If you are a newcomer to the food and beverage industry, you’re not the only one. As the economy roars back to life, record numbers of new restaurants and F&B businesses are opening up across America, with sky-high customer demand to boot. No matter the shape or size of your food business, your success will depend on your ability to select and use the right equipment and appliances for the job.
One of the most important yet often overlooked tools you will need in your facility or restaurant is food grade hoses. Also known as a food grade suction hose, these are simple pieces of equipment that you will end up using on a near-constant basis. But what is a food grade hose exactly, and how do you choose the right one for your business? Read on to find out.
1. What Are Food Grade Hoses?
First off, let’s break down what food grade hoses actually are. As the name suggests, they are hoses, often very long and thick hoses that are used to safely transfer foodstuffs and beverages without risking contamination.
They are airtight and designed so that any foodstuffs that pass through them do not have their flavor or texture affected as a result of contact with the tube. They are essential for any activity that involves the large-scale transfer of food, ingredients, and drinkable liquids.
2. What Are the Properties of a Food Grade Hose?
If you are trying to find the right food grade hose for your business, you need to know what you should be looking for. Here are the main properties of good food grade hoses:
Flexible
Food grade hoses and fitting must be flexible and kink-resistant since you will be handling and moving the hose many times throughout the day. All food grade hose fittings should also be designed to maintain this flexibility.
Odor and taste resistance
Since food and drinks pass through the hose, it is imperative that the hose does not alter the smell or taste of these substances. Otherwise, your end-product will be ruined.
Chemical resistant
If your hose is not chemical resistant, elements in the food or drinks will eventually break the hose down, leading to expensive loss of product and the need for replacement. This is something you don’t want.
Pressure resistant
Especially in an industrial food setting, the ability of the hoses to withstand huge amounts of pressure is key, as this will allow you to process and transfer large volumes of product every minute of the day.
3. Main Uses of Food Grade Hoses
So, what are the main uses of food grade hoses? Let’s take a closer look.
Alcohol distilling and storage
So-called high-quality distillery hoses are used to transfer the raw materials of alcoholic beverages during the distillation process.
Food processing
Every step of the food processing cycle, from grain transfers to preservative adding, requires the use of hoses, such as a high temp food grade hose.
Agriculture
Food grade hoses are especially important for feeding livestock and transporting grain around a farm.
Your Food Questions, Answered
Now that you know how food grade hoses can help your business, it is time to learn more. At our dedicated Kitchenware page, you can find up-to-date product guides on the appliances and machinery you need to stay competitive. Check it out.
