Four Tips to Keep in Mind when Buying Restaurant Equipment

Restaurant equipment can be a big investment so you must do your homework before making a purchase. Every purchase you make adds to your overall capital which you will want to recoup over time. That is why you want to find practical ways to save the most money and follow operational rules and guidelines to the dot to avoid pitfalls in your operations. Whether you are buying ice dispensars for restaurants or refrigeration units, the tips below should be able to help you.

Buy NSF- Certified Equipment

The best restaurant equipment bears the blue National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) logo printed on the product or its packaging. This logo guarantees the suitability of the equipment for use in a commercial kitchen. Equipment can have this log after extensive inspections which ensure it is food-safe, sanitized, and easy to clean.

Purchase Only what your Restaurant Needs

There is really no point investing in a piece of equipment your restaurant does not use. Thus, make sure you plan out your menu before you start searching for commercial kitchen equipment. Also, do not invest in a full-size oven that you may only use once every day and never hold back on a piece of specialty equipment that will help your business save on the labor cost and meet the demands of your customers.

Study Warranties

Before investing in a piece of equipment for your restaurant, check to see how every manufacturer guarantees the quality of their products. Buying equipment without a warranty can leave you spending money on service calls. Plus, this equipment may break down any time, costing you significant lost revenue. If you are planning to make a major purchase, learn about the standard warranty and extended warranties that the manufacturer provides. Check to see what to expect in terms of the maintenance and what could void the warranty.

Do an Inspection

Once you get the piece of equipment you ordered, check to ensure all the parts are there and in great working order before you sign for the product. You’ll never when the product was damaged during transit when you don’t open the packaging and inspect. Being able to discover possible damages before officially receiving the delivery will hold the transport provider responsible for the repair or replacement. But, when you discover hidden damage after you signed the freight bill, contact the transport agent immediately, ideally within seven days, to request a product inspection.