Articles by Derek Hodges

Derek Hodges, CFSP Author Icon

Derek Hodges spent eight years as a community newspaper reporter in North Carolina and Tennessee, garnering 20 awards in state and national contests, including the Malcolm Law Investigative Reporting Award. He came to KaTom in 2012 as brand journalist, a role that included public relations, industry communications, longform content creation, and coaching writers. He served as content manager from 2014 to 2022, overseeing expansion of the staff from one team of three to three teams comprising 14 writers and editors. He currently serves as director of website strategy, overseeing strategy and execution of content, public relations, site structure, and other public-facing work for KaTom. He achieved status as a Certified Food Service Professional (CFSP) as part of KaTom's inaugural class in 2017 and attained the highest level of CFSP recognition. He holds a master's degree in digital communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

How to Clean a Slushie Machine Icon
How to Clean a Slushie Machine

Learn how to clean a slushie machine with our quick guide. Follow the steps for proper cleaning, sanitizing, & maintenance to keep your machine in top condition.

How to Use a Slushie Machine - Make a Slushie in 4 Steps Icon
How to Use a Slushie Machine - Make a Slushie in 4 Steps

Learn how to use a slushie machine to craft perfectly smooth frozen treats. Follow KaTom’s step-by-step guide for refreshing, delicious results every time.

Can You Buy a Fountain Drink Machine? Icon
Can You Buy a Fountain Drink Machine?

Wondering if you can buy a fountain drink machine? Discover the different types of soda fountains & key considerations for choosing the best one for your needs.

The Truth About Commercial Ranges in Home Kitchens Icon
The Truth About Commercial Ranges in Home Kitchens

Discover why commercial ranges are ideal for restaurants but unsuitable for home kitchens due to their features, ventilation needs, and space requirements.

Commercial Oven Sizes: Choose the Right-Sized Oven Icon
Commercial Oven Sizes: Choose the Right-Sized Oven

Discover the perfect commercial oven size for your kitchen. Learn about full, half, and quarter-size ovens to suit your foodservice business needs.

Combi Ovens vs Convection: Which is Best for Your Kitchen? Icon
Combi Ovens vs Convection: Which is Best for Your Kitchen?

Discover the differences between convection & combi ovens, their benefits, and which one’s right for you. Find the best oven for your kitchen at KaTom today.

Best Commercial Ovens for Baking Cakes Icon
Best Commercial Ovens for Baking Cakes

Baking perfect cakes requires the right oven. Compare convection, deck, and rack ovens to find the best fit for your bakery. Get expert tips & advice from KaTom.

Parts of an Oven: Gas & Electric Oven Components Icon
Parts of an Oven: Gas & Electric Oven Components

Discover the parts of an oven with KaTom’s comprehensive guide. From bake elements to convection fans, learn everything you need to know about oven components.

Starbucks Oven: What Type, Brand, and Price of Ovens Used Icon
Starbucks Oven: What Type, Brand, and Price of Ovens Used

Wondering what type of oven Starbucks uses? Learn how TurboChef ovens recreate Starbucks' speedy cooking for your business.

How To Light a Southbend Oven Pilot Light | KaTom Restaurant Supply Icon
How To Light a Southbend Oven Pilot Light | KaTom Restaurant Supply

Discover how to safely relight the pilot light on your Southbend oven and keep your appliance running smoothly. Follow these expert tips for quick and easy maintenance.

What is a Combi Oven? Choosing the Best Model for Your Kitchen Icon
What is a Combi Oven? Choosing the Best Model for Your Kitchen

Discover the benefits of combi ovens for your commercial kitchen. Learn about types, energy savings, maintenance, and how to choose the best model for your needs.

How to Fix a Noisy Refrigerator - 6 Easy Steps Icon
How to Fix a Noisy Refrigerator - 6 Easy Steps

Dealing with a noisy fridge? KaTom’s troubleshooting guide helps you identify & fix buzzing, rattling, or clicking sounds for quieter, smoother operation.

How to Move a Refrigerator - Expert Tips & Steps Icon
How to Move a Refrigerator - Expert Tips & Steps

Trying to move a bulky fridge? Discover the best tips and tricks on how to move a refrigerator with KaTom’s guide to ensure you are moving your fridge safely.

Most Reliable Commercial Refrigerator Brands Icon
Most Reliable Commercial Refrigerator Brands

Discover the most reliable commercial refrigerator brands, including True, Hoshizaki, and Turbo Air, for energy-efficient, durable, and high-performance.

How to Clean Refrigerator Coils - 4 Easy Steps Icon
How to Clean Refrigerator Coils - 4 Easy Steps

Keep your commercial refrigerator running efficiently with KaTom’s coil-cleaning guide. Prevent costly repairs with easy steps tailored for commercial kitchens.

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Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling: Causes & Solutions

Get your commercial refrigerator cooling again with KaTom’s troubleshooting tips. Diagnose issues, maintain performance, and know when to call a technician.

Top 10 Gifts for Chefs - Shop Best Gifts Icon
Top 10 Gifts for Chefs - Shop Best Gifts

Discover top gifts for chefs at KaTom, featuring quality tools and gadgets that inspire culinary creativity for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Top 10 Gifts for Bakers - Shop Best Gifts Icon
Top 10 Gifts for Bakers - Shop Best Gifts

Discover the best gift ideas for bakers at KaTom, featuring high-quality tools and accessories that elevate the craft of both professional & home bakers.

Top 10 Gifts for Restaurant Owners - Shop Best Gifts Icon
Top 10 Gifts for Restaurant Owners - Shop Best Gifts

Discover the perfect gift ideas for restaurant owners, from practical tools to unique decor, that will elevate their business and personal style.

Manitowoc Ice Machine Guide | Troubleshooting, Care, & Support Icon
Manitowoc Ice Machine Guide | Troubleshooting, Care, & Support

Why Buy a Manitowoc Ice Machine? Discover the benefits of Manitowoc ice machines with expert troubleshooting, repair, and cleaning tips for your ice maker.

Refrigerator Temperature Guide: Keep Food Fresh & Safe with Key Tips Icon
Refrigerator Temperature Guide: Keep Food Fresh & Safe with Key Tips

Discover the ideal refrigerator temperature for food safety and freshness. Get tips for maintaining optimal cooling and managing energy efficiency.

Refrigerator Leaking Water: Causes, Solutions, & Prevention Tips Icon
Refrigerator Leaking Water: Causes, Solutions, & Prevention Tips

Learn why your refrigerator is leaking water and discover practical solutions. Explore causes, preventive maintenance tips, and how to ensure food safety and energy efficiency.

Hoshizaki Ice Machine Guide | Troubleshooting, Care & Support Icon
Hoshizaki Ice Machine Guide | Troubleshooting, Care & Support

Why Buy a Hoshizaki Ice Machine? Discover the benefits of Hoshizaki ice machines with expert troubleshooting, repair, and cleaning tips for your ice maker.

How to Make Hospital Ice Chips: At-Home Nugget Ice Makers Icon
How to Make Hospital Ice Chips: At-Home Nugget Ice Makers

Discover how to recreate hospital ice chips at home with nugget ice makers. Enjoy soft, chewable ice for comfort and hydration anytime.