Things to Consider When Purchasing Pre-Owned Commercial Kitchen Equipment in Ottawa

It costs a lot to set up and run a restaurant. There are fixed expenses like rent, utilities, insurance, wages, and food costs. However, restaurateurs must also be prepared for unplanned expenses such as commercial kitchen repair or equipment replacement.

Whether you’re an established presence in the Ottawa food scene or just starting, there’s a lot of appeal in purchasing pre-owned commercial kitchen equipment. But are the savings worth the risk?

Making the Case for Purchasing Pre-Owned Commercial Kitchen Equipment

With no shortage of restaurants in Ottawa closing or switching hands, used commercial kitchen appliances ovens, ranges, and refrigerators are readily available to purchase.

Cost Savings

Financial considerations are generally the biggest draw to pre-owned kitchen equipment.  Depending on the quality, age, and condition of the appliance, buyers can expect to save as much as 70% off the original retail price – or more with a little negotiation.

Transferable Warranty

Also worth noting, remaining warranties on commercial kitchen equipment typically accompany the appliance. Provided the item is still within its warranty period, the new buyer will be covered for repairs that fall under the warranty. This provides added peace of mind and the potential for significant savings if a major appliance breaks down.

You can Buy Most Commercial Appliances Used

Commercial kitchen equipment like ovens, ranges, and fryers are generally considered the safest choices to buy used. These appliances have long lifespans, are less prone to breaking down, and cost less the repair.

When making your purchase consider choosing a reputable pre-owed dealer or auction house rather than buying direct from the source; it may cost a little more, but you will have recourse in the event something goes wrong within a specified timeframe after purchase. If you have found a restaurant selling the appliance you want, bring someone along who understands commercial kitchen appliances so they can verify the condition or give a rough estimate on repair costs.

What to Watch Out for When Buying Used Commercial Kitchen Appliances

Whether you buy new or used, commercial kitchen equipment is a major expense, and it pays to do your research before committing.

Out of Warranty Appliances

Because commercial kitchen appliances have such a long lifespan, many of the pre-owned appliances available may be out of their warranty period. Make sure to verify the warranty coverage before purchase and keep relevant documents on file.

Commercial Kitchen Appliances that Need Repair

It is crucial to ensure that the appliances you are interested in are in working order. Commercial kitchen equipment repair costs for items like refrigerators and dishwashers can often exceed the cost of buying new, especially for older models where replacement parts may be difficult to find.

Wherever possible, request to see the appliances in action and bring along someone familiar with commercial kitchen equipment. This could be your chef, or failing that, an appliance repair technician who can give you an option on the condition.

With the costs of owning a restaurant in Ottawa on the rise, it can be a prudent financial decision to explore used commercial kitchen appliances as an alternative to buying new ones. Just be mindful of key issues to ensure your secondhand purchase doesn’t end up costing you more in the long run on repairs and replacement.

Verify warranties and always check the working condition of the appliances with a knowledgeable professional. If buying from a reseller or auction house, request a certificate that the appliances have been checked and are in good working order so you have some protection.