If you’re planning to launch a restaurant, you know that it won’t come cheap. You’ll need the right equipment for making your dream come true, but at what price? And, is there a way to lower that number?
We live in an era where the internet makes it possible to find quality used commercial kitchen equipment for sale all over the world. So with a little bit of know-how and research, you may be able to front the costs for your restaurant without completely breaking the bank!
In this article, we’ll take a look t how to get the supplies you need with a lower budget. Use all or some of these tips to make your dream of owning a restaurant come to fruition!
Check out our business resource page for more information to help you get started. Let’s dive in!
New Vs. Used Equipment
There will be times where getting new equipment is necessary. For example, you don’t want to buy a used commercial grade fryer if you can help it, because they corrode over time and may not cook the food evenly.
However, there will be plenty of opportunities to go with used equipment that can save you money without making a real difference. Basically, your approach with buying used kitchen equipment should be to buy new when possible, and used gear when practical.
The benefit of new equipment is peace of mind. You know it works, it comes with a warranty, and it will last for a long time.
The benefit of used equipment is obvious- it’s cheaper. And if you do good research, you should be able to come up with something suitable that meets your needs.
There are plenty of used vendors out there selling high-quality kitchen gear, like this website that does restorations.
How To Find Good Used Equipment
There are several approaches you can take when searching for the best restaurant equipment. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Find reputable used vendors and subscribe to their email lists for updates, sales, and to see what they consistently are selling. This may benefit you down the line if you need to replace something after you open, too!
- Carefully analyze the working condition and descriptions of the items. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for more information.
- Ask trusted friends in the industry for advice on where to purchase and what equipment to buy used.
- Read reviews of the business you are purchasing from. Was the equipment as advertised? Did it hold up as promised?
- Read reviews of the gear you are buying. If you can find equipment reviews that suggest it generally holds up well, you will know what to shop for (and what to avoid).
Basically, the key to buying good used equipment is to make as informed a choice as possible. This will take you time, but can save you a lot of money now and in the future.
The Essential Kitchen Items
The best commercial items are the ones that meet the needs of your kitchen. Here are all the things you’ll likely need to get your place up and running:
- Refrigerators– Industrial-grade units are designed to meet the needs of the food industry. They are going to be one of your biggest investments, but will also serve you as you get started.
- Counters– How will you do your food prep? On what surface? Stainless steel, for example, doesn’t corrode as fast as plastic, but may cost you more. If possible, look into second-hand options for this while ensuring you are buying the right material to fit your kitchen’s needs.
- Mixers– This may not apply if you aren’t going to do a ton of baking, but good mixers may be necessary if you are. This article gives you advice on whether to go with a spiral or planetary mixer.
- Food Processors– Probably best to buy new, if only because there are so many options and you’ll need to pick what works best for your kitchen.
- Ranges/Ovens– Will you use gas or electric? You can probably find sales on these second hand, and if so, you will save a lot of money.
- Sinks– How many sinks do you need?
- Shelving– Second-hand shelving can still help you stay organized and efficient.
- Safety Equipment– Check your local fire department standards. You’ll likely have to purchase new and specific to their requirements to avoid trouble down the road.
This is not a comprehensive list, but will help you start brainstorming what could possibly be purchased second-hand and what needs to come out of a box.
Where To Start Looking
Here are some places to start looking for your used commercial kitchen equipment:
- Reputable Friends In The Industry– The people you know who already have restaurants are the best resource you have. They have hard-won truths in their back pocket that can cut out a lot of guesswork, so utilize them during this process.
- Facebook– Believe it or not, the Facebook marketplace has a big platform for selling second-hand kitchen equipment. Check out this Facebook group as a starter.
- eBay, Craigslist– Don’t knock the auction/posting sites until you try them, as you may stumble upon some really cheap equipment that’s in good working order. Chances are if it’s listed on one of these sites, the seller is motivated to move the gear.
Used Commercial Kitchen Equipment For Sale – Wrapping-Up
Generally speaking, as you look to open your restaurant, you should buy new gear when possible but seek out used commercial kitchen equipment for sale when practical. If you can find deals on materials that will work just the same, that’s a no-brainer for getting your restaurant going.
Do your research by reading reviews on both the seller and the gear you are buying. Scour internet marketplaces like Facebook, Ebay and Craigslist. And of course, the most important thing is to ask people in the industry. Use their experience to your advantage!
Check out our blog for all our resources. Best of luck to you on your new restaurant endeavors!