Barista training is one of the best ways to invest in the success of your café. In addition to reducing turnover rates and enhancing the quality of espresso beverages you serve, a solid training program can decrease the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Serving food in your café is an excellent strategy for boosting sales, and a countertop oven may be a worthwhile investment. Products such as the Panasonic Sonic Chef High-Speed Oven are capable of fast and efficient cooking, making it possible to warm a variety of menu options.
While a countertop oven is a must when you’re serving items that need to be warmed quickly, safety should always be paramount. To minimize the risk of injury to your baristas or kitchen fires that could harm your café, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Read the Operating Manual First
The first step is simple: be sure to thoroughly read the operating manual before creating your barista training program. Commercial ovens typically have several cooking functions, such as microwave, broiler, and convection all wrapped into one convenient product. Unlike a home oven or a toaster oven, these appliances often have safety hazards that all employees should be briefed on before using.
There may be several parts of the countertop oven that can pinch, crush, or cut. These points may not be obvious, so it’s important to train all baristas on best practices from the manual.
Wear Hand Protection
Countertop ovens are so convenient because they heat food quickly and effectively. That’s great news for customers looking for a pick-me-up, but it’s all too easy for busy baristas to get burned. Café employees are among the world’s best multi-taskers, but even the most seasoned pro can become distracted and let a hand graze the heating elements. When you hold training sessions, be sure to stress the importance of wearing heat-resistant gloves when operating the oven.
Encourage Regular Cleanings
Both home and commercial ovens need to be cleaned regularly to avoid the buildup of grease and food splatters. When an oven isn’t cleaned properly and there’s debris buildup, the chance of a fire is increased. Cleaning the countertop oven according to the manufacturer’s recommendations should be a daily task on the to-do list. A wipedown with a damp cloth is usually enough, but mild detergent may be necessary to remove stubborn stains.
Barista training is critical in the success of your café. When your goal is to set your team up for success, invest time in creating a thorough training program. Although many shop owners focus on the preparation of drinks (which is certainly an important component in sales), oven safety is also crucial.
If you’re planning to offer warmed goods such as breakfast sandwiches or pastries in your store, an all-in-one countertop oven will be a game-changer for your team. Need assistance finding all the equipment you need for your café? We’re here for you. Please contact our customer service team with any questions you have regarding commercial or prosumer supplies.