When it comes to designing or renovating a cooking zone one of the most important but often overlooked aspects is the correct sizing of professional kitchen electrical systems. Every cooking zone has difference requirements depending on the appliances used, the size of the kitchen and the layout. A well-sized system optimises the performance, consumption and durability of the appliances, guaranteeing maximum safety in the workplace. Learn about the variable to take into consideration for the correct sizing and best operation of the kitchen.
Professional kitchen electrical systems: power requirements
Let's start with a simple consideration which is essential when calculating the correct sizing of kitchen systems, whether they are electric, gas or combined. In order to operate, the appliances in the cooking zone require power, which has to be supplied at exactly the right level, no higher and no lower than that specified in the manufacturer's instruction manuals, dedicated web pages or apps.
The correct sizing of professional kitchen electrical systems depends on the specific power requirements of each cooking zone. Kitchen appliances absorb varying amounts of power, which must be calculated accurately to avoid the risk of failure or short circuits, not to mention inadequate performance.
However, in order to size the electrical systems in the kitchen it is essential to know not only how much power is required by each appliance, such as a pasta cooker, a griddle or a fryer, but also to accurately calculate the total power of all the appliances. And if the cooking zone includes gas burners, the separation of the gas and electricity supply lines also has to be taken into consideration. If, on the other hand, there are alternatives to professional gas burners, such as induction hobs or electrical hot plates, it is necessary to consider that a significantly higher amount of power may be required.
A common mistake that can impair the performance and safety of the system is the use of electrical cables or gas pipes that are too small, as they may not be able to supply the total power required. This happens in food truck kitchen systems, where appliances such as fryers often malfunction because they are supplied by gas pipes that are too small or by an electricity regulator designed for domestic rather than professional use.
Over-sizing the kitchen's electrical systems can also cause a lot of problems. An electrical system that is too powerful, for example, could damage the appliances due to power surges, causing long-term failure.
Professional kitchen electrical systems: managing the load
Once the systems have been sized, it is also necessary to consider the management of the electrical load. A well-designed system must be able to withstand peaks in consumption during busy moments without compromising the stability of the kitchen's electricity supply. In a professional kitchen, electrical charges can vary rapidly due to the simultaneous use of multiple high-powered appliances, such as ovens, refrigerators and gas burners.
Sizing has to take these peaks into account, with the creation of a distribution system that allows optimal management of electrical resources, avoiding overloads and ensuring continuous operation.
The size of the kitchen: a key element in choosing the systems
The sizing of professional kitchen electrical systems also depends heavily on the size of the kitchen and on the layout.
The design of a linear kitchen tends to be simpler, with just one wall used for power distribution, while the planning of an island kitchen is sometimes more complex, partly due to the fact that the electrical systems have to be positioned so that each section of the island receives the right amount of power.
In any case, both wall and island kitchen layouts require careful calculation of electrical loads and efficient distribution to create a safe, functional and high-performance kitchen. A well-designed electrical system is essential for achieving optimum performance in the kitchen, minimising risks and optimising energy consumption.
The sizing of extractor hoods and drainage systems
Another key aspect to consider when sizing kitchen systems is the extraction system, along with water drainage. Extractor hoods, for example, must be designed and sized to suit the volume of air to be filtered, to ensure effective removal of fumes and vapours. If the extraction duct is too narrow or if the extraction is not correctly sized, the air will not be efficiently expelled and this will lead to the creation of an unhealthy environment, with the added risk of grease and dust building up.
Drainage systems, such as those for dishwashers, also have to be carefully sized. A drainage pipe that is too small or poorly positioned can prevent water from draining properly, resulting in appliance malfunction and the possibility of leaks or flooding.
Generally speaking, we can say that accurate system sizing, together with careful product installation, reduces the likelihood of problems arising in the future by at least 50%, avoiding unnecessary expenditure and risks that could compromise the normal operation of the system and the working routine.
This is why it is advisable to use skilled professionals for the sizing and installation of professional kitchen electrical systems, gas fittings and all the other systems within the cooking zone. The quality of the initial work has a direct impact on the quality of service in the long term.
Would you like to know more about the sizing of professional kitchen electrical systems? Contact us at lotus@lotuscookers.it or fill in the contact form.