When To Repair Vs. Replace Your Foodservice Equipment
Knowing when to repair vs replace your commercial kitchen equipment can be a tough call. Both options
can be costly but if your equipment is creating an unsafe environment or is not performing properly, you’re going to have to make the decision. Greg Meleney, EMR Salisbury tech, broke down a few key factors to consider when you run up against this important business decision.
How safe is my equipment?
Safety should always be the #1 priority in your commercial kitchen and is a crucial point of consideration when it comes to repairing or replacing. More often than not, commercial kitchen fires are caused by faulty equipment. If a piece of equipment is malfunctioning and putting the safety of your kitchen staff at risk due to leaks, cracks or burns, then replacing is your best bet. Although the cost of new equipment is high, you can never put a price on safety!
How well is my equipment performing?
Nothing lasts forever, including commercial kitchen equipment. When your kitchen equipment begins to interfere with production efficiencies and output quality, it not only costs money but can also cost you customers and staff. Power surges, worn door gaskets, rust and worn griddles are some of the warning signs that it’s time to replace.
How old is my equipment?
The age of your equipment goes hand in hand with the performance. The older the equipment, the more repairs it will need to maintain daily functions. However, with old equipment comes the possibility of manufacturers no longer making the parts needed to repair it, causing much higher repair costs due to complicated fixes. As a general rule of thumb: any machine over 10 years old is probably due for a replacement sometime soon.
How much am I spending on repairs?
If a piece of equipment needs repairs too often, the annual repair costs can add up quickly, to the point that replacing it will actually cost less. A new unit could be under warranty, eliminating the cost of most repairs for at least one year which can equal big savings.
Once you’ve answered these questions, your decision to repair or replace your equipment may be an obvious one. If you are still unsure, consulting a trained, professional technician can be a big help in deciding the fate of your equipment. Whether you decide to repair or replace, you can have peace of mind knowing you’ve considered all factors when it comes to the wellbeing of your equipment and your business’ bottom line!
