A commercial kitchen is an essential part of most businesses, it is also one of the most expensive to kit out.

Although a quick repair might seem like the easiest and cheapest option, you need to ensure your investment is worthwhile. This blog lists the 5 factors to consider when deciding whether you need to repair or replace your commercial kitchen equipment.

We have another blog post that offers a guide on choosing the correct commercial refrigeration equipment. It highlights all of the key factors you should consider when buying your commercial fridges.

5 factors to consider with your commercial kitchen equipment

Is the kitchen equipment safe to use?

The first thing you should be asking yourself is whether your commercial kitchen equipment is safe for your staff to operate. Faulty appliances could lead to accidents as well as potential fines, voiding your insurance or in worst cases, your kitchen being shut down completely. This should also include reviewing its energy efficiency as cracks could cause harmful gases to leak, endangering your staff and the environment as well as pushing energy bills higher.

Sometimes a quick fix is all that is needed but with every ‘quick fix’ equipment may not perform as effectively as when it was new. This could result in regular repairs which may end up costing more than purchasing a replacement. You also run the risk of repairing older models where replacement parts are no longer available.

rational combi ovens are essential commercial kitchen equipment

How old is your kitchen equipment?

Commercial kitchen appliances have an average lifespan but this is dependent on how much they are in use and how they’re looked after. After a period of time, equipment will slow down, break down or not function as effectively compared to newer models. You may also notice your staff becoming frustrated with its productivity and simple repairs may only lower morale. By investing in newer models you are introducing exciting new features, resulting in better production times and quality of food.

How energy efficient is your kitchen equipment?

We know it is tempting to opt for a cheaper option, for example, second-hand equipment when you start off or quick repairs in order to keep your kitchen running. But these money-saving solutions might not be cost-effective in the long run as they can result in several repairs and service men distributing your kitchen’s productivity. Commercial kitchen equipment is also in constant use, so to keep energy bills down you need to look for pieces that have a good energy rating.

energy efficient commercial kitchen equipment

Find out more about our sustainability.

commercial kitchen equipment repair

Consider potential kitchen downtime

What may seem like a small repair, could result in workmen interrupting the day-to-day running of your kitchen or even closing it completely. You would also need to factor in the cost of the engineer’s labour as well as fixing or replacing a part. You may find it easier to replace a faulty item which would save you time and money as many companies will deliver your new appliance and take away the old one.

Maintenance costs

When it comes to repairing an appliance it is not just the cost of the repair you need to consider. There may be lots of hidden charges such as labour, delivery and potentially having to source a replacement part. If you do choose to repair your commercial kitchen equipment, it is important that you use an expert engineer who will recommend the best solution, whether that is to repair or replace it.

You should also consider how much maintenance is required after your appliance has been repaired. As we have said before, appliances that have needed several repairs may not function as effectively as they once did and may need regular checks to ensure it is functioning safely. If you find that your budget is quite tight, there are lots of options to finance new equipment that can help you manage repayments whilst being able to access essential equipment.

commercial kitchen equipment maintenance

Should you repair or replace your commercial kitchen equipment?

We recommend considering all your options, including your budget, priorities, energy efficiency and safety of your staff. As well as looking for the option that will have the least impact on the running of your kitchen. If you are still unsure, get in touch and one of our expert engineers can recommend the best option for you.

commercial kitchen equipment consultation