Food-Grade Lubricants

Food-grade lubricants help keep gears, slides, hinges, valves, and other moving components clean and operating smoothly. These nontoxic formulas shouldn't alter food taste or odor when used as directed and are suitable for use on a wide range of foodservice equipment where food contact may occur.

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Keep Equipment Running Smoothly with Food-Safe Lubricant

Food-grade lubricant is an essential accessory for equipment with moving parts, helping reduce friction to help extend its operating lifespan.

Benefits of Food-Grade Lubricant

  • Improved Operation: Grease frees tight components and promotes smoother movement
  • Preventive Maintenance: Oil loosens rust and dirt while creating a protective surface that reduces wear
  • Simple Application: Tubes provide precise dispensing, while sprays cover large areas quickly

Choosing the Right Lubricant for the Job

Lubricants for kitchen equipment include greases, oils, gels, and sprays designed for different application requirements.

  • Petro-Gel Grease: A viscous substance suitable for lubricating slicers, toasters, can openers, and other equipment
  • Lubricating Oil: A fluid used to clean and lubricate mixers, conveyors, rollers, slides, and other equipment
  • Silicone: A highly viscous substance suitable for refrigerator doors, food racks, drawer slides, and plastic fixtures

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food-grade lubricant safe for incidental food contact?

Yes. Food-grade lubricants are formulated for use in areas where limited, incidental contact with food may occur. However, they should be applied only where needed and should never be added directly to food.

Can food-grade grease be used on cooking equipment?

Food-grade grease can be used on hinges, gears, bearings, and other moving parts of cooking equipment when permitted by the equipment manufacturer. Choose a product rated for the equipment's operating temperature, and don't apply it to burners, heating elements, or cooking surfaces unless the lubricant is specifically approved for that application.

How often should foodservice equipment be lubricated?

Lubrication frequency depends on the component type, workload, cleaning schedule, and manufacturer recommendations. Inspect moving parts during routine maintenance, and reapply lubricant when components appear dry, become difficult to move, or begin squeaking.

Should equipment be cleaned before lubricant is applied?

Yes. Remove food residue, dirt, and old lubricant from the application area before adding a fresh layer. Applying lubricant to a clean surface helps prevent debris from becoming trapped in moving parts and reduces the risk of mixing incompatible products.

Can food-grade lubricant help prevent rust and corrosion?

Yes. Some food-safe greases and oils help loosen minor rust and form a protective film that repels moisture from metal components. Lubricant can help prevent further damage, but heavily rusted parts may still require thorough cleaning, repair, or replacement.

Trusted Brands at KaTom

KaTom offers lubricants from recognized foodservice brands known for food-safe formulas and reliable equipment maintenance products.

  • Krowne: Offers food-grade gels and sprays for a variety of lubrication needs
  • Nemco: Provides food-safe gel lubricants in convenient tubes