Top 10 Most Common Catering Equipment Faults (and How to Fix Them)

The last thing you need in a busy commercial kitchen is faulty equipment slowing you down.

A broken fryer, fridge or oven can bring your commercial kitchen to a standstill. From ovens that won’t heat to refrigeration units failing mid-service, equipment faults can disrupt operations, frustrate staff and cost money.

Catering equipment faults are inevitable in busy commercial kitchens. But the good news? Knowing the common catering equipment faults and simple fixes can save thousands of pounds and prevent unnecessary downtime.

Keep reading to see the top 10 most common commercial catering equipment faults, why they happen and what practical steps you can take to fix or prevent them – plus when to call a professional engineer.

1. Commercial Oven Not Heating Properly

Symptoms:

• Uneven cooking or slow preheating
• Oven not reaching the set temperature

Common Causes:

• Faulty thermostat
• Burnt-out heating elements
• Electrical switch issues

Quick Fixes:

• Check and replace the thermostat if necessary
• Inspect heating elements for damage
• Ensure wiring and switches are intact

Pro Tip: Regular cleaning prevents element burnout and ensures even heating. If issues persist, call a qualified commercial oven engineer.

2. Fryer Oil Not Reaching Correct Temperature

Symptoms:

• Food undercooked or greasy
• Frying oil overheating or cooling unexpectedly

Common Causes:

• Malfunctioning thermostat
• Worn heating element
• Contaminated or old oil

Fix Tips:

• Replace the thermostat if readings are inaccurate
• Inspect and clean or replace the heating element
• Regularly filter and replace fryer oil

Safety Note: Always switch off and allow the fryer to cool before any maintenance.

3. Refrigeration Not Cooling or Freezing Properly

Symptoms:

• Fridge/freezer running but food is not cold
• Ice build-up in the wrong areas

Common Causes:

• Blocked condenser coils
• Faulty thermostat
• Low refrigerant or compressor issues

DIY Checks:

• Clean condenser coils and remove debris
• Inspect door seals to ensure airtight closure

Professional Call: Suspected refrigerant leaks or compressor faults require a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Tip: Daily temperature checks help prevent food spoilage and equipment damage.

4. Hot Water Boiler or Kettle Faults

Symptoms:

• Water not heating
• Low pressure or leaks

Causes:

• Scale buildup
• Faulty thermostat
• Pump or valve issues

Fixes:

• Descale the boiler or kettle regularly
• Inspect wiring and connections
• Replace faulty pumps or valves

Safety Note: Avoid electrical contact with water. Always disconnect from power before servicing.

5. Grills or Contact Plates Not Heating

Symptoms:

• Cold cooking plates
• Unevenly cooked food
• Error codes displayed

Causes:

• Worn or broken heating elements
• Thermostat failure
• Damaged wiring

Quick Fixes:

• Inspect wiring for visible damage
• Replace heating elements if worn out
• Test thermostat functionality

Maintenance Tip: Regular cleaning prevents food residue buildup, which can burn out heating elements.

6. Dishwasher Not Draining or Cleaning Properly

Symptoms:

• Standing water in the machine
• Dishes coming out dirty or streaked

Causes:

• Blocked filters or spray arms
• Broken or clogged pump
• Faulty drainage

Quick Fixes:

• Clean filters and spray arms
• Inspect pump for blockages
• Check waste pipes and drainage connections

Preventative Tip: Weekly deep cleaning prolongs lifespan and improves hygiene compliance.

7. Gas Appliances Failing to Ignite

Symptoms:

• Burners won’t light
• Irregular flame or flame out

Causes:

• Blocked burner jets
• Faulty ignition system
• Gas pressure issues

Fix Tips:

• Clean burner jets carefully
• Check ignition mechanism
• Always ensure the gas supply is off before inspection

Professional Call: Persistent ignition problems should be handled by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure safety and compliance.

8. Ice Machine Producing Small or No Ice

Symptoms:

• Slow ice production
• Soft, crumbly, or misshaped ice

Causes:

• Dirty condenser
• Clogged water filters
• Low refrigerant or failing compressor

Fix Tips:

• Clean condenser and replace filters
• Schedule professional checks for refrigerant issues
• Implement monthly cleaning routines

Tip: Regular maintenance prevents costly downtime, especially in high-demand kitchens.

9. Food Prep Equipment Malfunctions (Mixers, Slicers, etc.)

Symptoms:

• Machine won’t start or stops mid-cycle
• Strange noises or uneven operation

Causes:

• Motor failure
• Worn blades or belts
• Faulty wiring

Quick Fixes:

• Inspect motor and wiring connections
• Lubricate moving parts where applicable
• Replace worn blades or belts

Safety Note: Always unplug equipment before servicing or cleaning.

10. Ventilation or Extraction Issues

Symptoms:

• Smoky kitchen environment
• Poor air circulation
• Overheating of appliances

Causes:

• Blocked or dirty filters
• Worn extraction fans
• Obstructed ductwork

Fix Tips:

• Clean filters regularly
• Inspect fan operation
• Schedule professional duct cleaning

Pro Tip: Good ventilation improves safety, reduces equipment strain, and maintains a comfortable kitchen environment.

Tips to Prevent Common Catering Equipment Faults

• Implement daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance routines
• Train staff on proper equipment usage
• Use manufacturer-approved replacement parts
• Schedule regular professional servicing
• Keep logs of inspections and minor repairs

Benefit: Proactive maintenance reduces downtime, extends equipment lifespan, and lowers repair costs.

Keep Your Kitchen Running Smoothly

Catering equipment faults are inevitable in any busy commercial kitchen but understanding the most common problems and how to fix them can save time, money and stress!

From ovens and fryers to refrigerators and ventilation systems, many issues can be avoided with regular checks and preventative maintenance. For persistent or complex faults, relying on Catercall’s expert engineers ensures fast, safe and reliable solutions.

Which of these faults have caused your kitchen the most headaches?

Don’t let equipment downtime disrupt your kitchen. Contact Catercall today to schedule professional servicing, repairs or preventative maintenance. Keep your kitchen safe, compliant, and running at peak performance.