Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Electric are two renowned brands in the world of air conditioning and heating systems, offering a wide range of innovative products designed to provide optimal comfort in residential and commercial spaces.

While each brand has its distinct identity, they share several similarities, such as their product offering, the technology used and their focus on eco-friendly air conditioning, making them the top contenders in the market.

However, their competition in multi-split AC systems truly sets them apart.

In this blog, we will delve into the offerings of Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Electric, exploring their product lines and ultimately helping you determine which brand might be the ideal choice for your specific needs.

Whether considering a new installation or an upgrade, discover the perfect temperature control solution for your space.

Fujitsu vs Mitsubishi: model comparison

What is a multi-split air conditioner?

A multi-split AC system offers the convenience of simultaneously controlling multiple air conditioning units in different rooms.

This system consists of a single compressor connected to multiple air outlets, allowing you to adjust the temperature in each room independently.

In contrast, a split system connects one compressor to a single air outlet. With a multi-split system, you can enjoy the flexibility of managing the climate in various areas of your home or office with ease.

Multi-Split air conditioners from Fujitsu vs Mitsubishi Electric

While both brands provide multi-split systems, they may vary in features, technology, energy efficiency, and design.

It is important to note that these differences can depend on the specific models and product lines each brand offers.

To comprehensively understand the discrepancies between Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Electric multi-split units, it is advisable to explore their respective product catalogues, compare specifications, and consider factors such as performance, reliability, customer reviews, and pricing.

The history of Fujitsu

Fujitsu has a rich history in the air conditioning industry, beginning in the 1960s with a focus on commercial and industrial applications.

Over the years, they expanded into residential systems, introducing advanced technologies such as inverter technology and environmentally friendly refrigerants.

Fujitsu’s commitment to energy efficiency and innovation led to the development of its multi-split and ducted systems, catering to diverse customer needs.

Today, Fujitsu is recognised as a global leader in air conditioning, known for its cutting-edge products and dedication to research and development.

Key benefits & features of Fujitsu air con units

• Energy Efficiency: Fujitsu places a strong emphasis on green technologies. Incorporating this into all their systems
• Advanced Air Purification: Fujitsu integrates advanced air purification technologies, such as ionisers and filters, to remove airborne pollutants.
• Sleek Design: Fujitsu emphasises aesthetics, offering sleek and modern designs that seamlessly blend with various interior styles.

The history of Mitsubishi Electric

Since the early 1950s, Mitsubishi Electric has established itself as a prominent player in the HVAC industry.

They began with commercial applications and swiftly expanded into residential systems, introducing innovative technologies such as inverter-driven compressors for enhanced energy efficiency.

Over the years, Mitsubishi Electric has continuously pushed the boundaries of air conditioning technology, introducing advanced features like intelligent sensors, humidity control, and advanced filtration systems.

Key benefits & features of Mitsubishi Electric Air Con Units

• Smart Controls and Connectivity: Many Mitsubishi Electric air conditioning systems offer innovative control options, allowing users to manage and monitor remotely.
• Environmental Responsibility: The brand prioritises environmental sustainability by using energy-efficient technologies and promoting eco-friendly refrigerants.
• Advanced Filtration: Mitsubishi Electric emphasises clean and healthy indoor air quality. Their systems often feature advanced filtration systems.

Which is better, Fujitsu or Mitsubishi Electric?

Both Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Electric are renowned brands in the air conditioning industry, offering top-of-the-line units and air source heat pumps equipped with advanced technology and energy-efficient features. As leaders in the market, both brands have established their credibility, ensuring satisfying performance regardless of their choice.

When deciding between Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Electric, it ultimately boils down to your specific requirements and finding the brand that best meets your criteria.

Take the time to compare the features of the brands or get in contact to discuss what would be right for you.

The post Fujitsu vs Mitsubishi Electric – Comparing These Top Air Con Brands appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are both recognisable brands in the air conditioning market. They are competitors of each other and making some of the best sellers on the market. Many air conditioners you’ve seen in shops, offices and even homes are likely to have been either one of these brands.

Who are Daikin?

Daikin Industries is a Japanese multinational air conditioning manufacturing company headquartered in Osaka. The company was founded in 1924. Daikin has become one of the world’s leading air conditioning manufacturers, producing a wide range of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

What is Daikin’s industry position?

Daikin’s air conditioning range includes split and multi-split air conditioning systems, air-to-water heat pumps, water-to-water heat pumps, VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems, chillers, and air handling units. These systems are designed to provide efficient and comfortable cooling and heating, with advanced features such as smart controls, air purifying filters, and energy-saving modes.

Daikin is also committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products and operations. The company has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and is working on developing more energy-efficient and eco-friendly products.

Who are Mitsubishi Electric?

Often confused with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric is a Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment manufacturing company headquartered in Tokyo. The company was founded in 1921 as a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and has since become a leading manufacturer of a wide range of air conditioners and electronic products.

What is Mitsubishi Electric’s industry position?

Mitsubishi Electric’s air conditioning range includes split and multi-split air conditioning systems, VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems, and packaged air conditioners. These systems are designed to provide energy-efficient cooling and heating, with features such as intelligent controls, advanced sensors, and air purifying filters. Mitsubishi Electric also offers a range of advanced air conditioning systems for specific applications, such as data centres, hospitals, and industrial plants.

Mitsubishi Electric is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company has set a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and has developed eco-friendly products, such as heat pumps, solar panels, and LED lighting systems.

What are the key differences between Daikin & Mitsubishi Electric?

While Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are both leading air conditioning manufacturers, there are some key differences between their air conditioning products. Here are a few examples:

• Technology: Daikin’s VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) air conditioning systems use a variable refrigerant flow technology that allows for precise temperature control, while Mitsubishi Electric’s VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) air conditioning systems use a modular design that allows for greater flexibility in system design.
• Energy efficiency: Both companies offer energy-efficient air conditioning solutions, but Daikin’s VRV systems are known for their industry-leading energy efficiency ratings, which can help to reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs.
• Product range: While both companies offer split and multi-split air conditioning systems, Daikin also offers air-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps, which can be used for heating and cooling in homes and commercial buildings.
• Market presence: Daikin has a larger market share in Europe, while Mitsubishi Electric has a larger market share in Japan and some other Asian markets.
•  Brand positioning: Daikin is known for its premium air conditioning products, while Mitsubishi Electric offers a wider range of air conditioning products at different price points.

Should you buy a Daikin air conditioner or a Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner?

Choosing between Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric for your air conditioning needs can depend on several factors, including your specific needs and preferences. Ask yourself these questions before deciding:

1. Product features and specifications: Take a closer look at the product features and specifications of both Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric’s air conditioning systems to see which ones align with your specific needs and preferences. Do you need a system that can provide precise temperature control or one that offers greater flexibility in system design? Which energy efficiency ratings and other features are most important to you?
2. Price: Consider the pricing of both Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric’s air conditioning systems to see which one fits within your budget. Keep in mind that energy-efficient systems may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.
3. Environmental sustainability: If environmental sustainability is important to you, you may want to consider each company’s commitment to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and developing eco-friendly air conditioning solutions.

Ultimately, the decision of what brand to choose will be dependent on your specific circumstances and requirements. If you are ever unsure give our sales team a call who can help you understand which models could be perfect for your space.

The post Daikin vs Mitsubishi Electric – Air Conditioning Comparison appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

In this blog will cover some of the main pain points that our customers face when running their catering business. We will explain the risks to your business should this equipment fail, cost to address and way you can avoid breakdowns to ensure your business runs smoothly.

Jump to section:

• Refrigeration equipment
• Cooking appliances & accessories
• Ventilation & extraction

Refrigeration equipment in a commercial kitchen

Cooling or refrigeration equipment in a commercial kitchen serves the purpose of keeping food fresh and safe for consumption. Commercial refrigeration systems are different from domestic ones in terms of their size, cooling capacity, and features. They are designed to handle large volumes of food and maintain consistent temperatures.

What can go wrong with your refrigeration equipment?

Cooling equipment in a commercial kitchen can face a range of issues that can cause significant disruptions to your operations. Faulty compressors blocked air filters, and leaks are among the most common problems that can arise with commercial refrigeration equipment. These issues can lead to inefficient cooling, spoiled food, and even health hazards. In the event of a full breakdown, the cost of repairs can be substantial, and it may take several days or even weeks to get the equipment back up and running.

How much can this cost me?

The average cost of a refrigeration repair in the UK is around £1,000. However, the total cost can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the cost of the spare parts required. If you need a replacement compressor, for example, this could cost up to £2,000.

How can I avoid issues?

To avoid issues and breakdowns with refrigeration equipment, regularly clean and maintain the equipment, including the condenser coils, evaporator coils, and fan blades, to prevent dust and debris buildup, which can cause overheating and equipment failure.

Staff should also regularly check the temperature of the refrigeration units to ensure they operate within the safe range and adjust the temperature settings accordingly.

It’s also important to store food correctly to prevent overloading and blocking the airflow in the refrigeration units.

Proper training for staff on the use and maintenance of refrigeration equipment can also help prevent issues, as they will know how to operate the equipment correctly and report any problems promptly.

By following these tips, you can avoid issues and breakdowns, ensuring that food is stored safely and efficiently, reducing waste and costs.

Cooking appliances & accessories in a commercial kitchen

Commercial cooking appliances are essential for preparing meals quickly and efficiently. They include ovens, grills, fryers, and more. However, with regular use, these appliances can wear down quickly and require frequent maintenance to keep them running efficiently.

Your kitchens will also use smaller cooking accessories, such as water boilers, food prep machines, microwaves, and heated displays. These accessories can break down due to various reasons, such as overuse, lack of maintenance, or outdated technology.

What can go wrong with my cooking appliances?

Common issues with commercial cooking appliances include faulty thermostats, clogged burners, and electrical problems. The cost of repairing or replacing a broken-down cooking appliance can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the cost of the spare parts required.

How much can this cost me?

The average cost of a commercial cooking appliance repair in the UK is around £500 to £1,000. However, if the issue is severe, you may need to replace the entire appliance, which can cost between £1,000 to £5,000 or more.

The cost of repairing cooking accessories and smaller appliances will depend on the specific issue and the cost of the replacement part. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire accessory rather than repair it. It’s important to weigh the cost of repairs against the cost of a new unit to determine the best course of action.

How can I avoid issues?

To avoid problems, you should maintain the equipment regularly, including cleaning, checking for damage, and replacing worn parts.

Proper training on the use and maintenance of equipment can also help to prevent breakdowns and issues, as staff will know how to operate the equipment correctly and report any problems promptly.

Additionally, it’s essential to follow manufacturer guidelines and instructions to ensure equipment operates at optimal performance. By following these tips, you can avoid issues and breakdowns with cooking appliances and food preparation equipment, ensuring they can work efficiently and create high-quality dishes consistently.

Ventilation in a commercial kitchens

Ventilation systems are essential in commercial kitchens to control the temperature and remove smoke and cooking fumes from the kitchen. The most common type of ventilation system used in commercial kitchens is an extractor fan.

What can go wrong with extractors & ventilators?

Common issues with ventilation systems include blocked filters, damaged motors, and broken fan blades. The cost of repairing or replacing these parts can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the cost of the spare parts required.

How much can this cost me?

The average cost of repairing a ventilation system in the UK is around £500 to £1,000. However, if the issue is severe, you may need to replace the entire system, which can cost between £1,000 to £3,000 or more.

How can I avoid issues?

To avoid problems, you should regularly clean the extraction system, including the filters, ducts, and fans, to prevent the build-up of grease and other contaminants that can lead to blockages and fires.

Additionally, it’s crucial to use the correct equipment, such as suitable cooking oil and fryers, to prevent excess oil from entering the extraction system. Proper training for staff on the use of the extraction system and equipment can also help to prevent problems and ensure a safe and healthy working environment. By following these tips, you can avoid issues with catering extraction and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

How to Prevent Breakdowns from Happening

Preventative maintenance is crucial to keeping your commercial kitchen equipment running smoothly and avoiding breakdowns. Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) involves scheduling regular checks, cleaning, and maintenance of your equipment to ensure it is in optimal working condition.

PPM can help identify small issues before they become major problems and can extend the lifespan of your equipment. It can also help reduce the risk of costly repairs and equipment downtime, which can affect the efficiency and productivity of your kitchen.

Contact us to arrange and set up your personalised PPM for your commercial kitchen!

The post Helping Catering Businesses to Avoid Downtime & Save on Equipment Costs appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

A: I am Lee Strange, I am Manager of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Department at Carlton Services.

Q: How did you get started as an engineer?

A: After leaving secondary school, I actively sought an apprenticeship in Engineering.

Q: How did you find Carlton Services?

A: I was introduced to Carlton Services via BEST Training Agency.

Q: What is a common challenge you face when on client jobs?

A: Catering to every customers needs can be challenging at times, but we always go above and beyond to satisfy our customers.

Q: After 5 years what did you like most about your role?

A: The working relationship that I built with my colleagues.

Q: Has it changed over the years?

A: No, a good working relationship is imperative with a small team like ours.

Q: How does Carlton Services differ from other engineering employers?

A: Being a small family run business, we are close, and we support each other in and out of work, which I don’t feel that you would experience elsewhere, especially larger companies.

Q: What advice would you have for young aspiring engineers?

A: Always give 100% effort and take pride in your work.

Q: What’s your favourite installation to do?

A: I get a lot of satisfaction from planning an installation from start to finish, I have a good team of installation engineers that I can rely on to carry out the work to a high standard. The more challenging, the more rewarding.

Q: Which is your favourite client to work with?

A: We are very fortunate to have many loyal customers which we have built good relationships with over the years.

Q: What does an average day in your role look like?

A: I balance my time between site visits and preparing quotes/organising the workload for my team.

Q: How much extra training have you undergone at Carlton Services?

A: I have attended many manufacturer training courses over the years as well as Health and Safety courses, training is invaluable to become a good Engineer/Manager.

Q: What do you predict will be a trend in your industry in the future?

A: With the increase in global temperatures, I feel that Air Conditioning will become essential in homes and workplaces in the future.

Q: What are your pet peeves when it comes to the tasks you carry out?

A: Time wasting, time is precious!

Q: What are some ‘best practices’ you’ve learnt in your time that your customers could easily implement?

A: Being open and honest, and good communication is key .

The post Q&A With Lee Strange Our Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Manger appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

A: I am Aaron, and I am the catering manager for Carlton Services. I carry out site surveys for new equipment installations, maintenance of existing, and follow up visits following Gas Safety Inspections. I also attend breakdowns on equipment if required.

Q: How did you get started as an engineer?

A: I started out life as an electrical engineer but didn’t find the role challenging enough, so moved into the catering sector as there are so many different Technical challenges and diagnostic opportunities

Q: How did you find Carlton Services?

A: It was through an agency which passed myself Adam Carlton’s number and I think it was just fate our paths were meant to cross.

Q: What is a common challenge you face when on client jobs?

A: Most of the time the challenge can be the sites themselves, the environment in most kitchens can be high pressured and fast flowing and so you have to have an adaptable attitude to the job in hand, and approach every job as a brand new challenge.

Q: Do you see a correlation between your clients who take care of their appliances/systems/machines and how often it needs repair?

A: Most definitely, customers who have a service contract with us generally have the right approach to keeping their equipment well maintained and clean and so the equipment generally needs less reactive calls.

Q: After 5 years, what did you like most about your role?

A: The days weeks and months are never ever the same, I find the continuity of work is so varied it keeps my interest and plays a big part in why I have stayed in this industry.

Q: Has it changed over the years?

A: Yes it has technology has moved forward so much, Units now have a more informative technician friendly interfaces and so can make our jobs easier, But it can also catch you out if you have not had the relevant training

Q:How does Carlton Services differ from other engineering employers?

A: It’s a close knit family run business where everyone cares about everyone and if one person has a problem then we all share that problem.

Q: What advice would you have for young aspiring engineers?

A: Try your hardest every day, be thorough in your diagnosis, always present yourself with a can do attitude especially when presented with the more challenging of tasks and mostly Always believe in yourself.

Q: What’s your favourite installation to do?

A: I love installing larger gas pipework’s and Good sized kitchen equipment installations

Q: Which is your favourite client to work with?

A: The clients that take on board your Diagnosis and trust your skill set that you present when you are working.

Q: What does an average day in your role look like?

A: Planning engineers work, resolving customer issues and performing to the best of my ability 24/7.

Q: How much extra training have you undergone at Carlton Services?

A: A couple of courses just to add to my portfolio.

Q: What do you predict will be a trend in your industry in the future?

A: Less and less younger Engineers coming into our industry as there are no specific courses for catering at any of the technical colleges.

Q: What are your pet peeves when it comes to the tasks you carry out?

A: Finding equipment that has been previously worked on by other companies’ engineers where little or no care has been taken, leaving the equipment in an unnecessary unsafe state.

Q: What are some ‘best practices’ you’ve learnt in your time that your customers could easily implement?

A: A good cleaning regime and some simple onsite training about how the equipment works and how it should be used.

Connnect with Aaron through his LinkedIn

The post Q&A With Aaron Our Catering Manager appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

Project Duration: 3 Days
Installed: February 2023
Type of Project: Local Village Hall Heating Upgrades

Overview

During the UK’s winters, we’ve been experiencing some very cold days and nights electric radiators can struggle to heat these larger communal buildings. That’s what we have here, a local community hall was spending a fortune every week the heat their building to allow it to be used as a daily nursery and a hub for community activities. In the morning it would take hours to get it up to a comfortable temperature and on the cold days, it would struggle to even make it there, all while costing them a staggering £160 per week just to have mediocre heating.

The customer initially came to us with an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) enquiry but after one of our free site surveys, we established that the ASHP wouldn’t be appropriate for this type of job. We later proposed air conditioning units because of their outside space available and the nature of the large open space of the community hall.

For their meeting room, we went with a Mitsubishi Electric M Series floor mount [link to product], and two Mitsubishi Electric Mr Slim under-ceiling [link to product] units for the main hall.

The Installation Process

This lovely village hall is in a quite remote area and backs onto a communal football pitch. Which has its own complications that needed to be overcome. The outside units were susceptible to vandalism, or the potential of a football being kicked at them which could be a costly repair, which is why we installed security cages on the outdoor units to stop any of this.

During the 3 days of work, we had 2 engineers from Carlton Services and an electrician on one of those days. To help ensure that the main hall could get to temperature and stay warm we installed the ceiling units at either end of the hall to allow a large amount of air to flow through them, high enough to not interfere with any activity going on in the hall.

In the meeting room, we installed a single-floor unit since it was more of a smaller less busy space but still needed its own heating unit. We would usually opt for a wall unit for this type of space, but due to the windows in the room, there was no space for one of these units to fit in.

Air Conditioning & Air Source Heat Pump Services from Carlton

We’re at a stage of technological advancements where we see this story happening a lot, older heating systems can’t keep up with the required heating power and new technology is becoming increasingly more affordable. With so many options, as we saw here, there is a way to heat all types of spaces at a fraction of the cost. Don’t hesitate to call if you are unsure of what you need, we will provide our expertise and find a solution for you.

The post CASE STUDY: Reducing Heating Bills From £180 to £60 Per Week appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

Project Duration: 3 Days
Installed: February 2023
Type of Project: Air Source Heat Pump Replacement

Overview

In February 2023 a customer approached us with a 14-year-old Hitachi Air Source Heat Pump. Since it was such an old model it was hard to source replacement parts and we didn’t want to leave the couple in a position where their heating completely failed.

After discussing the options with the customer, we settled on a brand-new Mitsubishi Ecodan P-HWM140VHA-ST25 with a 250L emersion cylinder a great option for a domestic central heating option – which gave the customer 5 years parts warranty, cheaper running costs, better control and actual availability on spare parts compared to their old Hitachi Heat Pump

The installation process

During the colder months of the year, it was important to get this done quickly as possible without any complications, that was the goal going into this job. First, we had to remove the old Hitachi air source heat pump from the system, to safely do this we needed to drain the whole system of water and disconnect their existing emersion cylinder and heat pump to allow us to replace these parts with the brand parts we have chosen.

Since the system was 14 years old, we had to make some alterations to its current pipework and electrical connections, which we find is common in these types of installations but coming prepared is the way to go. We managed to get both a plumber and electrician on the job to ensure this part of the installation went as smoothly as possible.

Air Source Heat Pump installations services at Carlton

Carlton Services provides air-source heat pump services for domestic and commercial buildings, ranging from old central heating replacements to brand-new installations. We have the expertise and accreditations to install all air source heat pumps available on the market.

The post CASE STUDY: Old Hitachi Air Source Heat Pump Replaced with a brand-new Mitsubishi Ecodan appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

Project Duration: 1 Evening & Night
Installed: February 2023
Type of Project: Commercial Kitchen Oven Replacements

Overview

Amidst the cold weather in February 2023, we installed a new range of Combi ovens for Williams Grand Prix. They were struggling with capacity in their current layout but didn’t have the space to increase the cook line. Originally, they were using 2x 10 Grid Lainox Combi ovens which had a capacity of 20 Standard Gastronorm Pans.

To solution is to upgrade the models, we installed 1 Rational Combi 10-2/1 and 1 Rational Combi 6-2/1; these are wider than the normal combi ovens allowing you to get 2 times the capacity of Gastronorm pans inside. The capacity for the 10-2/1, can fit 20 pans, and in the 6-2/1 you can get 12 which gave Williams Grand Prix a total capacity of 32 Gastronorm pans in their new setup up from a capacity of 20. Taking up no more extra space in their kitchen, they’ve gained much more cooking capacity.

The installation process

To ensure no downtime in this bustling commercial kitchen, we planned to carry out our work when the kitchen was not in use. We had 4 of our engineers go into the kitchen after it was closed and carried out the required work during the evening and night to ensure it was ready to go the next day.

The old combi ovens were both on stands, and the new ones were stacked, so we had to use an external combi sump pump to get the wastewater into the drain. We also installed extra water filtration due to the hard water in the area.

Commercial kitchen upgrades from Carlton Services

Carlton Services provides catering installation and repairs for commercial kitchens, ranging from old central heating replacements to brand-new installations. We have the expertise and accreditations to install all types of catering and refrigeration equipment.

The post CASTE STUDY: Replacing old Lainox Combi ovens with new Rational iCombi Classic appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

First up is Holly. Holly is Carlton’s first female engineer and has been with the team for 6 months.

We caught up with Holly to see what she says about working in this industry and, most importantly, at Carlton Services.

Q&As

How have you found it [working at Carlton]?

Amazing, I feel like I’ve been here for years.  Everyone is kind, considerate and helpful.

How long have you been an engineer?

12 years

What drew you to becoming an engineer?

I always wondered how things worked, and I still do. Electricity and mechanics were major factors in my decision. I started in college doing level 2 electrical installation but didn’t find it challenging enough. I decided to apply for an apprenticeship. I took several tests, and they pointed me to 2 potential options.

Heating and ventilation or air conditioning and refrigeration.

In my head, heating and ventilation just screamed metal ductwork; it didn’t interest me.

I decided to give air conditioning and refrigeration a try, and I have loved it ever since. It’s a mixture of electrics, mechanicals and much more. It was a perfect combination.

What’s your favourite thing about being an engineer?

The challenge and satisfaction of fixing something.

What do you think male-oriented organisations can do to enhance their recruiting efforts to attract more women?

To be honest, there’s not much. Most women in this industry have the mindset to be engineers. It may not appeal to all women because it requires heavy lifting, and it can be dirty. Maybe it’s not the organisation that needs to attract women. Maybe it’s schools/colleges that should be introducing tasters into different careers in engineering.

Have you seen things change for women working in male-dominated industries over the past ten years?

I have, I know of a few women who are in engineering roles… when I first started my career, I thought I was the only one.

I was the only one in my college who was female; I’m not sure if I was the first. Now I see female electricians, plumbers, civil engineers and many more.

What did your career progression look like to reach this point in your career?

For the first 3 months, I swept the workshop; it was for discipline and good housekeeping. After that, I was out with engineers. First year from my starting day, I was qualified, and they put me immediately on the road. At the first job, I was nervous, forgot to pay for a parking ticket and ended up with a parking fine. After that, I learned not to forget to pay for a parking ticket.

I started getting more experienced. The more experience, the more I was worth, and the more the customers were satisfied.  Now, there’s nothing I wouldn’t have a go at fixing.

Do you think your initial learning method differed from your male counterparts?

No, I was treated like everyone else. I was thankful not to have the divide.

What are the benefits of working in this industry as a female?

I wouldn’t say there are any benefits.

Except there are still people out there that hold the door whilst you are carrying a nitrogen bottle on your shoulder.

What has been your experience like to date working in a male-dominated industry?

It’s had its ups and downs.

From sexist employers to customers praising you and your work.

Not so much the downs now as times have changed.

What advice would you give your younger self getting into this career?

Be confident in yourself. Don’t take things to heart when they go wrong.

You will still be learning until the day you die; nobody knows everything.

How do customers react to a female engineer?

8/10 they always comment, ‘it’s nice to see a lady engineer’.

Some also say, ‘when is HE coming?’ when I call them with an ETA, and I must correct them… they almost never seem to apologise. I don’t know if it’s shock or embarrassment.

Do you know any other females in a similar role?

I know of some women with engineering roles that aren’t in my industry and really enjoy their jobs.

I think it’s great that women are slowly starting to appear in different male-orientated job roles.

Join Holly and start your dream job!

Are you looking for a career change or want to learn more about Carlton? Visit our recruitment page or give us a call

We are always on the lookout for Engineers:

• Commercial Catering Engineers
• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers

The post Introducing Team Carlton: Holly Bailey appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.

What is the danger zone for food?

The danger zone for food defines what temperature range where food is mist in danger of producing harmful bacteria; if consumed, this could cause serious illness too. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) sets the danger zone between 8°C – 60°C. This means that food is at its safest when it’s chilled below 8 °C and cooked at temperatures higher than 60°C.

How do you achieve optimal refrigeration?

At Carlton Services, we offer a wide range of refrigeration that is suitable for safely storing all kinds of meats, vegetables, and condiments, whether it’s a blast chiller for quickly preparing a drink or meal or a display fridge, ensuring that your displays do not spoil.

Walk-in freezers

For larger restaurants and stores, standard doored fridges do not provide the space required for freezing requirements. We offer a specialised service in installing walk-in cold rooms and freezers. These provide optimal temperatures to store a larger amount of stock and ingredients to provide a wider menu range in your restaurant. If you are considering building a walk-in freezer visit our refrigeration service page and get in contact to discuss how Carlton Services can help.

Cooking appliances from Carlton

To ensure that your food is prepared to an acceptable temperature, you’ll need high-quality catering equipment that can give you the output you expect. A staple you’ll need in your kitchen is a range oven & cooker. This a great way to ensure that you can safely cook and get your meals out of the danger zones.

The importance of maintenance for temperature control

Over time your refrigeration equipment and catering equipment can suffer from their constant use and environment, which could cause them to have some efficiency issues and potentially have a large negative output. Your appliances need regular maintenance to keep on top of any potential issues.

If time goes by without you having a professional look at any of your equipment, you could run the risk of the food you produce dropping into that danger zone because the cooker or fridge cannot output the levels required. That is why it’s integral to maintain all the appliances in your commercial kitchen regularly.

The post The Importance of Temperature Control in Your Commercial Kitchen appeared first on Carlton Services UK Ltd.