Prevent, don't repair, says Brita Professional

Sponsored article by Brita Professional.

Three in five kitchen professionals and hot beverage workers admit they would buy new equipment if it broke down, despite financial worries due to the pandemic.

• One third of workers believe their stress comes from financial implications of the pandemic, with 30% more cautious about equipment costs.
• Despite this, almost a fifth aren't spending as much on preventative maintenance on equipment in the current climate.
• What's more, 65% of kitchen professionals and 60% hot beverage workers admit they would buy new equipment if it broke down, rather than buying second hand.

New research from BRITA Professional* has revealed that professionals are more cautious than ever when it comes to taking care of kitchen and hot beverage equipment. Despite this, almost a fifth (17%) of businesses have decreased their equipment services and maintenance budget, at a time where it couldn't be more important. The research shows that if equipment were to break down, 65% of kitchen professionals and 60% of hot beverage workers would still buy new, potentially increasing financial burden on operators who are already under pressure in the current climate. Worryingly, over a quarter of hot beverage workers (26%) and almost a fifth of kitchen professionals (18%) revealed they wouldn't be able to easily spot a problem on equipment within their kitchen.

Concerns about the expense of new equipment are leading professionals to feel more pressure and stress in the kitchen. Over 30% are more cautious about costs since the pandemic and are looking to maintain and mend equipment where possible, so they don't need to invest in replacements.

Speaking about the research results, which are available in a new BRITA Professional Beat the Breakdown Toolkit, Sarah Taylor, Managing Director of BRITA UK, said: "The importance of simple preventative maintenance measures, to limit huge replacement costs, has never been more important. Not only will this save operators time, money and ensure operational efficiency, but it will also have an impact on equipment sustainability, something that our research showed is very important for 56% of kitchen professionals and 52% of hot beverage professionals. By implementing measures such as preventative maintenance, the financial pressures for those working in the sector could be eased.

"On equipment that uses water, one of the most effective ways to prevent premature breakdowns is by using the correct water filter and exchanging it on time. This can help eliminate damage and inefficiency over time caused by the build-up of limescale."

BRITA Managed Services can relieve the pressure by supporting operators with preventative maintenance. By offering advice and carrying out essential filter exchanges, operators can rely on their equipment to have a longer life span and deliver a smooth service when they need it most.

To download a copy of the Beat the Breakdown Toolkit, please click here.

For more information on BRITA Managed Services, click here.

*Research throughout is from 3GEM conducted with 500 professional kitchen workers (October 2020) and 500 hospitality workers who use a coffee machine industry (October 2020).