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 provides an extra layer of protection for your commercial kitchen.

When outfitting a commercial kitchen, one of the most important features to look for is ETL certification. The ETL mark indicates appliances have been independently tested to meet strict standards for safety and performance.

This guide covers what to look for when purchasing ETL certified equipment to equip your restaurant or foodservice operation.

Verify the ETL Marks

There are two main ETL marks to check for on appliances:

ETL Sanitation Certification Mark - Confirms hygienic design and cleanability to foodservice sanitation standards.

ETL Testing Mark - Indicates meeting safety and operational standards per UL guidelines.

Look for both marks to ensure comprehensive certification. According to ETL provider Intertek, over 16,000 appliances display ETL marks. 

Where to Find ETL Certified Equipment

All major foodservice equipment manufacturers offer ETL certified appliance lines, including brands like Traulsen, True, Vulcan, Hobart, and Rational.

You can search for certified items on restaurant supply distributor websites or directly on brand sites. Specifying ETL certification as a filter will display compliant equipment options.

Ask Sales Representatives

Don’t hesitate to ask equipment sales representatives to confirm if an appliance carries ETL marks. They can provide model numbers and certification specifics to validate.

Get Written Confirmation

Request ETL certification be noted on invoices or purchase documentation. This provides helpful evidence of compliance for future inspections and insurance records.

Think Long-Term

The rigorous testing behind ETL certification ensures durable, long-lasting performance and reliability. While ETL equipment may cost more upfront, the long-term savings from energy efficiency, food safety and avoided breakdowns make it well worth the investment.

Look Beyond Upfront Costs

Speaking of costs, don’t just look at the purchase price. Also calculate long-term operating costs like energy and water consumption. ETL certified appliances often save substantially in the long run through energy efficient operation.

Inspect Certification Marks Upon Arrival

When taking delivery of new ETL certified equipment, check that items have the legitimate ETL marks on the unit. This ensures you receive what was promised and ordered.

Maintain Your Equipment

To keep ETL appliances operating safely and efficiently, be sure to follow all maintenance requirements from the manufacturer. This will help your equipment achieve its maximum certified lifespan.

ETL certification provides commercial kitchens an invaluable safeguard from the inherent risks of cooking with heat, gases, and electricity. While ETL compliant equipment requires a greater initial investment, the assurances and savings over time make it well worth the cost for any foodservice business.