Summary
Save time, money, and frustration with better planning
School Nutrition Directors juggle menus, compliance, student needs, budgets, and equipment that runs all day—every day. Ordering new equipment should make life easier… but it often becomes a headache.
Here are five common mistakes schools make when purchasing kitchen equipment—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Buying Without Checking Utilities
Wrong voltage. Wrong phase. No drain. Low water pressure.
This happens all the time.
Fix: Always verify:
- Voltage & phase
- Gas type
- Water supply
- Drain connections
- Clearance requirements
Aldevra does utility verification before quoting.
Mistake #2: Choosing Residential Equipment for Commercial Use
Residential microwaves and light appliances burn out fast.
They’re not built for 200–1,000 meals/day.
Fix: Use commercial-grade equipment for durability and safety.
Mistake #3: Not Considering Serving Line Flow
A great piece of equipment in the wrong location causes delays.
Fix: Evaluate your flow before buying—Aldevra helps with layout at no cost.
Mistake #4: Buying the Wrong Size or Capacity
Schools often under- or over-size equipment.
Fix: Consider:
- Student volume
- Menu mix
- Prep style
- Storage requirements
- Space limitations
Mistake #5: Not Planning for Exact/Equal Requirements
Many districts must follow competitive purchasing rules.
Fix: Aldevra provides exact/equal comparisons aligned with your specs and purchasing requirements.
Get Expert Support Before You Order
Let Aldevra handle sizing, specs, installation, and exact/equal compliance.
sales@aldevra.com | (269) 350-1337
