7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping For Commercial Grade Kitchen Equipment
Food service equipment gobbles up a significant portion of a restaurant or cafeteria start-up budget. Buying the wrong commercial grade restaurant supply may have huge financial implications in the form of repairs and replacements. No investor wants to spend their money on costly maintenance even before your new business is off the ground. Take a look at some common mistakes done during the purchase of commercial kitchen equipment and how to avoid them.
1. Lack of Proper Research
Commercial grade restaurant supply is a huge investment. Most customers tend to skimp on research for the right appliances that they require. Failure to understand their exact cafeteria needs results in the purchase of wrong equipment that does not meet their capacity and energy requirements. Conduct due diligence on the different brands and makes available. Choose kitchen appliances that fit into your business model.
2. Failure to obtain the Right Material
Commercial kitchens are ever busy, with some running for hours on end. School cafeterias serve over 4.9 billion lunches annually, serving more food than the nation’s largest restaurant chains combined. You may need to purchase genuine grade materials that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The material affects the durability of the equipment, as well as the quality of food served.
3. Not Paying Attention to Energy Efficiency
Commercial grade kitchen appliances consume at least six times more power than domestic equipment. Cutting corners to purchase cheaper devices with low energy efficiency rating may become costly in the long run. Energy-efficient equipment can reduce your energy bills by up to 25%, boosting your bottom line. A little more investment upfront may have a long-term effect on future savings.
4. Purchasing the Wrong Equipment Size
Shopping for your commercial grade restaurant supply is an exciting adventure, and you may easily get carried away on finding the perfect equipment. It can be frustrating to realize later that the appliances cannot fit within your floor plan. Always take measurements of your kitchen layout before heading out to shop.
5. Focusing Solely On Pricing
While the total cost of the cafeteria equipment will influence your choices, it should not be the principal factor. Overlooking quality equipment for cheaper options may prove to be costly in the long run. Do not worry about going for high-grade kitchenware that will help you sustain food quality and capacity.
6. Ignoring Warranties
Commercial kitchen appliances operate for long shifts at a time, and are prone to normal wear and tear effects. Warranty agreements for your equipment may help cover costs for repairs and routine maintenance. Regular inspections may significantly increase the life of your appliances.
7. Failure to Inspect Upon Delivery
While your kitchen equipment purchases should arrive whole, it’s not unheard of for damages to occur during delivery. While accepting your new equipment, make sure you check the condition of the appliance before installing it in your kitchen space. You may have a challenge returning the said appliance if you note the dents and damages later on.
Buying commercial grade restaurant supplies is a considerable investment for any food service business. Finding the right appliances is key to the success of the restaurant. Take time in selecting the right equipment and avoid mistakes that may burn your fingers in the long run.
