Today, there are a lot of choices when it comes to buying restaurant equipment. You can buy used, new, or refurbished items, and the range of prices is extensive.
Before you start searching for restaurant equipment, it is important to have some tips in mind so that you get the quality you need at a price that works for your budget. Here are five tips to get you started.
1) Determine What Type of Equipment are You are Looking For
There are many different types of restaurant equipment available, and knowing the difference between them will help you in your search. For instance, blenders can be used in a bar or restaurant setting, while commercial sinks are essential for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in any foodservice establishment. However, using this item outside the kitchen may not be practical.
Also, before buying anything, check to make sure it is suitable for your needs. For instance, if your business only serves coffee, then buying a commercial-grade espresso machine might not be such a good idea since it could do more than what you need and would probably sit idle most of the time, which will lead to a loss in money spent on purchasing it as well as electricity cost.
2) Compare Prices Between New and Used Items
Used restaurant equipment can be found online through websites like Craigslist, eBay, or just regular web shops that deal with used items. With something like kitchen utensils, it is unnecessary to buy brand new since nobody will see the items when they are being used.
However, if money is an issue, then buying second-hand can help you save on your investment. It is important to check the quality of the item and look for any obvious signs of wear before you make your purchase.
It is also important for you to look for equipment with high productivity rates. Items that require some labor will always prove more costly than those that don’t. For instance, if you purchase an ice machine with built-in labor-saving features like self-cleaning functions and water filters, you will end up paying more initially. However, this would save money further down the line as you won’t constantly need to pay people to clean your ice machine.
3) Compare Prices Between New, Refurbished, and Used items
Refurbished restaurant equipment can be an affordable way to get good quality at a discounted price. It is very similar to buying new but has usually been used in another setting previously and may have suffered some damage during that time. Repairs might need to be done on some parts before they are put into use again. However, this can save money that would otherwise go towards new items that do not require any repairs.
You should also remember that warranties are a nice feature to have on any item of equipment that you buy. It guarantees that the product will be serviced or repaired free of charge for a certain time period after its purchase, usually within one year from the purchase date.
However, this greatly depends on the company and its specific terms of use. Having a warranty is great because if something happens with your item, you don’t need to worry about the costs involved in getting it repaired.
4) Quality Over Quantity
As with many things in life, if you want something last, then opt for quality over quantity. A couple of high-quality items will generally last you longer than a dozen of lower-end products that are on the market today. Of course, this does not mean you should go out and buy luxury items but rather focus on good quality restaurant equipment.
Also, remember that price should not be the only factor when buying restaurant equipment. Yes, price matters, but when shopping for quality restaurant equipment, you should always pay attention to what else comes with it. Is there an additional delivery fee? How much does it cost to install? What about service and maintenance? Can it be done easily on your own, or do you need a technician to come whenever something needs to be fixed? If the item has very expensive repairs involved, then it might not be such a good deal after all.
5) Look For Equipment With High Productivity Rates
Items that require some labor will always prove more costly than those that don’t. For instance, if you purchase an ice machine with built-in labor-saving features like self-cleaning functions and water filters, you will end up paying more initially. However, this would save money further down the line as you won’t constantly need to pay people to clean your ice machine.
You should also not forget about safety. Safety should always be your number one priority. This means checking the product you plan to buy to make sure it has no sharp edges and is made out of safe materials that cannot harm anyone in case they come in direct contact with them. Also, check the power cord and cables for any damage and, if possible, opt for a device with an insulated or coated cord as these usually tend to be more durable over time.
Again, if you’re operating on a tight budget yet still need some items, then consider buying used restaurant equipment rather than new ones. If you find the right seller, most likely they will give you their terms, such as how long warranty coverage will go for and if any repairs will be done for free, which you can find out by checking the backend of a used device.
You could also ask yourself what parts need to break first so that you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong with the rest of the device – this is a great way to lower your cost on restaurant equipment.
In conclusion, buying restaurant equipment can be a very riveting experience if you follow these tips. Remember to choose wisely so that the item you buy is affordable and worth every penny in terms of quality and productivity.
If possible, try to go for premium products that are bound to last longer than their cheaper counterparts. You never know where your next investment comes from, which is why it’s important to understand what kind of qualities make a certain product worth buying before actually laying down any money on it. If you want to end up with the best restaurant equipment, be sure to get all your restaurant kitchen equipment from Ekuep.
