Commercial catering equipment can have very different electrical, gas, water, drainage, ventilation and access requirements. Before ordering, use this checklist to make sure the machine is suitable for your premises. The specification and instruction manual for the exact product always take priority over general guidance.
Electrical supply
The nominal UK low-voltage supply is 230V at 50Hz. Product specifications may describe equipment as 220V, 230V or 220–240V. Do not assume that a product described simply as 220V is suitable for your site without checking the manufacturer’s stated operating range.
Does 230V mean a normal 13A plug?
No. A standard UK BS 1363 plug is rated at 13A, and many appliances up to around 3kW use one, but the wattage alone does not prove the connection type. Commercial equipment may instead require a 16A or 32A industrial connection, a dedicated circuit or fixed wiring.
If a KitchenLynx product page does not explicitly say that a standard UK plug is fitted, please do not assume one is supplied. Send us the model or SKU and we will check the available supplier documentation.
Single phase and three phase
Equipment marked 230V / 1 phase is intended for a single-phase supply, subject to its stated current and connection requirements. Equipment marked 400V / 3 phase requires a suitable three-phase supply. If you are unsure what is available at your premises, check with a qualified electrician before ordering.
Gas equipment
Check whether the appliance is configured for natural gas or LPG and whether any conversion kit is required. Commercial gas equipment should be installed, commissioned and maintained by an appropriately qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who is registered for commercial catering work and the relevant fuel type.
Water and drainage
Dishwashers, ice makers, some coffee equipment and other machines may need a mains water connection, minimum or maximum water pressure, a particular inlet size, drainage, a waste pump or water treatment. Check all connection requirements before ordering. A nearby sink or water supply does not automatically mean the installation is suitable.
Ventilation, heat and clearance
Cooking and refrigeration equipment can need specific ventilation or clearance around the machine. Gas appliances may also depend on suitable extraction and make-up air. Do not place equipment tightly against walls or other appliances unless the manufacturer permits it.
Dimensions, doors and working space
Check the full route from the delivery point to the final position, not only the space where the machine will sit. Measure doors, corridors, stairs, lifts, counters and turning space. Product dimensions and packed shipping dimensions can differ, so contact us if access is tight.
Also allow enough working room to open doors, remove bowls or trays, clean the machine and access service panels.
Delivery and positioning
Large or heavy equipment may arrive by specialist courier or pallet service. Unless a different service is specifically agreed, heavy deliveries may be kerbside and may not include unpacking, carrying indoors, positioning, installation or removal of packaging. Tell us about steps, narrow access, restricted roads or other delivery constraints before ordering.
Manuals, conformity documents and warranty
Where available, KitchenLynx can check supplier manuals, declarations of conformity and warranty information for the exact model. Electrical equipment and machinery supplied in Great Britain is subject to applicable product-safety and conformity requirements; CE and UKCA markings can both be relevant depending on the product and applicable regulations.
Do not rely on a generic brand statement when you need documentation for a specific machine. Ask us for the exact SKU before purchase and we will confirm what documentation is available.
Quick pre-order checklist
- Exact model or SKU confirmed
- Overall dimensions and access route measured
- Voltage and phase checked
- Plug, current rating or hardwiring requirement confirmed
- Gas type confirmed where applicable
- Water, drain and water-pressure requirements checked
- Ventilation and clearance requirements checked
- Delivery method and site access considered
- Manual, conformity or warranty documents checked where required
Not sure?
Email hello@kitchenlynx.co.uk with the product name or SKU, your delivery postcode and what you need confirmed. We would rather check a connection or access requirement before you order than have you receive equipment that is unsuitable for your premises.