Not that your used equipment provider isn’t trustworthy, but there could be issues they don’t know about. Mold inside walk-in panels and mechanical issues with refrigeration systems are just a couple of nasty surprises that can arise. By purchasing new, you get the manufacturer’s full warranty and lower maintenance costs. And remember, new refrigeration equipment will be agency listed for proper sanitation while used equipment that may have been modified voids the sanitation listing. Other pitfalls with used equipment include parts availability (particularly with refrigeration systems) and lower energy efficiency.
Here are several more reasons why buying new refrigeration equipment vs. used is best…
Avoid Food Spoilage With New Refrigeration
Welcome to every foodservice operator’s nightmare: your customers get sick and a food poisoning outbreak is traced back to your business. If food isn’t properly refrigerated, it can spoil and cause a multitude of troubles. Of course, sometimes it’s difficult to tell if food has spoiled. That’s why it’s so important to have new and dependable refrigeration. If a freezer or cooler isn’t holding temp, even after servicing, you should seriously think about replacing it with a new one. Don’t let the nightmare become a reality!
Adapting To Trends By Buying New Refrigeration
In the last couple of years, foodservice and retail operations adapted to the pandemic with a wide range of new delivery methods such as take-out, drive-thru, curbside service and ghost kitchens. Customer safety is always the highest concern and you want to be as touchless as possible. But remember, modifying your business plan sometimes requires making new equipment purchases.
Ghost kitchens, for example, are more flexible when it comes to layout as you don’t have to accommodate a dining area. If you need to add refrigerated space in your current location and have a walk-in cooler or freezer, you may be able to expand what you currently have by purchasing additional panels. But make sure your refrigeration system’s condensing unit and evaporator coil can handle the extra load first. Your equipment dealer or the manufacturer can help evaluate your requirements.
Bypass Service Issues By Buying New
Regularly scheduled maintenance appointments for refrigeration equipment are a great idea but if you’re calling a service tech every other week, that’s another potential sign you need new equipment. After a while, it’s just not worth it to keep patching up the old cooler and, since a used cooler is probably out of warranty, that’s not the best route, either. Plus, you do not want a service issue to lead to the previously mentioned spoilage nightmare.
New Equipment Reduces Energy Usage
If you were shocked by your last electrical bill (sorry, couldn’t resist!), think about upgrading to a more efficient model. With all the federal and state energy efficiency requirements that have come into being in the last few years, equipment is much more efficient than in the past. It’s best to go with new equipment so you’re sure it meets Department of Energy standards.
Even in difficult economic times, there are many reasons for buying new refrigeration equipment vs. used. Keeping your food safe, adapting to your customers’ needs and maintaining efficiency are all important to your bottom-line. Don’t risk it by going with used models. If you have questions, be sure to get assistance from your dealer or manufacturer. Knowledgeable staff can also make suggestions about equipment types or options to make your operation more efficient.
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