Purchasing commercial kitchen equipment is a significant investment. With the proper care and maintenance, you can maximize your investment and extend the life of your equipment for years. However, there will inevitably come a time when your kitchen equipment starts to wear down and you’re left with a decision about whether to repair or replace it.
 

Whether you’re a local restaurant, chain franchise, or commercial kitchen, deciding to repair or replace a piece of equipment depends on multiple factors. At ATECH, we’ve helped hundreds of restaurant owners navigate that decision. As an authorized service agent for many of the top brands and manufacturers, we’re on top of the latest equipment, parts availability, and performance standards. As a trusted partner, we let our customers know if it's better to go ahead and replace equipment.

If you’re navigating the decision to repair or replace a piece of commercial kitchen equipment, here are a few helpful tips and best practices to consider. 

Repair or Replace? Questions to Consider

Once you notice an issue, multiple factors can help you know when to replace your commercial kitchen equipment. Here are a few helpful questions to consider:

1. Will your warranty cover the repairs? 

Cost is often the most important factor when managing your commercial kitchen equipment. Most manufacturers offer warranty plans for their new equipment that can cover certain repairs that vary based on the manufacturer, model, and what is usual and customary for the

industry. If you’re not sure about warranty coverage, our team can help. Typically, cooking and

ware washing equipment carries a 1-year parts and labor warranty; ice machines carry 3 years;

reach in coolers, prep tables, and freezers carry from 1 to 3 years, and compressors are covered

under 5 years (compressor only). These are guidelines – your equipment may have more or

less coverage – always check before getting someone out to see what the manufacturer will pay and what (if anything) you’ll have to pay. Not all service companies are authorized to work on your equipment in warranty and getting an unauthorized repair done could void your warranty.

2. Are you looking to upgrade equipment or rearrange your kitchen layout?

Manufacturers are constantly designing newer and better equipment for restaurants and commercial kitchens. Energy-efficient equipment and compact designs offer an opportunity to upgrade equipment for your staff while improving monthly energy costs. This could be a priority you want to factor into your decision. 

3. How much longer is the equipment expected to last? 

If you notice a decline in performance or need to repair equipment more frequently, it might indicate that your equipment should be replaced. While many factors impact how long a piece of equipment lasts, we’ve provided a few helpful milestones for different types of equipment below. 

Average Life Expectancy for Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Many factors impact the life of your commercial kitchen equipment, tools, and supplies. Certain brands have longer life spans. How much you use your equipment and how well you maintain it also matter. With that being said, here are a few average estimations to consider for your various commercial kitchen equipment pieces:

• Ovens and Ranges — Electric ranges and ovens can remain in service for around 15 years, while gas stovetops can last up to 18 or 20 years, depending on the brand, frequency of use, and maintenance and repair history.
  
  
• Walk-in Cooler — When a walk-in cooler is well-maintained, it can last for more than 15 years. Regular maintenance and flushing lines can lengthen its useful life and improve its daily performance.
   
  
• Deep Fryers — When properly maintained, commercial fryers can last up to 20 years. If you address any needs for repair immediately, the fryer’s lifespan may be extended. 

Tips to Repair Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Once you’ve decided to repair equipment, here are a few important next steps to consider:

• Choose a reputable repair company. The best way to ensure a successful repair is to find a company with technicians who can fix the issue quickly and accurately. At ATECH, we’ve worked on thousands of repairs over the years. Our factory-trained technicians have hands-on experience and receive ongoing training to extend the efficiency of your equipment.
   
• Find a parts provider that offers a variety of options. In some cases, finding replacement parts can be a pain. At ATECH, we carry over 32,000 parts in-house and have next-day availability for thousands more for cooking, warewashing, refrigeration, ice machines, and HVAC units, including parts that are hard to find or discontinued. 

• Provide as much information as possible to your technician. To accurately repair a problem and prevent future breakdowns, it can be helpful to share the history of your equipment. Providing as much information as possible on the front end ensures your technician is prepared to work quickly and effectively to resolve the issue.- 

Tips to Replace Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment 

If you’ve decided to replace your equipment, you don’t always have to purchase new. Here are a few helpful resources to help you find the right replacement equipment for your restaurant:
 

• Pros & Cons of New & Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment — If you’re trying to decide whether to purchase new or used, this article outlines a few pros and cons of each option.
   
• Questions to Ask Before You Buy a New Piece of Equipment —  Deciding which brand or model to purchase can sometimes be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a few quick tips for buying new kitchen equipment, this article provides a few helpful questions to consider.
  
  
• Tips for Purchasing Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment — If you’ve found a piece of used equipment, you must ensure the quality matches the cost. This article provides some helpful tips to help you feel more confident in selecting and purchasing pre-owned equipment. 

Consult With ATECH When Repairing or Replacing Commercial Kitchen Equipment

If you’re wondering whether to repair or replace your equipment, talk with an ATECH repair technician before you decide. We recognize the financial impact of every decision you make. We’re an Authorized Service Agent for dozens of manufacturers. We’re also proud of our written 90-day parts and labor warranty, backed by our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Let us show you why so many Tennessee businesses trust ATECH for commercial equipment repair.