A commercial kitchen can only function as well as its appliances and when a key piece of equipment breaks down it can bring the entire operation to a standstill. The first call in the aftermath of a major commercial kitchen malfunction is usually to a repair technician to get things back on track as quickly as possible. But what happens when commercial appliances begin to experience repeated failures?
Commercial kitchen appliances are a significant investment, and business owners understandably want to ensure they maximize the return on that investment. While repairs are a fact of life in busy commercial kitchens, it’s a different story when breakdowns start happening more frequently. At this point, ongoing repair costs and disruptions might be a sign that it's time to consider replacing the equipment altogether.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Rather Than Repair
Increased Frequency of Repairs
Commercial kitchen appliances are designed to withstand regular, vigorous use. However, robust as they are, commercial appliances are not invulnerable to mechanical or other types of failures. Occasional repairs of commercial appliances are to be expected, but, when an appliance frequently breaks down it’s a sign of a larger problem.
Frequent breakdowns are a major disruption in a busy kitchen. Not only do these situations put strain on kitchen staff who have to work around malfunctioning equipment, but they can also negatively impact customer service and have lasting reputational consequences.
High Repair Costs
As repair costs begin to add up, it’s important to consider whether it’s simply more cost-effective to replace the appliance instead. A good rule of thumb is that if the cost of commercial appliance repairs is more than 50% of the price of a new appliance, it’s time to invest in a replacement. Continuing to pour money into repairs for an aging piece of equipment puts pressure on finances, especially when those funds could be better spent on a new, more reliable appliance.
Declining Performance
Over time, older appliances may not perform as efficiently as they once did. This decline in performance can affect food quality, slow down kitchen operations, and increase energy usage. Commercial appliances that are no longer able to keep up with the demands of a busy kitchen are more than just an inconvenience, this inefficiency could be costing thousands in lost productivity.
Factors to Consider When Deciding to Replace or Repair
Age of the Appliance
Commercial kitchen appliances have a finite lifespan, and once they reach a certain age, they are more prone to breaking down. Before investing in repeated repairs, it’s important to consider the age of the appliance. If an appliance is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, replacement may be the more practical and cost-effective choice.
Warranty and Manufacturer Support
When evaluating whether to repair or replace an appliance, consider the warranty and availability of manufacturer support. If your appliance is still under warranty, repairs might be covered, making it more economical to fix rather than replace. However, if the warranty has expired and replacement parts are hard to come by, it may be a sign that it’s time to upgrade.
Cost Comparison: Repair vs. Replacement
Conducting a cost-benefit analysis can help in deciding whether to repair or replace a commercial appliance. Factor in not just the direct costs of repairs or replacement but also the potential downtime and lost revenue that can result from continued repairs. In many cases, the long-term benefits of replacing an older appliance will outweigh the short-term savings of continued repairs.