Every piece of cooking equipment has a unique identifier. These are often referred to as the serial tags or the manufacturer/model/serial (MMS) tag.
Adding the MMS information for your equipment in the portal or app is essential for determining if you should continue to repair the asset or replace it. It can also come in handy if the equipment is newer and may be under warranty. When you're adding assets to your inventory in the portal or app, the intake forms will ask you to fill out the MMS information.
Never had to find a serial tag before? Follow this guide for tips on how to find the tags on common pieces of equipment.
Getting Started
Even though different manufacturers choose to put their serial tags in different places, you should always start your search by checking the outside of the unit, including the sides and backside.
If you don't see a MMS tag on the outside of the unit, search the inside near any drawers or doors. Sometimes manufacturers put their tags on the inside to try and prevent wear and tear.
How to Identify a Serial Tag
Some units have more than one tag that states the manufacturer's name. Only one of these tags has the information you need.
The model and serial number will always be on the same tag. It's extremely rare, but sometimes manufacturers do not assign a serial number to their units and only use the model number.
Some MMS tags are straight forward, like the Blodgett one below. The tag only shows the manufacturer's name, the model of the unit, and the unit's serial number.
Most serial tags include a bit more information. Hoshizaki and Henny Penny both include other details on their MMS tags, like the weight and dimensions of the asset.
Occasionally, manufacturers will use abbreviations. You may see "MOD" or even just "M" for the model number, and "S/N" or "S" for the serial.
Ice Makers & Ice Bins
As a rule of thumb, ice makers have their MMS tag on the back of the unit, near the top. You may need to move the unit away from the wall to access the serial tag.
Refrigerators (Reach Ins, Lowboys, Prep Tables)
Commercial refrigerators typically have their serial tags located in one of three common areas:
Inside the fridge. Look along the inner walls, near the top or bottom corners. The tag may be affixed to the side or back panels.
Behind the kick plate. Some fridges have a removable kick plate at the bottom. Check behind it for the serial tag.
Near the compressor. In certain models, you may find the serial tag attached to or near the compressor unit at the back of the fridge.
Walk-in Coolers
Walk-in coolers often have their serial tags placed in accessible locations for easy identification and maintenance.
On the door frame. Check around the door frame, either inside or outside of the cooler. The tag might be attached to the frame itself.
Inside the control panel. If your walk-in cooler has a control panel, the serial tag could be affixed to the panel or located nearby for quick reference.
Typically, you'll also want to capture the MMS information for the evaporator fan as well. These fans tend to have their tags on the backside.
Fryers
Finding the serial tag on your fryer might require a bit of exploration, but it's usually located in one of the following areas:
Back or sides of the fryer. This may require the fryer being pulled out and away from the wall
Near the control panel. Check around the control panel or dashboard of the fryer. Manufacturers often place the serial tag in this accessible location. Commonly the tags are located inside the door, outlined in the red box in the picture below.
Ovens
Commercial ovens, whether convection, deck, or combination types, typically have their serial tags located in the following areas:
Inside the oven cavity. Look along the sides or back wall inside the oven. The serial tag may be attached to the interior metal surfaces.
Near the control knobs. Check around the control knobs or digital display panel. Manufacturers often place the serial tag in proximity to the controls for easy reference.
Coffee Makers
Bunn is one of the most common manufacturers for commercial coffee makers and they tend to have their tags in the trickiest places.
Behind the funnel. This is the least common place, but your unit may have the tag on the outside of the unit, outlined in the red box in the picture below.
Behind the folding tray. The back panel is removable and often has the serial tag located inside. Remove the back panel, where the yellow arrow is pointing, to access the MMS information.
Remember, serial tags contain vital information such as model numbers, manufacturing dates, and warranty details. Keeping track of this information can streamline maintenance tasks, aid in troubleshooting issues, and ensure timely warranty claims if needed. Additionally, having serial numbers handy can be invaluable for inventory management and equipment tracking purposes.
By familiarizing yourself with the locations of serial tags on your restaurant equipment, you empower yourself to better manage your operations and keep your kitchen running smoothly. So, the next time you need to locate a serial tag, you'll know exactly where to look!