Summer is hard on every machine in the kitchen. Spring is when you get them ready.

• Condenser coils cleaned on every walk-in, reach-in and prep table.
• Rooftop and outdoor condensers cleared of leaves, cottonwood and debris.
• Door gaskets checked for tears and gaps. Replace any that fail the dollar-bill test.
• Door closers and hinges checked on walk-ins.
• Drain lines and pans checked under the evaporator.
• Thermometers checked in ice water, and readings compared to each unit's display.

• Descaled and sanitized.
• Water filter changed, with the date written on it.
• Condenser cleaned, and the space around the machine cleared.
• Bin cleaned, and the scoop holder checked.

• Rooftop unit filters changed.
• Coils cleaned and refrigerant checked by a technician.
• Belts checked for wear and tension.
• Drain pans and lines cleared, so water doesn't end up in the ceiling.
• Thermostat schedules set for summer hours.
• Cooling tested on a warm day, before the first hot week.

• Hood filters washed, and the washing schedule checked.
• Grease cups and troughs emptied.
• Exhaust fan checked for belt wear and noise.
• The date of the last professional hood cleaning checked against your required interval.
• The fire suppression system's inspection tag checked.

• Oven and fryer temperatures checked with a thermometer.
• Burners cleaned, with flames burning blue.
• Gas hoses and restraint cables checked on equipment that rolls out.
• Behind and under line equipment deep-cleaned.
• Steamers descaled.

Spring is a good time to review the cleaning list for each station. Add any equipment that's new since last year. Walk new hires through the equipment they use, and remind everyone how to report a problem.

Every restaurant wants its HVAC checked in the same few weeks. Book spring work early. For a group, stagger the stores so each one gets its own visit without leaving you short.

Keep the finished list for each store with the date and who did the work. Anything the technician flagged as wearing out goes on a short list of its own. Fix those items before Memorial Day, when patios open and the kitchen starts running hot. Next spring, start from this year's list.