Purchasing equipment for a commercial kitchen can be a very expensive undertaking. In order to equip your kitchen with professional-grade appliances, you must make a substantial economic investment. When
faced with the costs of setting up a commercial kitchen, many restaurant owners wonder if buying used equipment is a better idea. There are definitely pros and cons to buying both new and used equipment. We’ll walk you through the advantages and disadvantages, so you can make the decision that works best for you and your budget.
Advantages of Buying New Commercial Kitchen Equipment
One positive thing about buying brand new commercial kitchen equipment is that you know you are starting with a brand-new machine. Equipment fresh off the factory line is less likely to need major repairs in the first few years of use, although there are always exceptions to the rule. When you purchase a new piece of equipment, the manufacturer you choose will likely have a list of Authorized Service Agents (ASAs) they trust to make repairs. Once the equipment is installed, it’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a
trusted repair company. An ASA repair service company can
set up scheduled maintenance visits
to check on the function of your new equipment at regular intervals.
New equipment also comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. Some manufacturers, like Alto-Shaam, Southbend, and Star focus on ASA incentives for stocking parts and guaranteed response times to ensure a high, quick rate of first-time fixes. Warranty rates vary based on what the equipment is and who the manufacturer is. A good rule of thumb is one year on cooking equipment, one year on reach-in coolers and freezers (though some manufacturers offer three), and three years on ice machines. Stay tuned for more about this in an upcoming blog.
Disadvantages of Buying New Commercial Kitchen Equipment
The downside of buying new commercial kitchen equipment is that it can be a formidable expense, especially if you are opening your very first restaurant. Opening a restaurant can have a variety of unexpected costs, including permit applications and health inspections. Buying new equipment can have a major effect on a restaurant’s budget, which can be difficult to recoup in the competitive world of food service. In addition, buying new equipment doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll avoid any maintenance issues. Depending on the manufacturer you choose, you may end up with equipment that isn’t reliable. Even trusted manufacturers can have a series of equipment that doesn’t meet a high performance standard. Buying trusted, used kitchen equipment can sometimes prevent this issue from occurring.
Disadvantages of Buying Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment
There are also disadvantages to buying used kitchen equipment. Two of the most common are that the equipment could have major maintenance issues or it
could be near the end of its lifetime. However, there are concrete ways to circumvent these problems. First, consider working with a kitchen equipment service company to inspect the unit before you buy it. A qualified professional can help determine if the equipment is still usable, or if it’s not a good investment to make. If you’re concerned about a history of past issues, feel free to ask the seller for any service records. If the restaurant is going out of business, you may find equipment in good condition. If the restaurant is still operational, but selling an old unit, this might be cause for concern.
Advantages of Buying Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Buying used kitchen equipment can offset some of the costs of setting up a commercial kitchen. When you’re planning your kitchen equipment budget, consider what items are important to buy new and what equipment you can buy used. You don’t need to buy all used or all new equipment. If you want to buy new walk-in commercial refrigeration equipment but buy used ranges and ovens, that’s definitely an option.
A commercial kitchen equipment repair company can give you tips on which equipment needs the most service, and which equipment can go for years without needing much maintenance. A service company may also know through manufacturer relationships and service history which brands tend to hold up over time and which brands they’re repairing on a weekly basis. This type of insider information can help you make informed choices about which brands to buy new and which to buy used. Buying used equipment can also mean that you may be able to afford higher-end brands and manufacturers than you would if you were purchasing the equipment new.
Consult ATECH For Advice Before Buying Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Share On: