Top 5 Tools for Hot Side Food Service Techs

Having the right gear for a service call is vital. Otherwise you could be stuck making trips to the hardware store. If you’re a new service tech or a veteran tech looking for new gadgets, this list of the top 5 tools for hot side food service techs can help. Discover what gear you need most, how they can help you in the field and what to look for before you buy it.

Manometer

• What it does and why you need it – This tool is vital to check gas pressure. It can be done from a tap or manifold. It’s important to ensure the unit you’re serving is at the right gas pressure. Thus it’s a good tool to have handy when doing diagnostics work or anything with installing or connecting gas lines.
• Types of manometers – You can get digital or analog manometers. 
• What to look for – Always check for reviews and longevity of it. Be sure the reviews indicate that it is good about giving accurate reading before purchasing a specific one.
• Tips for using manometers- Be sure to have fittings to tap into the correct system. It’s good to carry multiple sizes so you’re prepared for any application. 

Drills

• What it does and why you need it – These are great for helping to disassemble equipment and remove panels so you can better access components in a way that’s more efficient than hand tools. Impact functions can help avoid damaging or cross threading screws. 
• Types of drills – The type of drill you will mainly use is an impact driver.  
• What to look for – You’ll want to ensure something with good battery life. Low profile batteries though would still be a good option for getting into tight places. 
• Tips for using drills- Be sure to always keep your drill on hand in case you come across a piece of hardware that is stubborn so you can get it off without stripping screws or causing other issues. 

Multimeter

• What it does and why do you need it – These help to check voltage, amp draw and more. They’re great for most diagnostics on equipment. 
• Types of multimeters – There are analog and digital multimeters available. 
• What to look for – Always get something with good reviews. You also might want to look for one with a temperature reading option as well for hot side equipment. 
• Tips for using multimeters- It’s vital to have these always on hand when doing diagnostics on a unit. Be sure to always double check your work as well with the multimeter in case you get a false reading. 

Wire Strippers

• What it does and why do you need it – These can help to strip the insulation on wires. These are important to have since scissors or a knife isn’t a safe replacement to this tool. 
• What to look for – Be sure to have something sturdy. It will probably need to be somewhat bulky so it’s strong enough for all types of wires.
• Tips for using wire strippers- Always cut power before using wire strippers and wearing protective gloves as well. 

Thermometers 

• What it does and why do you need it – These are used for various different purposes. Such as checking oil temperature in fryers, cavity temperatures in ovens and steamers and more. This can help you to ensure hot side equipment is heating up properly. 
• Types of thermometers – There is a wide variety of thermometers to choose from. There’s probe thermometers that are for ovens or fryers, surface, puck like thermometers for grill surfaces and more. These often come as digital options rather than analog. 
• What to look for – Be sure to get the right type for each type of equipment you will be servicing. This may mean shopping for more than one thermometer. 
• Tips for using thermometers – When using thermometers on griddles, get readings from every section of the surface. Be sure to use surface probes or puck style thermometers and not laser thermometers.