Restaurant operators face a number of challenges in guiding their business to success. One of the most difficult challenges is choosing the right equipment for a productive kitchen workforce. Equipment trends evolve over time, and it’s important to gain a clear understanding on the purchasing process in order to make the right choices over many years. Find a team that has years of experience in the commercial kitchen equipment marketplace.
In our latest post, we’re highlighting 6 tips for purchasing commercial kitchen equipment.
1. Consider building utilities
First and foremost, you should consider the utilities operating within your building. Some types of equipment may not be compatible with the utilities currently integrated within the restaurant, so you might wish to consider elements such as water pressure, and water temperature as well as the placement of pipe connections. Before buying you should also make sure you know whether the kitchen is running on propane or natural gas.
2. Don’t be afraid to buy used equipment
Many of the leading suppliers of commercial kitchen equipment also offer used products as part of their catalogue. It’s important that you take used products into full consideration when evaluating your options as they can help you to consolidate your costs over time. Remember to ask about the warranties available on the used equipment. Some companies will offer a comprehensive warranty that helps to protect the value of your investment. Ask about the product’s maintenance history to ensure that it offers the levels of performance you expect.
3. Try to view the equipment in person
In some cases, it might not be possible, but you can gain a significant amount of information by viewing the equipment in person before you make the purchase. By reviewing the product in person, you can determine its size and its suitability for your kitchen space. You’ll also be able to see if the equipment is damaged or has any aesthetic defects that might indicate a problem. If it’s not possible to see the equipment directly, ask for an image of the product through the specialist before you finalize your purchase.
4. Have a plan in place before you speak with the equipment company
One mistake restaurant operators make is that they simply purchase more than they need when they visit their local equipment showroom. While it can be of great value to have a spare piece of equipment when the business enters a busy period, the additional cost can sometimes cause the company to lose focus on other important business areas. It’s important that you have a plan in place before you speak with the equipment specialist. Make sure you know what you’re searching for and try to focus on only those select products at this time.
5. Make efficiency a priority
Energy efficiency is of the utmost importance for growing companies. This variable cost can rise considerably with the business, and so having energy efficient cooking and cooling equipment should be the first priority. Look for products designed to reduce your company’s energy use costs and ask the equipment provider for guidance on how to maintain the equipment so that it retains its peak efficiency over time.
6. Compare warranty options
Whether you’re buying new or used equipment, you should have a comprehensive warranty for your commercial kitchen equipment. Make sure that you speak with the equipment provider about the various warranties available and the level of protection each warranty provides. Look for options that extend beyond the traditional 1-year manufacturer’s warranty in order to save on maintenance costs in the coming years.
