We often talk about how outfitting your commercial kitchen with Vulcan’s high-efficiency equipment can add up to significant and ongoing energy savings. Which begs the question: Just how much can you save? We turned to the Food Service Technology Center (FSTC) “Life Cycle & Energy Cost Calculators,” for a closer look at just how much our high-efficiency, electric professional restaurant equipment can save you over a lifetime of service.*

1. The Electric Low Water Energy (LWE) Commercial Countertop Food Steamer 

The first and only ENERGY STAR® certified electric à la carte countertop steamer, this innovative piece of kitchen equipment is designed to conserve water usage by up to 90% and energy usage by up to 50%, compared to traditional models. Not only do users benefit from exceptional quality in less time thanks to streamlined kitchen operations, but there’s also reduced scale build-up meaning less cleaning and maintenance may be required.

Per the FSTC calculator, the LWE savings are astounding. The average energy consumption rate for the Vulcan LWE is 5.8 kW, compared to 15.6 kW for the base efficiency model for an annual energy consumption of 21,782 kWh compared to 58,896 kWh, respectively. When we convert that to dollars, we are looking at an annual energy cost savings of $5,165, totaling $61,788 over the lifetime of the equipment. That isn't even factoring in the water savings, which come in at 227,760 gallons less a year than the base efficiency model, equaling a lifetime water savings of $25,572. Combine the water and energy savings, and the LWE will save $87,360 over its lifetime.

2. The VC Series Electric Convection Oven

Heralded for its versatility and consistent results, this electric convection oven offers gentle air circulation and even heat distribution ideal for producing perfectly cooked casseroles, meats, vegetables and baked goods. It also shines in restaurant operating costs thanks to its energy-efficient heat recovery system.

According to FSTC's calculations, the average annual energy consumption rate for the Vulcan VC Series Convection Oven is 2.2kW compared to 2.8kW for a base efficiency oven for a total annual energy consumption of 9,429kWh compared to 12,193kWh, respectively. This amounts to an annual energy cost of $1,319 compared to $1,706 and a lifetime cost of $15,828 compared to $20,472 -- a total lifetime energy savings of $4,644.

3. The ER Series Electric Deep Fryer

Boasting cooking efficiency of more than 85 percent thanks to ribbon-style heating elements that have more surface area than conventional elements, this commercial deep fryer adds less heat to restaurant kitchens, saving operators on air conditioning costs while promoting a comfortable working environment.

Based on the FSTC calculator for the 85-pound ER Series model, operators can expect an average energy consumption rate of 3.2kW compared to 3.9kW for base efficiency fryers and annual energy consumption of 16,262kWh compared to 20,010kWh for annual energy costs of $2,755 and $2,799 respectively. Over the lifetime of the equipment, this amounts to $27,300 for the ER Series compared to $33,588 for a base efficiency fryer -- a total lifetime energy savings of $6,288.

4. The HEG Series Electric Restaurant Flat Top Griddle

Available with a steel or chrome plate, this customizable heavy duty griddle offers operators dependable and repeatable results, as well as superior energy efficiency. Snap-action thermostatic control and heating elements every 12" with temperature control from 200-450°F

For the 72” HEG Series Griddle, FSTC calculations reveal annual electric consumption of 27,975kWh compared to 35,411kWh for a base efficiency griddle with average electric consumption rates of 6.39kW and 8.08kW, respectively.  Total lifetime energy savings with the HEG Series Electric Restaurant Flat Top Griddle? A whopping $12,480 based on FTC's calculations of lifetime energy costs of $46,968 for Vulcan’s HEG griddle and $59,448 for a base efficiency electric griddle.

The takeaway for restaurant owners? While investing in Vulcan high-energy efficiency commercial cooking equipment may not seem mission-critical in the short-run, it’s a decision that more than pays for itself in the long-run. In fact, by outfitting your kitchen with these four high-performance appliances alone, foodservice operations stand to save well over $50,000 in just over a decade on energy savings alone.

Factor in the potential for secondary savings across everything from reduced maintenance costs to less frequent replacements -- not to mention the priceless benefits of being kind to the planet -- and choosing high-efficiency restaurant equipment makes good (dollars and) sense.

*Based on 12 operating hours per day/365 days a year and a 12-year lifespan with an electric cost per KWh of $0.1399. Information courtesy of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company via FSTC.

Source:

https://caenergywise.com/calculators/