Choosing New Kitchen Equipments
Unfortunately, equipment breaks, and besides regular servicing and ensuring that it’s properly cared for there’s nothing we can do to prevent this. Whilst it is always possible to fix it -and this should be done so that your business can carry on operating- the question of whether or not to replace said piece of equipment with always arise. There’re are numerous factors which will drive you to replacing equipment but what considerations, besides functionality and size, are for purchasing new items?
Nearly New
Price is always going to be a major factor in the purchase of anything for your restaurant and it can often determine whether you fix a piece of equipment for the umpteenth time or finally replace it. Many providers of kitchen equipment will have a “scratched and dented” section in their catalogue. In here are pieces of equipment which have been knocked or scratched whilst being moved around but have never been used and are still in perfect working order. So unless you value cosmetics in a part of your restaurant that customers are never going to see then these offer excellent value.
It also goes without saying to make sure that you shop around for your equipment. Ask not only your suppliers but also ask others whom you know in the industry. They may know about a sale or an offer which you do not.
Same Capacity?
You know the size of the space which you’re going to be putting this new piece of gear in but what about the capacity of the equipment itself? Do you need something with a larger capacity than what you had previously, or was that piece of equipment too large for your needs? A larger capacity need will require you to watch the dimensions of the equipment however if you can suffice with a lower capacity not only does this mean the equipment might be smaller but it can also mean that it’ll use less energy.
Energy Saving Features
Buying the newer model of a piece of equipment may increase your initial outlay for the equipment however you need to also think of the long term benefits. Energy efficiency is increasing year on year and you might find that this year’s new model, although it costs more than last years, will save you much more money further down the line as it uses less energy, reducing your gas or electricity bill. Do some research on these numbers before committing to anything.
Buying new equipment is as exciting for you as it is painful on your wallet, but you want to make sure that you get as much for your money as you can. There’re three things to take away from this article: Revaluate the physical needs of your kitchen before going shopping; shop around and inquire with other industry members about what you’re looking for; compare the efficiency of several pieces of similarly priced equipment before making your decision. This last one will save you money in the long run and this is what you’ll notice the most.
