Modern kitchen equipment is designed to last for years before it needs to be replaced, and today’s units can also go for a while before they need to be repaired. So, it can take some kitchen managers by surprise when equipment malfunctions. Should they call a technician to fix the equipment or talk to a salesperson about buying a new one?
The choice isn’t always easy. That’s why we put together this post that’ll teach you everything you need to know about whether to choose commercial equipment repair or replacement:
- Safety: Staff and patron safety are always the first priority. If your kitchen equipment is leaking gas or has injured staff members in some way, replacement is your best bet. New equipment is a bit more expensive, but you can’t put a price on safety.
- Unit age: Different pieces of restaurant equipment have different lifespans, so the unit’s age isn’t the top thing to consider when it comes to repairing or replacing your kitchen equipment. Still, we generally say that any appliance that’s more than 10 years old is likely past its prime.
- Repair costs: Problems get worse as kitchen equipment ages, which means more expensive repair bills. If you’re paying an arm and a leg every time you call a repair technician, it’s time to consider replacing your equipment. If your repair estimate is sky-high, talk to your technician about how much more it’d cost to buy a new unit.
- Efficiency: It can make sense to upgrade your kitchen equipment just to save yourself some money on energy bills. New Energy Star appliances use a fraction of the energy as older gear, significantly reducing your monthly energy costs. In fact, Energy Star equipment may even be able to pay for itself over time.
Tips for prolonging your equipment’s lifespan
There are a few easy things you can do to get the most out of your commercial kitchen gear. Follow these steps and you won’t need to worry about whether to repair or replace your kitchen equipment for a long time:
- Schedule professional maintenance: The top way to take care of your equipment is by hiring a professional to perform a regular inspection and tune-up. These maintenance calls can catch problems before a breakdown occurs and help improve the unit’s efficiency.
- Keep everything clean: Cleanliness is next to godliness in a commercial kitchen. Keep all of your units looking their best to reduce the chance of a breakdown while prolonging the equipment’s lifespan.
- Pay attention to warning signs: The last thing you want to do is turn a blind eye to any problems with your kitchen equipment. If something is malfunctioning, call a technician as soon as possible. Small issues won’t go away by themselves, and they could even result in a complete breakdown.
We can meet all your commercial kitchen needs
Whether you need someone to make a repair or install new equipment, Commercial Equipment Service Inc. is your go-to team for commercial equipment repair or replacement. Call us today to get your new unit or schedule an appointment for equipment repairs.