Purchasing appliances requires research, especially when you’re in the market for commercial kitchen equipment. These devices ensure your facility runs smoothly, and even a small hiccup in operations could affect everything from customer satisfaction to your company’s bottom line. Before you make any final decisions, you need to ask the right questions.

What to Consider Before You Purchase Commercial Kitchen Equipment

1. What Type of Maintenance Is Required?

To prevent unexpected problems, basic maintenance is essential. Find out the best way to care for each piece, and how often it should be inspected. For example, vent hoods and ducts need to be cleaned at least once every few months for safety, and deep fat fryers require regular service to prevent kitchen fires. Make a note of how much attention each item needs, so you can include it in your calendar.

2. Does It Include a Warranty?

A warranty can make your purchase more compelling. Make sure you understand what the warranty entails, how long it’s valid for, and if there are any exceptions that might affect your purchase. Many manufacturers offer more than a standard one-year warranty. The majority only cover repairs because of regular wear and tear, but not problems that might occur because of neglect or misuse.

3. How Energy-Efficient Is It?

Commercial kitchens typically require many appliances, such as refrigerators, fryers, ovens, steamers, and charbroiling equipment. Since they consume so much energy, select the most efficient commercial kitchen equipment available. Although your initial expense may be more than a standard appliance, you’ll save more in the long run through reduced energy costs.

4. What Is Its Expected Life Span?

Most appliances have a general life expectancy of at least 10 to 15 years. That’s largely dependent on how well each piece is maintained and serviced. You can do your part to care for food service equipment by scheduling inspections as recommended by the manufacturer, and paying close attention to operation problems. If commercial equipment repair is necessary, take care of it as soon as possible.

5. Is There Any Way to Cut Costs?

Take your time to compare several products during the buying process, and avoid basing your purchase solely on the equipment’s cost. You may sacrifice quality and efficiency if you opt for a lower priced item, and miss out on the energy-saving advantages of a modern model designed to cut costs over time. Avoid purchasing used equipment since you can’t determine its efficacy and longevity.

After you’ve purchased commercial kitchen equipment, you’ll need to keep it in excellent working condition. That’s where the experts at Burney’s Commercial Service of Honolulu, HI, can help. Local businesses trust these established professionals to provide reliable commercial equipment repairs for all of their food service equipment. With over 40 years of experience, the company works on everything from basics, like dishwashers and griddles, to more specific products, like soft serve machines and hot dog grills. Visit their website to find out more about the leading brands they service, or call them at (808) 848-1466 to schedule a consultation.