Today's blog addresses a critical aspect of running a successful food truck business: keeping your food cold. This article delves into this incredibly crucial aspect of managing your mobile kitchen business.
In the past, ice boxes were the norm, but with the rising costs of electricity and water, relying on ice has become increasingly expensive, which has in turn led to a surge in the prices of ice, making it imperative to explore alternative solutions, such as refrigeration systems.
Let's delve into what a refrigeration system entails without diving too deeply into technical jargon. Essentially, a commercial refrigeration system comprises two main components: the condenser system and the evaporation system. The condenser system includes the compressor and condensing coil, while the evaporation system consists of a coil and fans that distribute cold air into the refrigerator.
The condenser system, consisting of the compressor and the condensing coil, can be mounted internally or externally. Mounting the condenser system externally offers several advantages:
1. It saves space within the refrigerator, providing more room for food storage.
2. It allows easier access for maintenance.
3. It prevents the release of heat generated by the condenser system inside the truck.
4. It ensures the compressor remains cooler, thereby prolonging its lifespan due to better airflow.
When it comes to choosing a refrigerator for your commercial kitchen, you can opt for either an off-the-shelf refrigerator or a custom-made one designed specifically for trucks. While high-grade commercial refrigerators are available, they're typically designed for environments where temperatures rarely exceed 90°F.
In contrast, food trucks often face
much higher ambient temperatures, reaching up to 110°F or even higher during summer putting excessive strain on the compressor. This increased workload significantly shortens the lifespan of standard refrigeration systems.
Therefore, investing in a custom refrigerator capable of handling temperatures up to 120°F while still maintaining food temperatures between 37-38°F is crucial to ensure longevity and compliance with health regulations. In markets like New York, where inspections are rigorous, spontaneous and fines hefty, maintaining proper refrigeration temperatures is a non-negotiable.
If you'd like to schedule a free consultation to discuss your trucks refrigeration system, drop us an email or give us a call.
As always, we value your feedback on our blog topics, particularly if there are any unanswered questions or topics you'd like to see covered in future posts. Your input helps us tailor our content to better serve your needs.
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