Discount Restaurant Equipment Parts



A B C D E F G H I J K l M N O P Q R S T U V W - Z

This is a collection of terms commonly used in describing restaurant equipment parts and their function.

Glossary of Restaurant Equipment Parts - A

Abbreviations

When searching for restaurant equipment parts on-line or in catalogs, part numbers are most frequently preceded by the manufacturer's brand abbreviation code.  Spaces are NOT used between the manufacturer abbreviation code and the part number. For example, an OEM Vita-Mix blender container is part number VM016016. Here are some common examples among the larger brands:

  • VULCAN HART = VH
  • TURBO AIR = TRBA
  • HOBART = HOB
  • PITCO = PT
  • TRUE = TRUE
  • SCHAERER = SH
  • PERLICK = PE
  • NORLAKE = NOR
  • ULTRAFRYER = ULTR
  • MANITOWOC ICE = MAN
  • BLODGETT = BL
  • STAR = STA
  • SCOTSMAN = SC

See all major brand name manufacturer abbreviations. 

Absorber

Used in a all sorts of restaurant equipment, an absorber or "shock absorber" is often a plastic or rubber device intended to minimize the force of contact or vibration between two parts. Advanced shock absorbers designs may include springs, cams, dampers, and hydraulic shafts.

Actuator

An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example by opening a valve. In simple terms, it is a "mover".

Adapter

An adapter or adaptor is a device that converts attributes of one device or system to those of an otherwise incompatible device or system. Some modify power or signal attributes, while others merely adapt the physical form of one component to another.

Accumulator

A suction line accumulator prevents compressor damage from a sudden surge of liquid refrigerant and oil that could enter the compressor from the suction line. The suction line accumulator is a temporary reservoir for this mixture, designed to meter both the liquid refrigerant and oil back to the compressor at an acceptable rate. This prevents damage to the reed valves, pistons, rods, and crankshafts.

Agitation

An agitator is a device or mechanism used to put something into motion by shaking or stirring. In general, agitators usually consist of an impeller and a shaft. An impeller is a rotor located within a tube or conduit attached to the shaft. Agitators are used to mix liquids or products together or to prevent congealing.

Agitator

An agitator is a device or mechanism used to put something into motion by shaking or stirring. In general, agitators usually consist of an impeller and a shaft. An impeller is a rotor located within a tube or conduit attached to the shaft. Agitators are used to mix liquids or products together or to prevent congealing.

Airpot

An airpot is a beverage dispenser designed to keep beverages like water or coffee warm (in a vacuum insulated glass or stainless steel internal chamber) and dispense the coffee or other beverage without requiring electricity. An airpot is a type of positive displacement pump, specifically a reciprocating pump, that uses bellows to build the pressure in the inner chamber filled with liquid.

Alarm

An alarm device or system of alarm devices gives an audible, visual or other form of alarm signal about a problem or condition in a piece of equipment, which informs the working state of (a particular part of) the system. Alarms are frequently used in foodservice equipment to alert personnel of the completion of a cooking cycle, that a door may be open for too long, and serve as reminders that a given task requires completion.

Annealed

Annealing is a heat treatment process that alters the micro structure of a metal to change its mechanical or electrical properties. With stainless steel that's used in restaurant equipment, annealing is used to reduce hardness, increase ductility and help eliminate internal stress.

Annunciator

An annunciator is a signalling device that shows which of several electrical circuits is active.

Assembly

An "assembly" is set of manufactured parts or components that work together in unison as one mechanism or device.

Aux

"Aux" is an abbreviation for "auxiliary", meaning additional, supplementary, or a substitute or reserve in case of need.

Auger

A screw conveyor or auger conveyor is a mechanism that uses a rotating helical screw blade, called a "flighting", usually within a tube, to move liquid or granular materials. Screw conveyors in modernequipment are often used horizontally or at a slight incline as an efficient way to move semi-solid materials, including food, ice, waste, wood chips, cereal grains, meat, and many others.

Auxiliary Switch

An auxiliary switch or contact is an electrical switch actuated by a main device (such as a circuit breaker) for signaling or interlocking. It is used to remotely indicate the position of the main circuit breaker contacts, whether open or closed. In addition to indicating position, they can also be used to control relays, indicator lights, and other accessories.  Most control systems require auxiliary devices to completely implement the desired control sequence. This is true whether the control system is electric, analog electronic, or digital. More generally, an auxiliary device serves as a secondary or supplemental backup to the primary component.

Axial

Axial fans are commonly found in various kinds of foodservice equipment. Named for the direction of the airflow they create, blades rotating around an axis draw air in parallel to that axis and force air out in the same direction. They create a large volume of low pressure airflow and require onlya low power input for operation.

Compact axial fans are equipment-cooling fans with blades that circulate air to regulate temperatures in machinery and equipment enclosures. They can either push hot air out of an enclosure or pull cooler outside air into the enclosure. These fans have a motor that rotates the fan blades to create airflow and a housing that can mount into existing componentry.