Blog Archives

Many of us now recognise that the technology we rely on everyday to make our lives easier is actually having a negative impact on the environment. Whether it’s computers, cars or heating systems, modern industry has made daily tasks quicker and less arduous, but at the expense of our planet.

This is because this technology uses either electricity or fossil fuels to run. These energy sources emit harmful greenhouse gases either when produced or when combusted, contributing to global warming. Air conditioning is part of this broader problem, where many of these systems consume huge quantities of energy on a daily basis, especially if they are old or outdated. read more >

Maintaining restaurant fridges during the summer months is crucial for ensuring the safety and quality of your food. At Mitchells, a facilities management and building services company based in Gloucester, we offer expert advice on commercial refrigeration maintenance. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of looking after your restaurant fridges, focusing on commercial refrigeration and commercial fridge repair.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your restaurant fridges is essential, especially during the summer when temperatures rise. Routine checks can identify potential issues before they lead to costly breakdowns, for example, saving you money in the long term. Similarly, well-maintained fridges operate more efficiently, reducing overall energy consumption and costs. The consistent temperatures that a well-maintained restaurant fridge offers ensure food is stored safely, preventing spoilage and potential food poisoning risks. read more >

The power of a well-maintained ventilation system can have a serious impact on your business or building. Having clean, crisp air in your organisation can make a world of difference to your occupants. In commercial spaces, education institutions or any building with people passing through, ventilation servicing is more than just a maintenance task.

Regularly having your ventilation serviced is a commitment to health and safety for everyone who enters your space. Clean air reduces the risk of serious illnesses, fatigue and respiratory issues. However, health and safety isn’t the only benefit that regular maintenance can bring you! read more >

Effective refrigeration is the key to keeping produce fresh and hygienic for as long as possible. Food storage methods not only maintain food hygiene standards but also make it easier to find your produce.

Commercial fridges or walk-in freezers can be difficult to keep organised due to their size and the quantity of food they contain.

Keep reading to discover our food storage suggestions to keep your commercial fridge as hygienic and organised as possible.

Storage

Always remember to keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination. Shelves should be arranged by cooking temperature, with the highest shelf for food that requires the lowest cooking temperature to the bottom shelf which requires the highest temperature. read more >

Commercial refrigerators are essential for keeping produce fresh and in good condition, where many restaurants, industrial facilities and supermarkets rely on these systems to stay afloat.

Because refrigerators are so important, it is vital that they are looked after properly. Regular maintenance, servicing and cleaning practices are necessary to ensure that everything is working well, where this can help to prevent food contamination and unexpected malfunctions.

Read on for our essential refrigeration servicing and maintenance checklist, so you can ensure that your system remains in top condition. read more >

Operating a food business is no small matter, whether you’re organising staff processes and maintaining your premises in an orderly fashion, or you simply oversee distribution and creation of tasty fresh and frozen products – there’s so much to stay on top of. A tough task even when you’re part of a large team, outsourcing some of the more important technical aspects of a food business can yield rewarding results, which is exactly what we’ll be exploring within this blog post.  read more >

We understand the importance of maintaining optimal air quality in commercial settings. Proper commercial ventilation is crucial for ensuring the health and comfort of building occupants, as well as for safeguarding equipment and materials that are sensitive to temperature and humidity levels. Maintaining these systems through regular ventilation servicing and maintenance can often be overlooked, leading to several common issues, which Mitchell’s will cover in this blog.

Inadequate Airflow

One of the most frequent issues faced in commercial ventilation systems is inadequate airflow. This can result from various factors, including blocked vents, incorrect system size, or aging equipment. The consequences of inadequate airflow range from discomfort due to poor temperature and humidity control to more severe health issues arising from insufficient air exchange. Common issues include: read more >

It’s common for most people to think that air conditioning is only designed for cooling, but our blog is here to bust all your AC myths! Air conditioning all year round can bring a world of benefits, which we’re going to dive into! Our blog looks at how all-year aircon can benefit your building and where you can find quality HVAC system installations. To find out more, keep on reading!

HVAC Systems In The Winter: Everything You Need To Know

Naturally, you would assume that air conditioning only cools you down, but it can actually be very useful all year round, even in the winter months! As the temperature starts to drop, using your air conditioning unit may not be the worst idea. Read below to learn more about using your AC during the winter. read more >

When choosing a heating system for your business, there are a few things you need to consider. The size of your business, the climate you live in and your budget will all play a role in the type of system that is right for you. Here’s how to choose the right one for your business.

Consider the size of your business

If you have a small business, you may want to consider a space heater or a mini-split system. These heating systems are relatively affordable and easy to install. They are also energy-efficient, which can save you money on your heating bills. read more >

Food safety is important for everyone, especially those who run a business. If you are selling your product to other people, you have an even bigger moral responsibility to make sure you do so safely. When you are just cooking at home, you only have yourself to blame if the food makes you sick. However, if you own a self-catering business, you must stay on top of health and safety procedures.

Here’s our guide on making food safely.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent food poisoning. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and wash your hands before and after handling food and using the bathroom.
2. Separate raw and cooked foods. Don’t mix raw and cooked foods on the same cutting board, in the same containers or the same refrigerator space. You should have two separate areas for raw and cooked foods.
3. Cook food thoroughly. Make sure all food is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of meat, poultry, and fish.
4. Refrigerate or freeze food promptly. Don’t leave food out at room temperature for more than two hours.
5. Defrost food safely. Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator or the microwave. Don’t thaw food at room temperature.
6. Use clean utensils and dishes. Wash utensils and dishes thoroughly after each use. This helps to avoid cross-contamination.
7. Store food properly. Store food in containers that are clean and airtight.
8. Avoid cross-contamination. Don’t use the same cutting board or utensils for raw and cooked foods.
9. Be aware of food allergies and intolerances. Make sure to label all food with any allergens or intolerances and avoid using the same containers or cookware.
10. Practice safe food handling habits. These habits include washing your hands, cooking food thoroughly, and storing food properly.

You should always use the correct appliances such as a catering fridge or restaurant fridge as these can help you keep track of your food and keep it organised as well as maintain the optimum temperature. Mitchell’s services and maintains catering fridges, restaurant fridges and retail fridges for a variety of businesses. For catering fridge services in Gloucester, visit our website today. read more >