Running a restaurant is expensive. Whether you’re building a new restaurant or looking to upgrade your kitchen, buying used restaurant equipment can be a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. However, there are several things to consider when shopping for used commercial equipment to ensure that you’re not purchasing something that will cost you more in the long run.
The Risk of Blind Purchases
Buying used restaurant equipment can be a smart investment for your business, but there is a risk of blindly buying these commercial equipment pieces. Here are a couple things to keep in mind while shopping for used equipment for your restaurant:
Unknown Conditions
It’s difficult to properly assess the condition of used restaurant equipment without seeing it in person. Without understanding the true condition, you aren’t able to determine the true value. Repairs and replacement parts can add up quickly and make the investment more than your budget truly allows. Ask questions about the quality of the equipment and ask if you can see specific pictures of areas of concern if you are unable to find used restaurant equipment near you.
Outdated Technology
Another thing to consider when purchasing used restaurant equipment is the age of the product. Some outdated equipment pieces don’t have modern efficiency and compliance technologies that can save you money in energy costs. Do your research on the specific model number to ensure that you are purchasing something that will properly serve your business.
Buying Tips for Used Restaurant Equipment
In order to shop smart for used restaurant equipment, there are specific considerations you want to keep in mind depending on the type of equipment you are purchasing. Here are a few tips for different kinds of equipment you may be shopping for:
Used Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers
Commercial refrigerators and freezers are the lifeline of your kitchen. They store food before and after it’s prepped and help you properly store fresh ingredients to serve to your guests. That being said, it is extremely important to be able to depend on your commercial refrigeration system to keep your food at the proper temperature.
You should research the model number of the available equipment to ensure that the efficiency technology is up-to-date. You should also thoroughly check for gaps or holes in the seams of the door.
Used Cooking Appliances
Buying used cooking appliances for your restaurant can be a great way to save money, however, you need to be able to trust the quality of the equipment to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Ovens and ranges, in particular, have a long lifespan and are built to last. You should inspect the used equipment to ensure that the oven top heats evenly and is even. You should also double-check that the seals are intact.
Used Dishwasher and Sanitation Equipment
Dishwashers and sanitation equipment are important to create a clean environment for your guests and to pass health code inspections. Searching for used restaurant dishwashers can be tricky due to hygiene concerns. You will need to inspect the cleanliness of the inside of the unit and any filters to fully understand its condition.
Similar to used refrigeration systems, you will also want to check for any gaps or holes in the seams of the door to avoid leaks and increased water bills.
Where to Buy Used Restaurant Equipment
The most important thing to remember when shopping for used restaurant equipment is that you shouldn’t compromise quality. Shop with a trusted supplier like SAM Marketplace that only carries quality used equipment that can support your commercial kitchen and stay within your budget.
Our SAM Marketplace team has over thirty years of experience sourcing and reselling reliable, used restaurant equipment. We perform a robust inspection and certification process for all listed equipment so you can have the peace of mind that you are purchasing high-quality machinery.
Shop our inventory of used restaurant equipment today and save!