Running head: EQUIPMENT PROJECT1

Equipment Project

Molly Chaffin

The University of Southern Mississippi

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Introduction

Within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of Biloxi, the nutrition and

foodservice (NFS) department is responsible for preparing and distributed individualized meals

to patients on a daily basis. A variety of therapeutic diets are offered by the VHA depending on

patient needs; these therapeutic diets may alter certain nutrients or textures of the meal to meet

the patients’ individualized nutritional needs. One diet modification that requires special

attention during preparation is the pureed diet. Oftentimes in preparation of the pureed meals, the

texture may be too thick or too thin for the patient to properly consume and enjoy. A continuous

quality improvement (CQI) study was done to improve the quality of the pureed diet, specifically

the vegetables. During this study, it was determined that when vegetables are pureed in the

blender, additional water must be added for the vegetables to be fully blended to a smooth

consistency. This often results in watery or soupy vegetables. When attempting to blend the

vegetables with less added water, the blender did not properly function, and the product was

chunky and unacceptable.

Facility Needs

The VHA of Biloxi does not currently possess a working immersion blender; this piece of

equipment was recommended by the NFS administrative section chief to improve the quality of

the pureed dishes and likely alleviate the challenges presented with the current method of

blending. The foodservice department currently utilizes a 1-quart and a 1-gallon blender to

produce pureed items. These items use a similar storage area and power source (three-pronged

cord) as the proposed immersion blender would. The new piece of equipment would take up little

storage space and require no more than standard maintenance and cleaning. The flow of

production should be uninterrupted with the addition of this equipment; because the immersion

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blender will essentially replace the need for the standard blenders in the pureed diet production,

storage and power needs should not affect production.

The transportation of the equipment into the building should also present no problems.

This item can be delivered to the back dock and through the door nearest to its proposed area of

storage. This would require delivery though a door measuring 5’ X 6.5’. Transportation of this

piece of equipment into the facility through the kitchen dock area would avoid any corridors or

hallways.

The immersion blender would replace the standard blenders in the production of the

pureed diets. These diets typically require the preparation of approximately 2-3 quarts of pureed

meats/entrée, 2 quarts of pureed vegetables, and 2 quarts of pureed starch for the production of

10-20 trays and stock for four service lines in the community living center.

Researched Manufacturers

The two manufacturers researched for this piece of equipment were Waring and Superior.

U.S. Foods is the VHA’s prime vendor; the U.S. Foods representative for the VHA of Biloxi was

contacted to provide a quote for the Superior hand immersion mixer. TriMark is another supplier

used by the VHA; this representative was contacted to provide a quote and specifications for the

Waring model. The two different models share similarities including price and features;

however, differences in features and quality for price will help to determine the model to

purchase.

Standard Features

The two products feature very similar elements. Both models feature a “high efficiency

motor” with two speed (high/low) options. Both models claim to be a lightweight product with a

comfort grip. A seven-inch shaft is featured on both models; the Waring model declares this

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shaft to be stainless steel, while the Superior model does not specify. The Waring model also

provides a “new aggressive blade design.” These specifications were not found on the Superior

model. The Waring model also specifies a six-foot cord containing a three-prong plug. The

Superior model does not specify the power source, however, similar features are predicted. A

one-year limited warranty is provided with both products.

Optional Features

Due to the simplicity of this piece of equipment, neither model denotes any additional or

optional features. Models used for larger production needs often provide interchangeable or

removable blades. This equipment can also be featured as a cordless product. For this facility’s

needs, however, these features are not necessary for production.

Life expectancy

These mixers come with a one-year limited warranty. Small appliances such as blenders

are often replaced every three to five years at this facility, depending on the quality of the

equipment and frequency of use.

Installation and Maintenance

This piece of equipment would require no installation; however, the VHA requires an

electrical test be conducted on all electronics brought into the facility. This test must be

completed on the new piece of equipment for the mixer to be approved for use.

Recommendation

Both models appear very similar in standard features, and because this product is quite

small and inexpensive, few optional features are available to make one product stand out over

another. The quote and specifications provided by TriMark for the Waring model are much more

detailed than what was provided by U.S. Foods. The U.S. Foods representative was contacted

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regarding a specifications sheet, but this information was never provided. The website also offers

a specification PDF, however, this link redirected to an error code. Less information could be

gathered on the Superior model, and although the product is relatively inexpensive ($81.97), a

new piece of equipment is unlikely to be purchased without determining all equipment

specifications. The Waring model appears to excel over the Superior model according to the

available information.

The Waring model is $6.02 cheaper than the Superior model; considered within the realm

of large foodservice facilities such as the VHA of Biloxi, this cost difference does not amount to

much, especially if differences in quality are observed. When viewed with respect to this specific

piece of equipment, however, the Waring model is about 7% cheaper. The Waring model also

appears to have superior features (due to the lack of information from the Superior model)

including a six-foot cord for improved mobility, stainless steel blades, and a new aggressive

blade design.

The Waring model is a more cost effective piece of equipment, and may provide a higher

quality product than the Superior model. More information is available with the Waring model as

well, which is a very important factor when considering purchasing new equipment. According

to this analysis of the two models, the Waring model is preferred when purchasing a new

immersion blender.

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Equipment Specifications Worksheet

Management Rotation G 1.4

1. Which menu products will be prepared/held/stored/transported using this piece of equipment? For each menu item indicate the typical quantity that is prepared/held/stored/transported.

The immersion blender will be very useful for preparation of pureed meals, specifically vegetables. Pureed meats: 2-3 quartsPureed vegetables: 2 quartsPureed starches (rice, noodles): 2 quarts

2. What is the available power?

Gas: Natural __________ Propane______________

Electricity: X 120V 1PH 16 AMPS________ 208V 1PH _______ AMPS________ 208V 3PH _______ AMPS________ 220V 1PH _______ AMPS________ 220V 3PH _______ AMPS

Other: ________ Volts ___ PH ______ AMPS

Water: _______ Steam ___________ Sewage __________

3. Available Space: 3’ Width 2’ Depth 2’ Height

4’ Circulation space/equipment door clearance space

4. What other equipment will be located near/adjacent to this piece of equipment?

Regular blender, large mixer, serving utensils

5. Are there doorways that must be navigated to install this piece of equipment?(From loading dock to final location)

Number of doorways: 1 Number of hallways: 0

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Height and Width of doorways: 5’ X 6.5’ Height and Width of Hallways: 4.75’ X 10.25’

Source/Recommendation 1. Manufacturer and Model Number Trimark Immersion Blender Waring Model #WSB33X

Power

Gas: _____ BTU Electric: 100 Watts

_____ Natural 120 Volts

_____ Propane 1 Phase

______ AMPS

Connection: ______ Front Connection: X Cord and plug

X Rear ______ Hard-wired

Other Utilities: _______ Water ______ Steam ______ Sewer

Indicate energy efficiency rating: ________________

Size

Overall size: Weight:

4.5” Depth 2.8 lbs Shipping Weight

4.5” Width 2.55 lbs Uncrated Weight

16” Height

Configuration

_______ Floor Model X Counter Model _______ Legs ______ Casters

Finish/Housing

X Stainless Steel _____Galvanized Metal _____Aluminum _____ Other (Describe)

Standard Features:

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The Waring commercial immersion blender features a two-speed, high-efficiency motor conducted by a three-prong plug. This cord is six feet in length for optimal portability. A seven-inch stainless steel fixed shaft allows for blending up to a three-gallon capacity. A new, aggressive blade design can be found on this model, with stainless steel blades optimal for blending or pureeing. A rubber handle is provided for a comfortable grip. A one-year limited warranty is offered for all purchases within the U.S.

Optional Features: N/A

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Source/Recommendation 2. Manufacturer and Model Number Superior Products Model #7678691

Power

Gas: _____ BTU Electric: ______ Watts

_____ Natural 115 Volts

_____ Propane ______ Phase

______ AMPS

Connection: ______ Front Connection: X Cord and plug

X Rear ______ Hard-wired

Other Utilities: _______ Water ______ Steam ______ Sewer

Indicate energy efficiency rating: ________________

Size

Overall size: Weight:

4-3/8” Depth unlisted Shipping Weight

4-3/8” Width unlisted Uncrated Weight

16” Height

Configuration

_______ Floor Model X Counter Model _______ Legs ______ Casters

Finish/Housing

X Stainless Steel _____Galvanized Metal _____Aluminum _____ Other (Describe)

Standard Features:

This hand immersion blender features a high efficiency motor with high or low speed options. It is lightweight with a comfort-designed grip. The seven-inch shaft is provided for small batch blending. A one-year limited warranty is provided with this product.Optional Features: N/A

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