New, used or rented - what is the best choice in benchtop catering equipment?

Starting a commercial kitchen involves a lot of hard work, planning and decision making. The benchtop catering equipment makes a vital part of the business, and getting the right ones you need can be difficult without a solid plan and understanding of how your venture will operate. When it comes to acquiring the benchtop paraphernalia for the hospitality industry, new businesses have three options. 

They can either buy the brand-new ones, get the gear on rent, or buy used items to save on the investment. Now, each of these options has its own benefits and problems. The business owners need to consider both the sides minutely and decide depending on his unique situation and business model.  

Buying new equipment

Buying all new devices certainly has its range of benefits, and the list is quite long. First and foremost, new appliances from a good brand will always come with a warranty for years, which will ensure complete peace of mind. 

When you decide to spend on new products, you have the full flexibility to choose from a wide range of products from the best commercial benchtop catering equipment suppliers around you. What does it mean? It means you can get the exact type and model of the product you need for your business. You do not have to compromise with your requirements or your preferences, ensuring smooth operation as planned. 

The other benefits of buying branded new catering apparatus include but are not limited to, 

• Minimum maintenance hassle 
• Minimized risk of sudden failure 
• Efficient and long service 
• A smart and new look for the kitchen 

Limitations 

There are also a few clear cons of buying new paraphernalia for the kitchen or catering, and the first one is essentially the cost. New branded gear is naturally more expensive than the used ones, and if you are buying a range of equipage for your kitchen, the difference in the total investment will be considerable. The other issue you might have with a piece of new equipment is that as it involves more investment, it will naturally lead to higher risk if the business does not work out as planned. 

Renting equipment 

Renting also has a range of benefits. It will eliminate the need for a substantial preliminary expense which is essential for buying brand new appliances. By using appliances on a monthly payment, you can considerably reduce the total investment as well as the risk associated with launching a new hospitality business.  

Renting will ensure that you get top of the line equipment as per your needs as typically there is not much fee difference for a higher model. It might also give you some tax advantage depending on the norms of your state or country.

Limitations

On the downside, the biggest challenge is to find a good supplier of rented benchtop catering gear. More often than not, the shops offering kitchen and catering appliances on a monthly charge have an insufficient stock and businesses have a limited option to choose from. You might also find it challenging to get good quality, high-end models as most of the times they have only old models. 

Renting a piece of equipment might free you from some maintenance responsibilities, but the appliances bear more risk of a sudden breakdown, which can hinder your kitchen’s smooth operation. When you are leasing, you are signing up for higher operational expenses, which can add up considerably in the long run. 

Buying used equipment

Buying used benchtop catering equipment is a trend you cannot overlook. Many new hospitality enterprises fail to operate successfully and close down after a shorter period of time. The different appliances used in these companies are often available on sale for bulk purchase. You may find high quality, latest models in the lot for a minimal price, helping you to start your business for considerably less investment. 

Limitations 

One of the main limitations of purchasing used kitchen and catering appliances is that high quality used products might not always be available as these are in high demand. It means you might have to wait to get the equipment you need, which is often not feasible for a new business. Another problem often faced is that the second-hand equipage is usually available for bulk purchase. For smaller start-ups buying a huge collection makes no sense and will lead to unnecessary investment.

Apart from the above, pre-used devices also lack any warranty, and if they breakdown or stop working suddenly, you have to spend on repairing, which can lead to added expenses. When procuring used devices, you might also have to adjust your needs and preferences because the items or models you need might not be available at the moment.     

Points to consider 

• Owners launching their business in the hospitality sector should research the pros and cons of buying or renting equipment and consider their specific requirements before making a decision. 
• The appliances needed for a food service considerably depend on the menu served and the mode of operation of the enterprise. The list of tabletop devices to be procured should be decided depending on these factors. 
• Spending on a device just because it is available is never a good option unless you have a proper use for it at the time.
• Top of the line products is always not the best option for your business. Often more sophisticated devices are prone to more technical problems. Spend on items that serve the purpose efficiently and can give you longer service.   

You can also opt to get a mix of new and second-hand or rented items to keep the expenses within limits. As your business starts to grow, you can slowly replace the not so efficient second hand or rented products for the brand new ones. 

Always research on the supplier of the equipment thoroughly before getting into a deal. If you are buying new products, you can get the best collection and most extended warranty only from the best commercial benchtop catering equipment supplier. Similarly, if you buy second-hand products or take it on rent, it is only a renowned supplier who can provide you with the best options at the best price. To find the best supplier, you can research online and should check out the reviews beforehand.