The threat of rising temperatures can be hard to handle in any kitchen of any size. So, here’s our top-tips for cooling your kitchen and keeping your staff fresh.

Keep Watered

An unsurprising lead at the top of the table, drinking lots of water is great way to quickly cool down. On average, humans need to drink two litres of water a day to be able to work at full capacity. And if they’re working under hot or demanding conditions that number will inevitably climb. Making sure that your staff always has easy access to water is essential. This also means that picking up energy drinks or cups of coffee generally isn’t a great idea. While the caffeine gives you a lift, it will dehydrate you further and acts as a diuretic.

Consider your Clothes

When it comes to keeping cool, try to make sure that any undershirts or garments are made from a breathable fabric. And, if dress-whites are set in stone, allowing bottoms with a shorter leg is also great at allowing body heat to dissipate and help your staff keep cool. If this isn’t an option, rolling up your sleeves and running cold water over your hands is a quick and effective way to lower your body temperature.

Take Time Away from the Ranges

While the ‘smoke break’ has dropped off in popularity for many health-conscious chefs, taking a breather is key way to make sure you can keep cool. A quick stroll outside, taking a trip to review stock, or visit the walk-in freezer can break up the tempo of the day. This provides a welcome mental break and can quickly bring body temperatures down.

Maintain your Canopy Fan

Running your canopy fan can easily help you regulate temperatures and fight the ‘closeness’ that can occur in a busy kitchen. And once in place, regular ventilation cleaning will make sure that the maximum amount of heat is funnelled away from your workers, resulting in a safer and more productive environment. Regularly undertaking duct cleaning will remove any grease or materials lodged in the system which can produce insulating effects. Which makes sure you enjoy more bang for your buck when it comes to keeping your kitchen cool and functional.

Plan your Kitchen Layout

When it comes to laying out your floorplan, it’s always worth carefully considering the placement of your stations and factoring in airflow wherever possible. Cookers should be placed in open areas that permit heat to radiate. Thoroughfare paths should avoid passing by ranges and potential congregation points should be placed as close to a source of fresh air as possible.

A cheap and effective way to get around this is to install thermometers at key work-points throughout the kitchen. If the mercury continuously tips too far into the red, take measures to look at why a hot-spot has been generated and what steps can be taken to eliminate it. Fans are also inexpensive and portable. And can work to help draw out and recycle hot air, providing moments of relief for overheated staff.