Performance Benefits
The ETL mark certifies appliances meet uniform industry standards for efficiency and operation. For example, it validates the stated power output, temperature consistency and temperature recovery times through repeated testing. Accurate BTU ratings and electricity loads are important for choosing adequately sized equipment and estimating operating costs.
ETL also verifies critical airflow, ventilation, humidity and air turnover rates for optimal cooking conditions. It ensures ovens maintain proper temperatures for baking, broilers reach searing heats evenly, and refrigerators hold set temperatures consistently. Passing these live testing parameters proves reliable, consistent performance.
Regulatory Benefits
Most jurisdictions require ETL listing for commercial kitchen equipment. In New York City, for example, all cooking appliances must meet ETL sanitation standards per the NYC health code. Having ETL certified appliances simplifies permitting and inspections for new restaurants. It also prevents violations or fines from regulators.
Additionally, many leasing companies and commissary kitchens mandate ETL equipment certification. It provides them assurance your appliances meet safety codes.
ETL certification can even lower insurance costs. Some providers offer discounts on fire/liability insurance for commercial kitchens with ETL certified appliances.
ETL Sanitation Certification
ETL Sanitation Certified appliances have undergone rigorous testing to verify hygienic design and cleanability. The certification focuses entirely on sanitation factors, including:
- Food contact zones isolated from sources of contamination
- Materials that are non-toxic, non-absorbent, and corrosion resistant
- Accessible and smooth surfaces for thorough cleaning
- Preventing ingress of bacteria, viruses, insects, or dust
- No niches where food or liquids can accumulate
- Capable of being washed, rinsed, and sanitized
By meeting the strict criteria of NSF/ANSI standards for hygiene and cleanability, ETL Sanitation Certification validates appliances are designed to minimize microbial risks and prevent cross-contamination.
ETL Certification
While ETL Sanitation covers sanitation, ETL Certification deals with the operational integrity and electrical safety of commercial appliances. Key aspects include:
- Electrical hazards like shock, electrocution, fire, and explosion
- Heating consistency for ovens, ranges, and dishwashers
- Temperature regulation for refrigerators, prep tables, and display units
- Ventilation requirements for proper airflow and humidity
- Gas safety for appliances using natural gas or propane
- Voltage fluctuations, grounding, cord connections, and wiring
- Compliance with UL safety standards and requirements
ETL Certification ensures equipment functions safely and as intended in the commercial kitchen environment after long-term use and wear.
Do Appliances Need Both?
While ETL Sanitation and ETL Certifications have distinct purposes, commercial kitchen appliances must meet both to fully comply with health codes and electrical safety. There's no need for equipment manufacturers to choose one certification over the other.
Dual ETL Sanitation and ETL Certification provides restaurants, commissaries and anyone operating commercial cooking equipment complete validation that appliances are both hygienic and electrically sound.
When making purchases, look for the ETL Sanitation Mark and ETL Certification Mark to ensure your new equipment is independently verified as up-to-standard on both sanitation and operational integrity. Investing in dual-certified appliances provi