Ways to Prep Your Concession Equipment for the Off Season

It will soon be that time of year when many of us are putting our “tools-of-the-trade” away and waiting for warmer weather to return. Here are a few reminders on how to properly store your equipment.

When possible, run your equipment one more time, looking and listening for anything that may indicate a problem. If maintenance is needed, doing it during the off season will prevent down time when it is least wanted.

Spend some time cleaning popcorn machines and all equipment, making sure to remove all traces of food. Keep in mind that vegetable-based oil can become rancid during storage. Gold Medal’s Watchdog™ Concession Equipment Cleaner (#2580) is the solution for removing cooking oils, grease, starch, sugar, and protein residues. It works on chrome, Formica, copper, aluminum, brass, and more. Apply a thin coat of Petro-Gel (#1110) to the inside of the tanks to ensure they’re protected from oxidation.

When storing your unit, check the power cord. Make sure it isn’t kinked or wound too tightly. Loops about 6 to 8 inches in diameter will allow the cord to be stored without damage.

Store your equipment in a dry environment. This is particularly important for equipment with heating elements, which can be damaged by moisture. Store smaller equipment in large plastic bags that can be sealed tight. You can also toss in a few bags of desiccant to keep things dry; just remember to remove it before restarting in the spring.

Cleaning popcorn machines and concession equipment now will help you avoid dealing with damage control in the long run. When the next season rolls around, you’ll have a better setup time and profit margin because your equipment will be ready to fire up quickly and efficiently. If you have questions about cleaning or storing your Gold Medal concession equipment, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

How else do you prepare for the off season? Tell us about it on Facebook!