Useful Tips To Buy Restaurant Equipment

Filling your restaurant with commercial equipment is a costly and time-consuming endeavor. However, with planning and research, you can get the necessary tools, stay within your budget, and build a successful food-service business.

 

Keep reading for useful tips to buy restaurant equipment!

Purchase Equipment Based on Your Menu

Before you choose your equipment, decide what you want to serve. You’ll save money by only purchasing what you expect you use. When you add more menu items, you can add more equipment. We at Texas restaurant supply Fort Worth can help you find the tools to make the food you plan to sell.

 

Start this process by building a spreadsheet with your menu items in a column. In the item’s row, list the equipment you’ll need to store, prepare, and serve it. Include everything from refrigeration and cooking equipment to small wares and serving pieces.

 

After doing this for the kitchen, do the same for the bar and the front of the house.

Choose Equipment With the Blue NSF Logo

The best equipment for commercial food-service companies has the blue National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) logo on the packaging. Third-party organizations inspect these products to decide if they meet standards set by local health departments.

 

When you purchase NSF-approved equipment, you show your customers you are dedicated to their health and safety.

Plan Your Kitchen Layout Based on Utilities

After you’ve determined what your menu will be and decided what equipment you need, look around your kitchen and locate the utility outlets. Kitchen equipment relies on electricity, water, and gas.

 

You can save money by purchasing equipment that fits into spaces near your pre-existing utility outlets. Measure the spaces around those outlets so you buy equipment that fits!

 

For example, you won’t want a gas stove if you don’t have access to a gas line in your kitchen. If you have to move plumbing and electrical lines, your costs will increase. Know your kitchen’s water pressure, whether your kitchen has propane or natural gas, and the type of outlets and circuit capabilities.

Know Your Local Codes

Commercial buildings have strict codes, and your equipment needs to abide by them. The codes can vary by state and county, so follow the codes for your location. If you don’t have enough vents or have hoods in the wrong places, you could face fines and costly remodeling expenses.

Consider Product Warranties

Before purchasing restaurant equipment, read the warranties, especially related to service calls for repairs and maintenance. If you buy products without warranties, you will pay for every repair out of pocket, which will affect your restaurant’s revenue.

 

As you read the warranties, look closely at how often the equipment needs servicing and factor that into the price. A more expensive item with a better warranty might be a better purchase than a cheaper option without a warranty.

Know What To Buy New vs. Used

Restaurant entrepreneurs should consider new and used equipment. Both come with pros and cons. Of course, the new pieces cost more, but they also come with warranties and clean history. Used equipment costs less, but comes with several unknowns.

 

The best choices for used equipment tend to be gas equipment and large items like ovens and fryers because they have long lifespans. Before buying used appliances like food processors and blenders, test the motors and ask the vendors for a guarantee.

 

Non-motorized items like commercial-grade pots, pans, glasses, dishes, knives, and kitchen utensils are also good equipment to buy used.

 

Because of commercial codes and environmental concerns, purchase new refrigerators and freezers. Since ice machines can become health hazards if not cared for properly, buying new ones is the safest choice.

Consider Financing, Renting, or Leasing

If you have a small budget, you can maximize it by considering alternative ways to pay for your equipment. Many companies offer affordable financing for restaurateurs who want to own the equipment. Leasing and renting can make adding new equipment more affordable.

 

Before signing on the dotted line, look closely at the interest and fees, as those costs can impact your revenue. If you choose to rent or lease, read the details regarding maintenance and repairs. Consider insuring the products so you don’t pay excessive fees if damage occurs before the end of the lease.