7 Questions to Ask When Buying Restaurant Appliances

When buying commercial-grade equipment for your restaurant or food service business, it pays to do the research and understand your options. This is especially true when buying major appliances for your kitchen.

At Kohn-Megibow Company, we’ve put together a list of seven questions you should ask yourself when looking into buying restaurant appliances:

1. Is the Size Right?
Before purchasing an appliance, make sure to measure the size of your kitchen. Come with an idea of your desired kitchen arrangement and all the space you have to work with before committing to buying any large appliances. Ideally, everything should fit in the space you have designated.

2. What is the Cost of Ownership?
When buying a commercial appliance, keep in mind that you are factoring in the initial cost of the equipment as well as all the fees associated with owning and maintaining it. This can include shipping, installation costs, maintenance fees or parts that need to be replaced regularly.

3. Where Else Could It Be Purchased?
You may fall in love with the perfect appliance, but don’t ring it up just yet. Be sure and shop around to make sure you are getting the best possible price. Looking into a supplier like Kohn-Megibow Company is a great option to see if you can find what you need. You might be able to get the same equipment in great working shape at a fraction of the price it would cost to buy new.

4. What Features Can I Live Without?
Always take into consideration the unique features of any appliance. There are some you may absolutely need, while others may not be necessary for your kitchen or menu. Know what you must have and what you can live without to get the best value out of your equipment.

5. What Maintenance is Needed?
Check out the owner’s manual and inquire about what maintenance will be required to keep the appliance running optimally. Some equipment needs more maintenance than others, so it’s always a good idea to know what to expect in the future.

6. What is the Warranty?
Some appliances may have warranties that are better than others, and some may not have a warranty at all. Purchasing an extended warranty is also an option worth looking into. Understanding the warranty is a very important step when buying any major commercial appliance so that you know exactly what will be covered in case of problems.

7. What is the Energy Efficiency?
Restaurant equipment is becoming more and more energy efficient these days. An eco-friendlier appliance may cost a bit more upfront, but it’s important to consider whether it will save you money on electricity and/or gas in the long run.

These are just some considerations you will want to keep in mind when buying restaurant appliances. If you have questions or want to see what restaurant equipment we have available to buy, Kohn-Megibow Company is your Southern California used restaurant equipment resource. Contact KMC today for more information!