Factors to Consider When Purchasing New Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Choosing equipment for your commercial kitchen can be a little overwhelming. Equipment for commercial kitchens represents a significant investment. A wrong purchase would mean going back to the drawing board and buying replacement equipment sooner than you would have liked. 

A few general guidelines can help make the selection process easier and smoother. Carefully evaluate the following factors when choosing commercial kitchen equipment.

Kitchen Layout

Make sure that your new appliances work with the layout and space of your existing commercial kitchen. While you might want a particular kitchen appliance, it might not fit your floor plan.

To maximize your kitchen space, use above or below bench equipment. Multi-functional items like combi-ovens also provide excellent space-saving solutions.

If you plan to buy any kitchen appliance, measure your space first to better plan your kitchen layout.

Functionality

Make sure you plan out your commercial kitchen needs before you buy any equipment. Think about what equipment you will need to prepare the food on your menu. 

Make sure that the equipment you buy can handle the production you expect. Consider pieces that can save time and effort and also offer multiple functions. 

The wrong commercial kitchen equipment could increase your utility bill and cause customer and kitchen staff frustration.

The right equipment helps production flow and allows your business to run smoothly.

Budget and Costs

Your budget and the overall cost of the kitchen equipment over its lifetime also matter. Consider the initial buying price and the operating costs of the equipment once you have bought it. The costs may include energy, water, and inputs such as labor and oil.

Using your budget, you can easily compare equipment to determine the most beneficial for your business in the long run. For instance, you can buy energy-efficient items that cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run.

Warranties and Maintenance

Examine the warranty of newly purchased commercial kitchen equipment. Be sure to check the manufacturer's warranty period and what it covers or excludes. An extended warranty may also be worth considering if the extra cost is worth the extra protection. 

Another essential factor is maintenance. You might find maintenance agreements hard to justify — but consider the alternative. Equipment failures that require emergency repairs can cause large inconveniences and cost much more than regular maintenance. Hawkins is the warranty rep. for over 100 manufacturers, this way almost whatever you choose we can work on the equipment whether it is under warranty or out of warranty. 

Quality

Buying kitchen equipment requires you to pay attention to the quality. The quality of your appliances will determine their performance and how long they can serve you well.

Poor-quality cooking equipment can slow your business down. However, if the product is of high quality, you will likely have a long-lasting, safe, and reliable appliance.

Choose commercial kitchen equipment from a reputable brand to ensure you get value for your buy. Many renowned brands manufacture equipment using high-quality materials such as food-grade stainless steel. If you would like our professional opinion about the manufacturer brands we think our best please reach out to one of our Service Managers. 

Quality can significantly influence equipment prices. Thus, you should only choose the best quality you can afford.

Make sure to view the equipment in person before buying it to ensure it is in good condition.

Design and Style

A kitchen's design is another factor you shouldn't overlook when shopping for new appliances. 

You likely want to create a clean, inviting space that provides a smooth workflow. That way, you can make cooking a more enjoyable experience, and you can also maximize your kitchen's potential.

Therefore, you first need to determine your kitchen's overall style, then find the appliances that are ideal for the space.

The market offers a variety of kitchen equipment options, so choosing one can be daunting. However, you can find the right equipment by researching and understanding your business requirements.

Contact us today for personalized expert help with commercial kitchen equipment.