Commercial Kitchen Equipment – Things to Consider Before Buying
Launching a new restaurant or food business is a source of joy for the owner. However, it can be very tiring and overwhelming as well. Starting a food establishment is no mean task, and there is so much work to do, several appliances to procure and staff to hire in a tiny window of time. Buying commercial kitchen equipment is one of the most significant expenses incurred by companies for their cuisine. Many kinds of appliances are required depending on the joint food menu, and the type of business, such as fridges, food heaters, prep tables, kettles, and food preparation surfaces to start the operations in the workplace. Many owners think that ordering a machine is enough and research is not needed. However, you need to analyse a few points before you buy such appliances. Some of them are discussed in the upcoming paragraphs.
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Measure your Kitchen Space to Determine the Size
One of the primary things to be discussed before buying is to make sure that your new machine will be suitable for the requirements of your designated space. You don't want to be in such a situation where you have misestimated the workplace configurations and get stuck with the wrong-sized device. Double-check the measurements so that you don't have to redesign your workplace or buy a new appliance. Therefore, you have to 'measure twice; cut once' when the machine is concerned.
Ensure the Relevance of the Product in your Kitchen
Many food products can perform multiple tasks, such as a combination of oven and steamer or the facility of additional shelves for storage in the prep station. It may seem necessary to add a new piece of equipment and purchase all of the newly-launched devices for your new business. However, it's recommended to take a close look at the item you are ordering to check whether it is relevant or necessary in your commercial kitchen space. Make sure to review your menu before buying any product and verify whether that item is crucial to your organisation's working or just an added accessory of no particular use.
Talking about relevance, your restaurant will always need product options from the Commercial Refrigeration segment. To check out multiple variants of the offerings, visit the Simco website.
Ensure Having the Required Power Sources for the Product
Once you decide to purchase a product, you shouldn't blindly order the same but check its compatibility for your cooking. Having the required power outlets is essential for owning such a device. Many kinds of kitchen appliances require unique power outlets. You want to ensure that even smaller pieces align with your power sources, so you don't have to put an extension cord across your kitchen work location. Once the product is delivered, plan the power outlets in the layout to prevent any issues.
Think About the Equipment Cost for your Workplace
Another central aspect to think about is the cost incurred by maintaining the device for your food preparation workplace. Just like you check the regular consumer appliances before buying, you have to take stock of the price you have to pay. This charge includes the expenditures for electricity, gas and overall maintenance. One efficient method to ensure this is to buy machines from Simco, the leading commercial kitchen equipment supplier in Sydney & Melbourne. You can also check the energy star on the product to find out whether the product uses less electricity or not.
Make Sure to Check the Local Codes for Health & Building
Check the local health, fire, and building codes, as they can vary based on your restaurant's stipulated location. Such regulations can dictate several guidelines, such as:
- How close in the vicinity should certain pieces of devices be to one another?
- Are they situated after taking into account the exits and public locations?
- Have you hired staff in the workplace as per the code dictating the total number of employees in a workplace?
Before you buy the product, it is advised to review these codes carefully. You can also arrange for a building inspector to check your plans to ensure they fulfil all local regulations. Following this step will ensure that the money is well spent. If you violate the codes, it can result in heavy fines and force you to renovate your entire kitchen. It can even result in the winding-up of your restaurant in severe cases. Always remember to avoid installing a residential-grade appliance in the commercial kitchen, as it is against most health codes.
Determine Whether you Need New or Used Equipment
Deciding between using an old or new product is another thing to consider before owning the item. You can procure used appliances from a now-defunct restaurant or auction place if you wish to save money. However, you should look carefully at the present condition and usefulness of the product before thinking of buying the same. You can purchase used devices that do not run on electricity and are manual, such as a prep station. But a company should buy only new electrical kitchen items, as the older ones may be more costly to manage and have a significant chance to break down without a warranty. If you incur the cost of one expensive repair of used electrical equipment, it could drain all your savings. In addition, the lifespan of new equipment is more than a used model. Therefore, think well before making a decision.
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Try Investing in a Simple Equipment
Spending money on a piece of commercial kitchen equipment that does not have many complexities is a good idea. The unique mechanical strappings and electronic control processes are lovely, but an appliance having significantly fewer electronic and mechanical parts, such as a prep table, is usually a better preference. All of those electronic parts contribute little to the device's functionality and can result in a costly repair bill if and when they stop working in the kitchen.
Check the Warranty Offered by the Manufacturer
Minutely analysing and verifying the warranty is another consideration before purchasing a product. The manufacturer offers warranties on most extensive pieces of kitchen equipment at an additional charge and provides repairs or replacement to the unit in case of equipment breakdown for a reason covered in the warranty. Such contracts can indeed save you a significant amount of money in the long run, but it's still crucial to read all of the fine print before you buy the product. All warranties are not alike; still, you should check the security provided by the manufacturer against the contract for a similar appliance.