Restaurant Equipment: Don’t Let it Take Too Big a Bite of Your Budget

Whether you own or lease your space, restaurant equipment can be one of the biggest capital expenditures in your business. You know what you want, what you need, and what you can afford. Somewhere in balancing cost with performance, you come up with a purchase plan and start stalking your prey.

Convection ovens, which circulate heat with a fan for more even and expedited cooking can run anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the size and manufacturer

Conveyor ovens take some of the “hands on” aspect out of your cooking. Once you set the temperature and speed, you put the food in one end and wait for it to come out of the other side. That is presupposing that everything you will put in there needs the same time and temperature. You also need to think about cleaning and maintenance since there are a lot of moving parts. This is also the most expensive oven, ranging in price from $4,000 to $10,000 for one that sits on the countertop to $30,000 to $65,000 for a standalone.

Cook and hold ovens let you cook and hold food without worrying about it drying out. It can remain warm for up to 24 hours. Cost: $2,000 to $10,000 depending on size.

In addition there are specialty ovens like pizza ovens which run anywhere from $2,000 for a countertop version to $12,000 for standalone.

In addition to performance and cost, you need to think about:
• Size constraints
• Ease of cleaning
• Dependability
• Warranty
• Venting
• Whether to buy new or used

The trick is to have a clearly defined idea of exactly what you need and what you are willing to spend to get it. Good research can turn up opportunities if you are flexible enough to accommodate them. Include used equipment in your search list. Given the right condition and deal, it can be a real boon to the bottom line. There is also the windfall from someone else’s canceled order. Be creative in your hunt and you can get a killer kitchen at a price you can live with.



Gilbert's Restaurant Equipment and Supplies Frederick Maryland

Call 301 662-8363 Now

gilberts.refrigeration@gmail.com

Buying Used Restaurant Equipment

New Arrivals- Maryland Commercial Kitchen Equipment

from Gilbert's Restaurant Equipment and Supply

KTEC Smoother USED
For years the Smoother has set the standard in blending frozen drinks. The Smoother is still the choice of many of the world's leading beverage retailers.
No blending chore is too tough for the Smoother. The Smoother was designed with you in mind. There is no need to purchase a different machine if you change the layout of your counter. The Smoother combines power with intelligence and beauty. Includes container and lid.

$300.00

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One of the biggest expenses of opening a new restaurant is buying equipment. A $100,000 loan might seem like a lot of money when you are first getting ready to open, but too quickly it can run out. Stoves, ranges, grills and coolers all represent thousands of dollars spent. In addition, much like a new car, these items depreciate the minute they leave the showroom. When you begin shopping around for restaurant equipment, you will soon find out how expensive new pieces are. Selecting gently worn second-hand equipment can save you a lot of money. However, used restaurant equipment does present a few liabilities. Read on for the pros and cons of buying used.

Pros of Buying Used Restaurant Equipment

• Moolah. Buying used equipment will save you precious start up cash that you can put toward your first food order, payroll, or insurances.
• Due to the high failure of new restaurants (not yours, of course) many second hand pieces of equipment have only been in service for a year or two. If you go to a restaurant auction, do your homework and find out how long the place was open. Examine the appliances, looking for tell tale signs of wear and tear like rust, missing parts, ect. If you are really lucky, you can still get the warranty with a piece that is not too old.
• Haggling. Dealers of used restaurant equipment are often open to price negotiations. If you are good at haggling then don’t be afraid to counter their offer.
• Freebies. If you are buying several pieces of used equipment from the same vendor, ask for a freebie, such as prep table, a mixer or toaster. They may throw it in as a sign of goodwill.
Cons of Buying Used Restaurant Equipment

• Warranties, or lack thereof. Used restaurant equipment is usually sold “as is.” Meaning, if you hook it up at the restaurant and it doesn’t work, you’re out of luck. This is the gamble you take when buying used. The good news is that many pieces of restaurant equipment are nearly indestructible. If one small part goes, it is easy to replace.
• Spending more money. If you do buy used equipment that breaks, then you may end up spending more money than if you had just bought it new. However, certain items are better suited to buy used, and have a better chance of working properly for a long time to come.

Gilbert's Restaurant Equipment and Supplies Frederick Maryland

Call 301 662-8363 Now

gilberts_refrigeration@comcast.net