All commercial food equipment eventually requires replacement parts. Even well-maintained machines experience normal wear and tear. Components such as blades, bearings, seals, and belts suffer the most wear and require periodic replacement.
When this happens, businesses often have a choice between purchasing genuine manufacturer parts or using generic or aftermarket alternatives. Generic parts can be considerably cheaper, making them an attractive option when trying to keep repair costs down. However, the purchase price is only one part of the overall cost.
The quality, compatibility and expected lifespan of a replacement part can affect everything from machine performance and food hygiene to reliability and future repair costs. A cheaper component may therefore not always be the cheapest option in the long term.
What Are Genuine Spare Parts?
Genuine parts are components that have been produced by, or on behalf of, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). They will be designed for a specific model and will be manufactured to the exact specifications of the original part. Genuine replacement parts are manufactured to the specifications approved by the equipment manufacturer and are designed to meet the requirements of the original component.
This means that the dimensions, materials, and performance requirements of the replacement part are intended to match the equipment it was designed for. Manufacturers may also update or improve a component over time.
As these parts are designed specifically for the equipment, businesses can have greater confidence that the component is compatible with the machine and its operating requirements.
What Are Generic or Aftermarket Parts?
Generic or aftermarket parts are produced by a third-party manufacturer, not the original manufacturer of the equipment. This makes them much more widely available and usually built to fit several different machinery brands. They are often much cheaper than genuine parts. Some aftermarket parts are built for specific models, so you may find a perfectly compatible, purpose-built component.
However, quality and compatibility can vary. A reputable aftermarket manufacturer may produce a component to a high standard, while a poorly manufactured replacement may have different dimensions, materials or tolerances from those expected by the original equipment manufacturer.
This is particularly important for components that move, cut, seal or come into direct contact with food. A small difference in fit or material can affect the performance of the machine and potentially create additional maintenance or hygiene problems.
Why Does a Precise Fit Matter?
Commercial machinery does rely on well-engineered components. If dimensions are incorrect, it could lead to blade misalignment and movement of the shaft and bearings. This affects the performance of the machine and leads to damage that will require costly repairs. If they fit correctly, you will maintain cutting accuracy, slicing consistency, and production speed.
A poorly fitting part will damage itself and increase stress on other parts of the machine. The shafts, motors, and gearboxes will particularly suffer, and can be very expensive to replace. In a high-volume food business, this can eventually affect both production speed and product consistency.
Precision is particularly important for moving, cutting and sealing components. A cosmetic panel or handle has very different requirements from a mincer knife, slicer blade or bearing.
When buying generic parts that come into direct contact with food, businesses must ensure that the materials are suitable for their intended use. Using an unsuitable material can create problems with corrosion, deterioration or contamination. Components must also be capable of being cleaned and prevent food safety risks.
For example, a poorly manufactured seal may not sit correctly against the machine, creating a small gap where food residue and moisture can accumulate. Similarly, a damaged or unsuitable food-contact surface can become increasingly difficult to clean. Correctly manufactured parts should minimise unnecessary gaps, protrusions and food traps, helping businesses maintain effective cleaning procedures.
A replacement component should therefore not only fit the machine mechanically. It must also be suitable for the environment in which it is being used and compatible with the cleaning procedures required by the business.
Warranty Protection
Some manufacturers specify the use of genuine or approved parts as part of their warranty conditions. Fitting a non-approved component may affect a warranty claim where the manufacturer can demonstrate that the component contributed to the fault. However, the exact position will depend on the warranty terms and the circumstances of the failure.
Some warranties will also require authorised engineers to complete any repairs or fit spare parts. This will be completely subject to the manufacturer's warranty terms and conditions. Always check the documentation before carrying out any repairs.
Equipment Lifespan
Buying suitable, high-quality parts will have a positive impact on your machinery, often significantly extending its lifespan. By reducing vibration, improving alignment, and minimising unnecessary friction, damage will be prevented.
Quality components are usually tested to perform alongside the original machine. This means fewer breakdowns, longer service intervals and more consistent production. Commercial equipment is an expensive investment. Replacing worn parts with quality components can delay the need for complete equipment replacement by several years.
For example, replacing a worn bearing before it causes further damage may prevent excessive vibration and reduce stress on surrounding components. Delaying the replacement could eventually result in damage to the shaft, motor, or drive system, turning a relatively straightforward repair into a much more expensive one.
When Are Generic Parts Suitable?
Generic parts can be a great option for businesses with a budget. For critical components, businesses should be particularly careful when selecting aftermarket alternatives because incorrect dimensions, materials, or specifications can have a greater effect on machine performance.
To get the most out of your replacement parts, use generic parts for:
- Cosmetic components, such as panels.
- Handles.
- Knobs.
- Non-food-contact covers.
- Discontinued equipment where genuine parts are no longer available.
- Parts from reputable aftermarket manufacturers with documented specifications.
- Components where the manufacturer has confirmed compatibility.
If you are buying generic replacement parts, always check compatibility with your machine model. If you are unsure, contact the supplier, as they can tell you what parts are compatible.
Buying Quality Replacement Parts
Buying generic parts can be a great option, but it can be more difficult to ensure that they are of high quality. Purchasing directly from manufacturers will usually come with a warranty and peace of mind that the quality will match that of the original equipment.
However, to ensure that you are purchasing quality replacement parts, there are a few simple checks that you can conduct:
- Buy from reputable suppliers.
- Check model numbers carefully, as equipment can have several revisions or variants, so providing the exact model and serial number helps ensure the replacement component is compatible.
- Confirm compatibility.
- Ask whether parts are genuine OEM. Don't assume that a part sold by a commercial equipment supplier is automatically a genuine manufacturer component.
- Request manufacturer documentation for food-contact components, documentation relating to materials and suitability.
- Keep servicing records.
- Use experienced engineers for fitting. Correct installation is just as important as selecting the correct component. An incorrectly fitted genuine part can still cause problems.
Is Generic Actually the Cheapest?
A genuine replacement blade may cost more than an aftermarket alternative. However, if the cheaper blade needs replacing twice as often, the original saving quickly disappears.
For example, a genuine component may cost £250 and last 2 years without replacement. A generic part may only cost £120 and will seem like the obvious choice. However, if it only lasts 8 months, you will end up spending £360 in replacement parts when one genuine component would have lasted.
Considering the cost per period of use is often much more helpful than just looking at the purchase price.
Are Genuine Spare Parts Worth the Extra Cost?
Genuine spare parts are not automatically the right choice for every component or every business. High-quality aftermarket parts can be suitable in certain circumstances, particularly when they are manufactured to the correct specifications and supplied by a reputable company.
However, for critical components such as cutting blades, bearings, seals and other parts that directly affect machine performance or food safety, genuine manufacturer parts can provide greater confidence in compatibility, materials and performance.
The cheapest replacement part is not necessarily the cheapest option over the lifetime of the machine. Repeat failures, production downtime, additional repairs and premature equipment replacement can quickly outweigh the initial saving.
Businesses should therefore consider the total cost of the replacement rather than simply comparing purchase prices. Choosing suitable parts, having them correctly installed and maintaining equipment regularly will help commercial food machinery remain reliable, safe and productive for longer.