Buying new food equipment for your commercial kitchen or restaurant requires a considerable investment. As with any investment, it pays to compare your options before opening your wallet. As you research the options available to you, you will quickly be faced with the “new or used” dilemma.
How do you know if you should invest in new equipment now or consider used equipment to save money? While nobody knows your business, or budget, like you do, you can use the following tips to more effectively compare new and used commercial kitchen equipment.
Cost
Cost is always a factor, and it is the first consideration most people think about when comparing food equipment for their commercial kitchen or restaurant. This makes sense given the fact that commercial kitchen equipment represents a considerable business investment. In reality though, cost should only be one of the factors you weigh. To figure out the best path for you, you’ll want to think about how the equipment will be used. Used equipment can help reduce your upfront cost, but may need repair or replacement sooner. So keep in mind that you may be trading upfront cost for expenses down the road. Additionally, you’ll want to take the age and quality of the equipment into consideration. If the equipment will be visible to customers, you will also want to pay attention to aesthetics.
Energy Efficiency
Even if you’re not particularly concerned with being environmentally friendly, energy efficiency matters. In the past, energy efficient standards were different than they are today. This means older pieces were manufactured to meet lower standards than modern equipment. For this reason, older food equipment will cost more to operate. For a single piece of equipment, it may not make a big difference in your decision-making process. If you’re outfitting an entire business however, you’ll want to consider efficiency. If you don’t feel confident about comparing the energy efficiency of your options, you can always go to Energy.gov to learn more. You’ll be able to see the updated standards and look at information specific to industrial equipment, including commercial food equipment. It’s important that you also feel comfortable asking the seller your questions, including details about energy efficiency and cost to operate.
Reliable Source
Consumers are savvy these days, which is why so many people rely on testimonials and review sites. Many people will not even try a restaurant without checking out their reviews and reputation. This is a good idea when you are buying anything, especially when you’re looking at used food equipment! When buying used, you never really know the history of the equipment. You do not know if it was treated well or if it was properly maintained. Even if something looks great and appears to work well, you can’t be sure. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure the dealer has been around a while and has a stellar reputation. You will also want to check with the BBB, the local Chamber of Commerce and make sure they are members of the Excell Foodservice Equipment Dealer Network. To check for this, look for their logo, which you can view at the bottom of every page on our website.
Only you can know if new or used food equipment is right for you, but with a little diligence and research, you can make the best decision for your business. If you have questions, or need help, you can always send us a message or give us a call at (417) 888-0100.
