THINGS TO CONSIDER
Should I buy a cabinet with single or double glazed glass?
Double glazing is recommended for most installations. Double glazing provides improved insulation, thereby increasing performance (and reducing electricity consumption) and reducing the risk of condensation. Air conditioning generally reduces humidity levels and therefore condensation.
How do I know how much food can be displayed in a cabinet?
Each model and size should have a 'Display Area' stated. This lets you know how much food can be safely displayed without overloading a cabinet (the 'Total Display Area' is a different measurement, representing the visual area of display). We recommend a minimum of 25mm clearance between the top of food and the base of the shelf above. Australasian standards also require that all new cabinets have 'load limit' markings - levels above which food should not be displayed. Festive complies with all these requirements.
Can I operate food display cabinets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Food display cabinets can be operated continuously. It is important to consider the type of food to be refrigerated, the number of door openings, and the ability to remove food as required in order to clean the cabinets. Some settings and specifications may need to be adjusted to cater for the continuous operation - a service provided by Festive.
Can food display cabinets interfere with the operation of any of my other equipment?
Food display cabinets can interfere with other electrical equipment due to electromagnetic emissions they produce, and there are regulations in place that electrical equipment manufacturers must comply with. Festive has a programme to ensure we meet these regulations, installing suppressing equipment on all cabinets and having cabinets tested at a certified laboratory.
What hygiene issues should I consider when buying food presentation equipment?
It is critical that food presentation equipment is made of appropriate materials and is able to be easily cleaned in order to meet food safety requirements. All Festive cabinets provide good access for cleaning, including easy lift out doors and dismantling of shelves, and are made of materials that are easy to clean and able to comply with HACCP requirements.
How do I know how well a cabinet will perform?
Not all manufacturers test cabinets and have a facility to analyse cabinet performance. Festive has invested in a test facility that can maintain temperature and humidity levels, and has electronic data logging systems. Cabinets are tested under industry standard temperatures and humidity levels (known as 'climate classes') to ensure that they perform to the required standards.
How can I reduce the cost of owning and running my food service equipment?
There are several costs involved in owning and operating food display cabinets. Some ideas on how to reduce these costs are outlined below:
- Investment cost. While the cost of a cabinet is important, perhaps even more important is the useful life of the food service equipment and any resale value. Festive Cabinets have a long life and good resale value if well cared for, reducing the average annual cost of ownership.
- Running cost. Consider the possibility of double glazing and a timer plug to reduce electricity costs. Carrying spare parts can be useful (e.g. a glass door in case of breakage and a spare element for a hot cabinet) - these can reduce 'down time'. Check that spare parts are readily available and that the manufacturer supports its models. Festive carries a comprehensive range of spare parts.
- Wages cost. Easy to understand and easy to clean cabinets reduce the labour cost of training and cleaning time.
How does a 'defrost cycle' work in cold cabinets?
Ice can build up over time in cold food display cabinets. The defrost cycle can be crucial to the effective operation and shuts down the refrigeration motor at preset intervals for short periods of time. This allows potential ice buildup on the coil to melt. Without defrost cycles a cold cabinet could ice up and the cooling process would not work. All Festive cold cabinets are electronically programmed with defrost cycles to ensure effective operation.
What are the rules regarding the temperature of food?
It is best to check with your local authority (usually the local Council or Health Authority), however the general rule is that food requiring refrigeration should be kept between 2 - 4 degrees and hot food at 60 degrees and above. Festive cabinets are designed and tested to comply with these requirements. Food ready to be placed in cabinets should be at, or near to, the required temperature.
What is the difference between fan forced and static (or gravity) cold cabinets?
Fan forced cabinets have fans that circulate air through the cabinet, are typically the most effective at maintaining product temperature in a tight range, and are best suited to high customer flows and packaged foods. It is important to choose the right method to meet your requirements. Festivé offers both methods. Static (or gravity) cabinets have the refrigeration coil in the top of the cabinet and utilise the rising of heat and dropping of cold to chill food. This method is the gentlest on food and is best suited to lower customer flows.
Is it important where I locate my food display cabinets?
Food display cabinets should be placed away from direct sunlight and any strong draft. It is important to have some space between cabinets that operate at different temperatures (cold, ambient and hot). An appropriate allowance needs to be made for air circulation around the motors of cold cabinets - this is needed for the cooling and efficiency of the motor.
What is the difference between integral and remote cold cabinets?
Integral cabinets have the refrigeration motor either built into or suspended beneath the cabinet and do not require a refrigeration engineer to install them. Remote cabinets have a refrigeration motor supplied separately, requiring a suitably qualified refrigeration engineer to install the cabinet. Festive offers the options of both integral and remote refrigeration models.
What if I decide to extend my range in future?
Make sure that you buy your food display cabinets from a manufacturer that continues to provide and support its models. Festive supports its models, allowing customers to order new cabinets in the same style and colour. Festive also develops new and innovative models, increasing the options available to its customers.
