As a restaurant owner, purchasing kitchen equipment is a significant investment. One of the biggest questions to consider when making this decision is whether to buy new or used kitchen equipment. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider your options carefully before making a decision.
Exactly how can you compare new and used kitchen equipment? Let’s talk about the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your business.
New Kitchen Equipment
It’s hard to ignore the lure of shiny new kitchen equipment. In reality though, buying new gear for your kitchen has advantages beyond looking sharp. For example, new food equipment typically comes with a warranty. This gives you some peace of mind that your investment isn’t going to break down and leave you with downtime and a big repair bill.
Here are some additional benefits of buying new equipment for your commercial kitchen:
- Typically has a longer lifespan than used equipment, especially if you take good care of it.
- Usually needs less repair and is less prone to unexpected breakdowns so you have less downtime and expenses.
- Oftentimes new kitchen equipment is more energy-efficient, resulting in lower energy costs.
- May have advanced features, such as automation or digital displays, which can improve efficiency and productivity.
Used Kitchen Equipment
One of the biggest reasons people consider buying used equipment is cost. When you buy used, you can generally expect to save money and that certainly holds true with equipment for your kitchen. Apart from being more budget-friendly, purchasing used equipment offers other advantages as well, but it’s important to keep in mind that finding used equipment is getting to be very difficult in this economy. If you plan to go this route, give yourself plenty of lead time and also keep an eye out for auctions or other places where you might find bundles of equipment.
Here are some of the pros of buying used kitchen gear for your business:
- Unlike new equipment, the price of used equipment is often negotiable, so you may be able to get a better deal.
- When you buy used, you’re keeping items out of the landfill, making used kitchen gear a more environmentally friendly choice.
- If you’re shopping for equipment to create new menu items, buying used lowers your risk and allows you to test your idea without a large upfront cost.
- You can buy used versions of top-of-the-line kitchen gear, giving you all the bells and whistles without the hefty price tag.
Questions to ask yourself before you buy any kitchen equipment
It’s not always easy to see which path is best for your business, in fact you might find that the longer you look and compare items, the harder it is to decide. By asking yourself the following questions you can narrow the options and come to a decision that is beneficial for you today and in the near future.
- What is my budget?
Consider how much you can afford to spend on equipment and whether it makes more sense to invest in new or used items based on your budget, time of year and business projections.
- What is the intended use of the equipment?
Think about how often you will use the equipment and how critical it is to the success of your kitchen. If it is essential for daily operations, it may be worth investing in new equipment with a warranty for added peace of mind.
- What is the expected lifespan of the equipment?
Consider the expected lifespan of the equipment and whether purchasing new or used equipment would provide the best value over time. For example, if you plan to replace the equipment in a few years, it may be more cost-effective to purchase used equipment.
- What is the condition of the used equipment?
If you are considering used equipment, it is important to carefully inspect it for signs of wear and tear. You should also ask questions about its maintenance history to ensure it is in good working condition. This is especially important on items that experience lots of wear and tear.
- Is the equipment still under warranty?
If you are considering new equipment, it is important to check whether it comes with a warranty and what it covers. This can provide added peace of mind and protection against unexpected repair costs. Some used equipment also has a limited warranty, so always ask for warranty details.
Kitchen equipment is an investment in your future, so it is fair to say that it is an important decision that deserves careful consideration. While new equipment costs more, it tends to have a warranty and is less likely to break down. Used equipment can be just as reliable with a lower price tag, but you may find yourself needing repair sooner than you want. When in doubt, talk with a trusted professional about your needs because they may have valuable insight that points you in the best direction.
If you’re currently weighing your options, you can always stop by or give us a call at (417) 888-0100. Our team of kitchen equipment pros have heard it all and are standing by to help you.
