What to Look For When Purchasing Commercial Kitchen Equipment
The process of purchasing kitchen equipment can be difficult. There are thousands of different pieces of equipment to choose from in our store. You will also have to consider multiple variables, such as budget, intended use, kitchen size, and more. To help pick out your perfect appliance, here is what you need to look for when purchasing commercial-grade kitchen equipment.
Is it NSF-certified?
Any restaurant equipment you purchase should be NSF-certified. The National Sanitation Foundation certifies that the piece of equipment is acceptable to use in a commercial kitchen. NSF approved equipment is proven to be food safe, easy to keep clean and sanitized and is what building/health department inspectors look for before clearing a commercial kitchen for use. Any NSF-certified appliance will meet health regulations should it be used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. To know if the equipment you want to purchase is certified, look for a blue NSF logo printed on the packaging or the product itself.
Is it energy efficient?
Along with the NSF logo, you should also be on the lookout for kitchen equipment that has the blue ENERGY STAR® label printed on it or the package. This signals that it has met the enhanced energy usage requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Any kitchenware with this label has proven to be energy efficient, have lower utility costs and can save you THOUSANDS in reduced utility bills over the course of the unit’s life, not to mention UPFRONT INSTANT REBATES that may be available as well. Restaurant City has a great selection of appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label and will work with you to ensure that your purchase benefits you financially in the long run.
Will it fit in your kitchen?
Imagine you find the perfect kitchen appliance. You purchase it and have it delivered, only to find that it doesn’t fit. One of the first things you need to do before you buy anything is to measure the space it will go in. A lot of buyers make the mistake of ordering equipment without first measuring. This includes the entrance doorway. Even if your new fridge fits in your kitchen, if you can’t get it through the door then you’ll have to return it. Bring the list of measurements with you when you visit one of Restaurant City’s locations. This will help our staff limit the options.
What is the warranty?
When there are multiple equipment options to choose from, a good idea is to learn about each product’s warranty and maintenance agreement before deciding. Ask our experienced salespeople about the standard warranty and if the manufacturer offers extended warranties or service programs. We’ll help you know how long the warranty lasts, what voids it and what type of repairs are offered. If you’re trying to decide between two appliances, the warranties will help you make the final cut.
What is the total cost of ownership?
You have to think of more than just an equipment’s purchase price. You have to consider the total cost of ownership for it. The total cost of ownership (TCO) is the purchase price plus the cost of operation. This includes how much energy or water it consumes and if it needs oil, labor or other inputs to run. By running a TCO analysis you can determine how much an appliance will cost over its lifetime. You can then compare each piece of equipment’s TCO and see which is more profitable over the long run. A more expensive machine with a better TCO could be worth it in the long run.
Does it meet your local building codes?
Fire and building codes vary depending on where you live. You have to make sure any commercial kitchen equipment you buy adheres to those codes. Violating these codes can cost you heavy fines. Some of the codes you can encounter are how close pieces of equipment can be to another, how large they need to be for the amount of staff you have and where they are located in relation to exits. A good idea is to brush up on the codes relating to you before you purchase anything. You can also print out the codes and bring them with you while you shop.
Just ask us!
The best way to make an informed decision is to speak to representatives at a wholesale restaurant equipment outlet like Restaurant City. We’re here to educate and help the customer find the right piece of equipment. Just tell us about your business and our sales people will be able to guide you through our extensive selection of restaurant and food service kitchen equipment available. They’ll ensure that your needs match the equipment's technical specifications. Any questions you have, they’ll answer. You’ll be picking out the perfect commercial kitchen appliance in no time.