Category: Blog

Whether you are new to the bakery business or an old pro, you have probably seen more equipment failure than you would like to think about. While you will not be able to make your commercial appliances like your bagel packaging equipment last forever, you will quickly discover that there is a lot you can do to ensure your equipment’s productivity. Although we cannot account for every failure, here are the reasons to maintain commercial bread equipment.

 

Reasons for Equipment Failure

There are several common causes for equipment failure and knowing why yours is failing is your first line of defense against the devastating consequences of unscheduled downtime.

Employee Negligence

One prominent reason for failure is when employees fail to do their duties. Cleanliness and care will considerably extend the life of just about everything.

Lack of Consistent Maintenance

A very common mistake is failing to hire someone to perform the necessary preventative maintenance on your machines.

Why You Should Maintain Commercial Bread Equipment

The bottom line – maintenance can make all the difference. Almost all of the leading causes of failure in commercial bread machines can be traced back to neglect. 

Benefits You Can Get from Maintaining Your Equipment

Longer Life Expectancy for Equipment

It is common knowledge in the business that replacing commercial packing equipment is expensive. By taking good care of your appliances, you can significantly extend their lifespan. To maintain a long and useful life, the machinery, like an automobile, must be cleaned, oiled, and serviced regularly.

Reduced Utility Costs

If you keep any piece of equipment that consumes electricity, gas, or water clean and maintained regularly, it will run much more efficiently. Cleaning and maintaining your machinery will surely reduce your utility bills, as clean and efficient equipment uses less electricity to perform its function.

Major Failures Are Less Likely to Happen

Unexpected equipment failures can quickly shut down your business, resulting in lost income and dissatisfied consumers. All equipment should be inspected and repaired regularly by a dependable and licensed commercial appliance repair business to avoid failures.

A More Secure Working Environment

Keeping your employees safe at work should be one of, if not the most important, objectives for you. This includes more than just hygienic food storage and preparation methods. Your equipment, large and small, must be in good working order and meet the local health and fire department’s codes and requirements.

The Key Takeaway

In conclusion, it is extremely important to have a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule for all of your equipment and systems. Consider the consequences of even one piece of your packaging or slicing equipment failing during a rush, and you will immediately see why maintaining your equipment is the best solution to prevent a hole in your wallet. 

 

Need a Bagel Packaging Equipment Service?

Check out our large selection of replacement parts for your packaging equipment. If you require assistance with the upkeep of your commercial equipment, we have exactly what you’re looking for. Please contact us today at Lenexa Manufacturing Company.

Bread slicer machines are an easy example that gets overlooked or is commonly forgotten when cleaning your restaurant kitchen. Whole loaves of bread are consistently and equally sliced using commercial machines. They are commonly found in bakeries and other establishments that make their own bread. Lenexa Manufacturing Company’s blog today presents a few cleaning and maintenance tips for commercial bread slicer machines.

 

How Important is Maintaining Your Bread Slicer Machine?

Cleaning Your Commercial Bread Slicer

The equipment in your commercial kitchen or hospitality business needs to be well-maintained. This type of equipment is designed to survive continuous or frequent usage, and if it is not properly maintained, it can negatively impact production, sales, and your budget.

Bacterial development and cross-contamination are reduced when slicers are cleaned and maintained properly. If not adequately addressed, slicers can end up in serious sanitation difficulties. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, operators should not take any shortcuts.

Cleaning Suggestions for Your Bread Slicing Machine

1. Always take caution!
2. Before undertaking any cleaning or maintenance, read the instruction handbook.
3. Before cleaning or performing any maintenance on your bread slicer, make sure the machine is fully unplugged.
4. Always use safety gloves to protect your hands.
5. Wipe off the equipment, especially the blade, with a wet towel soaked in sanitizer.
6. To avoid bread tasting like sanitizer, wipe down the bread slicer with hot water after cleaning (ring out the towel so it is just damp).
7. To avoid rust, always dry your bread slicer with a dry rag after cleaning it.
8. When cleaning the blade, never force the towel against it because the blades are quite sharp, and you might easily injure yourself.
9. Remove and replace each blade one at a time when changing them, making sure they are all in the appropriate spot.
10. When you are finished cleaning and maintaining your bread slicer, tighten all of the screws.

 

Maintaining Your Commercial Bread Slicer in Working Order

You get a lot of small crumbs when you slice bread. As a result, most machines feature pieces that can be removed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Make sure to clear out the crumbs on a regular basis to ensure not only food safety but also that they do not build up and reduce the machine’s efficiency.

You do not want crumbs to become stuck in the machine and hinder it from working properly. Another technique to keep your bread slicer in good working order is to replace the blades on a regular basis. The frequency will be determined by the amount of bread you are slicing. If you slice less than 50 loaves each day, changing the blade once a year should suffice. If you slice more than 500 loaves each day, however, you should replace the blade every two months.

Final Note

Operators should be aware of certain signals that suggest the unit may need to be replaced. Broken or malfunctioning parts can affect the quality of the slices as well as the operator’s ability to clean the slicer effectively. Broken components may require the purchase of a new unit, depending on the cost of replacement and repair.  

 

We are committed to ensuring that our clients get the most out of their equipment through educating them. If you require assistance, please contact us today at Lenexa Manufacturing Company.

When it comes to choosing the right bun packaging equipment for your commercial bakery, paying great attention to the details is essential. After all, your product’s packaging could be one of the most important determinants of its success. The appropriate packaging will not only captivate customers but will also keep your product secure and fresh during delivery. When buyers know they can bank on a fresh item from the moment it touches the shelf until it reaches their hands, it affirms the brand’s and the item’s quality.

Here are some important factors to consider:

A Guide to Choosing the Packaging Machine Most Suitable For Your Business

Business Plan

You must first define the scope of your budget before beginning or starting any business project. This will determine what machine and material you can use and how much money you have to spend on making your business or product as appealing as possible.

Now it’s time to think about the equipment that you’ll need to get started. Like all other parts of your bakery, the commercial bakery equipment you select should be factored into your overall business plan.

Budget and Pricing Strategy

Another important issue that will affect your bakery’s financial performance is how you price your goods. It’s a fine line to walk between covering your costs and making enough while keeping your prices competitive and appealing to your clients. This is how you can make sure you get a good return on your investment.

Power supply

Bakery equipment is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Small bench-top devices can be plugged into a regular wall outlet, whereas larger standalone equipment may require three-phase power.

As a result, it’s critical to determine if your location has three-phase power. If you’re renting your store, double-check with your landlord or a qualified electrician to see if your kitchen has three-phase power.

Workspace Footprint

Just as you should plan your retail space to allow for easy customer flow, you should make sure your kitchen crew has enough space to operate. Large commercial bakery equipment can take up a lot of room on the floor and make it difficult to move around your kitchen. In addition, most commercial bakery equipment requires proper ventilation. When planning a commercial kitchen layout, make sure there is enough open space around your machines.

But it’s not just about space that you need to consider. It’s also crucial to organize your bakery equipment in the most efficient way possible to maximize productivity. That is, the majority of commercial bakery equipment is built to automate a specific stage of the baking process. Thus, logically arranging the machines and manual workstations is a must.

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Servicing

Daily cleaning is a normal component of the bakery routine, and you’ll want to keep that in mind while choosing equipment. Request that the supplier shows the daily cleaning procedures for the devices you’re interested in. Also, inquire about any special cleaning chemicals or other consumables that may be needed for certain machines. You should be able to get any cleaning chemicals or supplies you require quickly and at a reasonable price.

In addition to daily cleaning, your commercial bakery equipment will require regular maintenance and servicing. While you will probably be able to handle some maintenance yourself, you should so talk to your supplier about it. Also, inquire about the supplier’s repair policy, how quickly service experts will be dispatched, and what the manufacturer’s warranty covers.

Get in Touch with the Supplier

Maintain open lines of communication with your provider at all times. You can easily question them about maintenance concerns and downtime issues because they know everything there is to know about your packing equipment.

Reliable Bun and Bread Packaging Equipment

From all of us at Lenexa Manufacturing Company, we implore you to contact us if you want to know more about our services and if you require anything more that you have not been able to find in this guide. Call us today!

If you recently invested in a bread machine or you have revived your old one, below are the tips you need to know. And once you’ve made that delicious bread, Lenexa Manufacturing Company can take care of all your needs for bagging and slicing bread machine maintenance.

How to Keep Your Bread Machine in Good Shape

#1: Unplug and Let It Cool

Before fixing or cleaning any machine, it’s highly important that you unplug it from the power source. If the machine heats up, let it cool first before applying anything on the surface. Once it is unplugged and has fully cooled down, proceed to the next step.

#2: Know What Parts Need to be Oiled

If you have an old bread machine, it will probably make some noises. Most of the time, the noises are coming from the bread spindle shaft on the underside of your bread pan. You can fix this by simply oiling it.

However, even if you don’t notice any unusual noise, you still have to oil the bread spindle shaft at least once every six months. This will ensure it functions smoothly and friction among the bread machine parts can be avoided.

To oil the bread spindle shaft, experts suggest that you only use either sewing machine oil or 3-in-1 oil.

#3: Clean Carefully

Everybody wants to eat mouthwatering herb and parmesan bread, sweet granola bread, and fresh bagels. But, no one wants to help clean the dishes and baking trays. Unfortunately, clean-ups are important if you want your bread-making machine and other parts to last as long as possible.

To increase the lifespan of your baking trays, tools, and other parts of the bread-making machine, you’ll have to hand-clean most of them. You have to hand-clean most of the bread pans after use to make sure that there are no food particles left.

Additionally, all bread machines are not dishwasher safe. Hence, the key to carefully and thoroughly cleaning this hefty tool is to use a non-abrasive scrubbing tool, water, and dishwashing soap. Remember to avoid using abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemicals, and bleach to keep the pan’s surface in good condition. Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to clean your bread machine:

1. Keep it simple – Remove the detachable parts, collect the crumbs in a pile, and sweep them out using a brush or dry cloth.
2. Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the insides of the machine, including the heating elements. Make sure not to get the insides wet.
3. Pat the machine parts dry to avoid rusting.

Are You in Need of Bread Machine Maintenance?

So, you’ve made your bread, but are you able to bag it and slice it? At Lenexa Manufacturing Company, we provide expert maintenance service for bun slicers, as well as bagel, bread, and bun baggers. If your bagging or slicing machine needs expert care, we’re the ones you can turn to.

Do you currently have problems with your bread machine? Reach out to our experience bread machine experts at Lenexa Manufacturing Company!

Do you find yourself baking items in bulk and requiring bun slicer equipment? You’re not alone! Many people started baking more during the COVID-19 lockdown to keep themselves calm during the pandemic – but why is baking so good for relieving stress and anxiety? 

Baking and Mental Health 

Some studies have shown that baking can relieve stress by allowing people to express themselves creatively. It helps you keep your focus on something else, like pouring the correct measurements instead of what’s troubling you. Baking also gives people some kind of outlet that distracts them from life’s stressors. 

Ways Baking Can Be Therapeutic 

Did you know some psychologists agree that baking can also be a great form of therapy? Although it’s great for easing stress and anxiety, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for speaking with a licensed mental health professional. Below are some of the ways baking can be therapeutic for you: 

Repetitive Motions are Calming 

Baking involves a lot of repetition, from kneading to mixing to measuring. It can be soothing and reduce stress because it allows most of your physical and mental energy to flow as you get in the zone. 

Baking Lets You Have a Sense of Control Over Something 

Many people who are stressed or anxious feel like they have no control over a situation. Baking allows you to feel like you have a sense of control over something and help ease your anxiety. You have all the power over how the finished product will turn out. 

It Makes You More Mindful 

Following the step-by-step process of baking can allow you to be more mindful, which is great for your mental health. A lot of focus and attention goes into baking, especially if you want something to turn out delicious. 

It Allows You to Escape Life’s Stressors 

Most people who are overly stressed simply want to break free. Baking is one way to offer an escape from the stressors of your life, as it allows you to focus on something else other than your thoughts and worries. It’s also thought to lead to more positive thoughts and feelings. 

Satisfying Things About Baking 

Those who enjoy baking know the most satisfying things about it. Below are some of the best things that can make you happy when you’re in the kitchen making your baked goods while relieving stress. 

The Smell 

Whether you’re making a loaf of bread or cinnamon buns, that pleasant smell filling your kitchen can make anyone feel happy. Scent can even trigger memories, and the smell of baked goods commonly makes people feel nostalgic about their childhood. 

The Creative Expression 

If you bake often enough, you’re always trying to find ways to make your finished product even better than the last time. Baking allows you to express your creativity by trying new ways to make your favorite pastry.  

Baking for Others 

Baked goods are often given as a way to show love, care, and affection. When you’re baking for someone else, it makes you feel satisfied with yourself for expressing your feelings to someone, especially if it’s harder for you to do it vocally. 

Eating it at the End 

Of course, the end result is always something delicious! However, it’s still important to remember to eat sugar in moderation. Too much sugar can make you feel even more anxious. 

The Most Popular Baked Goods 

What do most people like to bake when they’re feeling stressed? Below are some of the most popular baked goods individuals enjoy making and eating. 

• Cookies 
• Muffins 

• Cornbread 
• Cake 
• Bagels 
• Pie 

Do You Need Some Bun Slicer Equipment? 

Need some special automated equipment for baking in bulk? Lenexa Manufacturing Company has your back! Get in touch with us and see what we have to help you bake and relieve your stress. 

Have you ever shopped for bread in the store and wondered about the bagging process? Bread baggers and bread bag closers are convenient devices for large bakeries that make products in bulk. Below is an explanation of how fresh-baked goods are bagged and sealed before making their way to the shelves in your local store.

What is a Bagging Machine?

The bread bagging machine is designed to make your life much easier. Most high-speed bakeries need them for quickly packaging their loaves of bread and other baked goods. Once you place the bread, bagels, or buns on the bagging machine, it portions them to the proper size and bags them in a matter of seconds. The bread baggers can bag up to 75 loaves per minute!

The Bread Bagging Process

With the help of the bagging machine, packaging bread has never been easier for companies! The step-by-step process is as easy as it can be, and it will surely keep you up and running. Here is the bread bagging process:

Place the Bread

Put the loaf of bread on the automated bread bagging machine. The moving parts will guide the loaf to the bagging station.

Bagging

Once the loaf enters the bagging station, a strong gust of air will blow open the available bag. The scooper then enters the opened bag to grip and expand it, and then it gets pulled over to cover the loaf.

Sealing

After the bagging process, it needs to be sealed to preserve freshness. A plastic film will form into a tube and wrap around the bag to close it shut. Closures can be wire twist ties or a plastic clip.

Slicing

If you want sliced bread, you’ll use the slicer to cut it into pieces. Bagging sliced bread is the same process as bagging the unsliced loaf, except the machine will enclose the sliced loaves.

Important Parts of The Bagging Machine

This incredible bagging machine has many small yet essential parts that help it work the way it’s supposed to. Without these pieces, bagging your baked goods will be a longer and much more tedious process. When purchasing the bagging machine from our company, here are some of the important parts of the device that help make it work:

The Blades

The blades are what slice the bagels, buns, and bread. Depending on the size and shape you want, there are several kinds to choose from. Some blades are also designed specifically for certain baked goods. 

The Heat Sealer Parts

This part of the machine is used to seal packaging with heat. For bread and other baked goods, it’s supposed to aid with the shelf life. The heat sealer comes with many smaller parts to help the machine work properly.

The Twist Tie Machines

The bag closing equipment runs at up to 100 packages. They need the wire to attach to the bag and seal it closed. It’s also stamped with the “sell by” date so customers can know when their bread will begin to spoil.

United Bakery Equipment Parts

Lenexa Manufacturing Company has everything you need to replace UBE parts. If you can’t find something, we can make what you need! These parts are suitable for different kinds of machines from a wide range of manufacturers. From blades to bagger parts, we have you covered with replacement UBE parts!

Benefits of Bagging Baked Goods

Bagging baked goods serves many convenient purposes that can get you the fresh, good-tasting bread you need for your business. Below are some of the advantages of using a bread bagging machine:

• Retains aromas
• Prevents moisture absorption from the environment
• Makes product handling easier
• Blocks contaminants

Do You Need Some Quality Bread Bag Closers?

We want to make it easy to automate your packing room. When you need to slice, bag, and seal your bread with ease, Lenexa Manufacturing Company has the solution you need. Get in touch with us for more information!