The cost of purchasing commercial kitchen equipment is a significant investment if you have a business. Hence, many business owners want to get the most out of it to ensure a return on their investment. However, your equipment starts malfunctioning with time due to poor maintenance, employee negligence, age, inability to replace faulty parts, or imbalanced air.
When it comes to defects in commercial kitchen equipment, the big question is whether to repair or replace the equipment. No one wants to spend a lump sum of money buying new equipment when you can save a lot by repairing the equipment. On the other hand, no one wants to spend more money on frequent repairs that exceed the cost of new equipment. Therefore, the perfect idea is to compare the equipment’s repair cost against the replacement cost while also considering its lifespan.
If you’re overwhelmed with replacing or repairing your commercial kitchen equipment, we’re glad you’re reading this post. This post will help you determine when to replace or repair your commercial kitchen equipment.
When Should You Repair Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment?
As mentioned above, spending more cash replacing a piece of equipment you can otherwise fix is unwise. Instances that show you should repair your kitchen equipment include:
- When You’re Dealing With Minor Issues.
Many issues in your commercial kitchen equipment often require repairs and replacement of certain parts. You only need to find the correct spare parts for your equipment and fix them. However, some equipment, like the refrigerator, may require a more technical repair; in such a case, you may need to contact a commercial refrigeration repair service.
Minor issues that need repairs instead of replacing the whole equipment include a damaged knob, a broken gasket, a faulty faucet, or a damaged refrigerator fan. Since purchasing commercial kitchen equipment is a significant investment, it’s wise to have a technician check if your equipment is repairable (by putting in new spare parts) before replacing it.
- If The Equipment Isn’t Old.
Before deciding to replace or repair your equipment, consider the equipment’s age. It’s unwise to repair a piece of equipment nearing the end of its lifespan. It also makes no sense to replace newly bought equipment if it begins to malfunction. Therefore, if the equipment hasn’t surpassed half of its lifespan or if you’ve had it for less than six years, you should repair it, assuming its lifespan is beyond ten years. However, some equipment doesn’t live to reach its lifespan while others outlive theirs, so have a technician check the equipment before deciding to repair or replace it. This way, you can ensure that you save on the cost of buying a new one.
When Should You Replace Your Commercial Kitchen Equipment?
Different signs will indicate that your kitchen equipment needs replacement. These signs include:
- Recurring Repairs.
It is a vital sign that you need to replace your equipment. While repair and maintenance are necessary to prolong your equipment’s lifespan, once the repairs become frequent, it can mean your kitchen equipment is nearing its end. While you may think you’re saving money with the repairs, adding these costs can exceed the price of new equipment. Therefore, if your kitchen equipment needs repairs now and then, consider replacing the equipment.
- If The Equipment Is Unsafe.
Safety is an essential aspect of any job. If your kitchen equipment poses a safety concern to your food and employees, it’s safe to replace the equipment to avoid costly accidents. For instance, if your oven isn’t safe to operate and is likely to cause a fire or your fridge no longer preserves your food, replace the equipment, regardless of age. Therefore, be on the lookout for safety hazards like faulty wires plugged in sockets, leaking gas pipes, or rusted coil panels in cooking items.
- Poor Performance.
Your commercial kitchen equipment should be efficient in offering excellent service to customers. If the equipment starts malfunctioning in terms of performance, it’s wise to replace the equipment as this will cost you not only money but also your customers. Some instances of poor performance include temperature inconsistency when cooking or finding your food partially frozen in your fridge. Therefore, if your kitchen equipment affects the quality and quantity of your food, it’s time to replace it. Remember that replacing the equipment helps your employees produce more with less, thus saving you more.
- Frequent Accidents.
If your faulty commercial kitchen equipment leads to frequent accidents like electrical shocks, slips and falls, burns, or dangerous cuts, then replacing it is the best thing to do. Not replacing the equipment can lead to more injuries and accidents, thus affecting your employees’ morale.
Conclusion
Deciding if you should repair or replace your commercial kitchen equipment can be challenging. Each choice has its pros and cons, so consider each option individually and make an informed decision. The information above will help you make the right choice to improve your kitchen’s efficiency.
