Commercial Kitchen AMC - What to Include in Your Maintenance Contract

A commercial kitchen annual maintenance contract, or AMC, covers scheduled servicing and breakdown support for your equipment, and it typically costs 5 to 10 percent of the equipment value each year. A good AMC states clearly what it covers, what it excludes, how often each type of equipment is serviced and how fast the provider responds when something fails during service. The point of an AMC is simple: planned maintenance is always cheaper than an emergency breakdown mid-shift. This guide covers exactly what to put in the contract and how to tell a serious provider from a weak one.

What an AMC covers

A proper AMC has two halves: preventive maintenance on a schedule, and reactive support when something breaks. Preventive work keeps equipment running and catches small faults before they become failures. Reactive support gets you back up quickly when a unit stops during service.

• Scheduled servicing of burners, gas trains, refrigeration, exhaust fans and mechanical parts.
• Inspection and cleaning of components that affect safety, such as gas connections and grease build-up.
• Priority breakdown response within a defined time window.
• Labour for covered repairs and a written service report after each visit.

What an AMC usually excludes

Just as important is knowing what an AMC does not cover, because unclear exclusions are where disputes start. Most AMCs exclude consumable parts, major component replacement, and damage caused by misuse or unauthorised repairs. Read these carefully and get them in writing.

Common exclusions to check

Consumables such as filters, gaskets, gas hoses and light fittings are often billed separately. Major parts such as compressors or motors may be covered for labour but not the part itself. Damage from power surges, water ingress or operator misuse is usually excluded. A fair contract lists these clearly rather than burying them, so you know what an out-of-scope repair will cost before it happens.

How often each type of equipment needs servicing

Different equipment wears at different rates, so a sensible AMC sets visit frequency by equipment type rather than a single blanket schedule. Refrigeration and exhaust systems, which run continuously and collect grease and dust, need the most frequent attention. Cooking equipment needs regular burner and gas checks. Static stainless steel fabrication needs little beyond inspection.

A sensible service rhythm

As a working guide, refrigeration and exhaust benefit from monthly or quarterly service, gas and cooking equipment from quarterly checks, and dishwashers from regular descaling and seal checks. The exact rhythm depends on how hard the kitchen runs, so a heavy hotel line needs more frequent visits than a light cafe.

What to put in the contract

A strong AMC contract is specific. It lists every covered unit by name, states the number and frequency of scheduled visits, defines the response time for breakdowns, and clearly separates covered work from billable extras. It should also commit the provider to a written service report after each visit, so you have a record of what was checked and what needs attention. Vague contracts that promise service without these specifics are the ones that disappoint.

How to evaluate an AMC provider

The best sign of a reliable provider is a defined response time backed by a local service team, plus documented reports after every visit. A provider that fabricated or supplied the equipment usually understands it best and carries the right spares. Ask how many technicians cover your area, what the guaranteed response window is, and whether they service the specific brands and units you run.

Red flags to avoid

Be wary of a quote that is far cheaper than the rest, because it usually means fewer visits or hidden exclusions. Avoid providers who will not commit to a response time, who cannot give references, or who leave no written record after a visit. A vague scope, no local team and no service report are the three clearest warning signs.

Getting real value from an AMC

An AMC is insurance against the breakdown that costs you a service. Set the scope clearly, match visit frequency to how hard each unit works, insist on a defined response time and written reports, and choose a provider with a genuine local team. Done properly, an AMC keeps the kitchen running, extends equipment life and turns unpredictable emergency costs into a known annual figure.