Commercial kitchens are held to strict regulations to ensure the safety and hygiene of food preparation. One of the essential components of a commercial kitchen is the splashback. A splashback is a protective barrier that is installed behind cooking equipment to prevent food particles, oil and other liquids from splashing onto the wall. In this blog post, we will explore the different requirements and considerations for splashbacks in commercial kitchens, including the materials used, the height and coverage, the ease of cleaning and the fire safety regulations.
Material
The material used for splashbacks in commercial kitchens must be non-porous, non-absorbent and able to withstand high temperatures and frequent cleaning. Stainless steel is a popular choice for commercial kitchens as it is durable, easy to clean and does not harbor bacteria. Stainless steel splashbacks are also fire-resistant, which is a crucial consideration for commercial kitchens. However, other materials such as glass, ceramic and aluminum are also used for splashbacks in commercial kitchens. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of material will depend on factors such as cost, durability, and ease of cleaning.
Height and Coverage
The height of the splashback must be sufficient to protect the wall from any splatters or spills, and it must cover the entire area behind the cooking equipment, including stovetops, grills, and fryers. The height of the splashback is typically between 300mm to 600mm, depending on the height of the cooking equipment. The splashback must also be continuous and not have any gaps or seams. The seamless design is essential to prevent any food or liquid from getting trapped in between.
Ease of Cleaning
Commercial kitchens require frequent cleaning to maintain proper hygiene standards. Therefore, the splashback must be easy to clean and disinfect. Stainless steel splashbacks are the easiest to clean and require minimal maintenance. Other materials such as glass and ceramic are also easy to clean but may require more maintenance to keep them looking new. The splashback must be smooth and not have any texture or patterns that can trap dirt or grease.
Fire Safety Regulations
Commercial kitchens are required to comply with fire safety regulations to prevent accidental fires from spreading. Splashbacks must be fire-resistant and able to withstand high temperatures. Stainless steel splashbacks are the most fire-resistant material and are the recommended choice for commercial kitchens. Other materials such as glass and ceramic may not be as fire-resistant and may require additional fire safety measures.
Health and Safety Regulations
Commercial kitchens must comply with health and safety regulations, such as those set by the Food Standards Agency and the Health and Safety Executive. Splashbacks must meet these regulations to ensure that the kitchen is a safe and hygienic environment for food preparation. The splashback must be easy to clean and disinfect and the material must not harbour bacteria or other harmful microorganisms.
Professional Installation
It is essential to have splashbacks professionally installed in a commercial kitchen to ensure that they meet all the requirements and regulations. The installation should be done by a qualified contractor who has experience in installing splashbacks for commercial kitchens. The contractor should ensure that the splashback is installed correctly, with no gaps or seams and that it meets all the height and coverage requirements.
Splashbacks play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene and safety standards in commercial kitchens. They protect the walls from splatters and spills, prevent the spread of fires and ensure that the kitchen is a safe and hygienic environment for food preparation. When choosing a splashback for a commercial kitchen, it is important to consider the material, height and coverage, ease of cleaning, fire safety regulations and health and safety regulations. A stainless steel splashback is the recommended choice due to its durability, fire resistance and ease of cleaning. Professional installation by a qualified contractor is also essential to ensure that the splashback meets all the requirements and regulations. By selecting the appropriate splashback for a commercial kitchen, owners can ensure that they comply with all necessary regulations and maintain a safe and hygienic environment for their staff and customers.
