapping out carpeted flooring for stone can also keep the space cool.

All these measures will go some way to achieving lower temperatures in your wine cellar. But to keep temperatures low and stable year-round, you will require the use of cellar coolers. Getting the right cellar cooling system for your cellar depends on a variety of factors, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Picking the Right Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Generally, there are three kinds of wine cellar cooling units to look out for. Firstly, a simple through-the-wall, non-ducted system can work for smaller cellars. You can mount these self-contained units straight onto a wall; and they will vent heat out of the cellar into another room. These cooling systems are a good choice for smaller wine cellars.

Secondly, you could consider a self-contained ducted cooling system. These can keep even the largest cellars cool year-round. An evaporator and condenser located outside will vent cool air into the cellar. These systems do not need to vent hot air into another room. They are also extremely quiet, but do require extensive in-wall installation.

Thirdly, you might bear in mind a split cooling system, which can be ducted or ductless. In these systems you can keep the evaporator indoors. Meanwhile, the condenser is a free-standing, outdoor unit.

Cellar Cooling from Welch Refrigeration

Keeping your vino in tip-top condition requires the right wine cooling unit. After all, without the ideal cellar cooling system, your wine collection could be affected. At Welch Refrigeration, we have the expertise to help you pick the most suitable wine cellar cooling unit for your needs. For advice and information, get in touch with our friendly team today.

Christmas is fast approaching, and now is the time to look at refrigerator maintenance to keep food cold and safe. With high demand and the need for quick service, you want to be sure that your cooling facilities are in good order. Any risk to your cooling equipment could harm your reputation and your customers. That said, there are ways to make sure your equipment, food and customers are all safe during this period. Here are some important issues to think on so you can make sure your equipment runs at its best.

Risks to Your Cooling Equipment

Due to high demand, your equipment will be running at high capacity. Problems can occur in these areas:

• Perhaps your cooling equipment is not up to the task. This will drive up fuel costs and may lead to food spoilage.
• Poor storage methods may lead to hygiene and cross-contamination issues. This can prove a high risk to the health of your customers, as well as causing food to be wasted.
• When demand is high you need equipment that can store a large amount of food. Without enough storage space you will not be able to keep enough food safely. In turn, you will be unable to meet your customers’ needs.
• Running at high capacity means that your cooling equipment is at greater risk of breaking down. This can lead to loss of business and spoiled food.

You can minimise these risks by carrying out regular refrigerator maintenance. That said, there are ways you can make sure your facilities will keep running throughout the festive period.

Solutions for Keeping Your Equipment Running

You can make sure your equipment keeps running through the festive period by:

• Ensuring equipment is cleaned regularly to maintain good hygiene.
• Regularly rotate your stock by moving older unexpired food to the front.
• Keeping food separate to make sure cross-contamination does not occur.
• Making sure you have enough capacity to keep large amounts of food. This can be done through hiring or purchasing extra cold storage units.
• Using blast freezers to freeze a large amount of food quickly and efficiently.
• Having a quick thaw unit (QTU) on hand for a fast defrost without losing quality.
• Making sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on correct use.
• Regularly carrying out cooling equipment maintenance to keep facilities in top working order.
• Having a 24-hour maintenance and repair service on hand in case of breakdowns.

With all this in mind, it makes sense to have a refrigerator maintenance service that can provide expert help when needed.

Why Use Welch Refrigeration for Refrigerator Maintenance?

Since 1998, Welch Refrigeration has provided air conditioning, heating and refrigerator maintenance to customers in Suffolk and the UK. As leaders in the industry, our experienced and qualified team are on hand to help with any cooling equipment maintenance you need. For more details on our chiller maintenance and air conditioning services, please get in touch. Make sure your cooling facilities keep running over the festive period with Welch Refrigeration.

Who needs an ice crusher? Most of us have a fridge at home with a freezer section, which is perfectly adequate for our domestic ice requirements. But in commercial premises – especially within the catering industry – it’s a whole different ball game. (Or should that be cube game)? For a wide variety of busy commercial settings an ice machine is not just a useful addition, but an essential tool. The question is, do you need an ice crusher, a crushed ice machine or something else?

Founded in 1998, Welch Refrigeration Services have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the repair, installation and maintenance of ice machines. Read on to discover how to choose the right ice machine for your business.

A cold hard look at the options

The most common types of ice produced in a commercial refrigeration setting are cube, flake, bullet and spray.

Cubed Ice

Cubes are widely used in pubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. Ice in cube form is multi-purpose in function, but is probably used most commonly for chilling drinks. The benefit of full cubes is that they melt more slowly, keeping drinks colder for longer.

Flaked Ice

Ice flakes have a number of uses, and are commonly associated with the kind of displays you might find in a fishmonger’s shop. The flakes help prevent the displayed items from suffering the effects of freezer burn. Along with crushed ice, which involves smaller pieces, flakes are used in a range of industries from catering to chemical processes.

Bullet Ice

Bullet ice is also used in drinks and displays, and takes less time to produce than ice cubes. Due to the way it’s made, bullet ice is softer than cubed ice and has a tendency to melt faster. It can be a cost effective solution, however, and is a popular choice for busy pubs and bars.

Spray Ice

Spray ice is generally considered to be the premier product when it comes to ice. It’s crystal clear and takes longer to melt than other forms, and a high-end restaurant ice machine is likely to be of the spray ice variety. The downside is that the ice takes longer to make.

Things to consider before deciding

When choosing an ice crusher or commercial ice machine, do you go for air cooled or water cooled? Air cooled machines take in air through vents and will require a certain amount of clearance. Water cooled machines use mains water for the process, allowing more flexibility in terms of positioning. Generally speaking, air cooled machines are the more cost effective option. Some machines are filled manually, and are more easily moveable; larger machines are more efficient, but will need a mains water supply and drainage. The ice requirements of different businesses will vary hugely, so it’s important to choose a machine that will produce as little or as much ice as you need.

Here at Welch Refrigeration Services we are specialists in commercial and industrial refrigeration, and we pride ourselves on putting our customers first. For more information or advice give our friendly team a call, and let us help you choose the ideal ice machine for your business.

Food production firms must always be concerned about keeping perishable products fresh. Not only will this help to reduce costly wastage, but implementing the right coldstore equipment guarantees that foods will retain their freshness before arriving safely to their destination. Let’s look at the concept of cold storage in more detail.

How do Commercial Refrigeration Systems Function?

Firstly, it is a good idea to take a look at the fundamental principles behind modern refrigeration techniques, before moving on to discuss the different types and the benefits of each.

Refrigeration systems are designed to remove heat from one area and transport it to another. This is usually accomplished through a fluid refrigerant that circulates within a closed system; ammonia is the predominant choice. The pressure of this fluid will change depending upon its location. When it becomes a vapour due to lower pressure, it will absorb heat from nearby surroundings. When compressed, this heat will be released.

The exact mechanism as well as the configuration will depend upon the type of cold store system that is in place. Larger units such as walk in freezers will have different technical concerns when compared to more compact designs. Nonetheless, consistently cold temperatures will help to preserve perishable items such as food or drink products.

The Different Types of Coldstore Systems

As you may have already imagined, technological advancements have led to a number of different designs in cold storage. Here are a handful of common systems:

• Industrial freezers
• Walk-in storage rooms
• Refrigerated containers
• Blast freezers and chillers
• “Combi” refrigeration rooms

Why are there so many variants? First, certain storage and manufacturing facilities will require more robust solutions than others. Secondly, there can be times when certain foods need to remain chilled, as opposed to completely frozen. This is commonly the case when storing fruits and vegetables prior to transport.

Now that we have an idea about the different types of coldstore systems, we can examine the variety of benefits that commercial fridges provide.

More Than Short-Term Storage Solutions

Refrigeration systems are used to safely store foods for days or weeks at a time. However, some larger industrial units keep food at a specific temperature for months at a time; or longer. This is important from a logistical point of view, as the manufacturing firm will not have to worry about spoilage and loss of revenue.

Safety Prior to Transport

Certain products are more susceptible to spoilage than others. This is especially concerning when dealing with dairy products, meats and fish. Serious illnesses and even death can occur due to spoilt produce. Modern coldstore solutions keep food products at extremely controlled temperatures. This ensures that they are safe for shipment.

Temperature and Humidity Control

As mentioned previously, some foods will need to be kept at lower temperatures than others. This is why modern industrial freezers have several temperature settings which can be controlled at the touch of a button. LED displays, humidity controls, and automatic alerts in the event of a fault are some other features which may be present. Combi commercial fridges can even be used to store different foods at different temperatures; saving food manufacturers a significant amount of space.

These are only a handful of the benefits which are provided by the line of industrial refrigeration solutions offered by Welch Refrigeration. Do you need to address a specific storage challenge? If so, contact us so that we can schedule an appointment at your convenience.