Pros and Cons of Purchasing Used Commercial Kitchen and Catering Equipment

Whether you are a cooking enthusiast who is venturing into a new business or a commercial chef responsible for a large restaurant and several employees, your kitchen appliances and tools are an indispensable part of your work. They are the wands that help you create magic and get your creativity flowing! You may be considering purchasing commercial kitchen equipment to take your business to the next level. As this can be a pretty significant investment, people often choose used kitchen equipment. To help you decide if this is the right choice for you, we have compiled a list that will illustrate both the positives and potential drawbacks of purchasing second-hand commercial equipment for your kitchen. We hope you find it helpful!

Pros of Purchasing Used Equipment

• Expanded Budget: Getting your hands on brand new equipment is always an attractive option. Simply holding straight-out-of-the-store equipment can feel quite enticing and inspiring. Keep in mind, though, that this will be quite an investment. One of the significant expenses to opening a restaurant, no matter how small or big, is the resources spent in acquiring the tools and appliances. So used equipment often seems the practical option, especially for entrepreneurs who are starting in this field. You can then direct the money you save towards other aspects of your restaurant. Then, once you have established yourself and start making some profits, you can invest in new equipment to make the business more lucrative.

• Possible Negotiations: There is no standard price for used equipment, and there is room for negotiations. You have a significant margin to bargain and a high possibility of arriving at a price comfortable for your pockets. Therefore, it is acceptable to counter the initial offer – an efficient strategy for saving money.

• Sound Quality: Your biggest concern around purchasing this equipment may be that the quality won’t match up to that of new appliances. We’ve got you covered – often, much of the ‘used’ appliances come from brand new restaurants that had to shut down due to various reasons. So, your so-called second-hand equipment can be functionally just as good as the new one if it has barely been used for a few years. Several sellers will quickly supply the necessary options such as coolers, deep fryers, commercial convection oven, stoves, etc., all of which you can put to good use in your kitchen.

• Environmentally Friendly: If you feel passionate about the environment, then this should be a strong reason for you to consider pre-loved equipment. It is exceptionally eco-friendly because it is frequently upcycled or recycled.

Cons of Purchasing Used Equipment

• No Warranty: While original products usually come with a warranty, you won’t get one if you decide to use used equipment. This approach always involves a risk. Most suppliers will offer a limited to no warranty when you make a purchase. So you are primarily on your own when you decide to go with this type of equipment.

• Reduced Lifespan: Most of the kitchen tools you purchase second-hand should be sturdy and durable and serve you well for a time. But don’t expect to have the same longevity as new equipment. Since the appliances might have been in use for some time before you purchased them, they will have a shorter lifespan than the original. Eventually, you may have to spend additional money on maintenance and very frequent servicing to ensure that the equipment continues to function well and remains optimal. This strategy will invariably be costly and demand financial resources. Consider if you would instead direct these resources elsewhere.

• Limited Options: There are several options that you can choose from when you are buying first-hand equipment. It also comes with various contemporary features. Unfortunately, you don’t have the same liberty when you are opting for pre-used pieces. While you may find items like wok burners, ovens, ranges, microwaves, and griddles, you may ultimately end up buying certain fresh items because of the limited range. Or you may need to settle for a device that only has a specific number of features as part of the deal.
• Hidden Information: While this shouldn’t be the case, the truth is that often sellers simply don’t reveal as much information about their products – the conditions, necessary repairs, and problem features. Try and do as much research as you can before you make a purchase, and keep in mind that some things you are likely only to find out about once you have started using the appliances in your kitchen.