It’s inevitable — all commercial equipment (no matter how wonderful it is) will break down at some point. And when it does, time is of the essence. You need to get it back up and running immediately. If not, you risk leaving money on the table and scrambling to find other ways to produce, hold or display key menu items. But, before you pay a pretty penny for repairs, it’s worth asking the question: Do you repair it or replace it? It can be a hard call to make, but a few simple questions can get you the answers you need.
Is your equipment under warranty?
If you have a costly repair coming your way, repairing over replacing may be an obvious choice — especially if the equipment is still under warranty. But, more often than not, the answer won’t be that straightforward, and you’ll have to do some detective work since most foodservice equipment comes with a limited warranty. Your first move is to contact the manufacturer and check if your equipment is still protected and if so, ask what the warranty will cover. If it includes your equipment’s issues (and possibly the labor to fix it), you’re good to go. After swapping out the equipment or calling in the maintenance technician, you’ll soon be seeing your equipment and operation back in full swing.
How do costs compare?
If you're not so lucky to still have a warranty in place, or it doesn’t cover what you need, you’ll want to dig a little deeper to weigh your options. First, check with trusted or manufacturer-approved maintenance companies for an estimated cost of the repair (if possible, get more than one quote). Next, you’ll want to factor in how many repair costs you’ve had over the life of the unit. Beyond just the repair price, consider what each repair has cost you in downtime (increased labor, menu adjustments, etc.,). If the cumulative costs are high, evaluate whether investing in a new piece of equipment will save you more in the long run. If you’ve had a number of repairs to date, it could mean you’re dealing with a less-than-stellar piece of equipment (and a sign of more trouble to come), or the unit is simply on its last leg.
Is your equipment performing?
Restaurant needs are always evolving, and as they do, you need to take stock of whether your equipment’s making the grade. If a commercial piece of equipment is doing its job, it should be making you money. But, if it’s falling short, it can cut into your potential profits and cost you customers. When you have a broken piece of equipment, it’s a good opportunity to assess its performance. Does it have the consistency, speed and capacity to meet your current customer volume and demands? Or have you outgrown it? If your current equipment isn’t keeping up, it may be time to cut your losses and consider an upgrade.
Are you receiving energy-efficient benefits?
Just as restaurant needs are evolving, so are equipment innovations. If you have an older piece of equipment, you might be missing out on energy-saving and cost-curbing features. When considering equipment replacements, look past the price tag and evaluate how much you could save with modern, energy-efficient equipment. For example, some equipment automatically goes into a power-saving mode after a certain period of time. Other energy-saving features that save you on energy bills include increased insulation, quick-heating technology and variable blower speeds.
Utility expenses are a significant part of any restaurant’s budget, and an energy-saving unit can cut thousands of dollars over time. And as an added incentive, certain energy-efficient equipment qualifies operators for some pretty hefty rebates and tax breaks. In California, for example, restaurants can apply for zero-interest loans upwards of $100,000 for qualifying energy-saving equipment. With all of those things combined, a newer unit can potentially pay for itself over the years. Not to mention, working toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly operation is a worthy endeavor.
How’s your operational efficiency?
Running a smooth and efficient operation is also a money-saver. Technology advances at an exponential rate; equipment purchased ten years ago doesn’t have the same features as what’s available today. Older cooking units typically take longer to heat up and lack the quick-cooking technology and automation that gets food out of the kitchen faster. Aging refrigerated units can struggle to keep cold food at the right temperature — affecting safety, quality and customer satisfaction. Those situations can add up to more time and labor hours spent hand-holding worn-out equipment and apologizing to waiting customers.
The automation and tech that newer equipment possess increase operational efficiency by saving staff on errors (and you on costs). Hatco has a range of programmable products — from induction ranges to an electric salamander and beyond. Advanced programmable technology allows you to preset multiple recipes and programs into the unit for consistent, foolproof cooking — all with a touch of a button. Automated equipment can also reduce labor costs by increasing staff’s ability to multitask. And features such as pan-sensing and automatic shut-off technology cuts down on safety hazards from equipment that is accidently left on.
What is the lifespan of your equipment?
It can be hard to say goodbye to trusty equipment that’s served you well, but the reality is, at a certain point, repairing over replacing might not make much sense. So, before you pony up for an expensive repair, ask the manufacturer or your supplier about the equipment’s average lifespan. If it’s nearing its final months (or even years), re-evaluate whether it’s worth replacing the unit altogether. The last thing you want is to deal with downtime because you kept a piece of equipment past its prime. Also keep in mind that some older units may not be manufactured anymore, and getting replacement parts might be impossible. Lastly, a safe operation is your top priority. Older equipment with faulty electricals or other hazards isn’t worth the risk. If the safety of equipment comes into question, that’s one time when purchasing a new unit is 100% non-negotiable.
Are there additional benefits?
If you’re still on the fence about an equipment purchase, weigh the opportunities that come from gaining a newer unit or fixing your broken one. New equipment not only gives the advantage of employing time-saving automated equipment available, but updated features can also provide you with the opportunity to try out new menu items. And if a repair makes the most sense for your operation, the money saved by holding back on an equipment investment can be used for potentially bigger priorities in your kitchen — just be sure that any alternative investment will provide you with a bigger return than a shiny new piece of equipment.
Set yourself up for success.
If you determine a replacement is in order, it’s never too soon to read up on all of your options. Hatco has an array of equipment and an impressive warranty plan. Why not start there? Head over to our blog or equipment page to get started.
