The USDA estimates that between 30% and 40% of all food goes to waste. Food waste happens at every stage of the supply chain, with spoilage and incorrect food preparation being the main culprits on the commercial end.

The right tools, such as commercial refrigeration and gas ranges, can prevent waste and save money.

Food waste accounts for $161 billion worth of food costs lost between the retail and consumer sectors, so cutting waste is both an environmental priority and a direct way to save money.

Thinking about how your tools can cut down on waste—and ultimately save money—is key. Here are five ways the right equipment can reduce waste, lower costs, and keep your operation running smoothly.

#1: Reliable commercial refrigeration reduces spoilage

This has happened to anyone who has worked in a kitchen: you come into your shift, open a refrigerator, only to discover that the fridge is room temperature. That means everything in the fridge has to be thrown away.

Since spoilage is one of the biggest drivers of food waste, investing in reliable commercial refrigeration may be the most impactful step your kitchen can take to cut losses.

Commercial fridges are designed to handle the demands of a busy kitchen and keep food fresher despite heavy use. Choose refrigerators with precise temperature and humidity control to keep food fresher and reduce spoilage. Fridges with LED temperature displays are especially useful in busy kitchens where doors are constantly opened and closed.

To prevent scenarios like the one above, look for features such as auto defrost and magnetic gaskets that can easily be replaced, ensuring the fridge’s seals remain tight.

#2: The right kind of commercial refrigeration can make a world of difference

Upgrading to reliable fridges—like those from Serv-Ware—can make a huge difference in cutting food waste, but it’s just as important to choose the right model for your operation.

For example, if your kitchen is making sandwiches, pizzas, or any other item that requires a lot of prep work and assembly, a fridge with a top rail or a specially designed sandwich prep table can reduce the risk of spoilage. Since the prep station is refrigerated, all the ingredients you need for assembly are easily accessible and won’t go bad. 

Top rails are also great for buffet-style establishments or any place where condiments and other heavily-used items need to be at the ready. Likewise, having glass door merchandisers allows patrons to see inside and decide what they want before opening the fridge, thereby conserving energy and keeping the fridge cool.

Understanding how people use the fridge can help you make informed decisions about the type of commercial refrigeration needed to reduce waste and save money.

#3: Gas ranges deliver consistent cooking

Along with spoilage, one of the most significant contributors to food waste is incorrect food prep. Gas ranges deliver precise heat, allowing users to control temperatures and prevent food from under- or overcooking.

Consistency is a vital measure of success in a commercial kitchen. Whether you’re preparing food for wholesalers or serving a busy dining room, consistency reduces the chances of dishes being sent back or discarded—meaning less waste.

Gas ranges provide the reliability and durability kitchens need to run smoothly.

#4: Commercial equipment can prevent costly breakdowns

We discussed the horror of opening a fridge and discovering it’s failed, which means everything inside needs to be discarded. But reliability is a critical factor for all kitchen equipment when it comes to preventing waste.

Whenever a piece of equipment fails, part of your operation shuts down, potentially resulting in food waste if it can’t be prepared. An oven or stove with an electrical issue might not cause immediate waste, but delays during repairs can—food waiting to be cooked may spoil in the meantime.

#5: Commercial equipment can improve safety compliance

Safety compliance is a big deal in commercial kitchens. Stable refrigeration temperatures and consistent cooking temperatures on gas ranges make it easier to meet food safety standards—reducing the risk of food going to waste due to poor storage or uneven preparation.

Food waste is both an environmental and financial issue, making efforts to improve food safety and reduce waste a win-win. Not only does it save your business money, but with more consumers expecting companies to support meaningful causes—like cutting food waste—investing in the right equipment shows customers you’re committed to both their experience and the planet’s future.

Explore Serv-Ware’s line of commercial refrigerators, gas ranges, and other kitchen tools designed to help your business cut waste and save money.