Water Filtration
Limescale build up can cause problems in combi ovens or steamers, as it can form inside the oven, as well as on heating rods and on sensitive heating components. This can cause the machine to wear more quickly, baking and cooking programmes can no longer run as planned, the oven will have to be cleaned extensively and more energy will be required to reach optimum temperatures. Often operators see removing water filters as an easy way to cut costs – but ultimately they end up paying the price when they have to replace their equipment when it breaks down.
Preventing limescale build up on catering equipment is simple, caterers just have to ensure they have the correct water filtration system in place. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to water filtration, there are several variables that need to be taken into account, including cartridge capacity, volume of water going through the machine and the make-up of the local water. At BRITA we offer free advice on water quality around the UK, and our monthly training sessions look to ensure that any of our customers in the catering industry are getting the very best water for their site.
Water hardness can vary regionally, and even street to street, so it’s paramount that before you install a water filtration system the water is tested to make sure the best solution is chosen. Water quality can be tested using BRITA water hardness test kits, and then by referring to BRITA’s website or manuals.
Not only is it important to have a water filtration system in place, it’s important to remember to exchange its cartridge so the filter is always working in the way it should. There are two ways that we at BRITA help operators remember when to change their filter – our dedicated Filter Monitoring Team and our FilterManager App.
From our research with Craft Guild of Chefs we found that 45% of chefs didn’t think water filtration needs to be part of their regular housekeeping programme1 and a staggering 59% aren’t aware that water filters need changing regularly. Combi ovens and steamers in professional kitchens are high-investment and high-performance pieces of equipment that must consistently produce the best quality food, so it’s crucial to look after them. At the end of the day, every machine failure costs money, so why cure when you can prevent?
1Survey of 164 professional chefs by The Craft Guild of Chefs and BRITA Professional, July 2016.
