How to Reduce Electricity Costs in Your Commercial Kitchen

Running a commercial kitchen is expensive — and one of the biggest costs for any restaurant or catering business is electricity.
With prices increasing in South Africa, finding ways to reduce your energy usage can significantly improve your bottom line.

Here are practical, high-impact strategies to help you save power, reduce costs, and run a more efficient kitchen.

1. Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment

Modern catering equipment is designed to use less power while delivering better performance. Look for appliances with:

• Energy-efficient compressors
• Improved insulation
• Lower operating wattage
• Eco-friendly modes

Upgrading older fridges, freezers, or ovens can reduce electricity usage by up to 30%.

2. Maintain Your Equipment Regularly

Poorly maintained equipment works harder — and uses more power. Simple steps such as:

• Cleaning fridge coils
• Checking door seals
• Defrosting freezers
• Servicing ice machines
• Cleaning ventilation systems

…can improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

3. Optimise Your Kitchen Layout

A smart layout can save electricity.

• Don’t place ovens next to fridges
• Keep heat-producing equipment grouped
• Ensure proper airflow around appliances
• Store frequently used items closer to prep areas to reduce door opening

Heat sources placed too close to cooling equipment make them work twice as hard.

4. Train Staff on Energy-Saving Habits

Human behaviour is one of the biggest causes of wasted electricity. Train staff to:

• Switch off equipment when not in use
• Keep fridge/freezer doors closed
• Run dishwashers only when full
• Preheat ovens only when needed
• Use the correct appliance for each task

Small changes add up to big savings.

5. Use Off-Peak Hours Where Possible

If your utility provider offers off-peak billing:

• Run dishwashers during off-peak times
• Prep ingredients or make ice overnight
• Use timers for equipment that doesn’t need to run 24/7

This can significantly reduce total monthly costs.

6. Switch to LED Lighting

LED lights use up to 80% less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.
They also produce less heat, reducing the load on your air conditioning and fridges.

7. Monitor Your Energy Usage

Use plug-in power meters or smart energy systems to track:

• High-consumption equipment
• Peak usage times
• Inefficient appliances

Monitoring makes it easier to identify where you’re overspending and adjust accordingly.

8. Upgrade to Inverter Technology

Inverter-based fridges, chillers, and aircons automatically adjust their power use based on load. Benefits include:

• Lower electricity consumption
• Quieter operation
• Longer lifespan
• More stable temperatures

They are ideal for kitchens running equipment 24/7.

Conclusion

Reducing electricity costs in your commercial kitchen is easier than you think. By upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, improving maintenance routines, and training your staff in power-saving practices, you can significantly cut energy expenses and improve your kitchen’