Commercial food equipment is a significant, although usually necessary, investment. Whether you are a new business, replacing ageing machinery, or expanding production, the expense of machinery can have a huge impact on your budget.
One option many businesses consider is refurbished equipment. While some people associate refurbished machines with worn or unreliable equipment, professionally refurbished machinery can offer excellent value when purchased from a reputable supplier.
Neither refurbished nor brand-new products are automatically better than the other. What suits you will depend completely on your business, budget, and operational requirements.
What Is Refurbished Commercial Food Equipment?
Many people assume refurbished means old, second-hand products, but that's not necessarily true. While it is usually second-hand, the product could still be a new model and barely used.
Professionally refurbished equipment will have been fully inspected and dismantled where necessary. All parts will have been serviced, replaced or sanitised, and the machine will be tested to ensure it operates correctly. Although previously owned, refurbishment prepares the machine for resale.
Refurbishment restores the equipment to a safe working condition while extending its lifespan.
While new equipment offers the latest technology and the reassurance of a full manufacturer's warranty, refurbished equipment can deliver many of the same practical benefits at a lower purchase price.
| Feature | New | Refurbished |
|---|---|---|
| Previous use | No | Yes |
| Condition | Brand new | Professionally restored |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Warranty | Usually longest | Often shorter (varies) |
| Latest technology | Yes | May be an older model |
| Availability | Manufacturer dependent | Depends on stock |
What Are The Advantages of Buying New Equipment?
Many people will assume that new products are automatically better than refurbished ones. While this isn't completely true, they do have some advantages over second-hand equipment.
Newest technology.
As technology continues to advance, new models will reflect this. This includes better energy efficiency and productivity, to improved safety features and new digital controls. Older models may not include many of these latest technological developments.
While these features may not be essential for every business, they can improve efficiency and reduce operating costs over the lifetime of the machine.
Manufacturer warranty.
When purchasing directly from the manufacturer or through a supplier, new equipment is typically supplied with a manufacturer's warranty. For many people, a warranty provides extra reassurance should a fault develop. Depending on the manufacturer and product, this may cover the repair or replacement of defective parts. A warranty is ideal, especially when making a significant investment in heavily used equipment.
Warranties usually require machines to be operated and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Damage caused by misuse or poor maintenance is often excluded from cover.
Longer expected lifespan.
Because new equipment has never been used, every component begins with zero wear. This generally provides the longest possible service life.
This is ideal for businesses operating machinery continuously or processing high volumes daily. The additional lifespan offered by new equipment may justify the higher purchase price.
Easy access to spare parts.
Manufacturers continue producing spare parts for current models for several years after release. This means replacement components are often easier to source for new models.
Parts for older or discontinued models may become increasingly difficult to obtain as they are phased out of production. Purchasing new equipment can provide greater confidence that maintenance and repairs can be carried out quickly.
What Are The Advantages of Buying Refurbished Equipment
Lower cost.
The biggest advantage of refurbished equipment is the significantly lower price. Commercial food machinery is a major investment, particularly for start-ups and expanding businesses. Choosing refurbished equipment can make high-quality machinery much more affordable.
Availability.
Purchasing new equipment sometimes involves long lead times. This is sometimes unavoidable if machines are built to order or imported from overseas. Businesses may have to wait several weeks for their equipment to arrive.
Refurbished equipment is often available immediately. This is due to it already being restored and prepared for resale. This can be particularly valuable if a machine has broken down unexpectedly and production needs to resume as quickly as possible.
Sustainable.
Choosing refurbished equipment is also a more environmentally responsible option. Rather than replacing machinery that still has many years of service remaining, refurbishment extends the life of existing equipment and reduces unnecessary waste.
This provides several environmental benefits, including:
- Reducing the number of machines sent to landfill or recycled prematurely.
- Lowering the demand for new raw materials and manufacturing processes.
- Reducing the energy and resources required to produce brand-new equipment.
- Supporting a more circular economy by keeping valuable machinery in use for longer.
For businesses looking to improve their environmental credentials, purchasing refurbished equipment can be one practical way to reduce their overall environmental impact without compromising on performance.
What Are The Disadvantages of Refurbished Equipment?
As refurbished products have been previously used, they will not be perfect. Although these potential drawbacks are significantly reduced when buying from a reputable supplier, there are some issues you should be aware of before investing.
Cosmetic signs of previous use.
Businesses with customer-facing food preparation areas, such as open kitchens or front-of-house slicing counters, may prefer the appearance of brand-new equipment. Visible scratches will not affect the performance of the machine. However, a high-end butcher's shop, for example, with front-of-house slicing will not want a meat slicer with visible damage.
Older technology.
Depending on their age, refurbished machines may not include the latest technological developments available on newer models. New additional features can improve productivity and reduce running costs, particularly for businesses operating machinery continuously.
However, if your current production requirements are relatively straightforward, an older refurbished machine may still meet your needs without the higher purchase price of new equipment.
Shorter warranty.
Refurbished equipment may also be sold with a warranty, but it is often shorter because the machine has already been in service. The exact length and level of cover will vary depending on the supplier and the refurbishment work carried out.
Buying from a reputable supplier that offers clear warranty terms and after-sales support can provide additional peace of mind.
Availability depends on stock.
Unlike new equipment, which can usually be ordered directly from a manufacturer, refurbished machinery is only available when suitable machines become available for refurbishment.
This means businesses may have fewer options when looking for a particular make, model or specification. If you require a specific machine with particular features or capacities, you may need to wait until one becomes available or consider an alternative model.
Remaining lifespan varies depending on previous use.
Although commercial food equipment is designed to last for many years, the remaining lifespan of a refurbished machine will depend on its history. Two identical machines can experience very different levels of use before being refurbished.
A trustworthy supplier should also be able to explain what work has been carried out. They will provide ongoing servicing and support to help maximise the machine's remaining lifespan.
Increased maintenance requirements.
The future reliability of a refurbished machine is often influenced less by its age. The quality of its refurbishment and how well it is maintained after purchase makes a huge difference. With a refurbished machine, you may need more regular inspections and replacements.
Regular servicing, proper cleaning, and prompt replacement of worn parts will help the equipment to operate reliably for many years.
How To Buy Refurbished Equipment Safely
Refurbished machines may require more research than a brand-new one. However, there are some simple things you can do to ensure your investment will be reliable:
- Purchase from a reputable supplier.
- Thoroughly check the servicing history.
- Ensure there is access to genuine replacement parts.
- Purchase with a warranty where necessary.
- Ensure there is wide knowledge of the model for easy engineering support.
A reputable supplier should thoroughly inspect, clean and test equipment before resale. They should also be transparent about the refurbishment work carried out and provide after-sales support if problems arise.
When Should You Buy New?
Although refurbished equipment offers excellent value, certain businesses, product types, and work environments will benefit from buying new models.
- Businesses processing large volumes of food every day often benefit from new equipment. The longer expected lifespan can make the higher initial investment more cost-effective over time.
- If your business requires highly specialised equipment or specific features, new machinery can often be configured to meet precise production requirements.
- Modern models are typically designed with improved energy efficiency. For businesses with high energy usage, these savings can help offset the higher purchase cost.
- The latest automation or smart monitoring systems can improve productivity and consistency. This reduces the amount of manual work.
- New machines are often the best long-term investment for businesses with heavy daily use.
Both refurbished and new commercial food equipment can be excellent investments. The right choice depends on your budget, production requirements, future growth plans, and the level of manufacturer support you need.
The quality of the refurbishment is just as important as the machine itself. Purchasing from a reputable supplier ensures the equipment has been properly inspected, restored, and tested before it returns to service.
Whether you choose new or refurbished equipment, regular servicing, preventative maintenance, and correct operation will play the biggest role in its lifespan and performance.