SHEET 6 – SELECTING THE CORRECT EQUIPMENT
In recent years with a high Australian dollar, Australia has seen a huge increase in imported products, with new brands being introduced all the time.
Imported or local
Australia now has only a handful of local manufactures left. There are companies in Melbourne and Sydney that specialise in cooking equipment and all states have custom refrigeration and stainless steel manufacturers.
Lead times for custom or locally built equipment are usually longer than imported items as importers generally hold stock. Australian manufactures usually have easy to read instructions in English, whilst products from overseas countries do not always have as detailed instructions and maintenance information. Products are sourced from Europe or Asia with the Asian product considerably cheaper.
Brands
With the enormous range now available there is a huge range of brands.
Some brands are supported by large importers with strong reputations for good support such as Comcater, Moffat, Stoddart, Skope and local products like Goldstein and Williams
Some commercial kitchen contractors and sellers of commercial equipment now import their own product range. It is always best to ask your supplier if they import the equipment themselves or purchase it from a large importer. The larger importers will usually have more consistent products and provide the best level of support in the event of a breakdown as their network of service technicians are everywhere.
Approvals
Gas approvals
Gas equipment must have an approval of the office of Gas Safety before the unit is connected.
An AGA sticker must be fixed to the appliance before installed.
Ensure your equipment supplier can provide equipment with the AGA sticker which must be fixed to the appliance before installed.
The office of Gas Safety also have what is called a second tier approval. This approval will require the appliance to be approved on site. This may delay the connection to the gas supply and hence delay your project.
Mepps
All refrigeration must have a Mepps rating and be approved by the Mepps authority
Watermark
All Tapware must have a Watermark rating and be approved for use.
Gas approval for secondhand appliances
Your gas fitter will be required to check if the appliances is safe for use prior to connection of second hand appliances. The unit should be inspected by a qualified technician prior to connection.
This information sheet is designed to assist new or existing food operators and hospitality students in understanding the basic commercial kitchen design fundamentals.
Commercial kitchens are a complex and specialised field that cross paths with building regulations, Gas and electrical safety, health regulations and many Australian standards. All councils are operated independently and therefore may have slightly different interpretations of health law and have local characteristics that will require different construction and design.
The information contained herein is a guide only Hospitality Design recommends you seek the services of a qualified commercial kitchen consultant before embarking on your new kitchen or renovation.
Hospitality Design are a well recognised commercial kitchen contractor who can provide a full package from concept and design to handover and supply a large range of appliances even individual appliances for updating your kitchen.