What You Need to Know Before Purchasing Refurbished Kitchen Equipment

Any restaurant owner or foodservice provider knows that kitchen equipment is an investment. Commercial appliances like freezers, refrigerators, stoves, sinks, and dishwashers are built to sustain frequent, high-volume use to cater to a large volume of customer orders. But what many business owners do not know is, commercial appliances also unlock opportunities for generous savings.

It’s natural to want the best for your business — you need reliable equipment that will perform without the risk of breakdown for years to come. Reliable equipment helps you achieve sales targets and grow your enterprise by cementing your reputation for fresh, quality taste using the best ingredients in the market. But is a brand-new appliance really what you need to do all these?

Refurbished commercial appliances are the perfect middle ground between affordability and performance. While it’s tempting to always trust a brand-new model, a refurbished appliance furnishes your commercial kitchen with reliable refrigerators, freezers, stoves, and other equipment — at a fraction of their usual cost.

With nothing to lose in terms of performance and only generous savings to earn, it’s time to discover why refurbished commercial appliances make a smart investment in your restaurant's growth.

What are refurbished commercial appliances?

When an appliance going on the market isn’t brand-new, many customers often think these are second-hand units with years of use, wear-and-tear, and the risk of damaged or malfunctioning parts that need to be constantly maintained. However, that is not the case with refurbished appliances.

Refurbished commercial appliances are items that have either been used or slightly damaged but expertly restored to factory standards. Often fitted with new parts and cosmetically upgraded, refurbished units also come with a fresh warranty and a manufacturer or authorized-reseller certification for long-lasting performance. Simply, they’re restored to brand-new status, thanks to upgraded parts and appearance.

Should I buy refurbished commercial appliances?

The most crucial time for any new restaurant, foodservice operation, or any other business is in its first year. During these twelve months, you will need to recoup your initial investment, which includes expensive equipment.

Many new business owners make the mistake of buying all brand-new commercial appliances outright, without factoring in the revenue required to sustain operations, recoup expenses, and earn a profit. Many businesses are forced to close down during this crucial period, leaving owners far more in the red than when they started.

Refurbished commercial appliances offer greater value for money because certified refurbished products come with new parts and work just as smoothly as brand-new models. And don’t worry — they also look the part. Any cosmetic damage such as chips and scratches on the exterior will be repaired.

Whether you’re opening a trendy new spot or revitalizing a seasoned store or kitchen, refurbished commercial appliances reward you with increased ROI and value for money. These long-term savings on otherwise expensive commercial appliances could go towards other upgrades to enhance the dining experience.

Are refurbished commercial appliances reliable?

Despite the promise of much lower prices and better value for money, this is where a lot of restaurant owners are stumped. Any old, new, or repaired item is often thought of as presenting with lower quality components and much less reliable performance. Still, it’s very much possible to purchase high-quality, refurbished items. With the Ancaster Advantage, you can purchase refurbished freezers and coolers, knowing that they’ve been thoroughly inspected, tested and perfected.

Refurbished commercial appliances are constantly being put on the market because many owners of brand-new units typically use them for just a fraction of their lifespan. For example, a refrigerator with a lifespan of about 20 years could be disposed well before that in favour of an upgrade. That leaves potential new owners with many years left to use their refurbished commercial appliance, acquired at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new unit.

Where to Buy Refurbished Commercial Appliances

Buying refurbished commercial appliances comes down to where you’re buying them from. Anyone with the right tools and spare parts can fit used or damaged appliances with new parts, but quality and performance issues may arise.

The key to buying an excellent refurbished product is knowing who is selling it — and whether or not they have the means to expertly restore slightly older or damaged units with new, energy-efficient, and high-performance parts, and cosmetic enhancements.

It’s important to consider only those appliances that were refurbished by the manufacturer or an authorized reseller. These refurbished commercial appliances come with certified parts that guarantee the same excellent function and a fresh warranty or refund policy. A certified refurbished product from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller guarantees long-term use and the security of a legitimate warranty.

Be Wary of Unaffiliated Resellers Online

It’s only natural for savvy business owners to want to maximize their investment. While good deals and lower prices for refurbished commercial appliances may appear on third-party platforms like Kijiji or Craigslist, there’s also a tremendous amount of risk in buying a used appliance from an unknown seller without a good reputation or history to back them up, along with a legitimate warranty.

The guarantee of like-brand new quality, new and energy-efficient retrofitted parts, and scratch or dent-resistant exteriors only come with a certified refurbished commercial appliance from an authorized seller.

To learn more about what you need to know before purchasing refurbished commercial equipment, call Ancaster Food Equipment at (855) 888-9644 or contact us here.