Whether you are trying to upgrade your home’s kitchen or want to start a commercial kitchen, you won’t make great food unless you have great equipment. Of course, it isn’t always possible to buy a brand new refrigerator or dishwasher when you are first starting out. What should you look for when buying used kitchen equipment?

How Much Energy Will the Equipment Use?

The older a machine is, the more energy it may use to operate. While it may be possible to get a newer refrigerator or other equipment used, the more likely scenario is that you will be buying appliances and gadgets that are 10 years old or more. Therefore, you need to consider whether the upfront cost savings will be negated by higher energy bills.

Will the Equipment Fit Properly in the Kitchen?

Layout is critical when constructing a kitchen. If it takes too long to get to the food in the fridge or in the pantry, it could increase ticket times for customers. If it takes too long to get to the dishwasher, it may take longer to seat a table or get clean glasses behind the bar. The amount of space available in the kitchen may dictate whether you buy a separate refrigerator and freezer or if you have to find a model that has both in the same unit.

Is There a Warranty Available?

You should always ask if there is a manufacturer’s warranty or a warranty available from the company that sells the equipment secondhand. If there is a warranty, it may prevent you from having to replace your equipment for months or years to come, which saves you money both today and in the long run. If there is no warranty, ask if there are service packages that you can buy to keep the cost of maintaining your equipment to a reasonable level. Otherwise, you may find that the money you save today is negated by the fact that you have to buy the same item again in a few months or a couple of years.

The equipment that you put in your kitchen will ultimately determine how efficiently it runs. How well it runs will ultimately determine whether or not you got good value for your money. This means that you will need to consider energy usage, maintenance costs as well as how each piece fits in the kitchen layout before you make a purchase to ensure that you get the most for your money. Visit Silver Chef Canada for more information.