A thermostat is one of the critically important components of equipment, as its operation directly determines whether food is stored or prepared at the correct temperature. A faulty thermostat in a refrigeration unit can cause the temperature to rise above the permissible HACCP limits, creating a risk to product safety. Timely thermostat replacement is an essential maintenance task that prevents breakdowns and ensures HACCP compliance.
How a thermostat works
A thermostat is a temperature regulation sensor and switch — it measures the equipment’s temperature and activates or deactivates the cooling or heating system to maintain the set temperature. Capillary thermostats with a sensor tube are a simple, reliable design with a long service life. An electronic thermostat with digital control provides higher precision and the ability to set more complex temperature profiles.
Signs of thermostat wear: the equipment does not reach the set temperature; the temperature fluctuates in unusual ranges; the equipment runs continuously without stopping; the cooling or heating system does not activate according to the thermostat’s set parameters.
Thermostat applications in various equipment
Refrigeration equipment thermostats regulate the temperature in refrigerators, freezers, bar chillers and refrigerated counters. A faulty refrigeration equipment thermostat typically manifests as insufficient cooling or overcooling, which can cause products to freeze. Coffee machine thermostats regulate water heating for espresso extraction and steam preparation.
Fryer and grill thermostats regulate the temperature of oil or cooking surfaces — a faulty thermostat can cause overheating or insufficient temperature, both of which negatively affect product quality and safety. Also explore spare parts for kitchen equipment.
HACCP and temperature control
Proper thermostat operation is directly linked to compliance with HACCP — precise temperature maintenance in refrigeration and hot equipment is a prerequisite for meeting critical control points. During food inspection audits, equipment temperature stability is one of the main inspection elements.
It is recommended to regularly check thermostat accuracy with an independent thermometer — if the equipment’s temperature reading differs from the independent measurement by more than 2°C, the thermostat must be calibrated or replaced. BHS provides thermostat replacement and calibration across Europe.
Thermostat identification and selection
To correctly identify a thermostat, the equipment’s full model and serial number are required, as well as the original thermostat marking if it is legible. Different equipment models may have different thermostat parameters — even a visually identical thermostat may not meet the requirements of another model.
BHS specialists help identify the most suitable thermostat based on the equipment’s technical data and guarantee the compliance of original or certified spare parts.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if the equipment’s thermostat is faulty? To test thermostat operation: an independent calibrated thermometer compares the actual equipment temperature with the thermostat reading. If the difference exceeds ±2°C or the equipment does not respond to changes in the thermostat setting, the thermostat may be worn and needs replacement. BHS technicians perform diagnostics and replacement on-site.
Can I replace a thermostat myself? Replacing a simple capillary thermostat in basic refrigeration equipment can be done by a practical user with the equipment’s technical documentation.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.
