Investing in commercial equipment is one of the most expensive parts of establishing a commercial kitchen. Even if you’re an industry veteran, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of manufacturers on the market. Once you sort through those, there are models, features, and price ranges to consider. Whether you’re new to purchasing restaurant equipment or you’ve outfitted several commercial kitchens, it’s important to practice due diligence before investing. Our checklist below will help you make sure you’ve considered all the options as you’re preparing to make your purchases.
1. Know your requirements and measurements.
It’s beyond frustrating to finally decide on a unit, have it delivered, and then realize it doesn’t work right. While it seems like such a simple step, making sure electrical, gas, and drainage requirements are some of those small steps that managers sometimes overlook. A unit that is too big or awkwardly shaped can impede movement or create cramped conditions. To prevent accidents from overcrowded kitchens, you should take into account the unit’s entire physical footprint. Don’t forget that this also includes the space taken up by unit doors as they swing open or up. With a refrigerator door fully extended, is any space impeded, or are exits blocked?
Consider also how the workers in the space will use the unit. A range often has several individuals standing in front of it for hours at a time. Do they have enough space to man their station and still allow traffic behind them? You can use simple graph paper, taped lines, or even computer modeling to make sure everything will fit. This is especially true if you’re doing new construction or renovating a space.
Finally, consider what access is like when it comes time to service the equipment. Can the equipment be worked on in place with minimal disruption to your operation? Or will it need to be pulled out, blocking the line or requiring after hours service? Are replacement parts readily available to complete repairs? Or are they specialty parts, which will delay the repair of the equipment?
2. Buy from a trusted manufacturer.
With all the expenses that come with setting up a commercial kitchen, it can be tempting to buy a unit from a lesser-known manufacturer. After all, purchasing a well-respected brand name can cost as much as an additional 5,000 to 10,000 dollars. However, it’s wise to choose a manufacturer with a history of performance and service. When in doubt, look for units’ certifications from organizations like
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
International,
Underwriters Laboratories (UL),
Energy Star,
Edison Testing Laboratories (ETL Intertek), and even the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For Canadian and European markets, there are additional certifications like the
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
or the
European Union (CE)
that also apply. These certifications ensure that manufacturers have followed a
stringent list of guidelines
during all manufacturing and quality assurance processes.
3. Consider buying a used or secondhand unit.
Restaurants have some of the highest rates of failure of new businesses. Some statistics indicate that 70 to 90% of new restaurants fail within their first year. While this can be difficult on investors and entrepreneurs, there’s also a silver lining to this statistic. There is often lightly used commercial equipment that can be procured for a lower price than buying the equipment directly off the factory assembly line. One way to save money while still using the highest quality equipment is to consider buying used or secondhand units.
If you’re considering purchasing a secondhand unit, ask to see its service records. A newer unit with a complete service record from a reputable restaurant equipment dealer is definitely a good sign. With service company records, you can determine
how many replacement parts
have been added to the unit and if it has any persistent or recurring issues. Armed with this data, you can make a more informed decision about purchasing the equipment.
Whether you buy new or used, regular planned maintenance is a good way to extend the life of your equipment and address any issues before they create further costlier repairs. Commercial restaurant equipment should be regularly maintained in order to stand up to spills, temperature fluctuations, and constant use in a busy kitchen. Once you procure a unit, establish a relationship with a local restaurant equipment service company. Initially, they can inspect a new or used unit to get a baseline on its condition. Next, schedule regular maintenance checks to monitor the health of each unit. When issues are addressed early and worn out parts are replaced, you’re more likely to see years of solid performance from your equipment.
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