chaffin_equipment project.doc
TRANSCRIPT
Running head: EQUIPMENT PROJECT1
Equipment Project
Molly Chaffin
The University of Southern Mississippi
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 2
Introduction
Within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of Biloxi, the nutrition and
foodservice (NFS) department is responsible for preparing and distributed individualized meals
to patients on a daily basis. A variety of therapeutic diets are offered by the VHA depending on
patient needs; these therapeutic diets may alter certain nutrients or textures of the meal to meet
the patients’ individualized nutritional needs. One diet modification that requires special
attention during preparation is the pureed diet. Oftentimes in preparation of the pureed meals, the
texture may be too thick or too thin for the patient to properly consume and enjoy. A continuous
quality improvement (CQI) study was done to improve the quality of the pureed diet, specifically
the vegetables. During this study, it was determined that when vegetables are pureed in the
blender, additional water must be added for the vegetables to be fully blended to a smooth
consistency. This often results in watery or soupy vegetables. When attempting to blend the
vegetables with less added water, the blender did not properly function, and the product was
chunky and unacceptable.
Facility Needs
The VHA of Biloxi does not currently possess a working immersion blender; this piece of
equipment was recommended by the NFS administrative section chief to improve the quality of
the pureed dishes and likely alleviate the challenges presented with the current method of
blending. The foodservice department currently utilizes a 1-quart and a 1-gallon blender to
produce pureed items. These items use a similar storage area and power source (three-pronged
cord) as the proposed immersion blender would. The new piece of equipment would take up little
storage space and require no more than standard maintenance and cleaning. The flow of
production should be uninterrupted with the addition of this equipment; because the immersion
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 3
blender will essentially replace the need for the standard blenders in the pureed diet production,
storage and power needs should not affect production.
The transportation of the equipment into the building should also present no problems.
This item can be delivered to the back dock and through the door nearest to its proposed area of
storage. This would require delivery though a door measuring 5’ X 6.5’. Transportation of this
piece of equipment into the facility through the kitchen dock area would avoid any corridors or
hallways.
The immersion blender would replace the standard blenders in the production of the
pureed diets. These diets typically require the preparation of approximately 2-3 quarts of pureed
meats/entrée, 2 quarts of pureed vegetables, and 2 quarts of pureed starch for the production of
10-20 trays and stock for four service lines in the community living center.
Researched Manufacturers
The two manufacturers researched for this piece of equipment were Waring and Superior.
U.S. Foods is the VHA’s prime vendor; the U.S. Foods representative for the VHA of Biloxi was
contacted to provide a quote for the Superior hand immersion mixer. TriMark is another supplier
used by the VHA; this representative was contacted to provide a quote and specifications for the
Waring model. The two different models share similarities including price and features;
however, differences in features and quality for price will help to determine the model to
purchase.
Standard Features
The two products feature very similar elements. Both models feature a “high efficiency
motor” with two speed (high/low) options. Both models claim to be a lightweight product with a
comfort grip. A seven-inch shaft is featured on both models; the Waring model declares this
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 4
shaft to be stainless steel, while the Superior model does not specify. The Waring model also
provides a “new aggressive blade design.” These specifications were not found on the Superior
model. The Waring model also specifies a six-foot cord containing a three-prong plug. The
Superior model does not specify the power source, however, similar features are predicted. A
one-year limited warranty is provided with both products.
Optional Features
Due to the simplicity of this piece of equipment, neither model denotes any additional or
optional features. Models used for larger production needs often provide interchangeable or
removable blades. This equipment can also be featured as a cordless product. For this facility’s
needs, however, these features are not necessary for production.
Life expectancy
These mixers come with a one-year limited warranty. Small appliances such as blenders
are often replaced every three to five years at this facility, depending on the quality of the
equipment and frequency of use.
Installation and Maintenance
This piece of equipment would require no installation; however, the VHA requires an
electrical test be conducted on all electronics brought into the facility. This test must be
completed on the new piece of equipment for the mixer to be approved for use.
Recommendation
Both models appear very similar in standard features, and because this product is quite
small and inexpensive, few optional features are available to make one product stand out over
another. The quote and specifications provided by TriMark for the Waring model are much more
detailed than what was provided by U.S. Foods. The U.S. Foods representative was contacted
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 5
regarding a specifications sheet, but this information was never provided. The website also offers
a specification PDF, however, this link redirected to an error code. Less information could be
gathered on the Superior model, and although the product is relatively inexpensive ($81.97), a
new piece of equipment is unlikely to be purchased without determining all equipment
specifications. The Waring model appears to excel over the Superior model according to the
available information.
The Waring model is $6.02 cheaper than the Superior model; considered within the realm
of large foodservice facilities such as the VHA of Biloxi, this cost difference does not amount to
much, especially if differences in quality are observed. When viewed with respect to this specific
piece of equipment, however, the Waring model is about 7% cheaper. The Waring model also
appears to have superior features (due to the lack of information from the Superior model)
including a six-foot cord for improved mobility, stainless steel blades, and a new aggressive
blade design.
The Waring model is a more cost effective piece of equipment, and may provide a higher
quality product than the Superior model. More information is available with the Waring model as
well, which is a very important factor when considering purchasing new equipment. According
to this analysis of the two models, the Waring model is preferred when purchasing a new
immersion blender.
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 6
Equipment Specifications Worksheet
Management Rotation G 1.4
1. Which menu products will be prepared/held/stored/transported using this piece of equipment? For each menu item indicate the typical quantity that is prepared/held/stored/transported.
The immersion blender will be very useful for preparation of pureed meals, specifically vegetables. Pureed meats: 2-3 quartsPureed vegetables: 2 quartsPureed starches (rice, noodles): 2 quarts
2. What is the available power?
Gas: Natural __________ Propane______________
Electricity: X 120V 1PH 16 AMPS________ 208V 1PH _______ AMPS________ 208V 3PH _______ AMPS________ 220V 1PH _______ AMPS________ 220V 3PH _______ AMPS
Other: ________ Volts ___ PH ______ AMPS
Water: _______ Steam ___________ Sewage __________
3. Available Space: 3’ Width 2’ Depth 2’ Height
4’ Circulation space/equipment door clearance space
4. What other equipment will be located near/adjacent to this piece of equipment?
Regular blender, large mixer, serving utensils
5. Are there doorways that must be navigated to install this piece of equipment?(From loading dock to final location)
Number of doorways: 1 Number of hallways: 0
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 7
Height and Width of doorways: 5’ X 6.5’ Height and Width of Hallways: 4.75’ X 10.25’
Source/Recommendation 1. Manufacturer and Model Number Trimark Immersion Blender Waring Model #WSB33X
Power
Gas: _____ BTU Electric: 100 Watts
_____ Natural 120 Volts
_____ Propane 1 Phase
______ AMPS
Connection: ______ Front Connection: X Cord and plug
X Rear ______ Hard-wired
Other Utilities: _______ Water ______ Steam ______ Sewer
Indicate energy efficiency rating: ________________
Size
Overall size: Weight:
4.5” Depth 2.8 lbs Shipping Weight
4.5” Width 2.55 lbs Uncrated Weight
16” Height
Configuration
_______ Floor Model X Counter Model _______ Legs ______ Casters
Finish/Housing
X Stainless Steel _____Galvanized Metal _____Aluminum _____ Other (Describe)
Standard Features:
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 8
The Waring commercial immersion blender features a two-speed, high-efficiency motor conducted by a three-prong plug. This cord is six feet in length for optimal portability. A seven-inch stainless steel fixed shaft allows for blending up to a three-gallon capacity. A new, aggressive blade design can be found on this model, with stainless steel blades optimal for blending or pureeing. A rubber handle is provided for a comfortable grip. A one-year limited warranty is offered for all purchases within the U.S.
Optional Features: N/A
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 9
Source/Recommendation 2. Manufacturer and Model Number Superior Products Model #7678691
Power
Gas: _____ BTU Electric: ______ Watts
_____ Natural 115 Volts
_____ Propane ______ Phase
______ AMPS
Connection: ______ Front Connection: X Cord and plug
X Rear ______ Hard-wired
Other Utilities: _______ Water ______ Steam ______ Sewer
Indicate energy efficiency rating: ________________
Size
Overall size: Weight:
4-3/8” Depth unlisted Shipping Weight
4-3/8” Width unlisted Uncrated Weight
16” Height
Configuration
_______ Floor Model X Counter Model _______ Legs ______ Casters
Finish/Housing
X Stainless Steel _____Galvanized Metal _____Aluminum _____ Other (Describe)
Standard Features:
This hand immersion blender features a high efficiency motor with high or low speed options. It is lightweight with a comfort-designed grip. The seven-inch shaft is provided for small batch blending. A one-year limited warranty is provided with this product.Optional Features: N/A
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 10
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 11
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 12
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 13
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 14
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 15
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 16
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 17
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 18
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 19
EQUIPMENT PROJECT 20