Even the best commercial kitchen equipment will require maintenance and occasional repairs over its life span. As it ages, however, the question of when to replace it will become more pressing, as it will eventually reach a point where replacement is actually safer or more cost-effective than repair. If you’ve been wondering whether your appliances are worth holding onto, these signs might help you decide.

5 Signs Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment May Require Replacement

1. Increased Chance of Employee Injury

Ideally, you would replace malfunctioning kitchen equipment before anyone gets hurt as a result. If you see any visible electronics or exposed wiring, plan to replace the affected equipment soon, before anyone gets shocked or burned. Repair or replace any equipment that is cracked, loose, or poses other clear hazards.

2. Your Restaurant Kitchen Equipment Becomes Outdated

The older your equipment becomes, the harder it will be to track down replacement parts. The most straightforward way to determine whether it’s outdated is to call in a specialist for an inspection, and they’ll let you know whether replacement parts are still being manufactured for that particular model.

3. Poor Efficiency

Your restaurant equipment could be losing you money. If it requires frequent repairs or no longer uses utilities efficiently, upgrading or replacing it might be more cost-effective than holding onto it.

4. Repair Costs Closely Match the Price of New Equipment

Most people wouldn’t want to spend the same amount repairing their old equipment as it costs to buy brand-new equipment. If a recent repair estimate closely matches the price of upgrading your old appliance, or your last few repairs have amounted to as much, consider buying new equipment.

5. Significant Menu & Business Changes

Have you recently revamped or re-envisioned your menu? Or has your restaurant seen a recent surge in business? Your old equipment might not be fast or efficient enough to keep up. Consider how new equipment will meet your kitchen’s immediate needs, as well as your projected needs over the next few years.

If any of the above apply to your situation, or you otherwise need new commercial kitchen equipment, get in touch with Refrigeration & Food Equipment today. The Anchorage, AK-based specialists will be glad to help you determine whether repair or replacement is your best option, and they can perform the required services themselves. Call (907) 248-2525 for questions about restaurant equipment sales and repair, or go online for more information.