Tips for Calibrating Your Commercial Oven
Commercial kitchen appliances are built to handle constant demand over long periods of time, but most still require routine service to perform properly. This is especially important when it comes to cooking equipment, such as ovens. An uncalibrated appliance may not reach, or can even exceed expected temperatures, bringing about the risk of under- or overcooking. This article will detail when it’s generally safe to tune your own oven, and when it’s smarter to pursue commercial appliance service in Santa Rosa.
Getting Started
Before you begin, please keep these general tips in mind:
Pilot Light Problems
If you’re having difficulty keeping a gas oven’s pilot lit, start by inspecting the thermocouple. This component is designed to provide an accurate temperature reading, so if it’s not directly positioned within the oven’s flame, it may not perform properly. If the thermocouple is positioned correctly but your pilot light continues to shut off anyway, this can signal a defective unit. Replacing the thermocouple is the recommended resolution; if this does not restore your oven, you’ll probably need to replace its safety valve.
Incorrect Temperatures
Thermostat faults are usually the cause of temperature-related issues, whether the readings you’re getting are too high or too low. The task in this case is to determine if the thermostat’s actually defective or whether it simply needs to be tweaked. Perform this quick test to determine whether your unit is a candidate for calibration:
The calibration process starts with removal of the thermostat knob; in its place, you’ll likely find a D-shaft with one screw at the center, or a rounded disk with a pair of screws. Depending on the type, you will either be turning the single screw or the round disk in the smallest possible intervals, inspecting the burner with each turn. If you are able to move the thermostat more than a quarter-turn of its overall range without restoring the burner’s flame, it is most likely defective and will need to be replaced.
Confidence in Results
Your establishment can’t thrive without its most important appliances at work, so make the right call when problems are too big for do-it-yourself resolution. CASCO offers complete commercial services to get you back in business quickly, whether you’re dealing with a troublesome thermostat or a faulty freezer. Fill out our simple service request form today for professional restaurant oven service that will keep your tickets moving and keep your customers happy.
Getting Started
Before you begin, please keep these general tips in mind:
- When working with gas-powered ovens, always turn off the flow of gas before you begin.
- If your oven’s temperature readings are inaccurate by a margin of more than 35 degrees Fahrenheit (F), it is recommended to instead call in a qualified professional for service.
- Commercial ovens should typically be calibrated every three months. This will ensure more accurate performance, and will often extend the appliance’s overall lifespan as well.
Pilot Light Problems
If you’re having difficulty keeping a gas oven’s pilot lit, start by inspecting the thermocouple. This component is designed to provide an accurate temperature reading, so if it’s not directly positioned within the oven’s flame, it may not perform properly. If the thermocouple is positioned correctly but your pilot light continues to shut off anyway, this can signal a defective unit. Replacing the thermocouple is the recommended resolution; if this does not restore your oven, you’ll probably need to replace its safety valve.
Incorrect Temperatures
Thermostat faults are usually the cause of temperature-related issues, whether the readings you’re getting are too high or too low. The task in this case is to determine if the thermostat’s actually defective or whether it simply needs to be tweaked. Perform this quick test to determine whether your unit is a candidate for calibration:
- Place a thermometer (one you’re confident in the accuracy of) into the oven.
- Set the oven to 250 degrees F.
- Monitor the oven’s burner by opening its kickplate; if the flame goes out before the oven reaches the intended temperature, thermostat calibration may be an option.
The calibration process starts with removal of the thermostat knob; in its place, you’ll likely find a D-shaft with one screw at the center, or a rounded disk with a pair of screws. Depending on the type, you will either be turning the single screw or the round disk in the smallest possible intervals, inspecting the burner with each turn. If you are able to move the thermostat more than a quarter-turn of its overall range without restoring the burner’s flame, it is most likely defective and will need to be replaced.
Confidence in Results
Your establishment can’t thrive without its most important appliances at work, so make the right call when problems are too big for do-it-yourself resolution. CASCO offers complete commercial services to get you back in business quickly, whether you’re dealing with a troublesome thermostat or a faulty freezer. Fill out our simple service request form today for professional restaurant oven service that will keep your tickets moving and keep your customers happy.